Tips For Visiting Alhambra Granada | The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
The Alhambra Palace in Granada is one of the most popular attractions in Spain, attracting people from all over the world. The architecture, the views, and the beauty of this site are unlike anything you will find, making it a must-visit destination for those visiting Spain. Plan your trip properly to get the most out of your experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the best of your visit to Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Top 10 Alhambra Granada Travel Tips & Hacks
To make it easier for you, we have put together this comprehensive guide with tips and hacks for visiting the Alhambra Palace.
1. Best Way To Explore Alhambra Palace
There are two ways to enter the Alhambra complex: either through the main entrance or through the Gate of Justice. If you choose to enter through the main entrance, explore the Generalife first and then the Nasrid Palaces and Alcazaba. If you enter through the Gate of Justice, then visiting the opposite way is an ideal route to take.
Alhambra Entrances
2. What to explore before closing time?
The last entry is usually an hour before the closing time on the date chosen. If your visit to the Palace is the last time slot of the day, we recommend you explore the other parts of the Palace before visiting the Nasrid Palace as this takes a lot of time to explore.
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3. What to carry and not carry inside
You need to carry your passports with you for identification at the entry point. No other identification is accepted. Camera flashes, selfie sticks, tripods, and large backpacks are not allowed inside certain sections of Alhambra Palace.
4. Where to Eat?
If you are done exploring the Alhambra Palace, do visit the Alhambra Parador to grab a bite. This is a restaurant located inside an old monastery and the menu is quite decent. We recommend you make a reservation in advance as it tends to get pretty busy.
5. When Not To Visit
Public Holidays and Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the attraction during any season. Avoid traveling on these days. In case a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Spanish do a Puente, that is, they take Monday or Friday off too, making it an extended weekend. In such a scenario, the crowds tend to get massive at Alhambra, and you don’t want that!
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6. Special entry for pre-purchase tickets
If you have already purchased your Alhambra Granada tickets online, you can access the Alhambra Palace through the Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia). This entry is closer to Alcazaba, Partal, and Nasrid Palaces and the queues are much thinner than the ones at the main entry point.
7. Purchase Skip-the-line tickets
Skip-the-line tickets are the best to purchase especially if you are visiting Alhambra Palace during the peak season (April to June). The lines tend to get thicker during this time of the year and you will spend a good part of your trip just waiting in long lines. Also, it can get too hot standing in the heat. So, we recommend you purchase these tickets.
8. What To Wear To Alhambra Palace
It depends on the season you are visiting the attraction. Summertime is generally scorching hot in Granada, so we recommend you carry light clothing, apply lots of sunscreens, and carry hats and shades. If it is winter, it can get chilly, so carry your thermals, jackets, and scarves to keep yourself warm. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot to walk and explore.
9. Best Season To Visit Alhambra Palace
Spring and summer are the best times to visit Alhambra. You can witness the gardens in their full bloom. However, these times of the year also happen to be the peak season and you are likely to expect large crowds. However, crowd management is done quite well inside Alhambra, as only 6000 visitors can enter on a single day.
10. Best Time To Visit During The Day
The visit to the Palace is split into 2 sessions – Morning and Afternoon. The morning sessions last for 5.5 hours and the afternoon sessions are for 4/6 hours. So, visiting in the morning is ideal as you will have more time to explore during the winter, and in the afternoon during the spring, summer, or early fall. Note that the crowds are less during lunchtime – approximately 3 PM. This allows you to explore the Palace with fewer tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alhambra Palace Travel Tips & Hacks
A. The best months to visit Alhambra in Granada are during the spring and summer months. The flowers are in full bloom and you can take a few hours of respite from the Mediterranean sun from within the fortress.
A. We recommend you go on a guided tour of Alhambra to make the most of your visit with your family. Do keep aside 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire fortress.
A. If you are looking at visiting Alhambra on a budget, we recommend you book your tickets online well in advance to enjoy great deals and discounts.
A. There is not a particular dress code to be followed while visiting Alhambra Palace in Granada. Although, there is a church and if you plan to visit, you need to follow the dress code, where shorts or bare shoulders are not allowed for either men or women.
A. There are restrooms and restaurants present within the complex at a distance.
A. La Mimbre and Alhambra Parador offer great food and these restaurants are located nearby. Once done exploring, you can grab a bite at a place of your choice.
A. Yes, there is an Alhambra shop that sells travel guides, publications, and souvenirs.
A. The Alcazaba, Courtyard of the Lions, Palace of Carlos V, and the Generalife Gardens are a must-see at Alhambra Palace in Granada.
A. It is ideal to book your tickets online well in advance to enjoy great deals for you and your family. It is best to plan your visit beforehand. We recommend you visit the attraction with your children in the summer. Go early in the morning when it is cool and filled with energy. The visit to Alhambra can be long. Carry snacks and water in a small backpack in case the kids get hungry or thirsty.
A. Yes, there are a couple of restroom facilities between the Alcazar and Nasrid Palaces.
A. Yes, a guided tour is a good option to explore the Alhambra Palace in Granada as there are many perks like – quick and easy entry into the complex with your tour guide and you get an insight into the history, architecture, and lesser-known facts from your guide, thus enhancing your overall experience.
A. Yes, skip-the-line tickets are ideal to purchase to skip the long dreadful lines at the entrance point. You end up saving a lot of time and can explore the Alhambra Palace in Granada and have a hassle-free experience.
A. Nasrid Palaces, Royal Chapel of Granada, Basilica de San Juan de Dios, Sacromonte, and Albayzin are some of the landmarks that you can see around Alhambra Palace in Granada.
A. Yes, you need to carry your passport and show it at the entry point if you want to enter Alhambra Palace in Granada.
