More about: 10 Tips to Visit the Granada Alhambra Palace
When we think of Granada, the first monument that comes to mind and that we associate with this charming city in southern Spain is the Alhambra. A visit there never disappoints, which is why it is the most popular tourist attraction in the country.
To get the most out of this experience, here are some tips that are always good to know.
1. Buy tickets online and in advance to skip the queue
Many travellers dream of going to Granada to see its legendary Alhambra, the city's emblem and main tourist attraction, whose beauty has inspired people from all over the world for generations. It is, therefore, a very popular monument both inside and outside Spain, so to ensure you can visit the Nasrid fortress on the date and at the time you want, I recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible, as soon as you book your flight or hotel.
This is the first tip I would give you when visiting. If you buy your tickets to the Alhambra in this way, in addition to being able to compare prices and types of tickets (with or without a guided tour, in small or standard groups, daytime or night-time visits, etc.), you will avoid endless queues at the ticket office and the risk of being left without tickets, as demand is very high and capacity is limited each day.
In my opinion, the best option is to buy a skip-the-line ticket to the Alhambra online, which will give you direct access to the monument and the services of a professional guide who will accompany you throughout the visit to show you all the secrets of this ancient palatial city.
- Price: From £30.
- More info: If you want to know more, I recommend reading the article on tickets to the Alhambra.
2. A guided tour is always better than visiting on your own
Although you can explore the Alhambra on your own, if it's your first time visiting this monument and you're not familiar with its history or the different areas that make it up, my advice is to book a guided tour of the Alhambra to discover all its amazing corners and curiosities with an expert guide. Here are two options:
- Guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, from RM182
- Private guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, from RM167
If you explore it on your own, you will undoubtedly see a beautiful monument, but the experience may leave you wanting more, as you will miss out on the context and overall view of the Alhambra that a guide provides. Not only in terms of its historical and artistic significance, but also in terms of the anecdotes and legends that the guides know, which make a cultural visit very entertaining and enjoyable.
Therefore, in my opinion, guided tours of the Alhambra are the best way to explore the ancient Nasrid palace city, the last living trace of this dynasty in Spain.
- Price: From €25.
- More info: If you want to know more, I recommend reading the article guided tours of the Alhambra.
3. Discover the most mysterious side of the Alhambra with a night tour
If you have visited the Alhambra before and would like to enjoy it in a unique and different way on this trip to Granada, how about booking a guided night tour of the Alhambra?
If the beauty of this ancient palatial city is striking in daylight, at night it has a special charm. Contemplating it in the moonlight and in the stillness of the night is a magical and intimate experience that you must try! In addition, thanks to the delicate lighting of the monumental complex, you will be able to better appreciate certain decorative elements of its architecture and discover the more enigmatic side of the Alhambra.
Night-time visits are also a good option for travellers who prefer to avoid the crowds that gather at the fortress at certain times in the morning. If you are one of these people, don't hesitate to join one of these tours because you will have a great time and see the Alhambra from a unique perspective.
- Price: From €61.
- More info: If you want to know more, I recommend reading my article on night tours of the Alhambra, where I tell you all about these fascinating tours.
4. It is possible to eat well near the Alhambra
With all due respect to the legendary Alhambra, if Granada is known for anything, it is for its delicious cuisine. There is no doubt that one of the best memories you will take away from your trip is tasting the delicious local food, whose flavours are the result of a mixture of different cultures. So that at the end of your visit to the Alhambra you don't have to go on an odyssey trying to find a free table in such a touristy area, my advice is to be proactive and look for a good place in advance.
When planning a trip, we usually pay more attention to finding transport or accommodation than to the restaurants where we will eat during our stay. By forgetting this small detail, we run the risk of ending up in a tourist trap when hunger strikes. This is especially true if we are travelling with our family and young children.
So, to ensure you have an excellent gastronomic experience in Granada, in the post on where to eat near the Alhambra, I've included a short list of some of the best places to eat near the monument with spectacular views. And if your visit coincides with sunset, you can take the opportunity to book a flamenco show in a cave restaurant that includes dinner, an experience that will amaze you.
5. If you are travelling with children, plan your visit in advance
Travelling to Granada with your family is a fantastic plan, but like all visits with children, it has its tricks and requires a little organisation to make sure everything goes perfectly. Even more so when it comes to a long visit of several hours, such as the Alhambra.
That's why I recommend planning your visit to the monument a little if you're bringing children with you. Take note of these little tips that will help make your family experience a great one:
- Buy your tickets online and in advance to avoid the children getting tired of waiting in long queues at the ticket office.
- Before the visit, tell them what you are going to see so that they know something about the Alhambra and can let their imagination run wild when they are inside.
- If you visit the Alhambra with children in summer, go early in the morning when it is still cool and they are full of energy.
- The visit to the Alhambra is long. Bring snacks and water in your bag in case the children get hungry or thirsty at any point. There are no places to eat inside the complex.
- I recommend booking a guided tour of the Alhambra because the tour guide will make the visit more enjoyable for them.
In the post Visit the Alhambra in Granada with children, you will find more tips that will help you make the most of this family outing. Don't miss them!
6. Protect yourself from the heat: bring water, a hat and sunscreen
Many travellers take advantage of the summer holidays to visit the Alhambra, and at this time of year it is very hot in Granada, where temperatures can reach 40ºC.
That is why it is very important to protect yourself from the heat and sun to avoid heatstroke and to be well prepared. Remember to carry fresh water in your rucksack, wear sunglasses, cover your head with a hat, apply sun cream and use a fan.
Oh, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, because a visit to the Nasrid fortress is long and you'll be walking a lot from one place to another. At the end of the day, your feet will thank you for it.
7. How long to spend at the Alhambra
Whether you take a guided tour of the Alhambra or go on your own to see the entire monument complex, enjoying the walk at a leisurely pace and taking in the views, you will need at least 3 to 4 hours.
However, if you just want to see the Alhambra from above in order to add it to your list of travel milestones, you may need less time to get an idea of what the monument is like.
In any case, your route through the Alhambra should be organised according to the time of entry to the Nasrid Palaces, as each visitor is only allowed to enter this part of the fortress at the time indicated on their ticket. So I recommend seeing the sultans' royal residence first and then exploring the Alcazaba and the Generalife.
Isabel's Traveller Tip
To make the most of your visit to the Nasrid Palaces, try to be there 15 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket. Punctuality is important, or you will not be allowed in later.
8. The best sunset at the San Nicolás viewpoint
Did you know that the sunset at the Alhambra in Granada is considered the most beautiful in Spain? The best place to see it is from the San Nicolás viewpoint in the Albaicín neighbourhood.
Here you will have the best panoramic view of the Alhambra with the spectacular Sierra Nevada in the background. You'll also enjoy unbeatable views of the Generalife, the Nasrid Palaces and the Alcazaba.
Watching the sun slowly set behind the Alhambra, as the light colours its towers, walls and palaces red, is a magical experience that's not to be missed. Afterwards, you can take the opportunity to explore the Albaicín, one of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods.
How to get there
To get to the San Nicolás viewpoint, you can walk up the Paseo de los Tristes or take the C1 or C2 bus. Another option is to cross the Plaza Larga and take the Cuesta de Alhacaba. Or book a tour of Sacromonte and Albaicín.
9. When is the best time to visit the Alhambra in Granada? And the best time of year?
The best time
The best time to visit the Alhambra is usually first thing in the morning when it opens its doors.
There are usually not many tourists or large groups, so you can explore every corner of the monumental complex at your leisure and enjoy a more pleasant stroll without the crowds.
What's more, after seeing the Alhambra, you'll have the rest of the day to make other plans in the city. In the article on the best excursions and guided tours in Granada, I give you some ideas for discovering other interesting places during your trip.
The best time
To enjoy good weather and admire the beauty of the Partal and the Generalife gardens in all their splendour, the best time of year to visit the Alhambra is in spring (April, May, June) and autumn (September and October).
10. Remember to bring your ID card for the visit
On the day of your visit to the Alhambra, remember to bring your ID card or passport with you. For security and conservation reasons, staff check visitors' ID and you will need to show this document along with your tickets, which are nominative, personal and non-transferable.
When booking tickets for the Alhambra, you will be asked to provide certain information such as your name, surname, nationality, date of birth, passport number or ID number and passport expiry date.
Please note! This step is vital because if you do not provide this information correctly, you will not be able to take part in the tour and will not be entitled to a refund.