The Alhambra is a palace-city and fortress on the Sabika hill above Granada, in Spain's Andalusia region, and the best-known monument of Islamic Spain. Most of it was built in the 13th and 14th centuries under the Nasrid dynasty, who ruled the last Muslim kingdom in Iberia until 1492. The visit combines the Nasrid Palaces (Mexuar, Comares and the Court of the Lions), the 9th-century Alcazaba fortress, the Partal gardens, the Renaissance Palace of Charles V and the Generalife summer estate. The Nasrid Palaces are the core: walls of carved stucco, wooden ceilings, tile dados and reflecting pools. The Hall of the Ambassadors and the Court of the Lions are the best-known rooms. Each ticket fixes a half-hour entry time to the palaces, which cannot be changed on the day, so arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. The rest of the grounds can be explored at any hour of the day within opening times. Allow three to four hours for a full visit, and more if the Generalife is included. Crowds are heaviest from mid-morning to mid-afternoon between April and October. Tickets are sold by the Patronato de la Alhambra through its official website and are non-transferable, with the ticket holder's name checked at the gate.
| Admission | General ticket about €21 (~$24.15); Gardens ticket (no Nasrid Palaces) about €13 (~$14.95); reduced and free categories apply |
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| Hours | Apr 1–Oct 14: daily 08:30–20:00; Oct 15–Mar 31: daily 08:30–18:00; evening visits to the Nasrid Palaces on selected nights (check the official site) |
| Typical visit | 3–4 hours |
| Best time | Take the first morning slot or an evening slot; book weeks ahead because daily numbers are capped and the Nasrid Palaces entry is for a fixed half-hour window |
| Getting there | Alhambra minibus C30 or C32 from Plaza Nueva or Plaza Isabel la Católica (about €1.40 / ~$1.61); taxi about €8–€10 from the centre; or a 25–30 minute uphill walk through the Cuesta de Gomérez |
| Address | Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain |
Location
Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
37.1761, -3.5881 View on map
Highlights
- Court of the Lions and Hall of the Ambassadors in the Nasrid Palaces
- Alcazaba towers with views over the Albaicín and the Vega
- Partal Gardens and the Palace of Charles V
- Single ticket covering the Generalife and the Alcazaba
Tips for visiting
- Book at alhambra-patronato.es only; resale sites add fees. Information phone +34 858 953 616
- Bring the photo ID or passport used at booking; names are checked at the Nasrid Palaces
- Arrive 30 minutes before the palace slot; late entry is refused
- Carry water and a hat; shade is limited between the Generalife and the Alcazaba
- Last-minute tickets are released for the next day at the official site, but are limited
When to visit
Early morning in April–June or September–October for cooler temperatures and softer light; winter weekdays are the quietest.
Accessibility
Cobbled paths, ramps and steps; most sections are accessible with help, and the Alhambra operates adapted routes and free access for wheelchair users and one companion. Ask at the entrance for the adapted route map.
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Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should Alhambra tickets be booked?
In spring, summer, Easter and December, book three to eight weeks ahead. Outside peak months, a week is often enough, but the Nasrid Palaces slots still sell out.
Can the Alhambra be seen in a single morning?
Yes, if the palace slot is early. Allow at least three hours to see the palaces, Alcazaba and the Partal; the Generalife adds about an hour.
Are there cheaper options without the Nasrid Palaces?
The Gardens ticket covers the Generalife, the Partal and the Alcazaba but not the palaces, and costs about €13.