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Comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Visit to Alhambra, Granada
Alhambra TicketsPlan Your Visit
Alhambra Granada | Visitor Information At A Glance
What are Alhambra opening hours?
15 October to 31 March: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM
1 April to 14 October: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 8 PM
Where is Alhambra located?
C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, Centro, 18009 Granada, Spain
How many entrances does Alhambra have?
The Pavilion Entrance: This entrance is located on the east side of Alhambra.
The Gate of Justice or Puerta de la Justicia: This entrance is close to Alcazaba.
Book tickets to Alhambra
What's the best time to visit Alhambra?
The Alhambra Palace is open throughout the year, except the 25th of December and the 1st of January. If you’re wondering which is the best time to visit the Alhambra, here’s a useful breakdown:
- Time of day: During winter, mornings offer more time for exploration. Afternoons are preferable in spring, summer, and fall, as they allow you to maximize your experience.
- Day of the week: Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, resulting in longer wait times. So consider visiting on a weekday if possible.
- Best time of year: Spring and summer emerge as the best seasons to explore the Alhambra. There are vibrant flowers, and you can beat the Mediterranean heat within the fortress's walls.
- Peak Season vs Low Season: The best time to visit Granada is between May and June or September and October, when the weather is pleasant and the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. You can also enjoy the festivals during this season. July and August are hot and uncomfortable in the blazing summer.
Where is Alhambra located?
Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n. 18009 Granada (Andalusia)
The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits on the hills of Granada, Spain, offering breathtaking views of the city below.
Closest Landmark: Generalife Palace
Getting to AlhambraGetting to Alhambra in Granada
By Public Transport
By Taxi: Taxi cabs are allowed to enter the Alhambra complex. You can hail a cab from the city center.
By Bus: To access the Alhambra via bus, board the C3 municipal bus line at Calle Padre Suárez, close to Plaza Isabel la Católica.
Ride until the final stop, Alhambra-Generalife, which is nearest to the Alhambra complex.
The travel time from Plaza Isabel la Católica to the Alhambra-Generalife stop is approximately 22 minutes by bus.
Bus numbers 0110, 01210, 313B, 0111, and 0313A will get you to Alhambra.
Know More
By Car
Access the Alhambra by private car via the South Round.
Follow the Granada beltway southbound (Motril direction), bordering the city.
Look for signs indicating Alhambra (Ronda Sur) to guide you to the monument's parking lot.
Since there's plenty of parking space available at the venue, taking a car is a pretty good option The Alhambra car park offers 500 spaces which are guarded.
Know before you go to Alhambra
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Visitor Tips
Dining
Stay
Nearby
There are two main entrances to Alhambra.
The Pavilion Entrance
This entrance is located on the east side of Alhambra and is accessible to visitors who do not have a ticket or need to get their QR code tickets. It is easily accessible by foot or public transportation
The Gate of Justice or Puerta de la Justicia: This entrance is for visitors who already have their QR code tickets. Please note that there is no ticket office here. This entrance is located near the Alcazaba fortress, one of the oldest and most significant structures within the Alhambra complex.
- The Alhambra Shop: The shops sell publications, travel guides, and souvenirs.
- Parking: Car parking is monitored 24 hours.
- Toilets: Visitors can use toilets outside the complex, near the ticket office, Generalife, and Nasrid palaces.
- Free Lockers: Backpacks or bags larger than 40x40 cm need to be kept in the lockers located in the Access Pavilion and Puerta del Vino.
- Alhambra is a medieval fort, and some of the passageways and routes are not wheelchair-friendly. Visitors with reduced mobility can ask for a special itinerary.
- Ramps have been built on some of the uneven areas inside the enclave.
- Visitors can access a lift to the Palace of Carlos V.
- Find disabled-friendly toilets at the Entrance Pavilion and Service Pavilion next to Puerta Del Vino.
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at the Entrance Pavilion.
- Assistance dogs are welcomed.
- Touchpoints, and a special audio guide are available for visually impaired visitors.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Tickets to the Alhambra often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Visit Nasrid Palaces First: The Nasrid Palaces, including the stunning Court of the Lions and the Alhambra's most iconic structures, have limited capacity.
- Respect the Rules: The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visitors are expected to respect its rules and regulations. This includes not touching or leaning on the walls, preserving the tranquility of the gardens, and refraining from littering.
- Plan for Additional Attractions: In addition to the Nasrid Palaces, the Alhambra complex also includes the Generalife gardens and the Alcazaba fortress.
- Take a Bus: Consider taking the C3 municipal bus line to reach the Alhambra, especially if you're staying in the city center.
- Plan for Photography: Bring your camera or smartphone to capture memories of your visit, but be mindful of photography restrictions in certain areas.
- Parador de Granada Restaurant: Located next to Alhambra. It offers a diverse menu featuring a mix of traditional Spanish dishes and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Los Bandios: A top-rated American restaurant which offers a diverse menu inspired by American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and more.
- Restaurante Arrayanes: Known for its intimate atmosphere and Moorish-inspired decor, serving dishes that fuse traditional Spanish flavors with modern culinary techniques.
- Restaurante Carmen Mirador de Aixa: Offers a unique dining experience with its stunning vistas and a menu featuring a blend of traditional Andalusian cuisine and international dishes.
Budget: Hotel Anacapri, Pensión La Milagrosa
Mid-Range: Hotel Casa Morisca, Hotel Alhambra Palace
Luxury: Parador de Granada, Nazaríes Hotel & Spa
Granada Cathedral: Situated in the city center, Granada Cathedral is a magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, showcasing intricate interior decor, and stunning works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and altarpieces.
Granada Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias): Situated a short distance from the Alhambra, the Granada Science Park is an interactive museum and educational center dedicated to science, technology, and innovation.
Monastery of Saint Jerome (Monasterio de San Jerónimo): The monastery houses the tombs of Queen Isabella I of Castile and her husband, King Ferdinand II of Aragon, known as the Catholic Monarchs.
Albayzín Hammams :The Albayzín neighborhood is home to several historic, traditional Arab baths, or hammams, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in steam rooms, hot pools, and massage facilities.
Frequently asked questions: visiting Alhambra in Granada
How do I purchase tickets to the Alhambra?
Tickets to the Alhambra can be purchased online or at the ticket office located near the Pavilion Entrance. It's recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they often sell out quickly.
What is included in the Alhambra ticket?
The standard Alhambra ticket includes access to the Alcazaba fortress, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens, and the Alhambra Museum. Some tickets may also include access to additional areas.
How long does it take to visit the Alhambra?
The duration of a visit to the Alhambra can vary depending on individual interests and the areas you choose to explore. On average, visitors spend about 3-4 hours exploring the main attractions, but you could easily spend a full day exploring all the different areas in detail.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Alhambra?
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious or historic sites within the complex. Avoid wearing swimwear, revealing clothing, or clothing with offensive language or symbols.
Can I bring food and drinks into the Alhambra?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Alhambra complex, except for water in plastic bottles. There are cafes and snack bars available within the complex where you can purchase refreshments.
Is there parking available near the Alhambra?
Limited parking is available near the Alhambra complex, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's recommended to use public transportation or park in one of the designated parking areas in the city center and take a bus or taxi to the Alhambra.
Can I visit the Alhambra with young children or infants?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome to visit the Alhambra, but strollers may not be allowed inside certain areas, such as the Nasrid Palaces.
Are there restrooms available inside the Alhambra complex?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available at various locations within the Alhambra complex, including near the entrance gates, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife gardens.
What are the opening hours of Alhambra?
From 15 October to 31 March it is open daily 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM and from 1 April to 14 October it is open daily 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
How do I get to the Alhambra using public transportation?
Alhambra is accessible by public transportation, including bus and taxi services. Visitors can take the C3 municipal bus line, which stops near the Alhambra entrance, or hail a taxi from various locations in Granada.
