Here is how to get tickets for the Alhambra & the Nasrid palace when they are sold out

The Alhambra palace in Granada is completely unique – and quite fantastic. Nothing else in the world compares!

Therefore, despite the many visitors, it is unequivocally worth a visit. You shouldn´t miss this very special sight.

But it is necessary to order tickets well in advance – otherwise they sell out.

And note that by buying a guided tour you can contribute to reducing the towering youth unemployment in Andalusia.

Below my 3 best tips to secure the right tickets for your desires and needs.

Further below you will find a list of all the frequently asked questions about the Alhambra – and their answers.

Tip 1) Make sure to be ahead of demand

In order not to damage the delicate Nadrid Palace, which is the central part of La Alhambra, the conservation authorities have set a maximum of 600 visitors per hour.

The 6,600 daily tickets are always sold out – there is much higher demand than tickets available.

This means that it is important to book your tickets well in advance.

And that it is usually not possible to buy tickets at the entrance to La Alhambra.

Tip 2) Choose the right ticket for you – with or without a guide

Do you prefer to walk around La Alhambra yourselves?

Or do you prefer to get all the exciting information about La Alhambra that a guide can tell you?

It is important to choose the right type of ticket right away – it cannot be changed later.

A further reason for choosing a guided tour is that it contributes to reducing youth unemployment. Many young people get jobs as guides, so when you buy a ticket with a guided tour, you help give a job to a young person who wants to work as a guide.

If you would rather walk around La Alhrambra yourself – at your own pace – but still get all the exciting information, there is a solution that offers the advantages of both types of tickets:

The Audio guide

The audio guide is like a mobile phone – that is, having the guide in your hand and deciding the pace yourself. This way you can walk around the Alhambra yourselves – at your own pace – and avoid the large groups listening to a live guide.

Tip 3) Buy tickets at a local agency

There are lots of unauthorized sales channels on the Internet.

And unfortunately some sell tickets that either don’t exist, don’t include the Nasrid Palace, don’t have an audio guide or are simply too expensive.

Therefore make sure to choose a local, recognized agency. The local agencies offer their tickets and tours through the platform Tiqets.

Or buy the „Andalusia Pass“ (Seville, Granada and Cordoba with one card See it here

 
 

Alhambra tickets with the Nasrid Palace are sold out more than a month in advance

It is impossible to get tickets without guide at least a month ahead.

Within the next month, however, there are these two options:

Still tickets available within the next month: Still tickets available within the next month:

Within the next month, the only option for Alhambra tickets with the Nasrid Palace is to buy a ticket with a guide.

See here when there are tickets without a guide or with Audio-Guide:

Audio-Guide is only available far in advance: Tickets without guide are only available far in advance:

Last minute? Book without the Nasrid Palace here.

 
 

Combine your Alhambra Tickets with an amazing Flamenco experience:

Flamenco Show without food or drinks: Flamenco Show with dinner included:

 
 

Here are the most frequently asked questions about La Alhambra and Granada:

 

What to see in La Alhambra?

1) The Nasrid Palace with i.a. the lion patio
2) The Alcazaba Castle
3) The Charles V Palace
4) The Generalife gardens
5) The view of Granada city

 

What should not be missed in the Alhambra?

The Nasrid Palace. It would be a terrible shame to miss that.

It is the most complete and well-preserved Moorish architecture in the world, with endless fine details.

Even if you are not particularly interested in architecture or history, the Nadrid Palace is a very impressive building that takes most people’s breath away.

 

When is the best time to visit the Alhambra?

Summer and autumn: Early in the morning – before it gets too hot.
Winter and spring: Late in the morning or in the afternoon.

There are basically the same number of visitors all year round – and they are evenly distributed during the day – so it has no significance in relation to the number of tourists.

An exciting alternative in the summer: Evening visit to the Alhambra. It is less hot and there is a nice view over the city when the lights are switched on in the streets.

 

How much time is needed at the Alhambra?

Expect between 3 and 5 hours. The fast visitors may do it in 2-2½ hours.

The ticket is valid for either morning or afternoon – a total of 6 hours. Of this, 1 hour is allocated to the Nasrid Palace.

 

Is there a dress code at the Alhambra?

No. Just like on the street, however, you should not walk around without at least a T-shirt.

 

Is it allowed to take pictures at the Alhambra?

Yes, just not with a flash.

Selfie poles and tripods are not allowed.

 

Is it allowed to bring food and drinks?

Yes, but only in a small bag (40cm x 40cm). However, food and drinks may only be consumed in areas suitable for this purpose.

You can also buy food and drinks – both in vending machines and in restaurants by the entrance.

 

How to get tickets to the Alhambra?

1) On the official website, where however one does not contribute significantly to the local economy.

2) At the entrance: Possible if there are still tickets, but not a risk you should run.

3) At local agencies, e.g. through the platform Tiqets: Recommended because here you contribute to young people being able to get jobs such as guide, administrative employee, driver, bookkeeper and the like at the local agencies.

4) With an „Andalusia Pass“ (Seville, Granada and Cordoba with one card See it here

 

What is the ticket price?

The entrance ticket is between 25 and 50 EUR, depending on which ticket you choose.

If you buy a ticket without the Nasrid Palace, it is somewhat cheaper.

 

Where to park the car?

Right next to La Alhambra. There is a huge parking lot with plenty of space for everyone.

IMPORTANT: Do not under any circumstances drive into the center of Granada! It is a terrible city to get around in car.

Instead, follow the road signs for “Alhambra” directly from the highway – then you will be led around the centre.

 

How to get to Granada and the Alhambra?

By car: Follow the signs for “Alhambra” directly from the highway.
By train: There are trains from Malaga, Seville, Madrid and Cordoba directly to Granada.
Excursion: Local agencies organize guided tours, e.g. from the entire Costa del Sol to the Alhambra, through the GetYourGuide platform.

 

How to get to the Alhambra from other places:

 

How to get down to Granada city?

By bus: There are city buses from the city center up to the Alhambra and back again. It’s easy and doesn’t cost much.
By foot: You can easily walk down to the city center from the Alhambra (1 km). You can also walk up, although it it uphill.

 

What is so special about the Alhambra?

1) The architecture: Unique Moorish architecture and craftsmanship with endless impressive details.
2) The buildings and gardens: Incredibly well-preserved buildings with fantastic gardens. The Moorish thought of it all!
3) The history: The Alhambra reveals a 1,000-year history of Moorish emirs and Catholic kings.
4) The views: Unforgettable views over the city of Granada.

Why is the Alhambra such a great attraction?

La Alhambra is on the list of the world’s greatest sights because of its magnificent and impressive architecture – and because it is incredibly well preserved.

 

How to avoid the tourists at the Alhambra?

You cannot avoid the tourists at the Alhambra. All year round, there are 6,600 visitors every day – evenly distributed throughout the day.

However, you will only have to queue at the entrance to the Nasrid Palace. Otherwise, the tourists spread out evenly and you can walk around at your own pace.

If you want to avoid following a group, having to crowd around a guide, an audio guide is a good solution – then you can walk around carrying your own guide in your hand.

 

How to avoid the heat during your visit to the Alhambra?

Book an entrance ticket in the morning – with a ticket to the Nadrid Palace as early as possible.

In summer and autumn, the afternoon tickets should be avoided.

Alternatively, book summer tickets for the evening tour.

 

Can you buy tickets at the entrance to the Alhambra?

Yes, but only if there are still tickets available. There are ticket vending machines by the entrance.

You should, however, not bet on buying tickets at the entrance as they often sell out far in advance.

 

Is it best to buy tickets with a guide to the Alhambra?

There are 2 aspects to this:

1) Information: It would be a pity not at all to know what you see along the way.

2) Contribution: Youth unemployment is 40.6% in Andalusia and young people badly need the opportunity for jobs, e.g. as a guide. Make a contribution to the fight against youth unemployment by buying a guided tour!

 

Can you get to the Alhambra without a car?

Yes, there are trains from Malaga, Seville, Madrid and Cordoba to Granada and city buses up to the Alhambra.

And local agencies organize excursions from most of the Costa del Sol and several other places. They offer their excursions through the platform GetYourGuide and create local jobs to handle their execution – thus you also contribute to the local economy.

 

Do you have to queue a lot in the Alhambra?

No, the tourists distribute themselves quite evenly.

There is pretty much only a queue at the entrance to the Nadrid Palace, where you have to show up at the time stated on the ticket.

 

Is the city of Granada worth a visit

Yes definitely. Granada is probably the finest of the Andalusian cities with lots of nice places to visit, for example:
1) Albaycin: The cozy district with steep, narrow streets.
2) Mirador de San Nicolas Square, which is full of tourists though.
2) Sacromonte: The picturesque gypsy quarter.
4) City centre with cozy pedestrian streets and lots of restaurants.

This article is also available in French, German and Dutch.

 

Is the Nasrid Palace a must?

Yes, the Nasrid Palace is the most amazing.

But the rest of the Alhambra is also quite fantastic, not least the Generalife Palace with its gardens is quite special.

So if you can’t get tickets to the Nadrid Palace, you still get a really good experience.

 

Can the Alhambra be compared to anything else in the world?

No, at least not on greatness.

Architecturally and stylistically, it is reminiscent of the Real Alcazar in Seville, but it is even more impressive.

 

Is the Alhambra even worth a visit?

Yes, definitely.

Although there are many tourists here, you don´t want to miss the experience of these fantastic buildings.

With the Alhambra experience in the bag, you can move away from touristic areas and go your own way.

But it would be a shame not to have experienced the Alhambra.

 

Where is the Alhambra on the list of the world’s greatest sights?

There is no official list, but on the most recognized unofficial list it is number 33.

The Alhambra is the attraction in Spain that is highest on the list.

 

Is it necessary to order tickets in advance?

Yes. Otherwise it will be sold out.

There is actually no queue at the entrance. And here are ticket machines.

But at least tickets with the Nadrid Palace are always sold out.

 

Do the Alhambra tickets often sell out?

Yes, pretty much always.

At least tickets with the Nasrid Palace included.

You can usually get tickets without the Nadrid Palace, as there are no access restrictions in the rest of the Alhambra.

 

Can you get tickets without a guide at short notice?

No. Tickets without a guide are sold out at least one month in advance.

Within the coming month the only option is to buy tickets with a guide.

 

Why should you book a guided tour?

There are 2 good reasons to choose a guided tour:

1. It would be a shame not to know what you see on your way around the Alhambra.

2. One contributes to combating the high youth unemployment rate of 40.6% in Andalusia. Many young people get their first job – and thus access to the labor market – as a guide at e.g. the Alhambra.

 

How many tickets are there for sale to the Alhambra?

Tickets with entry to the Nadrid Palace: 600 per hour. A total of 6600 per day.

Tickets without entry to the Nadrid Palace: There are no official figures – it depends on demand.

 

Are Alhambra tickets in high demand?

There is a huge demand for Alhambra tickets with Nasrid Palace included, yes.

These are usually sold out more than a month in advance.

 

Is it possible to buy tickets at the entrance?

Yes, there are ticket machines at the entrance.

But tickets with the Nadrid Palace included are sold out far in advance.

Opt only for buying tickets at the entrance if you want to settle for the rest of the Alhambra Palace.

 

Can you walk around the Alhambra yourself – at your own pace?

Yes. In general, there is good space and free movement in the different parts of the Alhambra Palace.

Ticket without a guide: You can walk around freely and just need to be at the Nasrid Palace at a certain time.

Ticket with audio guide: Here you can also move around freely and just have to be at the Nasrid Palace at a certain time.

Ticket with guide: Here the guide calls you together when you come to a new information point. After that, there is usually time to take a closer look at the place yourself.

The Alhambra is large and – unlike other attractions – there is plenty of space here for you to move around unhindered without queuing or being crowded.

 

Can the ticket be changed afterwards?

Many tickets can be canceled again with a full refund.

The downside is that you can’t necessarily get a new ticket…

It may have sold out in the meantime.

 

Does the purchase of tickets contribute to the local economy?

Yes, depending on the type of ticket.

Tickets without a guide do not contribute significantly to either the local economy or to combating youth unemployment.

Neither do tickets with an audio guide.

Tickets with a guide do contribute to getting young people into work – and therefore have a positive impact on the local economy. Even if it is just a modest amount for you.

 

Is there a ticket that gives both information and freedom?

Yes, a ticket with an audio guide gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace.

Tickets with a live guide also give you a lot of freedom, as the Alhambra is huge and you are not herded around here in the same way as at some other attractions.

 

How does the audio guide to the Alhambra work?

You simply choose a language and then put it to your ear.

The audio guide receives a signal about where you are, so that it is always up-to-date information about exactly where you are.

 

Do you risk buying tickets without the Nasrid Palace included?

Yes, you have to be careful!

As a rule, sales material does not write what is not included, but rather what is included.

So if the Nasrid Palace is included then it is definitely in the headline. Otherwise, assume it isn’t.

 

Which agencies are recognized sales channels?

The two most recognized ticket agencies are GetYourGuide and Tiqets.

If you stick to them, you won’t get it wrong.

But here too you have to check whether the Nasrid Palace is included – they have both types of tickets.

 

Is there a ticket for both Seville, Cordoba and Granada?

Yes, the “Andalusia Pass” is the ticket that gives access to attractions in both Seville, Cordoba and Granada.

See more about the Andalusia Pass here:

 

Can you get tickets without a guide at short notice?

No. Tickets without a guide are sold out more than a month in advance.

 

Can you get tickets with an audio guide in the near future?

No. Tickets with audio guide are also sold out long in advance.

 

What do you do when the tickets are sold out?

Within the next month, there are only 2 options:

1. Buy tickets with a guided tour, e.g. at GetYourGuide

2. Buy tickets without the Nadrid Palace included, e.g. here

 

Which flamenco show is the best in Granada?

“Jardines de Zoraya” is the best and most recognized flamenco show in Granada.

Here you can get a ticket without meals or a ticket with a dinner included.

See the options here

 

What is a very special experience in Granada?

In addition to the Alhambra, there is a completely unique experience in Granada:

Try the old Andalusian hammam “Al-Andalus” with exclusive massage.

Tickets for the Al-Andalus hammam

 

Is the cathedral in Granada worth a visit?

Yes, definitely. It is really beautiful and quite impressive.

Get tickets here: Granada cathedral

 

Can you experience the Sierra Nevada from Granada?

Yes, you can drive up there by car, but you have to know where you are going to find the beautiful places.

The ski resort at the end of the tarmac road is not worth a visit, so find some beautiful hiking trails instead.

Or be brought directly to the most beautiful places with an organized tour.

Trip to Sierra Nevada

 

Can you go rafting from Granada?

Yes, there is a canyoning tour from Granada.

Canyoning tour from Granada

 

How to best see the Albaicin and Sacromonte neighborhoods?

You can walk around, although it is quite a long way to the end of Sacromonte.

You can also take the local city bus. It’s easy and cheap.

In both cases, however, you don’t get the history of the two exciting neighborhoods and easily end up in tourist traps.

Finally, there is the option of a guided tour where you get it all.

Guided tour to Albaicin and Sacromonte

 
 

 

These are the 3 nicest places to stay in Granada:

	Apartamentos Muralla Zirí Remember you found it on Autentical.com. You can book it on Booking.com:   See it on Booking.com
	Palacete 1620, Premium Suites Remember you found it on Autentical.com. You can book it on Booking.com:   See it on Booking.com
	Smart Suites Albaicin Remember you found it on Autentical.com. You can book it on Booking.com:   See it on Booking.com

 

Selected – and unique – farm stays from Booking.com:

Unique accommodation away from the crowds that might interest you:

 

Further accommodations

Sights (A)

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