How to Visit the Alhambra in Granada

The Alhambra is Granada’s crown jewel of history and culture. It stands above most of the city, on the Sabika hill beside the Darro river. Declared a monument in 1870, the Alhambra is a testament of royal power, built originally in 11th century and expanded upon into the 17th century. It bears constructions from the Iberian, Roman, Islamic, and Christian time periods, layering on top on one another.

If you are planning to visit Granada, the Alhambra should most definitely be on your list (although I would ensure that you plan enough time to explore the city itself as well). It is a very busy monument, welcoming more than 2 million visitors last year, and more each year since Covid. You must plan your visit in advance in order to purchase tickets, and there are a lot of ticket options to choose from!

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When to Buy Tickets for the Alhambra

You should plan to buy your tickets for the Alhambra at least 2 months in advance of your visit, although it is generally recommended to buy your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates. You will need to input your ID number (such as your passport) to buy the tickets. Then, you will need to present your ticket with your ID at the entrance to get in.

There are several sections of the Alhambra, and tickets can be purchased separately for each. I would recommend the Alhambra General ticket, which costs €22.08 per person. If you are interested in visiting the Alhambra after dark, I would recommend buying the Alhambra Experiences ticket for €22.08, which includes a night visit to the Nasrid Palaces and a day time visit the following day to the Gardens, Generalife, and Alcazaba. Note that your ticket to the Nasrid Palaces includes a timed entry and you will only be able to enter that section at your designated time. All other areas are accessible anytime during opening hours on the day of your ticket.

Personally, I would recommend the Alhambra Experiences ticket because it allows you to split your time at the Alhambra over two days, giving you more time and energy to see the whole site.

How to Get to the Alhambra from Granada’s City Centre

The easiest and most affordable way to get to the Alhambra from Granada’s City Centre is to take either the C30 or C32 bus. You can catch the bus from Plaza Isabel la Católica near Reyes Católicos to the top of the hill, with a short walk to the ticket office. It costs €1.60 per ticket for the bus.

It is also possible to walk to the Alhambra. It takes around 25–30 minutes, with 100 metres of elevation gain (you are walking up a relatively steep hill to reach the Alhambra). I have walked and taken the bus, and I would definitely recommend the bus, at least on the way up, particularly in the heat. If you decide to walk, I would recommend taking Calle Don Marcilla, and going through the Bosque de la Alhambra.

There is also paid parking available at the Alhambra if you have a car in Granada.

How Much Time Do You Need to See the Alhambra

I would recommend budgeting at least 3 hours for the Alhambra. I would save 1 hour just for the Nasrid Palaces, another hour for the Generalife and Gardens (as well as walking between the Generalife and the rest of the sites), and a third hour for the Alcazaba and Partal Palace. If you are interested in any of the additional museums or open access areas, you may want to plan to stay even longer.

I highly recommend doing the night tour of the Nasrid Palaces, not only because it is truly magical lit up in the evening, but also to help split your time at the Alhambra over two days rather than all in one visit. It is also possible to leave the Alhambra and re-enter later on the same day, as you have to exit certain areas to reach other parts of the complex anyway.

Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces)

The Nasrid Palaces are the main attraction for many when visiting the Alhambra and it isn’t hard to see why. This palace complex was built in the 14th century under the reigns of Yusuf I (Palacio de Comares) and Muhammad V (Palacio de los Leones). It contains 3 main sections: the Mexuar, used for administrative and judicial affairs; the Palacio de Comares, an official royal residence; and the Palacio de los Leones, an official residence and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

These palaces are just stunning, with intricate plaster work, created by crushing gypsum stone that had been fired at a low temperature. Then, the gypsum powder was kneaded with water to create a malleable texture that hardens quickly. It was used to decorate the walls and ceilings throughout the palace, with each room containing a unique pattern or motif. Continued restoration of the palaces and the plaster work is ongoing.

Generalife and Gardens

This summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers is located on the east site of the Alhambra complex. The Generalife is far enough from the other main sections of the Alhambra that it has it’s own bus stop. The main entrance to the Alhambra is here, although there are several other ticket control areas throughout the site.

The Generalife includes large, beautifully cultivated gardens with elegant fountains and carefully maintained flowers and towering hedges. The walking route through the Generalife passes through the gardens first, where you can catch a beautiful view of other sections of the Alhambra, before entering the Generalife Palace. The architecture of this palace is similarly Islamic, through there is less surviving plaster decorating the walls compared to the Nasrid Palaces.

Take the Paseo de los Cipreses to connect the Generalife to the rest of the Alhambra at the end of your tour through the gardens. From here, you can connect with either the Partal Palace or enter a free access areas along the Calle Real de la Alhambra.

Partal Palace

The Partal Palace, together with the Generalife, is one of the oldest surviving constructions of the Nasrid rulers, built by Muhammad III. The palace is on the northern side of the Alhambra complex and overlooks the hill of San Cristóbal and the Darro river.

In this area there were many signs indicating the work on biodiversity that the Alhambra team is working on. They are working on reintroducing amphibians to the water features and constructed ponds of the Alhambra, bringing nature back to the palace through careful management.

Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is a fortress on the western tip of the Alhambra, closest to the history city centre of Granada. It is the oldest surviving part of the Alhambra, built in the 13th century by Muhammad I of Granada.

In mid-August of 2026, an earthquake struck Granada with a higher intensity than the city is used to. This earthquake caused damage to some buildings in the city, including the Alcazaba. The Alcazaba was closed to visitors for about a month before reopening on September 23.

When we visited, the Alcazaba was open to visitors through a modified route that maintains safety and allows for reconstruction efforts in damaged sections. The view over Granada from the Alcazaba was truly something else (you can understand the tactical significance of its location with this view!).

Free Entry Areas: Palacio de Carlos V, El Baño de la Mezquita, Ángel Barrios Legacy Museum, Etc.

Beyond the areas detailed above, there are several sections of the Alhambra that offer free entry to visitors. The Palacio de Carlos V is free to all, with the Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada located inside. Admission to the museum is €1.50 per person, with students, EU nationals, and seniors receiving free admission.

The Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación is also free to enter, with optional donations. It was completed in 1618 and built over the existing mosque of the Alhambra. As it is a functioning church, please respect the general dress code or you may be refused entry.

Next to the church is the Bath of the Mosque and the Ángel Barrios Legacy Museum, both which are free to enter when open. You can also visit the hotel grounds of the San Francisco Monastery. Near the monastery, you can also take in views overlooking the ruins of the Palacio de los Abencarrajes. Of course, the Alhambra Bookshop is also free to enter, located in the Palace of Carlos V.

What Else Is There to Do in Granada Besides the Alhambra?

There is plenty to do in Granada beyond the Alhambra, in fact, on my first visit (due to the spontaneous nature of my travel planning), I didn’t even see the Alhambra aside from the free areas. I had such as wonderful time exploring the city that I had to return on my most recent trip back to Spain.

I have a full 3-day itinerary that details other historic locations, shopping, food, and more in Granada, including a free map you can download to help you plan your trip. My recommendations include a free walking tour of the city, a hike up to San Miguel Alto for an incredible view (especially at sunset), a visit to the Cathedral or Royal Chapel, seeing some of the Andalusian monuments, churros in Bib-Rambla, and delicious Arabic food in the Albaicín.

Frequently Asked Questions