Alhambra

Alhambra tickets and tours

Spain

Things to do in Alhambra

4.6/5 (2896)

The Alhambra is home to many myths, legends and secrets. This is partly because many Spaniards believed their Muslim occupiers had occult powers and that the treasures of their palace were protected by spells. The American writer Washington Irving collected many of these tales in a book.

The astrologer Ibrahim ibn Abu Ayub, for example, was said to have mastered the art of living forever, but only as an old man. In Granada, he put a spell on a beautiful princess and escaped with her under the Gate of Justice. Some say she can return (and the palace’s treasures will be revealed) only when the hand and the key carved into the Gate of Justice reach each other.

Others believe that treasure might be discovered by unlocking charms hidden in the complex ornamental stonework. Many throughout history have searched for hidden gold on the site, but none has so far been discovered. The most common phrase to be found carved in the palace walls (over 9000 times!) is a reminder – and perhaps a warning – to every treasure-seeker: wa la ghaliba illala (there is no victor but God).

Opening hours

  • 15 March - 14 October: ticket office 8.00am-8.00pm

Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-8.00pm).

  • 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 8.00am-6.00pm

Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am to 2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-6.00pm)

Garden visits

  • 15 March - 14 October: ticket office 8.00am-7.00pm

Monday - Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm-8.00pm.

  • 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 800am-5.00pm

Monday to Sunday: morning ticket (8.30am-2.00pm), afternoon ticket (2.00pm- 6.00pm).

Night visit around Nasrid Palaces

  • 15 March - 14 October: ticket office: 9.30pm-10.30pm

Tuesdays - Saturdays: 1.00pm-11.30pm

  • 15 October - 14 March: ticket office 7.30pm-8.30pm

Fridays and Saturdays: 8.00pm-9.30pm

Night visit around the Gardens and Palace of the Generalife

  • 15 March – 31 May: ticket office 9.30pm to 10.30pm

Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10.00pm-11.30pm

  • 1 September - 14 October: ticket office 9.30pm-10.30pm

Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10.00pm-11.30pm

  • 15 October - 14 November: ticket office 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Fridays and Saturdays: 8.00pm-9.30pm

About the Alhambra

The Alhambra’s name comes from the Arabic meaning “Red Castle” and its origins as a fortress can be traced to at least the late ninth century, when southern Spain was under Islamic rule.

The magnificent palace we see today did not begin to take shape until the arrival of the Nasrid dynasty in the thirteenth century. At that time, the watchtower and the keep were built for extra security, but also the aesthetic wonders of the patio of the lions, the Justice gate, the baths, the Comares room and the Hall of the Boat.

We are lucky that so much of the building and its gardens survive. Once the Nasrids had been pushed out of Spain, the Catholic kings were not too careful with the monuments. Charles V, for example, had part of the complex destroyed to build his own palace. The Alhambra was abandoned and left to the elements for much of the eighteenth century, being partially blown up by the French.

It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that the artistry of the Islamic palace was fully realised and restoration work began. The splendour we experience now is thanks to the careful work of restorers keen to preserve this unique historical monument.

Address

Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n. 18071, Granada

Getting there

  • On foot

From the city centre, take Cuesta de Gomérez from Plaza Nueva and through the Gate of the Pomegranates, OR go via Cuesta del Rey Chico starting on the left bank of the river Darro at the end of the Paseo del Padre Manjón.

  • By bus

Line C3: stop at Generalife Ticket Office

  • By car

From N-323 / A-44, take the ring road Ronda Sur (A-395) and follow signs towards the Alhambra (please note: private cars are not allowed to access to the Alhambra from the city centre). At the Serrallo tunnel, use the left lane and take exit 5A. On the roundabout, turn left and continue up Avenida Santa María de la Alhambra. Then follow Camino Viejo del Cementerio to signs for parking and ticket offices.

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44 Experiences
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Alhambra official skip-the-line small group guided tour with full access
Must see
Activities

Alhambra official skip-the-line small group guided tour with full access

Admire the Alhambra's Nasrid Palaces, stroll along the Generalife gardens and discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Validity Flexible
Available in:

en 

Instant Confirmation
Alhambra and Generalife skip-the-line private tour
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra and Generalife skip-the-line private tour

Discover Spain's Moorish roots on this private tour of the Alhambra. Together with a local guide, you'll visit the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba and more.

Duration 3 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

Instant Confirmation
Skip-the-line tickets and audio guide to the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V, Generalife and Alcazaba
Must see
Attractions & guided tours

Skip-the-line tickets and audio guide to the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V, Generalife and Alcazaba

Visit at your own pace with an audio guide the Alhambra fortress, the Palace of Charles V, the Generalife palace and its wonderful gardens, and the monumental surroundings, all without queuing to purchase the tickets!

Flexible
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

Skip The Line
Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid palaces skip-the-line guided tour
Must see
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid palaces skip-the-line guided tour

Visit the Alhambra of Granada, one of the most beautiful places in the world! The guided tour includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Alhambra by night tour with Palacios Nazaríes
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra by night tour with Palacios Nazaríes

Visit the three Palacios Nazaríes by night and learn everything about their history with the audioguide

Duration 1 hour 29 minutes
Available in:

en, es 

Instant Confirmation
Alhambra guided visit with Arab Baths
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra guided visit with Arab Baths

Book now your guided visit to the Alhambra and enjoy the tour with an expert storyteller. Feel like a Sultan while enjoying a dip in the Hammam Baths.

Duration 4 hours
Available in:

en, es 

Instant Confirmation
Alhambra tour with flamenco show
Activities

Alhambra tour with flamenco show

Discover the Alhambra with an audio guide and enjoy a traditional flamenco show in the Sacromonte neighborhood.

Duration 24 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

Entrance Fees Included
Alhambra guided tour and Science Park tickets
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra guided tour and Science Park tickets

Join this experience and discover the Alhambra with an official guide. Discover the history of Al-Andalus and visit the Science Park of Granada at your own leisure.

Duration from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Available in:

en, es 

Instant Confirmation
Granada walking tour with Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens from Málaga
Excursions & day trips

Granada walking tour with Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens from Málaga

Discover Granada's Arab past, visit the Palace of Charles and admire the Nasrid Arabic style.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr, es, de 

Alhambra guided tour and tickets to the Science Park of Granada
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra guided tour and tickets to the Science Park of Granada

Visit the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. You'll also have tickets for the Science Park of Granada.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es 

Alhambra guided tour in Italian
Attractions & guided tours

Alhambra guided tour in Italian

Discover the history of one of the most fascinating monuments of Islamic architecture in Europe thanks to a 3-hour group tour.

free cancellation
Available in:

it 

Alhambra, Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel guided tour in English
Activities

Alhambra, Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel guided tour in English

Book now and get ready to discover the Alhambra and the Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada on a half-day tour carried out in 2 parts.

Duration 5 hours 30 minutes
Available in:

en 

Instant Confirmation

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Alhambra

Alhambra

Granada

Spain

Reviews Alhambra

5/5
, 21 May 2016

“We really enjoyed our trip to the wonderful Alhambra. Our guide Antonio was learned and enthusiastic and very willing to answer questions. Nos encanta!”

5/5
, 16 May 2016

“Our Guide Marina was fantastic.A lot of knowledge, very clear and understanding. Top guide.Alhambra was a great experiance and unforgetable.PS. We are dutch speaking. So a guide with the dutch language would be a great + for musement.”

5/5
, 17 Apr 2016
4/5
, 07 Apr 2016

“We had Marco as guide and he was top and very informing in the French language.”

Granada