16 ESSENTIAL Tips for Visiting the Alhambra

Visiting the Alhambra is one of the best things you can do for yourself, especially if you plan to visit Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the “unofficial” 8th wonder of the world, and is the most visited monument in all of Spain, beating the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Personally, it is a crime that it is not already on the official list and even though I may lose my Italian citizenship over this: Alhambra is much more of a wonder than the Colosseum.👀

Maybe you are wondering, what is Alhambra? Alhambra is three things in one: Nasrid Palace, Fortress, and Medina. This wonder dates back to the 9th century and was built when the Moors ruled Andalucia. As a fun fact, Alhambra means “red or vermilion castle” in Arabic – a name that fits perfectly given the color of the walls and towers.

The Alhambra history is nothing short of rich and mesmerizing. In the 9th century, the site where Alhambra is was used as a defensive fortress by the Moors. Later, in the 13th century, the Nasrid Dynasty transformed the fortress into the wondrous palace it (still) is today. Alhambra became the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada, who kept expanding and embellishing the palace over the next centuries.

Why is Alhambra famous? There simply isn’t anything else quite like La Alhambra. Personally, to date, this is the most magnificent place I’ve ever seen. When you’re finally visiting the Alhambra and walking around the palace, you will understand.😍

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Here are the Essential Tips for Visiting the Alhambra:

1. Buy Tickets a Month in advance, or ASAP

With almost 3 million visitors each year, La Alhambra competes with the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as Spain’s most visited site. Due to this, its crucial that you book your tickets at least a month in advance – or ASAP!

Are Alhambra tickets sold out? Do not fret! While the Alhambra General (complete visit with Nasrid Palaces) tickets may be sold out, other tickets like “Gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba” and “Night Visit to Nasrid Palaces” are likely still available and are still worth it!

But trust me… book the entry ticket or guided tour now because you do NOT want to miss out on the Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra’s main attraction.

Book your tickets here!👇💃

2. Best time to Visit Alhambra

The best time to visit Alhambra is first thing in the morning or later in the day if not nighttime. The Alhambra opening hours, from 1st April to 14th October, are Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 to 20:00 (8 pm). From 15th October to March 31st, the opening hours are 8:30 to 18:00 (6 pm) from Monday to Sunday. If you choose to buy your tickets at the ticket office, it opens 30 minutes before opening hours – so 8:00 (8 am).

With this being said, the best time to visit Alhambra is right at 8:30 or later in the day, around 17:00 (5 pm) and later. Why visit at these times? By visiting the Alhambra first thing in the morning or later in the day you will avoid the large crowds and the HOT Andalusian sun.

3. La Alhambra dress code

4. Bring a fully charged phone/camera

As mentioned in Tip #3, you will be taking an infinite amount of pictures and videos – trust me.📸 A fully charged phone, and/or camera, is simply a must; bringing a power bank for an extra power boost will be an even greater move!

5. Sun Protection

I will take this time to sound like a mom: WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!!!☀️ Now that I have your attention… the Andalusian sun hits hard, especially late morning or afternoon, you will be walking under a scorching sun – whether it feels like it or not. Wear your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – or at least bring them with you.

The sunglasses will be important to have especially when walking around the Nasrid Palaces, and its places like the Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions), which have a very reflective and bright floor.

6. Eat well and hydrate pre-visit

With a 2.5-3 hour, or more, walk – you better eat a good breakfast (or whatever meal) and hydrate yourself! To get to Alhambra you will walk a very steep hill, making it extra important to have some fuel in you. Note: there are vending machines, shops, and little bars – if needed, you will able to buy drinks and food! I’m sure they take cards, but I would bring cash for safety!

7. Learn about Alhambra

Before visiting the Alhambra, especially if you are going “freestyle”, read up a little bit on its history to understand more about the wonder you are about to visit. By learning more about the Red Fortress, you will automatically get a deeper sense of appreciation for this attraction.

8. Slow down and take it all in

This is the most important advice I can give you, for visiting the Alhambra but also for traveling in general: SLOW DOWN AND TAKE IT ALL IN! It happens to the best of us where we mainly focus on getting everything in and doing so at a fast pace. Instead of seeing a place, taking pictures, and moving on – take a moment to be off your phone and simply wonder. Look at the SMALL details, instead of the magical big picture. The small details will give you a deeper appreciation of the Moors’ stupendous architecture – especially the Mocárabe (Muqarnas).

9. Read the poems

This has got to be the COOLEST part of Alhambra… the architecture SPEAKS!! When walking around, you will notice endless carvings in the architecture; those carvings are calligraphic inscriptions of two different styles: Kufic and Nashkhid-Thuluth. The calligraphic inscriptions that shower the walls of Alhambra contain poems, Qur’an quotations, and more.

You are welcome for what I’m about to share with you…😉 When visiting the Alhambra, open this page up to discover what the epigraphic poems say! This is something I wish I had known about during my visit, and I can’t wait to go back for this very reason; reading the poems while being surrounded by them.

Another type of carving you will find is the Mocárabes (Muqarnas), which are ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture. These do not have any writings, but they are easily one of the most beautiful features of the architecture. If you get general access to Alhambra, just wait for the moment you are in the Sala de los Mocárabes (Hall of the Mocárabes) and Sala de Dos Hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters)!!😍🤯

10. Make sure to have your documents

When buying the tickets you will be asked for your passport information or some other form of ID. Make sure to bring that same documentation with you as they check at the entrance!

11. Explore the rest of the city for context

Unfortunately, it is far too common that people treat Granada as a day trip, solely for visiting the Alhambra. Little do they know that Granada should be visited at least 2 days, because there is just SO much to see, do, and admire. Granada was the last place to be reconquered by the Reyes Catolicos (Catholic Monarchs) and was ruled by the Moors up until the late 15th century. Due to this, you will see endless of the Moors’ influence and architecture throughout the whole city. Walk around Granada, the Albaicín neighborhood, Calle del Darro, Alcaicería Market, and all to experience life outside of Alhambra’s walls and get more context.

12. Guide or no guide: Can you visit without a guide?

To get a guide, or to not get a guide… That is the question. The answer will be based on what you want to get out of the experience. Here are the options you have:

Self-guided tours – Get an audio guide and wander around Alhambra at your own pace. Note: When you enter Alhambra, employees will sell audio guides if you are interested!

Visit Alhambra without a guide – Just you, no audio guide included. If you want to focus more on the small details and simply wander around – this is the best option for you. Note: This is why I wrote Tip #7 – I think it’s important to learn about Alhambra pre-visit for a deeper appreciation but is not necessary to have an audio guide throughout the visit. Get yourself the dream entry ticket – fast-track!👇 It is only a few of euros more expensive than a regular ticket (19.09 euros) and saves you lots of time in line, especially for the Nasrid Palaces.

Private Alhambra Tours – This is the perfect option if you want to have a more one-on-one tour and ask all your questions. This Get Your Guide experience is a private guide tour led by a professional art historian guide; the price includes entrance fees.

Group Tours – This is a great option if you want a more economical tour, furthermore the opportunity of meeting other people. Check out these highly-rated group tours!👇

13. Make La Alhambra the Event of the day

An average visit lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and you will be walking A LOT! I strongly believe that Alhambra should be the event of the day; the rest of the day should be physically relaxing.

14. Put your Patience Pants on

Depending on the time of the day, you may find some longer lines – typically only for the Nasrid Palace. Asides from the long lines, there could be many people – most of which will want to get their perfect pictures. Overall, the visits (at least for me personally) have always been somewhat relaxing – but definitely prepare to be patient!

15. What to see in Alhambra

With Alhambra being so immense, it’s important to know what you want to see and what you are okay with missing. In deeper detail, here are the 15 top attractions of Alhambra; overall – Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, Generalife, and its gardens are the must-sees.😍

16. How to get to La Alhambra

There are a couple of options to get to Alhambra: walking, taxi, bus, or city train. While I would recommend walking and enjoying the journey, I recognize that not everyone wants to walk a steep hill pre-visit. Due to the steep hill, if you have any walking impairments, definitely do not walk.

17. Visit Alhambra for FREE

That’s right!! Every year, on November 16th, you can visit Alhambra for free! November 16th is International World Heritage Day, the day the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was signed in Paris (Alhambra de Granada). Each year the Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife establishes a mechanism to apply for free tickets for that date. Usually, it’s possible to get them through the official sales channels.

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Read More About Granada

• Alhambra vs Real Alcazar
• The 27 BEST Things to Do in Granada | Local’s Guide
• 2 Days in Granada, Spain: The Ultimate Itinerary
• The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada
• 8 Best Flamenco Shows in Granada: All You Need to Know
• When is the Best Time to Visit Granada? The Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Granada’s Hidden Gems
• 15 Best Day Trips from Granada
• La Alhambra vs Real Alcazar

Final thoughts

As mentioned earlier, the overall best advice I can give you is to slow down when visiting the Alhambra and take in its magic and beauty. This is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places I’ve ever seen. It likely will be the same for you. Many of these are things I wish I knew about visiting the Alhambra, making this post extra important for me to share.

I hope you find this helpful. If you did, please share it with friends and family who will find it useful. Subscribe to my blog for more and lastly, thank you for being here!❤️