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Here is how to get tickets for the La Alhambra when they are sold out
You can still visit Granada’s magnificent Alhambra even when the tickets on the official site are sold out. With only 6,600 daily tickets and 600 visitors allowed per hour in the delicate Nasrid Palace, securing entry tickets requires a little inside knowledge. Your best solution when official tickets sell out is purchasing the Granada City Pass, which enables you to access to Alhambra as well as a lot of other sights in Granada. Always book through authorized agencies like Tiqets, Autentical or Caminitodelrey.tickets to ensure your tickets include the all-important Nasrid Palace.
Key Takeaways:
- La Alhambra’s 6,600 daily tickets sell out all the time. You need to book well in advance – og use a little inside knowledge from this article.
- If you book early then choose your ticket type from the start (without guide or a guided tour). A 3rd option is the audio guide, which allows you to explore at your own pace while still being informed.
- Alhambra tickets with Nasrid Palace access typically sell out more than a month ahead of time.
- If tickets are sold out, purchase the Granada City Pass as an alternative way to get Alhambra tickets with Nasrid Palace access on short notice.
What to know about the Alhambra Tickets
Importance of Booking Tickets in Advance
The 6,600 daily tickets for La Alhambra sell out more than a month in advance, leaving you with no chance of buying entry tickets at the gate. Conservation authorities maintain strict visitor limits to protect the delicate Nasrid Palace, creating a situation where demand far exceeds availability.
Types of Tickets Available
Self-guided tickets allow you to explore at your own pace, while guided tours provide expert commentary but require you to follow group schedules. Audio guide options combine both advantages – you control your timing while receiving detailed historical information through a handheld device similar to a mobile phone.
- Self-guided tickets offer complete freedom to explore independently
- Guided tours include live expert commentary with scheduled group visits
- Audio guide tickets provide recorded information at your own pace
- Granada City Pass includes Alhambra and Nasrid Palace access plus a long list of additional city attractions
- After selecting your ticket type, verify it includes Nasrid Palace access
| Ticket Type | Key Features |
| Self-Guided | Independent exploration, no commentary, flexible timing within your slot |
| Guided Tour | Live guide, group setting, fixed schedule, expert insights |
| Audio Guide | Self-paced with recorded information, avoid large groups |
| Granada City Pass | Alhambra access plus city attractions, available at shorter notice |
| Gardens Only | Excludes Nasrid Palace (not recommended for first-time visitors) |
Watch out for tickets that do not include the Nasrid Palace! Some tickets marketed as “Alhambra tickets” only cover the gardens and Generalife, leaving you outside the most spectacular part of the complex – the Nasrid Palace. You should verify your ticket explicitly includes timed entry to the Nasrid Palace, as this section requires a specific time slot.
- Verify your ticket includes Nasrid Palace with a specific time slot
- Purchase only from recognized agencies to avoid fraudulent tickets
- Check that audio guides are included if you’ve selected that option
- Confirm the ticket price matches official rates to avoid overpaying
- After purchasing, double-check your confirmation email lists all palace sections
| What to Verify | Why It Matters |
| Nasrid Palace Inclusion | Some tickets only cover gardens, missing the main attraction |
| Specific Time Slot | You must enter Nasrid Palace during your designated 1-hour window |
| Authorized Seller | Unauthorized channels sell non-existent or incomplete tickets |
| Audio Guide Status | Not automatically included with all ticket types |
Frequently asked questions about Alhambra & Granada
Best Times to Visit
In summer and autumn aim for the earliest morning slots to beat heat; winter and spring suit late morning or afternoon visits. Evening tickets in July–August offer cooler temperatures and a stunning city-light view. Expect roughly 6,600 visitors daily distributed across the day, so crowding is only concentrated at the Nasrid Palace entrance—plan to be at your Nasrid Palace timeslot on time since one hour is allocated for that visit.
Dress Code and Conduct
No formal dress code applies, yet avoid walking around bare-chested or in a bikini. Choose comfortable walking shoes for the 3–5 hour visit, layer clothing for temperature swings between sunlit patios and shaded halls, and carry a lightweight jacket for evening visits. Modest, respectful attire makes moving through historic rooms and gardens more comfortable for you and other visitors.
Photography Policies
Photography is permitted throughout most of the Alhambra but flash photography is banned to protect delicate surfaces; selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed. Focus your shots on the Lions’ Court, intricate tilework in the Nasrid Palace and the Generalife gardens at golden hour for dramatic light. Be mindful of other visitors when framing photos.
Food and Drink Regulations
You may bring food and drinks only in a small bag (40cm x 40cm) and must consume them in designated picnic or rest areas. Vending machines and restaurants near the entrance provide snacks and meals if you prefer not to carry provisions. Plan meal breaks around your 3–5 hour visit and Nasrid Palace appointment.
Getting to Alhambra
Transportation Options
Follow the highway signs for “Alhambra” if you drive to avoid Granada’s center. Trains run from Málaga, Seville, Madrid and Córdoba to Granada; from the station you can catch a city bus up to the entrance. Local operators from the Costa del Sol offer guided transfers via Tiqets. Walking down to the city center is about 1 km (15–20 minutes); buses run frequently if you prefer not to walk.
Parking
A large parking lot sits adjacent to the Alhambra entrance with plenty of space—arrive early in high season to secure a spot. Follow the “Alhambra” signs from the highway rather than driving into the city center. Tour coaches have dedicated drop-off areas near the entrance, and from the lot you can walk straight in or take a short city bus to viewpoints and the upper pathways.
Highlights of Granada City
You can wander the UNESCO-listed Albayzín with its maze of steep, narrow lanes and reach the Mirador de San Nicolás for a classic postcard view of the Alhambra; explore Sacromonte’s cave houses and flamenco shows; visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel where the Catholic Monarchs are entombed; and stroll the pedestrian streets around Plaza Nueva and Gran Vía for tapas and shopping.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Granada’s tapas culture stands out: in many bars a small free tapa accompanies your drink, letting you sample local dishes like salmorejo, jamón ibérico and the sweet piononos; you’ll also find teterías in the Albayzín and nightly zambra flamenco performances in Sacromonte’s caves.
Additional Attractions Outside Alhambra
Beyond the Alhambra you can reach the Sierra Nevada mountains in roughly 30–40 minutes by car for hiking or skiing (Mulhacén peaks at 3,479 m), visit the interactive Parque de las Ciencias with its planetarium, or drive to the white villages of the Alpujarras for hiking, artisan shops and local cuisine.
FAQ
Q: What are the must-see sights inside the Alhambra?
A: The highlights are the Nasrid Palaces (especially the Lions’ Court), the Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Charles V, the Generalife gardens and terraces, and the panoramic views over Granada. The Nasrid Palaces are the most impressive and best-preserved example of Moorish architecture and should be prioritized if you have limited time.
Q: When is the best time of day and year to visit the Alhambra?
A: Summer and autumn: visit early morning to avoid heat or book an evening visit when temperatures drop and city lights create a special atmosphere. Winter and spring: late morning or afternoon is comfortable. Visitor numbers are evenly distributed throughout the day, so timing is mainly about avoiding heat or catching evening views.
Q: How much time should I allow for a visit?
A: Plan 3–5 hours for a full visit; 2–2½ hours if you rush. Tickets are valid for a six-hour slot (morning or afternoon); one hour of that is reserved for the Nasrid Palaces, so schedule arrival and movement accordingly.
Q: How and when should I buy tickets, and do they sell out?
A: Buy tickets in advance online—tickets that include the Nasrid Palaces commonly sell out weeks to a month ahead. Nasrid Palace access is limited (600 people per hour; about 6,600 per day). Prices typically range from €25–€60 depending on the package; choose Fast-Track to avoid queues. Machines sell remaining tickets at the entrance but don’t rely on that if you want Nasrid access. Many tickets offer cancellation and refund options, but rebooking isn’t guaranteed if sold out.
Q: Should I take a guided tour, an audio guide, or go solo?
A: Guided tours give historical context and point out details you might miss; audio guides let you move at your own pace while learning. Solo visits work too, but a guide or audio guide enhances understanding. Choosing a local guide also supports local employment—many young people start as guides in Andalusia.
Q: What are the rules about photography, food, dress code and luggage?
A: Photography is allowed without flash; selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited. Small bags up to 40 x 40 cm are permitted; food and drinks can be carried in small bags but may only be consumed in designated areas. There are vending machines and restaurants near the entrance. No formal dress code, but don’t walk around bare-chested or in swimwear.
Q: How do I get to the Alhambra, where can I park, and how do I reach Granada city center?
A: By car: follow signs for “Alhambra” from the highway and avoid driving into Granada’s center; there is a large parking lot adjacent to the site. By train: regular services link Granada with Málaga, Seville, Madrid and Córdoba. City buses connect the center with the Alhambra; you can also walk downhill about 1 km to the city center (return is uphill). Organized excursions and transfers are widely available from the Costa del Sol and nearby cities.