ALHAMBRA FAQ
This page provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Alhambra, buying tickets and your visit. If you have a question that hasn't been answered, send us an email or contact us via the live chat using the icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
What is the Alhambra?- A large red fortress on the hill above Granada. It consists of three main parts: the Alcazaba, the Generalife and the Nasrid Palaces.
- How large is the Alhambra?
- It covers an area of approximately 140,000m² or 35 acres.
- How many people visit the Alhambra each year?
- There were approximately 3 million visitors last year. It is the fourth most visited monument in Spain.
- When was the Alhambra built?
- Dating back to Pre-Roman times, work began in the 9th century during the reign of Abdullah ibn Muhammad (888-912). It was then largely abandoned until the 11th century. Major reconstruction began during the Nasrid dynasty (1212-1492) and this is what we can see today. Serious work on the Alhambra began in 1238 under the command of Sultan Muhammad I Ibn Nasr and in only one year, the ramparts had been completed, water had brought from the river and a water channel built.
- What are the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaries)?
- These are the famous interior palaces and courtyards that people flock to the Alhambra to see with their beautifully decorated intricate lattice work and ceramic, tessellated designs. When you book your Alhambra tickets, you will choose a specific time to enter this part of the Alhambra. Be careful when booking because it is possible to buy cheaper tickets only for the gardens but these do not include entry to the palaces.
- What is the Alcazaba?
- This was the main military residential area where the royal guard and soldiers lived. It was built for defence and has various watchtowers, dungeons and a keep.
- Where is the Alhambra?
- If you look at a map, you will see that the Alhambra is in the centre of Granada but it is on a hill 75 metres higher than Plaza Nueva.
- What is the Generalife?
- The Generalife is the country estate, summer palaces and gardens where the royal family would relax.
- When was the Generalife built?
- The Generalife was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.
- Can I walk to the Alhambra?
- Yes. You can walk up CUESTA GOMEREZ from Plaza Nueva or up CUESTA DE LOS CHINOS at the end of Paseo de los Tristes. You can see both routes marked with the green pedestrian icons on this map
- How far is the Alhambra from Plaza Nueva?
- From Plaza Nueva it is 280 metres uphill to the start of the Alhambra complex (Puerta de las Granadas) and 1200 metres to the main ticket office.
- How do I drive to the Alhambra?
- Follow the GRANADA ringroad towards Sierra Nevada and then follow signs to RONDA SUR and ALHAMBRA. See this map for more information.
- Is there parking at the Alhambra
- Yes. See here for a map and prices.
- How many gates and entrances does the Alhambra have?
- There are two main entrances: the entrance by the ticket office (near the GENERALIFE) and the PUERTA DE LA JUSTICIA (near the NASRID PALACES and the ALCAZABA - map & directions). The Puerta de la Justicia is marked by the red star and the main ticket office is marked by the yellow box on this map.
- Are there any bars and restaurants at the Alhambra?
- Yes. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels both inside the complex and outside by the ticket office. There are also shops selling refreshments, ices, snacks and souvenirs.
- Which buses go to the Alhambra?
- Buses C30 and C32 go up to the main ticket office. The bus stop is behind the statue of Isabel la Católica (Gran Via/Reyes Catolicos). See this map for more information about buses and bus stops.
- How long does it take to visit the Alhambra?
- Most people will take about 4 hours to visit the Alhambra but some people see it in less time while others spend the whole day there. There is plenty to see and do.
- Can I buy Alhambra tickets online?
- Yes. You can buy tickets from the BUY ALHAMBRA TICKETS.
- Can I buy Alhambra tickets by phone?
- Yes. The official telephone number is +34 858 889 002.
- What type of ticket should I buy?
- For help with which tickets to buy, see ALHAMBRA TICKET HELP.
- Why do I have to choose a time when I buy my tickets?
- Every visitor to the Alhambra is assigned a time to enter the Nasrid Palaces in order to restrict the number of visitors inside the palaces. You have the entire day to visit the Alhambra and as long as you like to explore the Nasrid Palaces. You can then visit the Alcazaba and the Generalife before or after you see the palaces.
- Where can I buy Alhambra tickets for the same day?
- The physical ticket office windows no longer sell same-day tickets to the public. All tickets must be purchased in advance online via the official website. Do not arrive at the Alhambra expecting to buy a ticket for that day.
- What time does the room with the ALHAMBRA ticket machines open?
- It opens at 8:00, though same-day ticket availability at these machines is exceedingly rare and should not be relied upon.
- I have bought the wrong type of ticket: instead of an adult ticket, I have bought a European young person's ticket. How can I change it?
- Alhambra tickets are strictly nominative and cannot be modified or upgraded on the day of your visit. If you hold a concessionary or discounted ticket, you must present the original valid proof at the access gate. If you cannot prove your discount, you will be denied entry.
- Can I print my tickets at home?
- Yes. You can print a paper version with a QR code to use as your ticket, or simply show the PDF QR code on your smartphone.
- Can I cancel my tickets if necessary?
- No, it is not possible to cancel your Alhambra tickets once you have bought them.
- I've made a mistake with my ID when I bought my Alhambra tickets. How can I change my details?
- If you need to modify or correct an ID mistake, you must phone the Alhambra (+34 858 889 002) as soon as possible. Minor corrections may be allowed, but tickets cannot be transferred to a different person.
- When must I collect my Alhambra tickets?
- If you bought your tickets online, you do not need to collect physical tickets. You can simply use the digital PDF ticket with the QR code on your smartphone to enter the monument.
- Where can I collect my Alhambra tickets?
- Physical collection is no longer required for most visitors. However, if you cannot access your digital ticket, you can retrieve a physical copy from the Alhambra ticket machines or the ticket office using your booking reference.
- Do I need to bring my ID to enter the Alhambra?
- Yes. This is absolutely mandatory. Every visitor (including children) must bring their original physical Passport or EU National ID card. Photocopies or photos on your phone are not accepted. The name and ID number must exactly match the details on your ticket.
- I don't have a credit card. Can a friend or relative buy my Alhambra tickets for me using their credit card?
- Yes. Because tickets are nominative, the buyer simply enters your name and your ID/Passport number during the online purchase. You do not need the buyer's credit card, an authorization letter, or a copy of their ID. You only need to present the digital ticket and your own original ID/Passport.
- What is the price of Alhambra tickets?
- For current prices, visit ALHAMBRA TICKET PRICES.
- How can I buy tickets from abroad?
- It is only possible to buy tickets online from the official BUY ALHAMBRA TICKETS website.
- Are Alhambra tickets transferable?
- No. You can buy up to 10 tickets but you need to submit each person's name, surname, ID number, nationality, age and sex when you purchase the tickets. The tickets can only be used by the specific people named on them.
- What parts of the Alhambra can I see for free without a ticket?
- The Calle Real, Carlos V Palace, Alhambra Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Arab baths (Bañuelo), Church of Santa Maria de la Alhambra, Puerta del Vino, and Puerta de la Justicia.
- What time does the Alhambra open?
- At 08:30.
- What time does the Puerta de la Justicia open?
- At 08:00. Click here for map & directions.
- How long does it take to get from the main ticket office to the Nasrid Palaces
- About 60 minutes if you want to take you time and look at things on your way or 20 minutes if you walk fast.
- How long does it take to get from the Puerta de la Justicia to the Nasrid Palaces?
- About 5 minutes.
- My time for the Palacios Nazaries is 12:00. What does this mean? Where do I have to go?
- You have a 30-minute time slot to enter the palaces so it is important to be punctual. In your case, it is between 12:00 and 12:30. You must queue up outside the palaces. An Alhambra official normally goes along the queue to make sure that everyone with tickets enters at the correct time. If you are in any doubt, go straight to the front of the queue and show your ticket to the person on the door. The Nasrid Palaces are near the PUERTA DE LA JUSTICIA, behind the Palacio Carlos V.
- Which buses go to the main ticket office?
- Minibuses C30 and C32 (from Plaza Isabel la Católica). See this map for more information about buses and bus stops.
- Which bus goes to the Puerta de la Justicia?
- Minibus C30 (from Plaza Isabel la Católica. See this map for more information about buses and bus stops.
- Help! I have tickets for the palaces at 8:30.
- You should enter the Alhambra through the Puerta de la Justicia (map & directions). If you enter through the main ticket office, you won't get to the palaces in time.
- Where can I hire an audioguide?
There used to be an official audio guide for the Alhambra but this has been discontinued.
We are now developing a free audio visual guide of the Alhambra. At the moment, it is only available in English but it will soon be available in other languages. Click here to try out our audio guide
- Can I take a baby buggy into the Nasrid Palaces?
- No. It is necessary to exchange the buggy for a baby carrier in the locker room near the Carlos V Palace. See this page for more information.
- Where can I get a baby carrier?
- From the locker office near the Carlos V Palace. See this page for more information.
- Are there luggage lockers at the Alhambra?
- Yes. You can leave one medium-sized bag per person on the day of your visit at the locker room near the Carlos V Palace.See this page for more information.
- How much do the lockers cost at the Alhambra?
- They are free. You only have to show your ticket which must be for the same day. See this page for more information.
- Where can I get a wheelchair at the Alhambra?
- From the main ticket office. You must bear in mind that it is not easy with a wheelchair as there are cobbled areas.
- Can I take my registered blind dog into the Alhambra?
- Yes. Registered blind dogs are the only dogs that are allowed.
- Can I take my pet dog into the Alhambra?
- No. Pets are not allowed.
- Can I take my registered service dog into the Alhambra?
- No. Registered service dogs are not allowed.
This famous quotation by Francisco de Icaza can be found in the Alcazaba and loosely translated means: "Give him alms, woman, for there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada".
