Spain | 4 Essential Alhambra Tips
If there’s just one highlight to make time for in vibrant Andalusia, it has to be the spectacular Alhambra.
Perched high above Granada, this former Moorish palace complex is rich in ornate architecture, stunning archways, and lush gardens at every turn—a day of exploration there left us in awe!
Keep reading for 4 essential tips to make the most of your Alhambra adventure (and a few of my favourite snaps there!).
This post is not sponsored & reflects my personal opinions.
One. Buy tickets ASAP
It’s no secret that the Alhambra is the jewel of Granada; even in the low seasons, tickets can sell out weeks in advance. So it’s best to book as soon as you finalise your travel plans, keeping these in mind:
No changes: They generally do not permit date or time changes. In fact, due to an itinerary change, we had to buy tickets twice!
Timing: When booking, you’ll need to select a specific time to visit Nazrid Palaces. You’re free to enter other areas at any time during opening hours though.
Two. Book via the official site
For better prices and reliability, booking tickets via the official website is your best option. Yet, with multiple sites selling ‘official’ tickets, it can be tricky to determine which one is legitimate! Fret not though, here is the correct link, and keep these in mind:
ID verification: You’ll need to provide your ID number when booking, and your ID will be checked at each of the 4 ticketed areas (more on these below).
Form of ID: While most overseas tourists use their passports, I used my driver’s licence without any issues.
Three. Plan your route
The Alhambra is massive and it can be daunting figuring out where to start and which route to take.
To help plan ahead, here’s what’s good to know:
Entrances: There are 3 main ones—Puerta de la Justicia, Puerta de los Carros, and Main Entrance (near the Alhambra Ticket Office).
Ticketed areas: The Nazrid Palaces, Alcazaba, El Partal, and Generalife require tickets & ID checks prior to entry. You’re free to explore other areas, like the Palace of Carlos V, without any checks.
Layout: The Nazrid Palaces and Alcazaba are at one end, the Generalife is at the opposite end, and El Partal in the middle. You can find this interactive map on the official website to help with navigating.
Suggested starting point: Since the Nazrid Palaces are the star attraction and have a timed entry, start there (or the nearby Alcazaba) first to avoid rushing through Generalife or running out of energy.
Suggested route from the city centre: (if you like walking like I do!): Plaza Nueva → Cuesta de Gomerez → entry via Puerta de la Justice → Alcazaba + Nazrid Palaces + Palace of Carlos V (the order of these three doesn’t matter much) → El Partal → Generalife → exit near the Alhambra Ticket Office → Cuesta del Rey Chico → Paseo de los Tristes.
Four—Break up your visit & recharge in between
A visit to the Alhambra can be a full-day affair, so we found it best to pace ourselves by splitting our visit into two parts—first, Alcazaba, Nazrid Palaces and Palace of Carlos; second, El Partal and Generalife. Taking a break in between helped us recharge for the rest of the day!
There are a few simple eateries within the Alhambra complex, but I recommend stepping out for lunch at Restaurante Mirador Carmen de San Miguel (exit via Puerta de la Justice).
While the walk there involves some steep inclines, it’s worth it for relaxed vibes, panoramic views, and a colourful paella! Be sure not to miss their killer sangria—it might just be the best one I have had in Spain. Check out my Instagram for more pics!
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