Buying Alhambra tickets is the part of the trip most people overcomplicate, and it’s what leaves some visitors locked out. It isn’t hard, but you need to do it properly and well ahead of time. Here’s a step-by-step on how to buy them, which ticket to choose and what to do if you find them sold out, so you arrive in Granada with everything sorted.
Let’s get to it.
First things first: book ahead
The most important warning, and the one that saves the most heartache: tickets sell out weeks in advance and, in high season, there are whole days with not a single slot left. So buy yours the moment you have your travel dates. Don’t count on getting one when you arrive, because the usual story is that everything is sold out.
Which ticket to choose
The one almost everyone wants is the general ticket, which includes all three areas: Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba. It’s the full experience and the one I’d recommend if it’s your first visit. There are other options too (gardens only, night visit), which I go through in the guide to Alhambra ticket types.
Watch out for one key thing: your entry to the Nasrid Palaces comes with an exact time. That slot is sacred: if you miss it, you don’t get into that part. When you book, pick a time with some breathing room so you’re not rushing in out of breath.
Where to buy them
You have two routes:
- The official website: the cheapest option. The catch is that it flies off the shelves and, once the official allocation is gone, there’s nothing more to be had that way.
- Guided tours and tickets: companies that hold their own allocation of tickets and include a guided visit. They cost a bit more, but they save you the hassle of juggling time slots, they explain everything to you and, often, they have availability when the official allocation is sold out.
My advice: if you plan ahead and want to save money, go official. If you’re tight on dates or you’d rather have it all done for you, a tour with the ticket included is the easy, safe option.
If the tickets are sold out
Don’t give up if you see everything in red. You still have options:
- Guided visits with their own allocation, which usually have availability when the official site doesn’t.
- The night visit to the Nasrid Palaces, a lovely experience with its own allocation.
- Entry to just the Gardens, the Generalife and the Alcazaba (without the Palaces), where there are sometimes a few tickets left.
What to bring on the day of your visit
- The ID or passport you bought the ticket with: tickets are issued in your name and they check.
- Your ticket on your phone or printed out.
- Arrive with time to spare, because it’s a fair walk from the access control to the Palaces.
To know what you’ll see and how to make your way around, head back to the guide on visiting the Alhambra. And if you want to really understand it, have a look at the audio guide and guided visit.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Alhambra tickets?
On the official website (the cheapest) or through tours with the ticket included, which hold their own allocation and usually have availability when the official one is sold out.
How far in advance should I buy them?
The sooner the better. They sell out weeks ahead, especially in spring and summer. Book as soon as you have your travel dates.
What do I do if the tickets are sold out?
Look at the guided visits with their own allocation, the night visit, or tickets for just the gardens and Alcazaba. There’s nearly always an alternative.
Do I need ID to enter the Alhambra?
Yes. Tickets are issued in your name and they ask for the ID or passport you bought them with. Without it, they may not let you in.