Alhambra Entry Tickets: Our Last Minute Adventure
Three months before our actual visit, we had everything planned out for Granada – hotel reservations were secured a month in advance, and our itinerary was set. But we overlooked one crucial detail: buying the Alhambra entry tickets. Despite Alhambra being at the top of our must-see list in Granada, it hadn’t dawned on us just how difficult it would be to secure Alhambra tickets last minute. It’s not as simple as walking up to the counter and strolling in.
It wasn’t until I began reading up on the Alhambra in more detail that I started to panic. I discovered that they sell a limited number of tickets both online and at the gate, and when I checked for the date of our visit – May 19th, 2015 – all the general tickets had already been sold out online. This meant we would have to try our luck at the ticket counter on the day itself. The thought of not getting tickets hung over me like a cloud, but I tried to push it aside. We stuck to our original plan, hoping that fate would be on our side.
Queue for Alhambra Entry Tickets on that day-the counter hadn’t opened yet
Late for Alhambra general ticket?
All Alhambra Tickets sold out?
Worry not here are some quick links for the Alhambra Tickets:
- Granada: Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces – Discover the Alhambra on a small guided tour. Enjoy priority Access to the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, El Generalife, the Alhambra Gardens, the Medina, and the Alcazaba.
- Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket – Discover the breathtaking Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces. Visit the Alcazaba, the Generalife, and the Mosque Baths as well.
- Granada: Alhambra Gardens and Generalife Fast-Track Entry – Breeze past the ticket lines to see one of Granada’s most-visited landmarks with fast-track entry. Enjoy seeing the Alcazaba, Generalife, the Bath of the Mosque, and the Gardens.
Barcelona to Granada was a long journey but not tiring. After a short tour of Granada streets and early dinner we retired to bed setting the alarm to wake up soon. Rick Steves had advised: Same day tickets are virtually never available unless you are willing to get up very early and wait in line.
Queue for last minute Alhambra Tickets
Last-Minute Alhambra Tickets
The ticket counters opened at 8 AM sharp. We had every intention of arriving by 6.30, but despite all our rushing, we didn’t get there until 6.45. At 6.30 we were at the hotel reception desk, who on knowing we were going to queue up for Alhambra entry tickets wished us good luck! On arriving at the gates, the husband went to park the car and I ran with my daughters in tow to the queue in front of the ticket counter. The moment we saw the serpentine queue winding its way toward the ticket booth, our hearts sank. There was no way we’d get same-day tickets.
The line seemed to stretch endlessly, and with each passing minute, more and more people joined. Within minutes the length of the queue had doubled. I am not sure if I felt relieved then. I imagined or rather I was sure that everyone had read Rick Steves‘ tips for visiting the Alhambra and arrived bright and early, just like us.
Thank goodness for the small bit of foresight the previous night. I had packed a light breakfast—scones and muffins—which turned out to be a blessing as we found ourselves standing in line, nervously munching away for the next two hours. Every bite was accompanied by a flicker of hope and a surge of doubt. Would we make it to the counter before the tickets sold out?
Alhambra Tickets Official
At exactly 8 AM, the ticket counters opened, and the digital display board began updating the status of the remaining tickets. We were glued to it. The Alhambra General ticket, which would allow us to visit the Palacios Nazaries during the day, was dwindling fast. There were around 325 tickets for the day, divided into two slots: 8.30 AM to 2 PM and 2 PM to 8 PM. Our problem? We had to leave Granada by evening, as we already had reservations in Seville for that night.
Soon the tickets for 8.30 AM to 2 PM slot was over. Now the countdown began for the next slot.
With every step forward, the tension mounted. As we neared the counter, I could see there were only seven or eight couples ahead of us. The display board showed just 22 tickets remaining. My stomach churned. It was a nail-biting wait. What if just two couples ahead of us decided to buy four or more tickets each? It would all be over for us.
The line crawled forward, inch by agonizing inch. Each couple ahead of us seemed to come out with smiles on their faces. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from asking them, “How many tickets did you buy?!”
The suspense was unbearable.
Finally, it was our turn at the counter. My heart was pounding in my chest as I handed over the money. And then… success! We had the tickets for the Alhambra in our hands! It took a moment for the relief and joy to sink in. We’d secured the last available slot for the day—7 PM. That meant we wouldn’t be leaving Granada until at least 8.30 PM, and with a three-hour drive to Seville ahead of us, we were going to have a very late night.
But that was a problem for later. For now, we had our tickets and the day was ours. The only thing on our minds was finding a proper breakfast.
Alhambra Ticket status for the day
What to do if you fail to get the Alhambra Tickets last minute?
This was one situation we dreaded the most yet I decided to plan something to make up to avoid disappointment, knowing very well that I may not visit Granada again in this lifetime. I had decided to purchase the tickets for Genralife and Alcabaza that was available for the morning slot and then have lunch and do a Granada walking tour.
Check out these options in case you forgot to plan earlier and failed to get the same day ticket for the Nasrid Palace:
- There are other tickets available for Genralife and Alcabaza.
- You have to forget the day visit to the Nasrid Palace if you are Granada just for a day
- Night tour of Nasrid Palace is possible in two slots. Some tourists opt for that too. There are two time slots:10 PM and 10.30 PM
- extend your stay in Granada for a day and arrive much earlier to be ahead in the queue for tickets in front of Alhambra Ticket office.
Plan your visit well and book your tickets in advance. Else you will be like one of those million tourists who come all the way to Granada and go back without seeing Palacios Nazaries in Alhambra.
Alhambra Tickets without Guide
- Getting the same day Alhambra tickets without a guide is possible but you have to be really ahead in line. Try and arrive as early as possible. Take the risk if you plan to stay in Granada for more than a day.
- Visiting the Alhambra without a guide allows you to explore the stunning palaces, gardens, and fortifications at your own pace.
- With a general ticket, you’ll have access to key sites like the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba.
- Audio guides and informational signs throughout the complex offer helpful insights, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Alhambra while crafting your own experience.
Alhambra General Ticket Information
Sights included in the entry ticket are:
- Nasrides Palace: Mexuar, Comares Palace, Lions Palace and Corridor – Lindaraja.
- Partal: portico of the palace, gardens and walks.
- Alcazaba: The Candle Tower and Garden of the Adarves.
- Generalife: gardens and palace (The court of the Main Canal, The Soultana’s Court and the water Stairway).
Timings:
Winter timings for Alhambra visit-October 15th to March 31st– Monday to Sunday-8.30 AM to 6.30 PM.
Summer timings-April 1st to October 14th-Monday to Sunday-8.30 AM to 8 PM.
Tickets mention
The date of visit to visit to the monumental complex
The time of visit to the Nasrid Palaces
Rest of the complex Alcazaba, Partal and Generalife can be visited from 8.30 AM until closing time
Alhambra General Ticket Price: 19.09 E
FAQ on Last Minute Alhambra Entry Tickets:
Here is a FAQ that will help you plan better to visit and get the tickets for Alhambra.
What does the Alhambra General ticket include?
The Alhambra General ticket includes access to the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba, and the Palace of Charles V.
What is the official site for Alhambra tickets?
The official site for Alhambra tickets is tickets.alhambra-patronato.es.
How to buy Alhambra tickets?
You can buy Alhambra tickets online through the official website or via authorized resellers or even standing in queue for same day tickets.
Do you need to book Alhambra tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance due to high demand and limited daily availability.
Can you buy Alhambra tickets on the day?
Same-day tickets are limited and not guaranteed, so it’s best to book ahead and get the Alhambra general ticket online to ensure entry.
Can timings of tickets be changed?
Plan your trip and choose your slot that suits the itinerary. Once you have chosen the timings to visit Alhambra they will not change it.
Are tickets to Alhambra cancellable?
You can cancel tickets for Alhambra before 72 hours for refund. Except 8 Euros rest is refunded. Any cancellation less than 72 hours in advance is non-refundable. If your tickets are through a trip organizer, then refund is possible only if the organizer cancels or reschedules the visit timings.
Are hard copies of Alhambra Tickets a must?
You can use QR code on your phone. Alternatively you can use the ticket machine next to ticket office.
What is the ideal Alhambra tour time?
Three hours should suffice to tour Alhambra.
When is the best time to visit Alhambra?
In my opinion take the first slot in the morning to visit Alhambra to Nasrid Palaces. For best photographs early morning visits are the best.
Is there a dress code for Alhambra?
No dress code specified. But it is advisable to wear good walking shoes, as you have to walk a lot within Alhambra complex.
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DANG! I’m so glad that you made it – what a nail-biter! Also, thank you for sharing your experience so when I make the journey to Grenada I will know to book the tickets ahead of time.
Oh my gosh, what a nail-biting experience. I’m so glad you got tickets eventually though! It always pays to research and plan in advance, but I have made assumptions about tickets in the past and been burned. You did so well to get the tickets to Alhambra by queuing!
I’m so glad you got in to see the Alhambra. I went so long ago I don’t think we had any problem with getting tickets but it’s popularity has clearly grown. I had the same nail biting experience trying to see the Last Supper in Milan and didn’t get in. It was heart wrenching. Words of wisdom, plan ahead.
I don’t have the patience for long lines. I am so glad that your perseverance paid off. It would have been really upsetting to get so close and then not see it. Great shots as well.
Oh wow I had no idea that such a long queue for tickets for Alhambra started from as early as 6am! Good tip to be prepared in buying online tickets. Glad to hear you got your tickets in the end – I can’t imagine how nailbiting those last 10 – 15 minutes would have been!!! Good travel lesson to take away.
I have been to several countries in Europe but somehow Spain has always eluded me. Of late I have been reading up a lot on Spain. Hope to make it some day. Alhambra looks so beautiful and Nisha has spoken about it a few times. Of course standing in Q is going to be a challenge. 🙁
Very nice photos!
I am so happy that I read this post about booking tickets in advance to Al Hambra instead of waiting in crazy massive queues forever. I did not know that it could get so bad! I do plan to visit Spain this summer and since it will be the peak season then, I will be sensible enough and book my tickets in advance when I am in Grenada!
I would go ballistic to stand in line and not get a ticket.. Ok maybe not ballistic, but there would be drama (and probably crocodile tears). 😀 Thanks for the heads up on that possibility, but super glad you got in.
Very helpful to know that Alhambra is not an attraction for which you can expect to buy tickets on the day. I visited once as a teenager but it was an organised tour so the tour operator handled that side. It’s somewhere I want to return to, so the advice about tickets is super helpful.
Wow Indrani! I was biting my nails too reading your story 🙂
Leaving without exploring Palacios Nazaries would’ve been a shame and I am so glad you made it 🙂
I love, love, love Spain! Good to know about how hard it is to get tickets. I had no idea that this was a thing. I’m glad you were able to get in and I’m glad you didn’t have to wait all day just to be told no. I bet you had an incredible time!
Any post about Spain makes me more excited. I just wish the visa processing get approved soon! Bookmarking this for future reference. Thanks for sharing
Wow I wouldn’t have expected this to be such a pain. Thanks for giving us a heads up!
Phew! It is great that you got the tickets. This has happened to me several times. The most recent was not being able to go to Alcatraz! I should really learn my lesson.
What a fantastic story. I could imagine us standing in line, not knowing, and Jenn being a worried mess. I am glad everything worked out for you guys and we super appreciate the heads up. The more we travel, the more we appreciate the first hand experiences of our fellow travelers.
Goodness how nerve-wrecking! 22 tickets left with 8 couples ahead of you?? I would have passed out from anxiety haha.. glad you got to go!
Ive not been to Granada yet I was hoping to go this year but other places got in the way so fingers crossed I get to visit next year. Good tip about getting tickets for the Alhambra though as it looks a lovely palace and it would be a shame to miss it on a visit.
So lucky you made the last slot- close call!
well done for making it! I hope it was worth the early start – sure we’ll find out more soon!
It’s always such a disappointment when you can’t get tickets for something you really wanted to see. I learned my lesson the hard way recently when I didn’t book tickets in advance for Neuschwanstein castle. It was a 2 days and 2 hours ahead of ticket online ticket cutoff that I didn’t know about. It pays to check through your whole itinerary for things you might be missing.
I really hate waiting in any line no matter what but sometimes it is necessary. Good thing you had a light snack with you and that you had read Rick Steeves tip in advance.
I'm not a fan of standing in lines although it is fun to watch people and take photos of those in the line. 😉
Wonderful pictures Indrani 🙂
I could feel the tension waiting to see if you got those tickets. Glad you did. Thank you so much for visiting my blog while I was away. Have a great week.
Ha! So much rush for the tickets can still ve imagined but the concept of selling limited no of tickets is kind of unimaginable. Interesting!
interesting post and pictures… 🙂
very beautiful pictures of a nice place to visit . your write up is very informative for those who wish to be there .
Point noted.
Oh the anticipation! Glad you made it to the ticket counter in time. Looking forward to read about Palacios Nazaries! 🙂
Wow, I am glad you were able to get your tickets. Good advice to plan well ahead! Have a happy week!
Glad you got the tickets…the wait in queues is the most trying time. Looking forward to the virtual tour of Palacios Nazaries with you 🙂
Phew – so glad you made it! The Alhambra is just beautiful!
Can sense the anticipation and tension in your blog…Glad you could make it. 🙂
We have unplanned tours most of the time and we have faced similar problems in many places. Glad you could get in finally…. 🙂
Understood the moral. Btw, good happens to good people 🙂
Wow you made the reading so exciting!! 🙂
One can find such long and disciplined queues in many places in Kerala state also….
In front of Kerala Beverages Corporation (IMF Liquor) outlets…!
Nothing is as irritating like going close to what we love and return back without experiencing it. Prior planning is must as you said Indrani. Good interesting post.
Great post, amazing pictures Indrani 🙂
Glad you got in 🙂
Now waiting to hear the next instalment of the story.
Wow, that was close. I can imagine the tension!
Waiting to see more beautiful pictures.
Ah, long lines are never fun!! That was one of the best things about living in Spain as long as we did!! Hope you have a great new week, Indrani!!