This blog post was originally posted on January 17, 2018, and was updated on April 16, 2019.
With more than 6,000 daily visitors from all over the world, the Alhambra is the most popular attraction in a country full of incredible sights.
This also means that planning your visit requires some prior thought and preparation. As of November 2017, you can no longer purchase same-day tickets at the Alhambra ticket office itself, so prior planning is even more essential. If you’re not sure where to buy Alhambra tickets, you have a few different options. Read on to find out which would be the most convenient for you!
What does the visit include?
Your ticket to the Alhambra grants you entrance to the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife. Because the Nasrid Palaces are the most popular part of the entire monument, you’ll have to select an entrance time when purchasing your ticket. Read our tips about when to visit the Alhambra to help you decide on an ideal time.
1. Buy tickets online
If you’re wondering where to buy Alhambra tickets in the easiest and most convenient way, you can simply purchase them on the official Alhambra tickets website. This option gives you the most flexibility, as you can purchase tickets anywhere from three months before your visit up until just two hours before. However, we don’t recommend waiting this long if you want to visit the Nasrid Palaces, as they’ll likely be sold out. When buying your ticket, you’ll be able to see a full schedule of available dates and times.
2. Buy tickets over the phone
If your phone plan allows you to make international calls to Spain, you can purchase Alhambra tickets over the phone by calling (+34) 858 953 616. Again, this option allows for purchases from three months and up to two hours before your visit. You will be able to choose your time of entry to the Nasrid Palaces. When you arrive at the Alhambra, simply print your tickets from one of the machines near the entrance by entering your reservation number.
3. Reserve a guided tour
If you know where to buy Alhambra tickets but prefer the structure of a guided tour, this is a great option. Tickets come included with tour reservations and you’ll be able to learn all about this incredible monument as you make your way through it.
4. Buy the Granada Card
The Granada Card is a tourist pass that gives you free entrance to some of Granada’s most iconic sights, including the Alhambra. This is a fantastic option that allows you to really get to know the city, as well as save up to 30 percent compared to buying tickets to each attraction individually. You have the option to buy either a 3-day pass or a 5-day pass and can purchase each online.
Why can we not buy tickets for all our family of 10 adults and 1 child to visit the Alhambra together? We will be staying some distance away and want to just spend one day travelling to Granada. We would willingly pay for a Private Guided Tour.
The Alhambra limits ticket purchases to 10 per month per person. If you’d like to buy tickets on their official website, https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/, we’d recommend that you sit down with another family member and purchase the tickets using two different cards simultaneously.
For guided tours, the Alhambra offers some official ones here: https://www.alhambra.org/en/alhambra-tours.html or there are many different options offered online.
Enjoy it!!
I am in Granada and it’s end of October (low season). No tickets available for 6 straight weeks and all tours are full. I am willing to pay 100 Euros per ticket for 2 tickets but nothing…. Very frustrating.
Hi MJ—we’re sorry to hear that you’re not finding availability at the Alhambra. Here are some alternative options for when tickets are sold out: https://spanishsabores.com/2018/05/08/alhambra-is-sold-out/
Best of luck and enjoy Granada!