• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • About
  • World Map
  • Work With Us
  • Disclosure/Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Budget Travel Talk

Road Trips Caravan Camping Australia

  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • Destinations
    • Australia Travel Blog
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
        • Cairns
        • Sunshine Coast
        • Townsville
      • Tasmania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Americas
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Europe
      • Bosnia and Hercegovina
      • Croatia
      • Italy
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
    • Africa
      • Morocco
    • New Zealand / Pacific
  • Journey
    • Road Trips
    • Trains
    • Boat Trips
  • Travel Tips
    • Reviews
    • Destination Guides
    • Itineraries
    • Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Travel Resources
    • Budget Tips
    • Buying Guides
    • Interviews
  • Accommodation
    • Airbnb
    • Caravan Parks
    • Free Camping
    • Hotels
    • Housesitting
  • Experience
    • Food to Love
    • Festivals
    • Markets
    • Palaces and Castles
    • Ruins
    • Short Walks
    • Street Art
    • Bike Rides
  • Search
  • Home
  • Our Blog
  • Destinations
    • Australia Travel Blog
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
        • Cairns
        • Sunshine Coast
        • Townsville
      • Tasmania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Americas
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Europe
      • Bosnia and Hercegovina
      • Croatia
      • Italy
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
    • Africa
      • Morocco
    • New Zealand / Pacific
  • Journey
    • Road Trips
    • Trains
    • Boat Trips
  • Travel Tips
    • Reviews
    • Destination Guides
    • Itineraries
    • Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Travel Resources
    • Budget Tips
    • Buying Guides
    • Interviews
  • Accommodation
    • Airbnb
    • Caravan Parks
    • Free Camping
    • Hotels
    • Housesitting
  • Experience
    • Food to Love
    • Festivals
    • Markets
    • Palaces and Castles
    • Ruins
    • Short Walks
    • Street Art
    • Bike Rides
  • Search
La Alhambra Palace on a Hill

Buy Tickets for Alhambra the must see in Granada Spain 2021

June 27, 2021 By Jan Robinson 23 Comments

This post may contain compensated links. We may earn a small percentage if you book through a compensated link, but it won’t cost you any more by doing so. You can read our full disclaimer here.


What You Will Find in This Post

  • Updated June 2021
  • Following a Three Month Covid 19 shut down The Alhambra is now open (29th June 2020) and welcoming visitors
  • Why you should buy Alhambra Tickets on Line with Get Your Guide
  • How to buy Tickets for Alhambra on Line with Get Your Guide
    • Step 1
    • Step 2
    • Step 3
      • Check the Details.
    • Step 4
  • Why visit Alhambra Spain?
  • The Nasrid Palaces at Alhambra Palace Spain
    • Nasrid Palace Alhambra History
    • Where are the Nasrid Palaces?
  • Things to See in the Nasrid Palaces
    • The Mexuar
    • Comares Palace – Yusef I Palace
      • Comares Tower
    • The Palace of the Lions or Palace of Mohammed V
    • The Court of the Lions
      • How are the Alhambra Carvings Done?
    • Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles)
    • Hall of the Two Sisters
    • Daraxa’s Garden and Fountain
  • Things to know about visiting the Alhambra
    • More from my site

Updated June 2021

Following a Three Month Covid 19 shut down The Alhambra is now open (29th June 2020) and welcoming visitors

The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see in Granada Spain and this post explains how to visit Alhambra and how to buy tickets for Alhambra.

Having waited for this moment for months, I was super excited, even nervous approaching the gates of La Alhambra. If we knew back then what we know now, we would definitely buy tickets for Alhambra on line with Get Your Guide and save ourselves a lot of uncertainty.

Busy times like the Winter holiday period and Easter require booking up to 3 months in advance and this was indeed what we had to do. There are strictly adhered to times for visit to the palaces and they are clearly shown on your ticket.

 

Why you should buy Alhambra Tickets on Line with Get Your Guide

  • Mobile Ticketing. With Get Your Guide you can show your ticket on your smart phone or print a paper ticket.
  • Research and choose from a variety of tours at your leisure.
  • Experienced Guides. Your Alhambra visit will be influenced greatly by your guide. GYG Alhambra Tours use respected and loved Andalucia Travel Experience guides.
  • Skip The Line. Avoid the crush and confusion of the main entrance with your GYG Alhambra Tour Guide, who will take you through a different entrance.
  • Local knowledge and insights.
  • Be guided through the Nasrid Palace, Generalife Gardens and Alcazabar. These are one time entry.
  • Access to all un-ticketed areas of the complex after the tour ends.

 

Buy your Alhambra Tickets here through Get Your Guide.

 

Confusion and Chaos at the Main Entrance Alhambra

On arrival at the Alhambra there was a confusion of excited people in queues.

How to buy Tickets for Alhambra on Line with Get Your Guide

If you are not sure about buying tickets on line with Get Your Guide, I’ve compiled an easy 4 Step Guide to help you.

Step 1

Where are you going? Alhambra Granada

Check Language – I chose English

Change to Currency you wish to use – I chose AUD$

Add the Date you want to visit – I chose Jun 30th.

Check Availability.

If no tours are available for that date, try your next choice and so on.

Buying Tickets for Alhambra How To

Step 2

Choose your Tour.

I like the First Tour – Granada: Alhambra Ticket and Guided Tour with Nasrid Palaces.

This Tour is a GYG Originals Tour, which means amongst other things:

  • Complimentary re-scheduling if you’re late or plans change.
  • Full Refund if you’re not completely satisfied after taking the tour.


Choose Your Alhambra Tour Guide

Step 3

Click on the Tour and this screen appears.

Click on and read about Free Cancellation and Covid 19 Safety (Bring and Wear Mask).

Step 3 Alhambra Ticket on Line

Check the Details.

  • How Many People.
  • Date.
  • Language.
  • Shared Tour up to 20 People.
  • Starting Time 10 am – Depending on daily bookings you may have a choice of times.
  • Although it says Non-Refundable (at the top left).
  • You can cancel 2 days beforehand (at bottom left).
  • Check Availability

Step 4 of buying an Alhambra Ticket on Line

Step 4

Add to Cart.

 

Why visit Alhambra Spain?

“….overlooking Granada, Spain. Built by Moorish Kings in the 12th and 13th centuries.  The Alhambra is the finest example of Moorish architecture in Spain” as defined by Wikipedia.

Alhambra Nasrid Palace plaster carvings

Why exactly is Alhambra a must see in Granada?

In 2007, the Alhambra beat over 9000 candidates to become one of so-called Twelve Treasures of Spain.

It is one of two top monuments visited in Spain, the other being Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Barcelona receives far more incidental visitors than Granada.

However, they are both stunning monuments and cannot be compared. Definitely see both if you can.

The Views from the Alhambra of the City, Albaycin and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are stunning.

To see beautiful original tile work and intricate plasterwork carvings from the 14th Century, together with the water channels and pools so necessary in the every day life of the Moors.

 Close up of hand carving seen throughout the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra. 

Intricate carvings Nasrid Palace Alhambra

The Moors or Berbers reigned the Iberian Peninsula for 800 years and the palaces are a monument to the influence they had on Medieval Europe’s art and culture.

There are no treasures displayed on the walls – the amazing walls themselves are the treasure.

While Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Alhambra is an Islamic (Moorish) Palace and totally unlike other palaces in Europe.

The Alhambra Spain, is a little slice of Northern Africa in Europe, which is a compelling reason to visit.

 

The Nasrid Palaces at Alhambra Palace Spain

The Nasrid Palaces Alhambra are the most sought after attraction in the Alhambra, consisting of twenty-four halls, courts and gardens.

Apart from the Nasrid Palaces the Alhambra comprises the Alcazabar (fortress) and the Generalife (water garden) which are covered in future posts.

Nasrid Palace Alhambra History

The founder of the 800 year old Nasrid dynasty in Spain, Alhama commenced building the palaces in the thirteenth century, but what you see today, dates from the fourteenth century.

Where are the Nasrid Palaces?

The Nasrid Palaces are contained within the Alhambra fortress or citadel, perched atop al-Sabika hill, above the banks of the Darro river, smack bang in the middle of Granada. 

Looking up to see flags flying on the La Alhambra while strolling beside the Cafes and Shops on beside the Darro River is enticing.


La Alhambra in a different mood - flags fluttering.

 

Things to See in the Nasrid Palaces

The Mexuar

Carved features on the ceiling above supporting posts in the Mexuar

The carved ceiling and intricate details of the Mexuar ceiling. The entrance point of the three palaces

The Sultan and his advisors sat in the Mexuar which then as now was a public reception hall. It was where the people from the valley below came to seek an audience to air grievances.

Not meant for Royalty, it was quite a plain room originally. In the 16th/17th Century it was altered to house architects building the first renaissance building outside of Italy – the Palace of Carlos Quinto. 

Although the Mexuar building today doesn’t reflect it’s original purpose it is quite fascinating.

Looking up to Ballustrade Mexuar Alhambra

Looking up and inside the Mexuar, La Alhambra

 

Comares Palace – Yusef I Palace

The entrance to the Nasrid Palaces are through the Mexuar and the Oratory (behind the Mexuar). An historical place of worship, the Oratory was rebuilt in 1917 after an explosion from the Darro Valley in 1590 majorly damaged it.

Yusuf I destroyed the existing palace buildings leaving only the Mexuar. Mohammed V came along and improved the Baths, The Court of the Myrtles and Comares Tower, connecting them to the Mexuar while adding the Palace of the Lions.

Comares Tower

Comares tower is the tallest in the Alhambra and houses the Hall of Ambassadors and Hall of Boats. The magestic Hall of Ambassadors is where the Throne was. It’s walls are covered in poems praising God, or the Muslim Emir (governor) with written texts from the Koran.

Interestingly Comares Tower is said to be where Christopher Columbus was given permission from the Catholic Monarchs to undertake his Indies Expeditions. 

 

The Palace of the Lions or Palace of Mohammed V

The Nasrid Palaces whilst protected by strong functional fortress walls, contain delicate ornamental carvings on internal walls and ceilings.

This beauty is seen at it’s best in The Palace of the Lions and Mohammed V is the one responsible. He took over where his father Yusuf I left off, building the royual residence known as the Palace of the Lions. He positioned it adjoining the Baths and the Court of the Myrtles.

Inevitable crowds do not detract from the beauty of these rooms.  Look up away from the crowds and let your imagination soar.

Water trickles in channels, provides reflections in ponds, and sprays from the fountains throughout the whole complex, representing purity of soul. 

Channelled from the Darro River below and water was necessary for sustaining life and valued for the pleasure it gave these people from the desert lands of Northern Africa.

The Court of the Lions

The Fountain of the Lions was returned after cleaning just in time for our visit. Although the whole area was yet to start working again we were thankful to be able to see them in all their brilliance.

The fountain consists of a central basin supported by 12 white marble lions whose mouths form the water jets of the fountain. 

The return of the Alhambra lions to the Patio of the Lions

How are the Alhambra Carvings Done?

The craftsman applies a gypsum based mortar to the surface carving his individual designs while the mortar is still wet.

A variety of craftsmen were used.

 

Alhambra Palace Archways

Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles)

Alhambra Court of the Myrtles

Large gold fish inhabit the pond in the 34 metre long Patio of the Myrtles.  The Myrtles that line the pond lend their name to the Patio which lies west of the Patio of the Lions. Can you imagine the beautiful scent when the bushes flower?

Notice the marble slabs paving of the Court below.

The arches in the Nasrid Palaces of th Alhambra fascinated me.

 

Hall of the Two Sisters

Is the Hall of the Two Sisters named after two princesses? 

No – the two sisters are in fact twin marble flagstones that make up the floor. 

Water from the Fountain of the Lions flows into the Hall via an exposed channel. 

The elaborate walls and ceiling of the hall are incredible.  Notice how the high windows flood light onto the flower like carving.

Flower like carving on the high ceiling – Hall of the Two Sisters

Hall of the two sisters - Palace of the Lions - La Alhambra

Daraxa’s Garden and Fountain

Alhambra Palace Courtyard Fountain

This garden also known as the Garden of the Orange Trees and Garden of the Marbles, is north of Daraxa’s Mirador (viewpoint) and the Hall of the Two Sisters.

I am a lover of Cloisters and although this is definitely not one, it does look remarkably like one with it’s arcaded galleries on the ground floor. They were made from bits and pieces found around the Alhambra. The garden still has Orange Trees, Box Bushes trimmed into hedges and tall Cypress and Acacia trees.

And look at that beautiful big centrepiece basin in the marble fountain. Having a central fountain within a walled Courtyard is so Moroccan in character.

The basin was previously in the Patio of the Gilded Room. That Patio, between the Mexuar and the Gilded Room, now has a replica basin.

 

Things to know about visiting the Alhambra

The palaces are 800 metres from the ticket office. If you don’t have a guide take this into consideration. The half hour time slot for viewing the Nasrid Palaces, is allocated on your ticket, and is strictly adhered to. 

The Alcabazar fortress or citadel is a once only entry and if you try to enter too close to the time of your Nasrid Palace time slot, the attendant will suggest you visit it after your palace visit so you will not be rushed. Your guide they will advise you.

Night sessions are also available see opening hours.  Night time tickets are for 1.5 hours only from 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. depending on season, and are only for the Palaces or the Generalife, not both.  Many people do this as an extra to their day time experience, as the lighting adds another perspective.

Not Wheelchair Friendly.

Must Bring Your Actual Passport or Photo ID Card on the Day, not a copy on your phone. 

 

Granada is one of my favourite places in the world and we adored the Albaicyn, Tapas, and the cooling Sierra Nevada breezes, but there is no doubt that La Alhambra is the jewel in Granada’s crown.

More from my site

  • Best Off-Leash Areas TownsvilleBest Off-Leash Areas Townsville
  • Marrakech to the Dunes of Erg Chebbi – Argan Oil and Mountains (Part 2)Marrakech to the Dunes of Erg Chebbi – Argan Oil and Mountains (Part 2)
  • The sights of Istanbul from the Kadikoy FerryThe sights of Istanbul from the Kadikoy Ferry
  • Views from the Alhambra in Granada SpainViews from the Alhambra in Granada Spain
  • Be happy at Torii Gates Fushimi Inari Shrine KyotoBe happy at Torii Gates Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto
  • Train Stations I have known.Train Stations I have known.

Filed Under: Palaces and Castles, Spain

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

Previous Post: «Tobruk Baths and Kiosk Cool off at the Tobruk Pool Townsville
Next Post: Coolum Picnic Spots Sunshine Coast Picnic Table at Whale Watching Platform Coolum Beach Picnic Spot»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary @ The World Is A Book

    October 4, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    Gorgeous photos! I’ve always loved looking at any of the Alhambra’s photos. It’s is just an architectural masterpiece and I’ve been dying to see it. Thanks for the virtual tour for now.

    Reply
  2. Johanna @ The Zigazag Mag

    October 4, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    Wonderful post, Jan! Loved the pics and it brought back so many memories for me, as I visited in 1979 with my parents. I can remember that large 17m pool so well, and taking my own pic!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 5, 2012 at 8:51 am

      Hi Johanna, I learned quite a lot about the Alhambra whilst researching this post. I think it would be good to go back and look at things with new eyes. Jan

      Reply
  3. jenny@atasteoftravel

    October 4, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    You have captured these palaces beautifully Jan. It makes we want to go back to Spain …and the mention of tapas!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 5, 2012 at 8:49 am

      Thanks Jenny, I too want to return to Spain. Rick Stein is not helping either. If only I would wake up multi-lingual.

      Reply
  4. Lisa

    October 5, 2012 at 3:12 am

    Your pics are beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Alhambra – hopefully we’ll get there soon. My younger daughter would love the Fountain of the Lions!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 5, 2012 at 8:46 am

      Thanks Lisa, I have loved revisiting the Alhambra – looking through all our photos. It was hard to choose just a few. Those lions are amazing.
      Jan

      Reply
  5. Lisa Wood

    October 5, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    Incredible photos – what gets me is how much labour must have gone into each building. Yet they dont make places like that anymore – something that can stand the test of time.
    Its history behind the building of the Palace would be just as incredible as touring it. Thanks for sharing your time at the Citadel Palace Hill

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 6, 2012 at 9:12 am

      Thanks Lisa, I have put off doing this post because it seemed impossible to do the palaces justice. But then I just did it, lol. Jan

      Reply
  6. Leigh

    October 5, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    I was there last year and still marvel at the detail and the ingenuity in building the palaces. I love how they look at night too.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 6, 2012 at 9:00 am

      Hi Leigh, Did you go up for the night sessions at the palaces? Jan

      Reply
  7. Cathy Sweeney

    October 6, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    I’m so amazed by the beautifully intricate designs at La Alhambra. Your photos show it off well. The goldfish in that pond really are huge. I’ve never seen them so big!

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 6, 2012 at 10:30 pm

      Hi Cathy, I am going to do a post that is all designs at La Alhambra. Obviously the gold fish don’t mind the green of the pool! Jan

      Reply
  8. Michele @ Malaysian Meanders

    October 9, 2012 at 11:56 am

    That carving is absolutely amazing. I had heard of this place but didn’t know what it looked like. Now that I know, I will definitely plan ahead (not my usual style) and get tickets months beforehand if I’m headed to Granada.

    Reply
    • Jan

      October 9, 2012 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Michele, Yes planning ahead is hard because you don’t even know what the weather will be like on the day, but we tend to be lucky with things like that. I plan on doing more posts on the Alhambra, showing the rest of the complex. I really like Granada. Thanks for commenting. Jan

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 2012 Fun While it Lasted | BUDGET TRAVEL TALK says:
    December 24, 2012 at 8:04 am

    […] be dangling slightly off ground.  But I don’t feel guilty.  Who would not be seduced by La Alhambra‘s Moorish architecture; the ancient Islamic Baths beside the Darro; the Sunshine and Cool […]

    Reply
  2. Budget Experience - Madrid's Retiro Park says:
    February 21, 2013 at 11:37 am

    […] designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco who honed his skills working on renovations of the illustrious ALHAMBRA of Granada and MEZQUITA of […]

    Reply
  3. Fantastic Friday Spring Time in Granada Spain says:
    March 22, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    […] dazzling geraniums that splash themselves shamelessly against the white washed walls of the ALBAICIN.  The old Jewish quarter on the […]

    Reply
  4. Labour Day - Moclin Gorge Style says:
    January 29, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    […] was not called the Shield of Granada without reason. There was/is a direct line of sight from The Alhambra on al-Sabika hill in Granada to the castle fortification at Moclin, which stands at over 3000 ft […]

    Reply
  5. Exploring the Elements or a Photography Challenge says:
    March 13, 2015 at 7:15 am

    […] Kings and they built their Palaces atop the al-Sabika (hill) above the Darro River in Granada – The Alhambra.  The Generalife or Architect’s Garden, forms part of the Alhambra complex and can be viewed […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Australia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Townsville Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Bosnia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Cambodia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Canada Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Croatia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Italy Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Laos Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Montenegro Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Morocco Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to New Zealand Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Slovenia Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Spain Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Turkey Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to the United States of America Budget Travel Talk's posts relating to Vietnam

Pinterest

Visit Budgettraveltalk's profile on Pinterest.

Top Australian and New Zealand Blogger for 2017

Im-a-Top-Australian-and-New-Zealand-Travel-Blogger-for-2017-Medium-Rectangle-300x250px (1)

Mature Bloggers Australia

Mature Bloggers Australia

Footer

Most Popular Posts

Whitsundays on a Budget – How to Get to Whitehaven Beach

Romantic Things for Couples to do in Rome including Valentines Day

Things to Do in Huskisson and Jervis Bay

Hobart to Bruny Island: Tours from Hobart or Self Drive Bruny Island?

Ferry to Eyup Istanbul for Pierre Loti views and Eyup Sultan Istanbul Mosque 2018

About Jan & Marty

We are Jan and Marty and we love travel.

The best thing about being in our 60’s is that our travel budget is flexible, allowing us to enjoy great experiences, good food and fun people. As with most things in life, it’s all about priorities.

Copyright © 2022 Budget Travel Talk - Journey. Destination. Experience.