Quick Answer
The cost of an Alhambra entrance ticket varies depending on several factors like the type of ticket, discounts available, time of visit, etc. The standard adult entry ticket during the daytime costs €14 while the nighttime ticket costs €8. There are discounted tickets for youth (ages 14-17) for €8 and €6 respectively. Children under 14 enter for free. There are also multi-visit tickets available if you want to see the Alhambra complex over 2 or 3 days. Tickets can sell out fast, so it’s advisable to book them well in advance.
Admission Ticket Types and Prices
The Alhambra offers different types of entrance tickets. Here is an overview of the ticket options and prices:
Ticket Type | Daytime Price | Nighttime Price |
---|---|---|
General Adult | €14 | €8 |
Youth (14-17 years) | €8 | €6 |
Multi-Day (3 days) | €18 | N/A |
Multi-Day (2 days) | €16 | N/A |
– General Adult: This ticket is for visitors aged 18 and above. It provides one-time daytime or nighttime access.
– Youth: Discounted ticket for visitors between 14-17 years old. Proof of age may be requested.
– Multi-Day: These tickets allow you to visit the Alhambra over 2 or 3 days. Only valid for daytime visits.
– Children under 14 enter for free but must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
When to Visit
The Alhambra is open during the daytime from 8:30 am to 6 pm during winter (November 1 to March 31) and 8:30 am to 8 pm during summer (April 1 to October 31).
Night tours are available Tuesday to Saturday from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. These tickets provide access to the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens only.
Keep in mind that the Alhambra often reaches its maximum capacity during the daytime, especially in summer and other peak tourist seasons. Purchasing tickets well in advance is highly recommended to secure a time slot.
For night tours, tickets are limited and tend to sell out quickly. Booking as early as possible is advised.
How to Get Discounted Tickets
There are some ways to get discounted Alhambra tickets:
– Youth Tickets: Visitors between 14-17 can purchase reduced-price youth tickets. Valid ID proving age is required.
– Free Child Entry: Children under 14 get free admission but must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
– Large Group Discounts: Groups of 20 people or more qualify for discounted tickets. A 20% discount applies to adult tickets and a 50% discount for youth tickets.
– Bono Turístico: This tourist pass for €40 provides admission to over 20 sites in Granada, including a 50% discount on the Alhambra daytime ticket.
– Arte y Naturaleza Card: This €18 card allows free entry to several natural areas and monuments around Granada. It provides a €3 discount on the Alhambra daytime adult ticket.
– Private Guided Tour Discounts: Booking a private 2-hour guided tour allows up to 5 people to enter for €59 total instead of €70.
– Disabled Visitors Discounts: People with disabilities qualify for reduced admission tickets. Proper documentation must be presented.
Buying Tickets in Advance
Alhambra tickets often sell out weeks or months in advance. Here are some tips for booking ahead:
– Purchase tickets directly through the official Alhambra website. This is the only guaranteed way to secure genuine tickets.
– Check ticket availability for your desired date as far in advance as possible. Tickets can be booked up to 3 months ahead.
– Only a limited number of tickets are sold each day during peak seasons. Try being flexible with your date to increase chances of availability.
– Free child tickets must also be reserved in advance along with adult tickets.
– Print your tickets or have the e-ticket ready on your phone. Tickets contain a barcode for scanning at the entrance gate.
– Double check your reservation details and the entrance time printed on the ticket. Time on the ticket is your 1-hour window for entering the complex.
Ticket Collection
Printed tickets can be collected at vending machines on-site. e-Tickets can be presented on a mobile device. Here are the ticket collection details:
– Printed Tickets: Collect tickets at least 30 minutes before your allotted time slot from machines located outside the Alhambra complex. You’ll need the credit card used for booking.
– e-Tickets: Download e-tickets to your phone and open them when prompted by the scanning system at the entrance gate. Data connectivity (3G/4G/5G/WiFi) is required.
– ID Check: Valid photo ID is required at ticket collection and must match the name on the ticket reservations.
Getting to the Alhambra
The Alhambra complex is located on top of the Sabika hill in the city of Granada. Here are some recommendations for getting there:
– Walking: It’s a 30-40 minute uphill walk from Plaza Nueva in central Granada. Follow the Cuesta de Gomerez pathway. Wear comfortable shoes.
– Bus: Take minibus C3 from the city center to the Alhambra. It stops right outside the entrance.
– Taxi: A taxi from downtown Granada to the Alhambra takes about 10 minutes. Ask the driver to leave you at the main gate.
– Driving: Several parking lots are available near the Alhambra. Be prepared to walk uphill from your parking spot.
– Guided Tour Bus: Many tours include direct bus transportation to the Alhambra as part of the package.
Give yourself plenty of time to go through security checkpoints when entering the site. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time.
Inside the Alhambra
A standard Alhambra ticket grants access to the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and the site’s museums. Here are some tips for seeing the highlights:
– Follow the recommended route marked on the free map you’ll receive with your ticket. This ensures you see all sections.
– The Nasrid Palaces are the main highlight. Be sure to see the Courtyard of the Lions and Hall of the Two Sisters.
– Wander through the beautiful Generalife Gardens and its water features.
– Visit the Alhambra Museum inside the Palace of Charles V to see artifacts from the site.
– photography is allowed but no tripods, selfie sticks, or flash photography.
– Once inside, you can stay until closing time. Make sure to leave ample time to see everything at your own pace.
– There are only bathrooms at the entrance/exit, so use them before starting your visit!
Top Tips for Visiting
To make the most of your Alhambra visit, here are some helpful tips:
– Book tickets as far ahead as possible – up to 3 months – for the best availability.
– Arrive at the complex at least 30 minutes before your ticket window to collect tickets and go through security.
– Wear comfortable shoes and bring water – there’s lots of walking!
– Follow the recommended route on the map but feel free to wander if you have time.
– Book a guided tour for in-depth insight about the site that self-guided visits can miss.
– Don’t bring large bags, selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography equipment, which are prohibited.
– Consider seeing the Alhambra by day and by night to appreciate the different atmospheres.
– Nearby districts like the Albayzín are also worth exploring to make a full day of your visit.
Conclusion
Visiting the magnificent Alhambra in Granada, Spain makes for an unforgettable and breathtaking experience. Standard ticket prices range from €8 for night visits up to €14 for daytime access, with discounts available for youths and children. Visiting during off-peak months and days, buying multi-day passes, or booking guided tours can also offer some savings. Due to high demand, reserving tickets well in advance – up to 3 months ahead – is a must. Following the tips provided, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site!