Overview
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications, and then largely initiated in its most famous form as a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.
The Alhambra is a prime example of Islamic architecture, its beauty widely praised in Islamic and contemporary Western literature, and it is regarded as one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the most remarkable buildings of the medieval world.
Location
Address
Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada
Neighborhood: Albaicín
Coordinates
37.176389, -3.587791
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, September-October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild
- • flowers
- • gardens
summer
hot
- • extended hours
autumn
cool
- • fall colors
winter
cold
- • holiday lights
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book ahead
- Bring ID
- Check weather
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate
- • stairs
- • uneven surfaces
Medical facilities: first aid available
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, cards
Currency
EUR
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 months
- • official website
- • 48 hours
- • available
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Alhambra Official App
Size: 75 MB
Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Real-time info
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Main areas
Charging Stations: Rest areas
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX)
Distance: 20 km
Travel Time: 25 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 1.5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Historical importance, cultural heritage
Historical Significance: Important events happened here, home of the last Muslim rulers of Spain
Insider Tips
- Free entry early morning for locals, Best food at back entrance
- Visit on a Tuesday for fewer tourists
Local Recommendations
- • Try local tapas
- • Ask for guide Maria
- • Visit nearby Albaicín for stunning views
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French, German
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Palacio de Generalife
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Wide angle
Result: Stunning views of gardens and fountains
Patio de los Leones
Best Time: Morning
Tips: Low angle
Result: Iconic lion statue fountain
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Albaicín
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Historical Neighborhood
Sacromonte
Distance: 1km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Cultural Area
Granada Cathedral
Distance: 1.2km
Walking: 18 min
Type: Religious Site
Reviews
Based on 25,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book online"
- "Visit early"
- "Great views"
- "Comfortable shoes recommended"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Granada Day Trip with Alhambra and Albaicin Tour from Seville
Granada Alhambra or Free Tour from Malaga
Granada: Alhambra Guided Tour including Nasrid Palaces
Alhambra with Nazaries Palaces Private Tour
Granada Day Trip: Alhambra & Nazaries Palaces from Seville
Alhambra, Generalife & Nasrid Palaces Guided Tour in Granada
Alhambra: Night Visit to Nasrid Palaces
Excursion for cruisers from Motril to Alhambra de Granada
Guided tour to La Alhambra and Granada from the Costa del Sol
Granada: Alhambra Guided Tour with Nasrid, Generalife & Alcazaba
Granada Tour with Alhambra and Generalife Gardens from Seville
Private Tour of the Alhambra of Granada
Skip the Line Alhambra Guided Tour
Tickets included: Alhambra (Gardens)
Alhambra Visit with Private Official Guide in Granada
Private Tour Alhambra and the Generalife in Granada with tickets
Alhambra and Granada Private Tour from Marbella, Malaga and port
Private Multiday: Cordoba,Granada, Alhambra & Seville from Malaga
Alhambra in Granada Private Tour
Private Granada Day Trip including Alhambra and Generalife from Seville
Travel Seville to Granada with Entrance to the Private Alhambra
Private walking tour of Alhambra and Granada City Center
Madrid: Private Tour Discover Granada and La Alhambra
Private Shore Excursion to The Alhambra and Granada from Motril Cruise Port
Quick Info
Available Tours
225
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
25,000
Adult Entry
€14