Tips: Be sure to buy tickets in advance. It’s recommended to book at least 2 months ahead during peak seasons; on-site ticket availability is limited. Unlucky visitors might miss out, as daily entries are restricted.
Attention: Remember to bring your passport; it’s linked to your ticket! Keep your ticket safe as it needs to be scanned again for entry into the Nasrid Palaces and the rear gardens. Most Spanish attractions don’t allow tour guides; official guides within the site are available at a higher cost. It’s advisable to book them in advance, and renting a Chinese audio guide is recommended. If asked about the most worthwhile cultural architecture in Spain, I would undoubtedly choose the Alhambra. [Star emoji][Star emoji][Star emoji][Star emoji][Star emoji] Hugo once described it: “No city, like Granada, spreads under the bright sky with such elegance, smiles, and shimmering oriental charm.”
Visiting Tips: Except for the Sultan’s Chamber Palacios Nazaríes, which requires punctual entry, other parts, including the Alcazaba fortress, Generalife rear gardens, and the Palacio de Carlos V museum, can be visited freely within the daily opening hours. The entire Alhambra tour takes about 4 hours, and you can start with the other three places and finish with Palacios Nazaríes. Although it’s vast, following the signs in order makes the tour straightforward.
The Alhambra is divided into four main parts:
1. Nasrid Palaces: Visits are limited daily, so buy tickets in advance and enter according to the reservation time. You can queue up ten minutes before the scheduled time. If you miss the time, they won’t let you in. Inside the Nasrid Palaces, there are four main courtyards: the Court of the Myrtles, the Lion Court, the Patio de la Reja, and the Daraxa’s Court.
2. Generalife Gardens: It feels like falling into Alice’s Wonderland.
3. Palacio de Carlos V: Built by King Charles V of Spain. It is said that Charles V disliked Arabic architecture, so he constructed it in a Renaissance style, similar to a European arena. It is divided into two floors, and around noon, when the sun shines on the circular center, the view from the second floor is fantastic.
4. Alcazaba Fortress: This was a military fortress and the oldest part of the Alhambra. Now it’s mostly ruins, with a few fortresses and towers remaining. After climbing the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Granada.
Where is the best angle to capture the Alhambra? Located in the Albaicín district, the Saint Nicholas viewpoint during sunset. It gets crowded, so go early to secure a favorable position.