The Alhambra
- Address: Cuesta de Gomérez, Granada
- Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 6pm (until 8pm Mar - Oct), open late Fri and Sat evenings. Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1
- Admission: €12. Other areas of the complex have separate admission fees
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Must-Do Experience,
Monument - Historical,
Palace
The Alhambra is not only Spain’s greatest architectural treasure, but one of the world’s wonders. It might not wow you right up front like a Taj Mahal or a Great Pyramid, but soon enough that austere exterior reveals a wonderland of musical fountains, cunningly devised gardens and finely carved palaces.
Its construction was begun in the 11th century on the red hill known as Assabika, which overlooks Granada. The Alcazaba fortress was the first structure to be built, followed by the royal palace and residence of members of the court.
Latest Reviews
Review by Jonette B, USA, May 2013
Doing what: Skip the Line: Alhambra Tour and Granada Hammam
Alberto was a great guide. He was very informative. I felt we had the best tour of any of the other guides that I witnessed. After we left Alberto we were on our wn to find the Hammam. The check in was very disorganized. If you didn't speak Spanish you would not know what to do. Get to the Hamman early as people were lined up out the door when we arrived 20 minutes before our reservation time. Don't assume your Hamman visit is directly after the Alhambra tour. Ask what time they made your reservation. Our reservation was not until 6pm. After understanding what to do we had a great time.
Review by Vaaal, Singapore, May 2013
Doing what: Skip the Line: Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Half-Day Tour
The whole organization of the tour handling approximately 50 people with multiple languages were done very professionally. The whole experience was highly educational and fruitful. Our guide Antonio was so polite, passionate and detailed. He is one of the most articulate guide among my other tours. I highly recommend taking this tour rather than a self-exploratory tour in the Alhambra. Definitely worth every cent spent!
Review by Rob, May 2013
Doing what: Skip the Line: Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Half-Day Tour
Great tour and very organized when checking in. Tour lasted about 4 hours and our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the Alhambra.
Practical Info
There’s a maze of halls and courtyards inside the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba fortress, the Serrallo, the Patio of los Arrayanes (Myrtle Courtyard), the Hall of la Barca, the Salon of the Embajadores (Ambassadors Hall), the Patio de los Leones (Lions Courtyard), the Hall of the Abencerrajes, the Royal Baths and the Palace of Charles V.
Impressive as the buildings are, many find the gardens of the Alhambra the most beguiling part of their visit. The Generalife Gardens were built as a retreat for the Moorish kings of Granada and are rich with flower gardens and water features. It’s a tranquil way to end your Alhambra day.
