Things to do in Granada

Choose which of the Alhambra entrances is right for you

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Granada in Southern Spain is a charming city. It sprawls along the Genil River and the Sierra Nevada mountains. On one side, churches, tapas bars, street stalls, Arab quarters, and graffiti art reflect the energy of the city. But it is the Alhambra Palace that holds the glory of the Islamic architecture, adding to Granada’s charm. Perched on top of the hill al-Sabika, miles of walls surround the 26 acres palace complex.

Before you plan a visit, here's all you need to know about the Alhambra entrances. This article details the Alhambra entrances, the best time to visit, Alhambra timings, tips and more.

Alhambra Entrances | Quick Guide


Depending on the experience you are looking for, there are two Alhambra entrances to choose from; Pavilion Main Entrance and The Gate of Justice. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the entrances.

Pavilion Main Entrance

This entrance, located on the far east of the Alhambra, is for visitors who don't have a ticket or need to collect their QR code-based tickets.

Head to the ticket office located in the Access Pavilion, a short distance from the Pavilion Main entrance. This entrance is nearest to the Generalife Gardens. Once you enter through the Pavilion Main Entrance, you will have access to the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife.

Tickets sell out fast as there is a restriction on the number of visitors per day. During peak times like weekends and holidays, it is advisable to arrive earlier at the ticket office as there can be long ticketing queues. There is a spacious car park near the Pavilion main entrance for those coming via their own vehicle.

Alhambra Palace
Alhambra - Granada

The Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia)

The Gate of Justice entrance is for visitors who already have a QR barcoded ticket. There is no ticket office located at this gate. The Gate of Justice usually has shorter queues as compared to the Pavilion Main Entrance. The Alcazaba, Palace of Charles V, and Nasrid Palaces are closest to this entrance. Since there is no parking near the entrance, you can take the bus to reach this entrance. This entrance is closer to the old town.

Which Alhambra entrance should I choose?


If you have already purchased your Alhambra Palace entrance ticket online, make sure to check it has a QR barcode. If not, then collect your QR barcoded tickets from the ticket counter at the Access Pavilion. In that case, the Pavilion Main Entrance is the best way to access the monument.

That said, if you’ve not purchased your tickets beforehand, the ticketing queues at this entrance can be serpentine during peak seasons. It’s best recommended to buy your Alhambra tickets online in advance to save yourself time, money & energy.

All online Alhambra Palace entrance tickets give you skip-the-ticket-line access to the monument from the Gate of Justice Entrance. These lines are much shorter and move faster, helping you save so much more time.

Alhambra Entrance Fees


The Alhambra Palace is open for visitors between October 15th - March 31st and April 1st - October 14th. The Alhambra Palace entrance tickets give you access to Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and Gardens (all these areas are included).

The Alhambra entrance fee begins at 14€ for adults and 8€ for children aged 12-15 years. Children under 12 enjoy free admission. Persons from the EU aged over 65 years, holders of the Youth Card and people with a disability get discounted tickets.

The Alhambra entrance fee for a night visit to the Nasrid Palace begins at 8€. A night visit to Generalife and gardens begin at 5€.

Here's everything you need to know before signing up for an Alhambra Palace guided tour

Getting To Alhambra Entrance


You can get access to the Alhambra grounds by any one of the following ways.

By Car:

If you want to drive to the Alhambra Palace, you’ll have to get to the ring road of Granada towards Motril (south). Follow the signs in the direction of Alhambra (Ronda Sur). The car park is located near the Access Pavilion.

By Bus:

Bus numbers C30, C32, and C35 stop outside the Access Pavilion entrance in Alhambra.

By Foot:

To get to Alhambra Palace, depending on your nearest location, you can get there by taking Street Cuesta Gomérez, Street Cuesta del Realejo or Street Cuesta del Rey Chico.

Alhambra Inside
Alhambra Tours

Visiting the attraction from the inside

Learn more about why a visit to the Alhambra isn't enough- a tour of the interiors is just as important!

Quick tips for your Alhambra visit


  • Backpacks bigger than 40 x 40 cm aren’t allowed inside the monumental area.
  • Prams aren't allowed inside the Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife. There are special areas for them.
  • Selfie sticks, flash photography and camera tripods aren't allowed inside Nasrid Palace and closed areas.
  • Food and beverages are allowed only in certain areas.
  • Wheelchairs can be rented from the Entrance Pavilion.
  • You can access the Nasrid Palace only at the time indicated on your ticket.
  • Lockers are available at the Access Pavilion and the Building next to the Puerta del Vino.
  • Make sure to book your Alhambra tickets in advance, as the entry to Nasrid Palaces can sell out fast.
  • If you want one of the best views of the Alhambra, head to the viewpoint at Albaicin, the oldest neighbourhood of Granada.

FAQ’s


Have all your Alhambra Palace FAQs answered and plan your visit with zero hassles.

How many entrances are there at Alhambra?

Which Alhambra entrance is wheelchair accessible?

When is the Alhambra entrance free?

Which Alhambra entrance gate is best for online ticket holders?

Which Alhambra entrance gate has longer queues?

Is there parking outside the Alhambra entrance?

What is the Alhambra entrance location?

Ready to explore Granada?

Here are the top things to do in Granada, curated by Headout's travel experts. Check out the Granada Travel Guide packed with itineraries, local recommendations, insider tips & more.