Alhambra by myself or get a tour?

We did not find it necessary to book a tour. By doing it alone, we were able to spend more time at the things that really interested us, rather than being at the mercy of the tour guide's schedule. With that said, I did do research ahead of our visit. The Alhambra is magnificent; enjoy!

I’ve been there four times over the past four decades and never felt the need to take a tour. My wife and I like moving at our pace rather than that of a tour. Only you know if a tour is right for you.

There are two difficulties with taking an Alhambra tour:

• The Nasrid Palaces (the most beautiful buildings) can only be entered one time. If you feel you were rushed through that area, you cannot go back to it at the end of the tour unless you have a second Alhambra ticket.

• The Palaces are almost guaranteed to be crowded at any time of the year. They sell out every day--sometimes weeks or months in advance. If anyone in your group wants to take photos without lots of other people in them, that will require some flexibility, hanging back, etc. I think it would be difficult to keep up with a tour in that situation.

I realize the benefit of a good tour guide, but I also have difficulty with the concept and pace of a group tour. I have been twice (plus a night entrance) and not felt the need for a tour. I watched a couple of group tours when I was there in March and it would have been miserable for me. But only you know what you like. And I CAN see the value of a private guide for the Palace who would go at your pace.

I have visited the Alhambra twice, both times with a guide in a small group. My husband and I have extensive education and interest in European history, and we still found the guidance of an expert very valuable. I have occasionally done a self-guided visit to a tourist site, relying on a guide book; and I disliked that kind of experience. Maybe an audio-guide would work for you, if you decide against a tour.

Thanks everyone, your opinions are very helpful!

We were wondering the same thing, and have just made arrangements with Alhambra Tours, with Margarita Ortega Ortiz de Landazuri, who is often recommended here. I had already booked the tickets (9:30 Nasrid entrance) and then reached out to see if she would be available on our chosen date, let her know the timed entrance, etc. This is for late October.

It's a bit of a splurge, but we really enjoy having a knowledgeable guide, so we pick and choose activities and other expenses to be able to work in a few 'treats' like this. Since it's only the two of us, and the guide, we get to set a comfortable pace and cater to our own interests.

We just rented the audio guide and slowly wandered around. We could go back if we missed something. We did use cicerone for other tours in Granada. They were very good.

We visited the Alhambra in March. I did a good deal of research in advance, but found rhe place bewildering. We very much regretted not hiring a guide for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

I went solo last November and had a blast! I took my time and it was the only time in my tour of Andalusia that I was dead exhausted by the end of my visit there! Luckily I took snacks and they were crucial in the process as I'm vegan and didn't see any alternatives for eating! Have a Blast and take care!!

We bought tickets and booked with Margarita Ortega Ortiz de Landazuri for the beginning of October. She is a splurge for us, but my husband and I are very interested in European history and we felt a professional guide would bring this town and the Alhambra alive for us.

We have used Margarita Ortega Ortiz de Landazuri in the past and will be using her again this year. She is an excellent guide and well worth the money.

I agree wholeheartedly with those who have problems with group tours, which is why when we take a tour we always use an individual guide. I know it is expensive, but so is the trip. And by using an individual guide, you don't have the problems that you do with groups. If you want to spend longer or deviate from the itinerary, you can, within reason.

Jonathan

Thank you, I decided to go with Maria as so many have recommended!