Alhambra visit

I can't imagine doing a day trip from Seville to Granada. For me, personally, I would stay the night in Granada even though it would be double booking. Time and expenses vary for everyone, and I can comment only on me. If you do commit to that expense, then you could easily and leisurely tour the Alhambra, Generalife and Nasrid Palaces. We did the night tour and then, the next day, the day tour (self-guided) using Rick Steves. We also had time to "wander Albayzin" and had dinner in a "carmen" right as the sun set making the Alhambra "glow". Granada is one of my favorite cities. Btw, we took the bus from Seville to Granada which was advised here on the Forum. I hope you are able to experience Granada no matter how you do it.

Agree with Lindy's advice.

If you really want to see the Alhambra, you will never be closer. The expense of the extra (double booking) hotel night will long be forgotten years from now, but you will have the memories of the visit.

I would suggest staying at the Parador de Granada on site. We did, and we loved it. It was especially nice to be able to go back to our room to drop a jacket as the day warmed or to grab a hat, etc. The meals there were very nice, too. If you are senior, they have special senior rates from time to time. It was years ago, but I first booked at a regular rate, then got back in touch when I noticed the senior rates were added to our timeframe, and they kindly adjusted our rate. We had a room with a French style balcony overlooking the Generalife (gardens). While early March will not be prime time for the gardens, I would still suggest touring during the warmer part of the day.

We spent the whole day at the Alhambra. We did it on our own using both the Rick Steves guidebook, and I picked up a tourist book with photos and extensive descriptions from one of the tourist shops in town. I can't imagine doing it as a day trip. In addition to not having enough time at the Alhambra, you wouldn't see the fabulous view of the Alhambra at night or the Albayzin, Sacromonte and the Royal chapel. If you can't rearrange the trip, I'd double book so you could spend more time in Granada. Ideally, the night before you visit and after especially if you have to leave town by 6pm. The Alhambra is definitely a "don't miss", so I guess if nothing else works, do the day trip.

Here is the Trip Advisor link, with user reviews on and photos of the Parador de Granada right on the Alhambra grounds. It would be a fabulous experience in and of itself, even if you never went in the Alhambra (which, of course, you WOULD do).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187441-d276463-Reviews-Parador_de_Granada-Granada_Province_of_Granada_Andalucia.html

Reading these responses is super helpful and I am genuinely taking their advice and try to at least schedule one overnight. It had not occurred to me when I first set out that trains and buses wouldn't depart before 8. I guess that reveals my East Coast mindset!

So, follow on question for the trip from Seville to Grenada answered by Lindy:

Why the bus versus the train?

The Alhambra provides what I thought was an excellent audio guide, just scan when entering. I'd look for a cheap place in Albayzin to sleep for the night. Nice night time views of the Alhambra from there. We stayed in that area, it's a bit of a walk to the Alhambra, but I actually enjoyed the trail to the site. There are two different paths, and both are nice. But then, I guess it depends on how much walking you want to do in a day and fitness level.

Additional question, maybe a new post:

If you could only get time for one city would it be Cordoba or Grenada? In both cases traveling from Seville and my interest is in historical sites.

Not sure why the bus was suggested over the train, but at the time, it might have been that there were more departures with the bus (?) The bus was very efficient. You might look at the locations of the bus terminals and train stations relative to your hotel to help make that decision.

If time and ease is the ultimate factor for your trip to Seville - Cordoba and the Mezquita would win. Assuming you are connecting from or to Madrid at some point, this can be a stop between Madrid and Seville. Madrid - Cordoba with taxi or walk to Mezquita - return to train station and onward to Seville. Cordoba can also be an easy, relaxing day trip from Seville.

If simply comparing the two cities, I suspect people's opinions will vary.

For me personally, Granada is one of my favorite cities. In fact, I much prefer it to Seville (which will probably raise eyebrows on this board!) No criticism of others' favorites, just pointing out individual preferences.

If you are primarily attempting to compare the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada - apples and oranges for me! Both "worthy" in their own right.

How many days are you going to be in Seville? If "enough," however that's defined by you, could you visit both Cordoba (45-minute train trip form Seville) and have an overnight in Granada?

I agree with ORDtraveler, while Seville is delightful, there's something about Granada having "me under its spell" (thanks Frankie Laine).

I'd vote for getting a guide for the Alhambra. Margarita made the experience for us.

My family & I visited the Alhambra last summer ~ July 2024
Through this site, we saw reviews for a guide named Margarita ( [email protected] ).
I contacted her and everything was great from then on. She was receptive, communicated very well and was a pleasure to deal with.
We reserved a half-day with her and were so happy we did. She was lovely and so knowledgeable. There are many types of tours you can take, I often take self-guided ones. But if you are looking for more, I would not hesitate to contact Margarita. All of the details were so clear and her " history lesson" and love of her country and city are so evident. She was genuine & kind as well. ( she even brings treats for all the cats she sees (and knows by name) on our tour !..
Reach out to Margarita Ortiz de Landazuri - you will not be disappointed ! and enjoy GRANADA - it's beautiful!

I love Andalucia and I wouldn't like to have to choose between Cordoba and the Mezquita and Granada and the Alhambra. But Cordoba is an easy day trip from Sevilla - there are early trains there because it's on the high speed line to Madrid - just don't wait to book last minute. An 8 euro taxi ride will then take you fast into the centre - the Mezquita is incredible, and then just wander the streets and enjoy.
As for Granada, normally I wouldn't do it myself, but in this case it would warrant - can't you do one of those organised coach day trips from Sevilla to Granada? I'm sure they will get off to an early start to squeeze as much as possible into the day and they'll take care of all the logisitics so you can concentrate on enjoying the hours there. The Alhamabra is magnificent.