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Alhambra - Do I need to prebuy tickets for July 6th visit

I will be staying overnight in Granada (Hotel Macia Plaza) on the night of July 6th (a Monday night).

Do I need to prebuy my Alhambra tickets for that date? I hear that July may not be terribly crowded. I'm not sure whether to buy tickets for early morning, afternoon or evening. I'd love to buy them when we get there so we can go when we feel like it. But, I'm not sure of availability at that time of year.

The Albayzin neighborhood sounds really interesting too. Anyone have any recent restaurant or other interesting highlights? Note: Also, where do we park?

Thanks,
Kerry

Posted by
4555 posts

Yes, yes yes....as others have said, buy your tickets in advance.....right this second, if possible. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Spain, and thousands of Spanish families on summer holiday will be trying to get in there. Tickets for July 7th are already going fast, so click here to book them (switch to English in the upper right.)
Since your hotel is on Plaza Nueva, you can just take the little local shuttle buses that are literally right outside your door, up the hill to the Alhambra entrance...and back down again if you wish. The number 32 does the run to the Alhambra....the cost is one Euro. The number 31, which starts and stops at the same place on Plaza Nueva, does an interesting loop through the Albaycin.

Posted by
23626 posts

ABSOLUTELY !!!!!! The Alhambra is the most popular tourist attraction in Spain -- think Disneyworld -- with both the locals and the foreigners. I would opt for morning since it can get pretty hot during the day at that time of year. I personally cannot judge the crowd in July but we were just there right after New Years and were surprised at the size of the crowds at that time. Parking will be a problem. Get advice from your hotel. The Seville restaurant was terrific plus a number of Tapas bars near the Cathedral.

Posted by
964 posts

I agree with Frank, buy your ticket early. And when you're deciding what time to go, remember that you're only allowed to enter the Palace (the best bit) at the time stated on your ticket. they are really strict about that, even when it's quiet there.

As for parking- yes, definitely ask your hotel, but I'd suggest you either get a taxi or there's a bus service.

Posted by
23626 posts

Just reread your question and thought of a different answer. Are you asking about parking in Granada or at the Alhambra? The Alhambra has parking BUT, BUT, BUT last January the main road to the Alhambra was under reconstruction and it look like it would be a while before they were done. The cab ride from the Plaza was the most complicated route I have ever seem including driving against one way streets -- couldn't believe it. But they all were doing it. Don't attempt to drive to the Alhambra.

Posted by
792 posts

Thanks for all your responses. I have booked the tickets to the Alhambra!