Trying to decide whether to sign up for morning or afternoon tickets to the Alhambra. What are the pros and cons of each? How much time should we allocate for each of the sections of the Alhambra (alcazaar, nasrid palaces, generalife)?
Posted by
Midwest, U.S.
189 posts
the only thing I have read is that it might be less crowded in the afternoon. I think I have also heard/read that several hours is sufficient to see everything. however, everyone is different and you might want to spend more or less time there.
Posted by
Malaga, Malaga, Spain
410 posts
It may in part depend on what time of the year you are planning to go. If it is in summer, I would suggest morning, as it will be slightly cooler.
We have only ever had morning tickets and have also done a night visit. We spent all morning - 8.30 to around lunchtime and saw everything we wanted. However this was July and very hot and we moved relatively slowly. In terms of time allocation - everyone is different - I think we spent maybe 45 minutes in the Nasrid Palaces (and they only let a certain number in at a time) and the rest of the time in the remainder.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
My advice is to visit twice--first at night, which is magical, then the next day.
The evening visit is limited to the Alcazar and the Nasrim Palace, but it's really worth it!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
You absolutely must have advance tickets. Think of the Alhambra as the Disneyworld of Spain. It is the most popular tourist site for both locals and tourists. We were there the week after New Years last year thinking it would be off season --- very wrong !!
The controlled, timed, entry is for the Palacios Nazaries. That is limited to about 7000 tickets a day. I don't believe there is any time entry to the Alhambra in general just the palacios. That is a 30 minute window and do not miss it. The guards are very strict. The afternoon may be less crowded simply because the 7000 tickets are often gone by mid day. After the tickets are gone there is a general admission ticket for everything but the palacios. The Alhambra is massive and you can easily take all day if you look in every corner. There is very limited food service inside so pack a lunch and water. The Palacios Nazaries can easily take a couple hours. We took about three following Steves' walking guide in this Spain book. The rest can easily take another two to three hours. And it is exhausting because of the size and walking distance. The rented audio guide was very helpful.