Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
Hi, I'm Lydia!Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
Hi, I'm Lydia!Lydia Schrandt is a writer, editor, and award-winning photographer currently based in Houston. She’s a contributor for USA TODAY 10Best and serves as the first chair of the Editors Council of the Society of American Travel Writers. Her work has appeared in Draft, Time Out Beijing, Travel+, USA TODAY, San Francisco Chronicle, and others.
The Alhambra is one of Granada's top attractions thanks to its unique history and ancient architecture. While travelers have been making their way to this iconic palace complex for years, booking tickets isn’t always easy. Here are some tips.
With an expert guide, you can bypass the ticket-purchase booth and long lines to explore the beauty and history of the Alhambra without worrying about navigation or timing windows. The tour group entrance is often quieter than the individual ticket holder entrance.
The palace restricts the number of visitors allowed each day, and tickets often sell out ahead of time, particularly for the Nasrid Palace. It's best to book in advance.
Visiting on a tour eliminates the need to manage your limited time or worry about restrictions in each area, as your guide will ensure you arrive on time.
Snagging an admission ticket can be complicated and involves making a reservation online and then picking up a physical ticket on the day of your visit.
You'll gain insight and commentary about this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site from your expert guide.
Guided tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off from Seville, Malaga, or Granada.
Not all tours include entrance to all areas of the Alhambra. To avoid being surprised by separate admission fees and get the full Alhambra experience, opt for a small-group or private full-access tour, which gives you priority access to the main areas of the complex, including the Alcazaba Fortress, the Nasrid Palace, and the Generalife Gardens.
Those who want to see the rest of Granada in addition to the Alhambra can skip the line at the palace and then head out for additional free time or a guided walk in the city. Highlights include the shops of Alcaiceria, the Sacromonte district, the Albaicin Muslim quarter, and the city's Arab Baths (Hammam Al Andalus). Also consider a tour that combines a skip-the-line Alhambra visit with a 30-minute sightseeing flight that soars high above the iconic fortress and offers unmatched views of Granada.
