What are the Nasrid Palaces?
The Nasrid Palaces are the heart of the Alhambra, the hilltop palace-fortress of the Nasrid sultans who ruled Granada until 1492. Built mainly in the 14th century, they're the finest surviving example of Islamic palace architecture in Western Europe, with carved stucco, tiled walls and wooden ceilings around courtyards of water.
- The Mexuar, the oldest part, where the sultan heard petitions.
- The Palacio de Comares, with the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors.
- The Palacio de los Leones, with the famous Court of the Lions and the honeycomb ceilings of the Hall of the Two Sisters and the Hall of the Abencerrajes.
- The Partal gardens and towers.
Tickets
Buy only from the official Alhambra ticket site or authorised partners. Resellers charge more, and some sell tickets without a Nasrid slot.
Don't miss your slot
Your Nasrid Palaces time is strict: you must enter within your 30-minute window. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from the main entrance to the palaces, so be at the palace entrance early. If you're late, you won't be let in, even with a valid ticket.
If tickets are sold out
- Check the official site daily: returns appear, often early in the morning.
- Try the night visit or the Alhambra Experiences ticket, which sell out slower.
- Book a guided tour that includes entry.
- Buy the Granada Card, which includes the Alhambra.
🎟️ Skip the ticket line
Check the crowds, find the best time slot, and book through our authorised partner.
Every price, and what’s worth paying for: the real cost of visiting Nasrid Palaces →
How busy is it?
Capacity is limited to about 300 people per Nasrid slot, so the palaces never get completely packed, but the Court of the Lions is always busy at peak times.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Nasrid Palaces, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Sunday, 8-9 am
Busiest time
Wednesday, 10 am-7 pm
A good route
- Enter early and see the Alcazaba first: it's next to the palaces.
- Nasrid Palaces at your slot.
- Partal gardens as you leave the palaces.
- Walk to the Generalife gardens.
- Palace of Charles V (free) and its museums.
Getting there
The Alhambra is on a hill above Granada. Take the Alhambra minibuses (C30 or C32) from Plaza Isabel la Católica, or walk up the steep Cuesta de Gomérez (about 20-30 minutes). Granada has trains from Madrid, Seville and Málaga.
Tips
- Book as soon as you know your dates.
- Bring the ID you booked with.
- Arrive early: the walk to the palaces is long.
- See the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás at sunset.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
What else to see in the Alhambra
The Alcazaba
The oldest part of the Alhambra, a military fortress with the Torre de la Vela, which has wide views over Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
The Generalife
The sultans' summer palace and gardens on the hill opposite, with the long Patio de la Acequia water channel and terraced gardens.
The Palace of Charles V
A Renaissance palace with a circular courtyard, built after the Christian conquest. It's free and houses the Alhambra Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.
The Partal
Gardens and pools leading to the Tower of the Ladies, as you leave the palaces.
Night visits
Most nights, the Nasrid Palaces open for night visits, with the courtyards softly lit. It's cheaper than the day ticket and quieter, and the atmosphere is magical, though you see less detail. The Generalife also has night visits in the warmer months. Combine a night visit with a gardens ticket the next day if General tickets are sold out.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to book: tickets sell out.
- Buying from unofficial resellers.
- Arriving late for your Nasrid slot.
- Forgetting your ID.
- Seeing the Generalife first if your Nasrid slot is soon: it's a long walk back.
Is it worth it?
Yes, without question: the Nasrid Palaces are among the most beautiful buildings in the world. Book far ahead and give it half a day.
FAQs
How much are Alhambra tickets?
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About €21 for the General ticket, which includes the Nasrid Palaces.
How far in advance should I book the Alhambra?
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As soon as your dates are fixed. In spring and autumn, tickets sell out weeks or months ahead.
What happens if I miss my Nasrid Palaces slot?
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You won't be let in. Arrive at the palace entrance early.
Do I need ID for the Alhambra?
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Yes, the ID or passport you booked with.
When are the Nasrid Palaces least crowded?
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The 8:30 am slot and late afternoon. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
Heading to Nasrid Palaces?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
