How to Buy Alhambra Tickets

The Alhambra is the main reason most people travel to Granada—and it was for me too. But when I arrived, I had no idea how tricky it would be to actually get in. On my first day, I casually walked up to the Alhambra, assuming I could just buy a ticket on the spot. Big mistake. Tickets were completely sold out, and I immediately regretted not doing a bit more research beforehand.

I returned to my hostel and asked the staff if they had any tips on getting tickets. They pointed me to an online booking site here.

Unfortunately, that didn’t work either—everything was sold out there too. I was starting to panic. Then I remembered a girl I’d met in a hostel in Valencia who had recently visited the Alhambra. I messaged her, and she told me she had managed to buy her ticket in person at Corral del Carbón two days in advance.

So off I went—only to find out that the next available tickets weren’t for another three weeks.

At that point, I had one last option: wake up early and line up for same-day tickets. So the next morning, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 a.m. and made it to the Alhambra ticket office by 6:15. There were already people in line when I got there, so I highly recommend arriving no later than 6:30.

There are two lines: one for cash and one for credit cards. The credit card line moves much faster—go for that one if you can. The ticket office opens at 8 a.m., so be ready for a chilly two-hour wait. Bring snacks, water, and something warm to wear. But trust me—it’s worth it. The Alhambra is stunning.

So in conclusion, you have three options to buy Alhambra tickets:

1. Buy online in advance – seriously, do this if you can.
2. Try Corral del Carbón once you’re in Granada – but know that tickets may not be available for days or weeks.
3. Arrive early for same-day tickets – be in line by 6:30 a.m., and bring patience (and breakfast).

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