The Alhambra Palace
 

I am going to be visiting the Alhambra Palace in June.

I have booked my hotel but would be grateful for any advice regarding the palace visit itself.

Does anyone know whether it's worth while booking for the guided tour, or does the palace have an audio guide like some of the castles in the UK.

Polly

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Well ... when you get there, there will be two queues. One for those collecting pre booked tickets, and the other for those that have just turned up on the day. When it reaches a certain figure of "turnups" they stop letting you in. You then have to wait for the afternoon session.

We tried to book ours on line but couldnt, so just turned up early and got in fine. I'm guessing in the summer months it may be more difficult though

If it's changed then I'm sure someone will chip in, but thats the way it was when we went

Pics from our last visit HERE

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

A beautiful place. We loved it. It was built in the 14th Century by the moors who occupied Spain. Its full of history and many, many interesting facts. So I recommend booking a guided tour.

Jo xxx

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

I've been twice, and would go again. Both times were on organised tours so we had a guide. Different guide on each visit and both were extremely knowledgeable. Generally people don't do this trip unless they are genuinely interested in the architecture and culture hence the guides were asked a lot of questions, all answered fully.

I would definitely have a human guide rather than audio version again even on a third visit. The only advantage I could see to using the audio is if you wanted to linger in some areas. The gardens are beautiful and it's very tempting to find a seat in the shade and just sit and admire.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Yes, they have audio guides, you see many walking around with one stuck to their ear! I have been four times, and would quite happily go again! I would strongly advise to book, otherwise you might trek all the way up there and fail to get in, like my brother! You might get in, but why risk it, you don't save anything. Unless it's changed, you could book in all BBBV banks, also have a look at this site, you can book there.
For an excellent view of the Alhambra, especially at sunset, try Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicín district of Granada.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

It is a big palace and there is a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, take a bottle of water. You might find it uncomfortably hot in June.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

A couple we know went this week, did not book in advance, arrived at 9 a.m., and never got it, seems fully booked, but is the Easter holidays, so would advise to book before you go.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Once you have your ticket you will see there is a time shown on it for entry into one of the palaces (sorry can't remember the name of it). If I remember correctly it is a half hour window when you can enter that palace. You can stay looking around as long as you like but you will only be allowed entry into that particular palace during your allocated time slot so you will need to make sure you are queing for entry to that one in time.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Thanks everyone for the info.

We are booked into the Hotel America, which is in the grounds I believe so, we can be there as soon as it opens I think. We are staying for two nights.

As we are history buffs as one might say (some would call me a tad excessive) we are extremely excited about the visit.

Polly

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Agree, they are very strict on that. Have seen a few pleading to be let in after arriving late for their slot, but to no avail. The evening visit is a bit different, only the palaces are open, minimalist lighting, but very atmospheric and enjoyable. It says no flash, so I didn't bother taking one (being a law abiding citizen!) but everyone was flashing away like mad, so to speak! :p You'll get very few photos otherwise, tripods are banned, so it's difficult.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

I've used the audio guides several times and I really like them, you get much more out of the visit. I had to leave passport/DNI as a kind of deposit, if I remember correctly so remember to have something with you.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Has anyone stayed at the Hotel America. Booked now but just wondered what to expect.

Polly

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

No, too posh for me! Saying that, I've no idea what it costs! Some reviews here and here.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

BBVA lost the contract a few years back when some local difficulty caused consternation. Now tickets are sold online by LA CAIXA bank people and good bank it is too.

You can buy tickets here :

http://www.servicaixa.com/nav/landin...bra/index.html

Go with the audio guide and read up about the history of the place beforehand. Then admire the architecture inside.
There is a lot to read up about on the excellent official Alhambra web site:

http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

On one of the sites it says if you book a ticket for two people you only get one audio guide to share. Hoe does that work???

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

I've been once and we had a guide, next time we will go with the audio option! That way you can linger as long as you like instead of being rushed through and only seeing part of this amazing place.
There are some excellent guide books on sale which make a wonderful souvenir of your visit.

Haven't stayed at the America, but we did have lunch there, it was quite good.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

:):)An awsome place. Been many times, hope to visit many more. Almost as good as Pompei:D
If you are a mobile phone user, when at the entrance booths make sure your bluetooth is switched on, and you will receive an illustrated mini guide on your phone - FOC. Really cool.
Just popped in from Italy, so won't take my coat off, not stopping.
'lluego,
'o nonno

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Not the America but we stayed at the Hotel Alhambra Palace and loved it

http://www.h-alhambrapalace.es/default-en.html

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Audio guide is very good,I`m sure it was Alan Rickman doing the English version when I last went:thumbsup:

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

The Nasrid palace is the busy spot and the highlight. If you get in early enough head directly there to hopefully beat the crowd. After that the crowds shouldn't be too much of a problem since it's quite a big area. If it's a nice day bring a book a take the time to sit and enjoy the gardens of the Generalife.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

As someone has already said, tickets are available now from La Caixa both online and at the ATMs. However, if you do ever find yourself stuck, pick up one of these: http://www.granadatur.com/minisites/bono-turistico/

You can buy them on the day for €25 and they include, among other things, entrance to the Alhambra which is always available, even when La Caixa has sold out. I´ve bought them a couple of times and yes, if you only use it for the Alhambra then you do pay over the odds but it´s surely worth it to avoid missing out. However if you do the tour bus as well (normally €18) then you´ve saved a packet already. It also includes most of what Granada has to offer so well worth a gander.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

Very interesting. I was a student at Edinburgh University way back in 1976. I did my year abroad in Granada and everyday would stride up the hill to the
Alhambra archives to do my dissertation. Then for large parts of the year there were a few tourists, mainly Brits or Americans.

Then the world was a much smaller place and Spain had just emerged from almost 40 years of dictatorship under Franco. Spain was desperately poor and there were donkeys in the street. The people though were fantastic.

I went back a few years ago and did not recognize the place. The Alhambra had become big business and people were being 'processed' like commodities. No time to ask questions. Spain has undoubtedly become richer but has lost something in the process.

Re: The Alhambra Palace
 

[QUOTE=El escoces loco;9352877]Very interesting. I was a student at Edinburgh University way back in 1976. I did my year abroad in Granada and everyday would stride up the hill to the
Alhambra archives to do my dissertation. Then for large parts of the year there were a few tourists, mainly Brits or Americans.

Then the world was a much smaller place and Spain had just emerged from almost 40 years of dictatorship under Franco. Spain was desperately poor and there were donkeys in the street. The people though were fantastic.

I went back a few years ago and did not recognize the place. The Alhambra had become big business and people were being 'processed' like commodities. No time to ask questions. Spain has undoubtedly become richer but has lost something in the process.[/QUOTE]

Yes I remember those times fondly too!

I agree that Spain has lost much of its charm over the ensuing years, but the people now have a better life than back then!
In those days they were very poor and downtrodden and had none of the luxuries that we all took for granted.
Some of the immense changes are regrettable, but it's the price that has to be paid for progress....and the Spanish people deserve to have a decent standard of living after all!