More about: Alhambra Night Tickets and Tours in Granada
Considered the eighth wonder of the world, the beauty of the Alhambra in Granada has inspired travellers from all over the world for generations. In daylight, the Nasrid fortress looks imposing and monumental but after sunset, darkness and silence envelop it in a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere worth seeing.
Contemplating the Alhambra by moonlight is a magical experience that you can't miss during your trip. Here's how to get your Alhambra tickets and everything you need to know about night visits.
Granada Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Night Guided Tour
Tour the Alhambra by night in this magical experience
Discover this unique monument on a guided night tour that will take you to contemplate the best of Islamic art in a special light.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor, like many, this guided night tour of the Alhambra is one of the most popular things to do in the city. You'll tour the complex with an expert guide who will help you discover the special charm of this must-see monument.
In small groups of no more than 10 people you will explore the different palaces and rooms of the Alhambra in a two-hour tour under the spectacular moonlight of Granada.
Recommended if... you don't want to miss the most romantic and original plan possible and contemplate the night illumination of the Alhambra.
How to book a night guided tour in the Alhambra?
Guided tours of the Alhambra are the best way to explore the mythical Nasrid palace city, the last living trace of this dynasty in Spain.
During the tour you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you all about the history and architecture of this benchmark of Hispano-Muslim art in the West, explaining in detail all the sites you see.
The price of guided tours of the Alhambra varies depending on the type of tour you book and what the tour includes. In Hellotickets you can book online the night guided tour of the Alhambra. However, do it well in advance of your trip because they sell out quickly.
How to get tickets to visit the Alhambra by night
There are currently two types of night visits to the Alhambra: to the Nasrid Palaces and to the Generalife Palace and gardens. As with the daytime visits, you will also need to buy a ticket to the Alhambra by night to see these areas of the monument separately.
The price for night tickets to the Nasrid Palaces (which includes access to the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares, the Palace of the Lions and Corredor - Lindaraja) is approximately €10.61 while night tickets to visit the Generalife Palace and the gardens is around €7.42.
However, in my opinion, the best option to go to the Alhambra at night is to book a night guided tour of the Alhambra which starts at €69. The Alhambra is one of the most visited monuments in Spain at night! There are many people who have already seen the monument in the morning and now want to return to see it at night for an original and different experience under the stars.
Is it worth seeing the Alhambra at night?
Absolutely. If the beauty of the Alhambra is striking in daylight, it is a magical experience at night. The spaces are well lit, which allows you to better appreciate certain ornamental elements such as the reliefs of the plasterwork, the chiaroscuro of the architecture or the muqarnas. At night the Alhambra displays its colours and beauty in all its splendour!
Moreover, as it is silent at night and there are not as many tourists as in the morning, the walk around the Alhambra is peaceful and you can enjoy the fusion between the palatine city and the surrounding nature much more. Contemplating the Alhambra at night while listening to the sound of the water in the background is an intimate and cosy experience.
In any case, I think that booking a guided tour of the Alhambra is a complementary plan to the daytime visit. In other words, they provide a different and unique view of the monument. In short, I recommend a night visit to the Alhambra:
- If you already know the monumental complex, and you want to enjoy the views of this beautiful place in an original and surprising way while discovering its legends and its more enigmatic side.
- If you are one of those who prefer to avoid the crowds, the night tours of the Alhambra are a very interesting option. So don't hesitate, you'll have a great time!
How much does it cost to visit the Alhambra at night?
If you book a guided tour of the Alhambra you should know that it does not cover the entire monumental complex but only a small part (although very important) where you can only see the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife Palace and the gardens. The price, therefore, is lower than the general daytime ticket which costs around 19 euros at the ticket office.
Thus, the price of night tickets to the Nasrid Palaces (which includes access to the Mexuar, Comares Palace, Palace of the Lions, the Palace of Charles V and Corredor - Lindaraja) is approximately 10.60 euros while night tickets to visit the Generalife Palace and the gardens costs around 7.42 euros.
If you book a guided tour of the Alhambra, the entrance fee may be a little higher, around 60 euros, but it is well worth it as you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will explain the history and architecture of this monument in an entertaining way, so you will get the most out of your visit. You won't miss a single detail!
How long does the guided tour of the Alhambra last?
Unlike the daytime tours which usually last between 3 and 4 hours because they cover the whole complex, if you book a guided tour of the Alhambra by night you should be aware that it is shorter as it only covers either the Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife Palace and gardens. Normally the Alhambra night tour lasts about 2 hours.
Can I visit the Alhambra at night with children?
Of course you can. If you want to book a guided tour of the Alhambra, you should know that they adapt to families and the guides are very friendly with children. However, the people who know the children best to know if a tour of this kind is something they might like are their parents.
If so, I highly recommend the night tour because not only will they enjoy the beautiful views of the Alhambra, but they will also learn things in a fun way and hear some very curious legends.
If the children are still very young, sometimes parents prefer to visit the monuments at their own pace in case there is an emergency or they need to take a break to eat or play a little. If you think your family will be more comfortable visiting the Alhambra at night on their own, it is best to buy general admission tickets.
What are the opening hours of the Alhambra at night?
If you are booking a guided tour of the Alhambra, you should know that there are two types of visits, the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife Palace and gardens. Both tours take place at the same time, but separately.
- Night visit in summer timetable (from 1st April to 14th October): from 22:00 to 23:30.
- Night visit in winter timetable (from 15th October to 31st March): from 8pm to 9.30pm.
What will I see on the night visit to the Alhambra?
Nasrid Palaces
If you book a guided tour of the Alhambra you will admire the Nasrid Palaces, which was the complex where the kings of Granada resided. They are made up of three separate buildings known as the Mexuar (audience area), the Palacio de Comares (the king's official house) and the Palacio de los Leones (the harem and abode of the royal family).
During the tour of the Nasrid Palaces you will see such beautiful rooms as the Hall of the Abencerrajes (the king's bedroom), the Ambassadors' Hall (the symbolic centre of Nasrid power), the Hall of the Kings (the sultan's council room), the Court of the Myrtles (where embassy receptions were held) and the Court of the Lions (an allegory of paradise).
These palaces are an example of the sophistication and good taste of the Nasrid kings, the last rulers of al-Andalus. During your visit to the Nasrid Palaces I recommend that you pay attention to the marvellous ornamental motifs that decorate them, such as the impressive muqarnas on the arches and domes, the glazed tile plinths and the spectacular plasterwork.
The Generalife Palace and gardens
And, of course, you will also see the Generalife, which was the summer villa of the Nasrid kings, where they went when they wanted to relax and escape the formalities of the court.
Located on the Cerro del Sol, it is one of the most beautiful places in the Alhambra and one of the few almunias that have survived from the medieval period in all of Al-Andalus.
Strolling through the Generalife, among its gardens and manicured courtyards, is a delight at night. An oasis of tranquillity where you can enjoy the fresh air and the soothing sound of the water from the palace's fountains and pools.