Guided Tours of Alhambra - Which to Choose?

View Of Alhambra
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Jebulon

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If you are having trouble getting hold of your Alhambra Tickets Direct then purchasing a tour is a simpler solution. Before you you purchase a Alhambra tour, find out all about the different types of guided tours available. This blog will help you pick the right tour out of our recommended Alhambra Guided Tours. Read on and pick the tour and explore this magnificent historical legacy.

Why should I choose an Alhambra Guided Tour?

The obvious question is that why should you choose a guided tour when you can simply buy an entry only ticket which is cheaper?

If you have read any of the articles above, you will know that the Alhambra Palace holds years of history, Moorish and Spanish that is probably best explained and pointed out by a guide. Having a real person you can ask, whatever questions you want, standing right in front of you, who knows the history, legends and facts that are not in the official guide books is invaluable.

As I mention in the article on tickets Alhambra Tickets – Everything you need to know! Alhambra allows only 6000 people into the Nasarid Palaces on a daily basis and general entry tickets can be sold out 3 months in advance.

If you were caught short the and were not thinking of getting your tickets ages ago, then chances of getting those entry only tickets now are slim. A guided tour is generally more available a few days in advance as it is slightly more expensive. However, it is worth every penny and you’ll see why.

How do I choose which Alhambra Tour that will suit me best?

Choosing which Alhambra tour that suits you best can be more challenging than it should. There are different sites, timing, and combinations, and many such things you must be aware of. Here are a few things you should bare in mind when choosing an Alhambra tour.

Skip the line or preferential access is a little disingenuous, if you enter with a tour group you wait in a slightly different place than people with general entry tickets. Although that said you do get a lightly better view of the Madrasa de los Príncipes and the Patio de Machuca as you enter.

While you can move around most of Alhambra in a wheelchair, the Alcazaba more difficult and not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba with a Guide

If you can, you will want a tour that includes the key complexes, which are the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba, specifically look out for a tour that lets you into the Nasrid Palaces.  A tour guide is a plus if you speak English or Spanish, otherwise choose a tour that includes an audioguide. We also offer detailed guides to ,, and Generalife but sometimes it is easier if you can interact and ask questions of the guide.

English Speaking Guide

Guides who speak Additional Languages


 

Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba with an Audio Guide

Guides are usually only in Spanish or English, but audio guides are available in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Portuguese and Russian.

Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba with a small group

If budget less of a factor, it is worth choosing Private Tours, the Small Group Tours, or the Premium Tours. This will take you in the company of under 10-20 people, offering a more intimate experience. It is worth the extra money for the experience.


 

Generalife and Alcazaba only

Essentially you may not be able to get the tickets for Nasrid Palaces, whereupon you will just be visiting the Generalife and Alcazaba, which are still good, but not quite as special as the Nasrid Palaces. 

Generalife and Alcazaba Tours with Guides

Generalife and Alcazaba Tours with Audio Guides

Generalife and Alcazaba Tours without Guide or Audio Guides

Night Tour of the Alhambra

The Night Tours of Alhambra are a great choice for a more intimate experience. Numbers for these tours are even more restricted than daytime visits, with only a 150 people being allowed to visit after the closing of the Alhambra to the daytime public. This will allow you to steer clear of the crowds and enjoy the Alhambra Palace in twilight.

You can either choose tickets for the Nasrid Palace Night Visit or the Generalife Garden Night Visit.

Nasrid Palace Night Visit

Generalife Garden Night Visit


There is a lot to see in and around Alhambra that you don’t need a ticket to see. If you want to explore for free then have a look at my article on 21 Things to see in the Alhambra for free?.

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