Alhambra tickets sold out? Don’t panic! Here’s how you can still visit, from last-minute tours to alternative passes—your ultimate Alhambra back-up plan is here!
By Liza S. | Updated 19 Feb 2025 | Granada | Places To Go |
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You’ve planned your trip to Granada, set your sights on the Alhambra, and then—bam!—you realise tickets are sold out. I know how frustrating that is. Alhambra tickets can sell out months in advance, catching many travellers like you unaware and leaving you disappointed.
In our Facebook community, this is a common question I get from travellers: What do I do if there are no Alhambra tickets left?
The good news? You still have options. Missing out on standard tickets doesn’t mean missing out on the Alhambra.
After visiting Granada 3 times, I've learned there's always a way into this Moorish masterpiece, even when it seems impossible. After helping countless frustrated travellers, I've discovered 7 alternative options that could be your golden ticket into Granada's crown jewel.
Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how you can still visit this incredible monument—even at the last minute.
If Alhambra tickets are sold out, don’t panic—you still have options!
I’ve ranked these alternatives based on how likely they are to get you inside the Alhambra with the best experience possible.
Here are the 7 best alternative ways to get in, ranked from the most effective to the last-resort choices:
Now, let’s break down each option so you can find the best one for your trip.
Alcazaba in the Alhambra Palaces
Before we continue, I want to answer another commonly asked question: whether it’s possible to buy same-day Alhambra tickets.
Technically, yes, but it’s extremely risky and unlikely—especially in peak season. The Alhambra operates on a strict ticketing system with limited daily entries, and tickets often sell out weeks (and even months) in advance.
Same-Day Tickets might be available if:
Honestly, I’ve not heard of anyone who successfully got same-day Alhambra tickets so I can’t recommend it. Instead, I suggest trying one of the 7 options below.
If general admission tickets are sold out, your best chance of getting into the Alhambra is by booking a guided tour. Tour companies pre-purchase Alhambra tickets in advance, meaning they often still have availability even when the official site says "sold out”.
I always recommend this option first because it guarantees entry while also giving you a much better understanding of the Alhambra’s history and significance.
Your guide will handle all the entry details, so you won't need to stress about time slots or meeting points. They'll lead you through the best parts of the complex, sharing stories about the sultans who lived there and pointing out details you might miss on your own.
A big bonus is that having the right guide can bring the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba to life in a way that wandering on your own simply can’t.
You can check for availability on trusted platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tiqets.
When booking, double-check that the tour includes full entry to the Alhambra with the Nasrid Palaces, as some only cover Generalife and the Alcazaba.
Here are a few recommended tours:
You can get more Alhambra tour recommendations in this article
But if your Granada visit is in the next few days or weeks, you might just have to browse through Alhambra tours on GetYourGuide or Viator until you find an available slot. I prefer using these trusted platforms instead of just Googling as there are a number of unscrupulous Alhambra-related tour/ticket websites - I don’t want you to get scammed!
Insider Tip: If you’re already in Granada, you can also check with local tour agencies in person—sometimes they have last-minute cancellations and can fit you in.
✅ Pros:
✔ Guaranteed entry (if spots are available).
✔ Skip the hassle—no need to worry about finding tickets.
✔ Learn from an expert and get insights you’d miss on your own.
❌ Cons:
✖ More expensive than a standard ticket (€40–€70 per person).
✖ Less freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you’re serious about visiting the Alhambra and tickets are gone, a guided tour is your best bet. You get guaranteed entry, skip the stress of searching for last-minute tickets, and walk away with a richer, deeper appreciation of one of Spain’s greatest landmarks.
➡️ Browse for available tours on these trusted platforms: Viator | GetYourGuide
If regular Alhambra tickets are sold out, another official alternative is the Dobla de Oro ticket.
This special pass includes full access to the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba) plus entry to several historic Moorish sites in Granada.
The big advantage of the Dobla de Oro ticket is that it has a separate allocation of Alhambra tickets, meaning it may still be available even when standard tickets are gone.
Price: Around €27 (~€21 for the “At Night” ticket)
✅ Pros:
✔ Includes full access to the Alhambra, even if regular tickets are sold out.
✔ Lets you explore other fascinating Moorish sites beyond the Alhambra.
✔ More affordable than a guided tour and great value for history lovers.
❌ Cons:
✖ Limited availability – These tickets also sell out, so you need to act fast.If you're interested in Granada’s Moorish history beyond the Alhambra, this ticket is one of the best alternatives. You’ll still get full access to the Alhambra, plus entry to lesser-known but fascinating Islamic-era sites around the city.
➡️ Check availability & book here
Generalife in the Alhambra Palaces
If standard Alhambra tickets are sold out, you might still be able to get in with the Alhambra Experience ticket.
This option splits your visit into two parts:
It’s not the same as a full daytime visit, but it still lets you experience the most important parts of the Alhambra—just at different times.
Price: Around €19 (same as a regular ticket).
✅ Pros:
✔ Still grants access to the Nasrid Palaces (even when daytime tickets are sold out).
✔ Fewer crowds at night, making for a more intimate experience.
✔ Same price as a regular ticket, so it’s a budget-friendly alternative.
❌ Cons:
✖ Not a full visit in one go—you have to return the next day to see everything.
✖ Nighttime lighting makes it harder to see the intricate palace details.
✖ Less flexibility—you have to commit to 2 separate visits on 2 separate days.
If you’re flexible and don’t mind splitting your visit, the Alhambra Experience ticket is a great way to still see the Nasrid Palaces and Alhambra grounds.
The night visit offers a unique, atmospheric way to experience the palaces, and you’ll get the best of both worlds by seeing Generalife and Alcazaba in daylight.
➡️ Check availability & book here
While the Dobla de Oro and Alhambra Experience ticket bundles are fantastic options, the reality is that they are often snapped up quickly since they’re available on the official Alhambra website.
So if those 2 options are also sold out, then your next best bet is the Granada Card, a city pass that includes full access to the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba.
Many travellers don’t realise that the Granada Card has a separate ticket allocation, so even when the official Alhambra site says “sold out,” there may still be availability through the Granada Card.
Aside from the full Alhambra entry, the 48H/72H pass also includes:
Price: Starts at €49 for adults
✅ Pros:
✔ Full access to the Alhambra (including Nasrid Palaces!).
✔ Includes entry to multiple Granada attractions, making it great value.
✔ Public transport is included—helpful for getting around and exploring beyond the city centre.
❌ Cons:
✖ More expensive than a standard ticket (€49 vs. €19).
✖ Can sell out quickly, so availability isn’t always guaranteed.
If you plan to visit multiple Granada attractions, the Granada Card is a fantastic deal and can save you money.
Even if you only want Alhambra access, this is one of the easiest ways to still get inside when general tickets are sold out… but it is more expensive. As such, I would recommend this option if you have the budget or if you have 2 or 3 days in Granada so that you can make full use of the card.
➡️ Check availability for the Granada Card & book here
Alhambra at sunset
If you can’t get a daytime ticket, you may still be able to visit the Alhambra at night.
While it’s not quite the same experience as seeing it in daylight, a night visit to the Nasrid Palaces is an incredible alternative—arguably even more magical. The soft lighting, quiet atmosphere, and fewer crowds make for a unique, almost dreamlike experience.
There are two types of night visits:
Price: Around €7–€10, depending on the visit type.
✅ Pros:
✔ Still lets you experience the Alhambra, even if daytime tickets are sold out.
✔ Smaller crowds than daytime visits, making it feel more exclusive.
✔ Beautiful, dramatic lighting enhances the Nasrid Palaces' intricate details.
❌ Cons:
✖ Limited access – No daytime views, Alcazaba, or full Generalife gardens.
✖ Shorter visit - You only have 1.5h for your visit before closing time.
✖ Harder to appreciate the architecture in dim lighting.
✖ Not ideal for photography—flash isn’t allowed, and it’s quite dark inside.
While a night visit doesn’t replace a full Alhambra experience, it’s still absolutely worth doing if standard tickets are sold out.
The Nasrid Palaces look stunning under the soft glow of lanterns, and the smaller crowds make for a more intimate experience. If you can’t get a full-access ticket, this is the next best thing for seeing the most impressive part of the Alhambra.
➡️ Check availability & book here
If all Nasrid Palace tickets are gone, you can still visit part of the Alhambra with a Generalife & Alcazaba ticket.
While you’ll miss the intricately designed palaces, this ticket still gives you access to two incredible sections of the Alhambra complex:
This option is not ideal if it’s your first visit (because you won’t see the Nasrid Palaces), but it’s better than missing out completely!
Insider Tip: If you really want to experience the Alhambra but only find these partial tickets, consider pairing them with a night visit to the Nasrid Palaces (if available).
Price: Around €10.
✅ Pros:
✔ Still lets you visit the Alhambra complex and enjoy incredible views.
✔ Cheaper than a full ticket, making it a budget-friendly option.
✔ Easier to find availability when full-access tickets are gone.
❌ Cons:
✖ No access to the Nasrid Palaces, the most famous part of the Alhambra.
✖ Feels incomplete—you won’t see the intricate Moorish interiors.
If you’re desperate to visit the Alhambra in any way possible, this is better than nothing.
The Alcazaba offers incredible views, and the Generalife is stunning, but be prepared for serious FOMO when you realise you can’t enter the Nasrid Palaces.
➡️ Check availability & book here
Palace of Carlos V which is free to enter in the Alhambra
After all this talk about tickets and tours, what many people forget (or don’t know) is that not all areas of the Alhambra are ticketed.
So if every ticket and tour option is sold out, you can still experience parts of the Alhambra without a ticket. While you won’t be able to enter the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, or Generalife, there are still some fantastic free-access areas where you can soak up the atmosphere and get amazing views.
And of course, don’t forget the miradors with spectacular Alhambra views.
Some of the best Alhambra views don’t require a ticket! Head to:
✅ Pros:
✔ Completely free!
✔ Still lets you experience the Alhambra’s surroundings and architecture.
✔ Amazing viewpoints where you can admire the complex from a distance.
❌ Cons:
✖ No access inside the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, or Generalife.
✖ You’ll miss out on the intricate Moorish interiors.
While it’s not the same as visiting the Alhambra properly, these free-access areas are still worth exploring.
At the very least, you’ll get to experience the magic of the Alhambra from the outside, enjoy stunning views, and get a feel for its history.
Insider Tip: If you didn’t get tickets this time, set a reminder to book in advance for your next trip!
Whether you’re booking Alhambra tickets online or visiting in person, you’ll need your ID—and this is something many travellers forget!
When Booking – When purchasing your ticket (including guided tours and Granada Card), you must provide your passport or national ID number. Each ticket is personalised, so make sure you enter the correct details.
On the Day of Your Visit – You must bring the same ID you used to book—this is strictly enforced at the entrance. No ID = No entry, even if you have a valid ticket.
Insider Tip: If you booked with your passport but don’t want to carry it around, a clear photocopy or digital copy on your phone is usually accepted—but check the latest rules just in case!
To avoid last-minute stress, double-check that you have your ID before heading to the Alhambra.
Finding Alhambra tickets are sold out is frustrating, but as you’ve seen, it’s not the end of the road!
There are still plenty of ways to secure entry—whether through a guided tour, the Granada Card, a Dobla de Oro ticket, or a night visit. Even if all else fails, you can still experience the Alhambra’s beauty from its free-access areas and breathtaking viewpoints.
The key is to act fast and grab the next best available option before everything’s gone. And don’t forget—bring your ID!
Granada is an incredible city, with or without Alhambra tickets. So take a deep breath, explore your options, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
Buen viaje!
PS. Even if you couldn’t get inside the Alhambra, Granada is still an incredible city—so make the most of it! Here are other amazing things to do in Granada.
Read our full guide to visiting Granada to help plan your dream visit.
Check out our Granada itineraries:
Read our other articles on Granada:
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