My husband and I are eagerly anticipating our trip to Andalusia in early March. I’m planning on purchasing our Alhambra tickets today and wondered what you all thought about entry time for Nasrid Palace? I’m thinking 9:00am ( going directly to Justice Gate) but I’ve seen recommendations for 11-11:30. Can anyone share their experience? I understand that it’s going to be crowded anytime we go! I’m also going to get tickets for the night tour the following day. Thank you!

We thought our visit was perfect...Arrived at Alhambra at 8:45...We chose 11 a.m. for Nasrid Palace giving us plenty of time to explore the grounds before the massive throngs arrived (although there were plenty of people there early). Then, afterward, some more exploring before hitting the GENERALIFE Gardens. Done by 1:15. By 1:30 p.m. we were sipping GinTonics in Granada.

Below is our report of our day and night at Alhambra (with photos).

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We had an entry time for the Nasrid palaces at about 10.30 I believe and that was fine. it meant that we had time to grab a coffee in the little cafe by the entrance, stroll down to the Palace through the gardens, and have a general look round before we went into the palaces.

if you take the earliest slots you will have to gallop down to the Palaces to be there in time.

I'm glad that you are getting tickets for the night visit as well - we did it on spec and we loved it; they restrict the numbers so you see a lot more.

Thanks maitaitom and annhig-I like your more leisurely entrance time! I guess I was thinking we’d miss some of the tour groups by entering earlier. I’ll think about it some more!

We had 9:30 reservations, which gave us time to see the Alcazaba first at a somewhat rushed pace. (I'd planned to get there at 8am, but it ended up being past 8:30.) The Nasrid Palaces already felt packed by the time we got in. I somewhat regretted not opting for the first slot, but I have no idea how much better it would have still. Still, the Palaces were amazing and I didn't let the crowds disturb my enjoyment.

We had tickets for 9;30AM for the Nasrid Palaces, and it worked out perfect for us. I was told we should be there between 30 to 60 minutes early. We took a cab from our hotel and asked the driver to drop us off at the Justice Gate. It is a very short walk from the Justice Gate to the Nasrid Palaces. we arrived around 8;30AM. This gave us time to purchase our audioguides and visit the Charles Palace. We took some photos of the area and of Granada. It was not a rushed experience for us. We had time for a full breakfast at our hotel.

I am glad we had the 9:30AM tickets because we ended up spending the whole day at the Alhambra. We took our time going through the Nasrid Palace and took lots of photos. When we finished, we had a picnic lunch at the Partal Gardens just outside the Nasrid Palace. Then we slowly walked to the Generalife Gardens. I have some mobility issues so I can't walk fast. We spent a lot of time in the Generalife Gardens admiring everything and taking photos. then we slowly walked back towards the Alcazaba. We decided to stop at the cafe at the Hotel America for drinks and snacks. From there, we went to the Alcazaba. I think it was around 4:30PM when we left. I didn't expect to spend this much time at the Alhambra, but so glad we did, and I don't feel like we missed anything.

We then returned that evening for the night time tour. As everyone says, it is magical. You really appreciate the sounds of the fountains because it is quiet, and you also appreciate the intricate ceilings because of the uplighting.

I went as early in the morning as possible, with my timed entry to the Nasrid Palace 1/2 hour later -- PLENTY of time to get there, and you should also have sufficient time to reach it without rushing if you select the earliest time slot -- it's only a few minutes' walk. I stayed in the grounds until closing time at 6 p.m., and honestly would have loved more time there. I then returned that evening, for what I thought an absolutely magical experience. During the day, you can visit the entire Alhambra, but you will do so with MANY others, so be prepared for crowds. In the evening, you can visit the magnificent Nasrid Palace (only) with just a few other visitors. When I was there, everyone who was there spoke very, very quietly. I didn't need to learn about what I was seeing -- I had done that during the day. But I got to see this incredible palace with very different lighting, and to smell the flowering shrubs, and hear the fountains, and … well, I'm sure you get it. Since I was there, I believe the Alhambra also offers evening visits to the Generalife, and if I had the chance, I would snag one of those reservations, too, preferably for the evening before my day time visit.

Enjoy!

If you want some magic of the Nasrid Palace, visit it at night first if your dates allow. March may still just be Friday or Saturday nights. Night lighting rwally brings out the details of the carvings with shadows. Walk at a slightly slower pace than the others and this leaves plenty ofmtume and space to immerse yourself.
The next morning I did the day visit. I also took the first timed option so I wasn't watching the clock to get back in time for an entry. Tour groups were soon there, but again, they move along at a faster pace, so easy enough to let them get ahead. I visited on a Sunday in late October so tours and locals but nothing too bad. There were some areas the tours were at the entry. Just wait a couple of minutes and they are ahead. I found the Generalife the hardest to avoid tour groups for photos.

I absolutely treasure the night visit I made to the Alhambra. I toured the gardens early the next morning. This was at the height of summer, and both timings meant I avoided the crowds, which began to pour into the Alhambra after 10.30 or so. The night time was serene, mysterious, spotting resident cats and kittens, and actually very moving.

Per Quiltingmama's caveat about night visits in March. I can confirm that they only offer night visits on Friday and Saturday nights in March. The spring/summar scheduled doesn't start until April 1.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments- very helpful . Luckily we’ll be in Granada for four nights, so can plan a day tour and a night visit on Friday night before we head to Malaga Saturday. I think I’ll get the first admission time-8:30am.