There are often questions about buying tickets for the Alhambra on this forum and I just thought I would post my experience as I ran into a problem which was actually fairly easily sorted out.<BR>When you buy tickets over the web you are given, as regulars know, a &quot;locator number&quot; which you need when you collect your tickets at the Alhambra on the day of your visit. When this appeared on my screen, I immediately clicked &quot;print&quot; - which was really very silly - I should have handwritten the details first! Anyway, I got a printout but it was just the frame around the page and, as I clicked &quot;print&quot;, the screen with the locator number simultaneously disappeared! Panic! I rang Visa who already had a record of the credit card transaction and who said that if I couldnt sort the matter out with the ticket provider, they would carry the cost of the transaction. Although it was a Sunday at 4pm I thought I would try BBVA (the number is clearly posted on the Alhambra website). I got straight through and was able to speak to someone in English. It was too soon for them to find me on their database so they suggested I phoned back on Monday morning. This I did and was given my locator number within seconds (just a couple of security questions). So, the moral of the story is don't trust &quot;print screen&quot; but if something does appear to go wrong with your Alhambra credit card transaction, it is easy to sort out!<BR>I have a question please - is it worth hiring a private guide to the Alhambra- does anyone know the cost - or is the audioguide very adequate?

The audioguide is more than adequate. I was just there a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the audioguide actually. The voice of the male narrator (you'll hear him on audioguides all over Spain) is great to listen to.<BR><BR>The audioguide costs 3 euros, and you have to give them some sort of ID to ensure you bring it back. I just used my US driver's license. I figured that was the thing I could most do without if something happened to it. You can also use a Passport or credit card.<BR><BR>Anne

Hilary,<BR>On our last visit, we opted for the audio guide and also found it quite adequate, although we've visited the Alhambra repeatedly and have read much about its history. Our friends traveling with us, Spain newbies, also found it sufficiently informative. <BR>It's interesting that you were able to speak to a BBVA agent outside of banking hours. My experience in calling the number given on the web site was the same.

One other suggestion I have (I got this from Rick Steves' book) is to get an Alhambra guide in the city before you actually go and read it ahead of time. That way you'll already have a good idea of what things are. I did this and was glad I did. Though certainly your visit wouldn't be worse if you didn't have the time for this.<BR><BR>Anne

I am planning to visit Granada in about a week. I haven't bought my tickets to the Alhambra yet. Should I do this over the internet before I leave or can I wait to get there and buy them at a bank? If I wait, will I have fewer options as to what times are available?

Dear Dergie,
I would go ahead and buy the tickets over the internet now. Just be sure and print out (and write down) your locator number. We were just there in March, and I believe you actually go to the Alhambra now to get your tickets if you don't buy them over the internet ( no buying at banks anymore). The lines were huge for the people without reservations.

Thanks for the info! I'm going to buy them on the internet before I leave!

I actually purchased my tickets by calling the bank directly. The internet site to purchase is not a secure site so I didn't feel safe in putting my credit card info. on it. You can ask for someone who speaks English. Be sure to get the locater number and if you have any questions, they are very helpful.

I almost always like audio guides, but I found the guide at the Alhambra disappointing. It was too dramatized and slow. It included a lot excerpts from Tales of the Alhambra, a lot of slow music, and a lot of &quot;stand here for a long time while I tell you to very little to nothing.&quot; Since the Alhambra is large, signs are scare, and the audio guide is (in my opinion) quite weak, I would definitely recommend a guided tour.

I actually disagree with Kate1. Although she is correct that it is sort of slow and dramatic, I thought that was quite appropriate for the Alhambra. And I liked the excerpts from the Tales of the Alhambra. Plus, if you are not interested in what is being said ina particular room, you can just stop the recording and move on. I also never just stood there and listened, but walked around the rooms as the narrator spoke.

Having said that, I can see how someone could find them boring. So I don't discount Kate1's opinion in the least. It's good to hear different opinions so people can determine what is likely to work best for them.

Anne

I will be heading to Granada by train,what is the website or bank to call to purchase alhambra tickets please.Also, moderate hotel near train station for a woman travelling solo? Will there be help with bags? Just broke a toe and leaving next wk.Thanks all.

www.alhambratickets.com.