what might be the easiest way to purchase tickets to the alhambra ahead of a visit to Granada; and can I pick the tickets up at the A or in the City? thanks. Joel Z.

You can buy them through any <BR> Bilbao Vizcaya Bank in any city in the world.

Definitely buy them in advance. At least a week in advance too. We were there last week and they were sold out by 1. The line to buy tickets was sooo long also.

There are a few ways to get advance tickets. You can order online at www.alhambratickets.com, although I didn't see an English version of the web site. Click on 'Venta de Entradas' to order. <BR><BR>You can buy tickets by phone (they speak English):<BR>902 22 44 60 within Spain or +34 913465936 from outside of Spain.<BR><BR>Or, as mentioned above, you can visit a branch of the BBV (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya).<BR><BR>If you get the ticket at a BBV they give it to you right there. <BR><BR>

Joel - We just went there last week and used the instructions below that were provided on this forum previously (I can't remember who posted them to give full credit). I followed them to the letter and our tickets were waiting at the ticket window. Two things to remember - 1. Print and bring your reservation form and 2. You will need photo ID to pick them up (although I did hear a customer talk his way out of that one). Finally, the time on your ticket allows you 1/2 hour to get up to entrance of the Nasrid Palaces(which is the highlight in my opinion) so I suggest you go there first then see the rest (gardens, ramparts, etc) at your leisure. <BR>Instruction from previous post: Go to <BR><BR>http://w3.grupobbva.com/ALHAMBRA/alhambra/home.html <BR><BR>Then click on "Venta de entradas." On the next screen, where it says "Fecha Visita" enter the date of your visit (e.g., 29/08/2001 for Aug. 29). "Hora Visita" is the time, a pull-down menu. There are three rates of fees--"General," "Jubilado" if you're over 65, and "Gratuito" for children under 8. You can order up to 5 tickets at a time. Enter the number of each type that you want, and click on "Enviar." On the next screen, you're asked for credit card information. For "Nombre del Titular," type the cardholder's name. "Numero de la tarjeta" is the number. "Fecha de caducidad" is expiration date. Then click on "Pagar." You'll get a printable page (click on "Imprima") with your reservation number.<BR><BR>It's worth it and the tickets were sold out the day we went - even though it was rather cold and raining! Enjoy!<BR>