What is the recommended sequence for visiting the Al Hambra?

How long after starting would that get you to the Nasrid Palaces?

I'm trying to figure out the time for our ticket purchase.

Hi Myer,
For me, it's always best to visit the Nasrid Palaces FIRST! This is important, at least during high season. I advise folks to purchase their timed tickets for entrance to the Nasrid Palace section for the earliest slot they can manage. The first entrance to the Nasrid Palace is at 8:30 (see www.alhambratickets.com). They're sold in 1/2 hr. slots.
By entering this early you can have some precious time of relative peace and quiet for contemplating the beauty of the intricate and fragile tile and stucco work in these magnificent rooms (my favorite: the Patio de los Leones) before the bus hordes arrive between 10-11 and the crush ensues. This also gives you the chance for photo ops without running into others trying to do the same. In Spain I'm not usually an early riser, but I do make the effort at the Alhambra to be there for the earliest possible entrance to the Nasrid Palace.
After seeing these royal apartments, I go down to the Arab baths then I wander out to see the fortress part, the Alcazaba. Then on to the Renaissance Palace of Charles V and museum and then finally when it starts to heat up around mid-day, I walk up to the Generalife gardens/summer palace, where it magically cools down several degrees thanks to all that greenery and all that cascading water!

Maribel,

Thank you.
Thank you.

Myer - the more questions you ask, the more details of my trip get completed!

I bought tickets on line for Alhambra about 2 weeks ago for the day I am going to be there (February 17th). I'm getting to Granada the day before, so I figure I can call to verify my reservation a day ahead... (the website was a little unclear that the transaction was completed, although I do have a reference number).

Karen

How long does it take to get from the Cthedral to the Al Alhambra? Is it a 15 minute walk or bus ride? Or is it somehow longer?
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kaudrey,

OK then, I'll ask another question.

Since it's a different topic I'll create a new thread.

You can walk it in about 20 minutes. It's uphill, but a charming walk (start at the street with all the guitar sellers.) Walk down the far side, Paseo de los Tristes.

Myer,
I too, think it's an interesting walk, but if you don't want to do the steep uphill climb, you can take the shuttle bus that departs from downtown off the Plaza Nueva which will drop you off right below the main entrance/ticket office. It runs every 10-15 min. or so all day long.

We went to the Alhambra last March and I followed Maribel's instructions exactly. We reserved tickets for 8:30 via the internet. We walked from our hotel (nice walk for us--but it is up a fairly good hill if you have trouble walking) and got there at 8:00. I had the tickets in no time and there was no one else in the Nasrid Palaces when we entered. We looked around there then checked out everything else. By the time we left at noon, the place was packed and there was a huge line to get even the reserved tickets.

Bottom line: get there early.

I'll also echo the thoughts on early arrival. When I visited in Sept 2001 I booked the first time available via the internet (it was either 8 or 8:30 a.m.). It was great because the tourist buses hadn't started arriving yet. I like to linger a bit and there were a couple of groups just behind me so every early minute counts!

I'd also not recommend walking up to the Alhambra. I'd save your feet for the Alhambra and some nicer walks in the Albaycin. Besides, the best tapas are had standing up so you definately need to rest your legs for this!

We also visited at night and it was a totally different and wonderful experience. I don't know if the night visits are an option year round though. I'd definately recommended visiting twice if you have the opportunity.