Alhambra Night Tour

Thinking about visiting the Alhambra? Imagine seeing it under the stars, with soft lights glowing on ancient walls and hardly any crowds around you. Sounds magical, right?

With skip-the-line tickets, you can explore on your own or join a guided night visit to the Alhambra, which offers a relaxed and peaceful experience. 

You’ll either explore the beautiful Nasrid Palaces or enjoy the calm beauty of the Generalife Gardens at night, depending on the ticket option you choose.

This article covers everything you need to know about Alhambra night tours, what to expect, and tips to enjoy your visit.

The Alhambra Castle attracts over 2.6 million visitors annually, so booking in advance is a smart choice. The skip-the-line ticket is the most popular and budget-friendly option. For a deeper understanding of the palace, the guided tour offers expert insights, while the night tour provides a magical experience in a peaceful atmosphere.

Self-guided Alhambra night tour

• Experience the Alhambra under the stars with this 1.5-hour self-guided night tour. 
• Enjoy skip-the-line access and a crowd-free atmosphere. 
• The tour runs from 10 pm to 11.30 pm and lets you choose between two different options.
• Gardens and Generalife option: You’ll walk through the Access Pavilion, Promenade of the Walnut Trees, Generalife Gardens, and the Generalife Palace. (Does not include entry to the Nasrid Palaces.)
• Nasrid Palaces and Charles V Palace option: You’ll explore the Mexuar, Palace of Comares, Palace of the Lions, Palace of Charles V, and pass through the Gate of Justice. (Does not include the Generalife Gardens.)
• Children aged 3 to 11 must have their tickets booked at the same time as the adult tickets. 
• For children under 3, tickets do not need to be reserved in advance. They can be collected at the Alhambra entrance or ticket office on the day of your visit.

Gardens & Generalife ticket prices

Adult ticket (16+ years): €12
Youth ticket (12 to 15 years): €9 
Infant ticket (below 12 years): Free entry

Nasrid Palaces & Charles V Palace ticket prices

Adult ticket (16+ years): €15
Youth ticket (12 to 15 years): €11
Infant ticket (below 12 years): Free entry

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Note: Baby strollers are not allowed inside the Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife Palace. There is a special area for them.

Guided night tour of Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces

• Discover the magic of the Alhambra on this 1.5-hour guided night tour that includes skip-the-line access to Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces.
• You can choose between a shared small-group tour or a private tour for a more exclusive and personalized experience. 
• The tour starts at 10 pm and you’ll explore the Nasrid Palaces, including the Mexuar, Palace of Comares, Palace of the Lions, the Palace of Charles V, and more. (Does not include access to the Generalife Gardens or Palace)
• The guided tour is available in English or Spanish, with an optional audio guide in Spanish.
• For groups of more than seven, a radio guide system is provided so everyone can hear clearly.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a 60% refund. 

Shared group ticket prices 

Adult ticket (12+ years): €48
Youth ticket (2 to 11 years): €20
Infant ticket (below 2 years): €5

Private group ticket prices 

Up to 2 people: €200
Up to 5 people: €350

Is the Alhambra night visit worth it?

Yes, the Alhambra night visit is worth it, especially if you’re looking for a quieter, more atmospheric experience. 

The palaces and courtyards look beautiful under soft lights, and you can see intricate details that feel even more special than during the day. 

At night, iconic places like the Patio de los Leones, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Palace of Charles V look stunning beneath the stars.

It’s ideal for photographers, history lovers, and anyone who wants to see a different, dreamlike side of the Alhambra.

However, keep in mind that night visits offer limited access—you can choose either the Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife, not both. So if it’s your first visit and you want the full experience, start with a day tour, then return at night for a magical, unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.

Alhambra night lights

One of the highlights of visiting the Alhambra at night is the stunning lighting that brings its architecture to life in a whole new way.

Soft, golden lights on the ancient walls illuminate the intricate details of the Nasrid Palaces, casting gentle shadows that enhance the beauty and mystery of this Moorish masterpiece. 

At night, the entire Castle feels like a living piece of history, transporting you back in time. 

The exterior lighting of the Alhambra Castle varies by season:

• 1 November to 28 February: Lights stay on until 2 am.
  
• 1 March to 31 October: They remain lit until 4 am.
  
• On special occasions (like Easter Week, Corpus Christi, and Christmas from Dec 24 to Jan 5), the lights shine until 6 am.

Alhambra night visit timings

Alhambra Castle is closed on Sundays and Mondays for night visits.

Generalife Gardens and Nasrid Palaces Timings

Generalife Gardens remains closed for night visits from 1 June to 31 August and from           15 November to 31 March.

The last entry to the Generalife Gardens is one hour before closure.

Both the Generalife Gardens and the Nasrid Palaces have the same timings. 

Tips for your Alhambra night visit

• Arrive early: Get there at least 30 minutes before your entry time to find the correct entrance (especially for the Nasrid Palaces or Generalife) and avoid last-minute stress.
• Book in advance: Night visits have limited slots and are very popular. Book online ahead of time to secure your preferred date and time.
• Check what’s included: Night tickets cover either the Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife Gardens—not both. Make sure you know which one you’re visiting when you book.
• Bring a valid ID: You’ll need to show the ID or passport used during booking at the entrance, so keep it handy.
• Dress & Footwear: The tour lasts around 1.5 hours and you’ll be walking on cobbled paths and uneven surfaces—good shoes will make the experience more enjoyable and bring a light jacket, as Granada evenings can get cool even in summer.
• Have dinner before your night tour: There are no food or drink stalls inside the Alhambra at night, so it’s best to eat beforehand. The Albaicín district is a great choice, and many restaurants there offer stunning night views of the illuminated Alhambra. 
• Take advantage of the Lighting: The Alhambra’s lighting at night is soft and dramatic—ideal for atmospheric photos. Just avoid using flash and tripods, which is often prohibited.