The highlight of Moorish architecture in Grenada was found here at this sprawling hilltop location…read more Remember you need your passport to buy tickets and gain entrance so don't forget it. It was the only item checked by security when entering the palaces, Alcazabs and Generalife. We took bus C32 from the center and while most people got off at the Alhambra main entrance we exited the bus at Puerta de la Justicia which was a lot closer to the Nasrid Palaces plus avoided some of the uphill slog. We also visited the Palace of Charles V (quick but surprising acoustics) and Alcazaba (old fort with a tower climb) before ending at Generalife. I forgot that all the museums on site were closed on Mondays. I purchased our tickets online and secured a 9am entrance to the Nasrid Palaces which wasn't as crowded at that hour. The was some renovations happening but for the most part we were able to enjoy the stunning architecture and views. The Partal Palace was our favorite along with the Hall of Ambassadors and Court of the Lions. Walking through the gardens and then downhill to the Generalife we went against the flow of visitors. The Generalife was a much smaller palace that served as the summer retreat. Here water was a highlight showcasing the prowess in the engineering that went into supplying water to these gardens and palaces - Escalera del Agua. The Royal Chamber was a must see inside with richly detailed ceiling, arches and walls. If your legs are still strong after visiting everything then I suggest walking back to town via Cuesta Del Rey Chico. It was a path that ran below the walls of the Alhambra and gave a different perspective and much less crowds.

I was really looking forward to seeing the Alhambra - it's a palace and fortress complex perching…read moreatop the steep hils of Granada, with construction first starting in the 1200s. It's one of the most famous architectural wonders of Islamic architecture and is one of the best preserved places in the world of islamic origin (mixed with Spanish Renaissance architecture). Our ticket included access to all visitable places of the complex (a lot free to the public), Nasrid palace (timed entrance), the gardens and the Generalife (former country estate). We did an unguided tour, so I felt like we missed out on the history a bit as we walked through the palace - it reminded us of the Real Alcazar from Seville, but bigger and more grand in scale. I'm glad our ticket was for 10AM because the grounds only got busier throughout the morning.

Wonderful air b&b view down centro city de granada and we are looking forward to our 13 minute walk…read moreto mirador de san nicolas

Great views of Alhambra. Pack full of people at night with…read morelive performers. Walk there through colorful moorish quarters and take a taxi back to your hotel. (Written by husband)

The Palacio de la Madraza is now part of the University of Granada. Inside this structure, the room…read moreto see is the preserved Islamic prayer room, which is absolutely beautiful (I have uploaded a few photos along with my review). The room itself has limited visitor at one time to help preserve the condition from tourism damages. I highly recommend that you purchase to go inside the room rather than just standing outside it and taking photos within. You will miss many of the important photos such as the top stalactite-like carving and some of the more intricate designs on the wall. The story is that the room is preserved because it is so beautiful the Christian decided to keep it rather than destroy it (its being an Islamic prayer room). If you come through the Granada Essential Must Do tour, the entrance fee is already part of it, and your guide will accelerate you to the front of the line as well. Enjoy!