If you did not manage to secure your entrance ticket to the Alhambra, this is your opportunity to visit the free zone areas with a guide and learn about the history of the monument. The immaculately preserved complex of fortifications and religious buildings dates back to the 9th century. Begin your 2-hour walking tour just below Alhambra, heading along the Alhambra walls and towers. Follow a scenic route through the woods of the Alhambra to the Gate of Justice, known for its elaborate Quranic carvings. Passing through this defensive gate, and you’ll arrive at the Wine Gate and the Square of the Cisterns. Visit the Charles V Palace, which houses the Alhambra Museum and its exclusive collection of Hispano-Muslim and Nasrid Art. Marvel at the vast circular courtyard within the stately, columned building. Continue up Calle Real to the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, built atop the former main mosque. Also see the San Francisco Convent - an enchanting 15th-century structure that once served as a Catholic convent. Alternatively, upgrade your tour to include a 1.5-hour tourist bus tour with an optional audio guide. Visit the city center and the Albaicin and Realejo neighborhoods.