13 Best Gaudi Attractions in Barcelona
Catalonia’s most famed architect, Antoni Gaudí and his works are a quintessential part of the Barcelona experience. Here’s the ultimate guide with everything you need to know about the 13 Best Gaudi Attractions in Barcelona.
Popularised by his perplexing, mythical-like creations that surfaced from the ground-breaking heat of the Modernisme movement (the Catalan equivalent of Art Nouveau), the magnificent myriad of his creations can be found today within the heart of Spain’s beautifully bustling Barcelona.
Here’s what we cover in this Gaudi guide:
13 Top Attractions, including Casa Batllo, Park Guell, Sagrada Familia & More
More Gaudi Attractions
Barcelona Sightseeing Passes
FAQs
13. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Built from 1906 to 1912, ‘The Stone Quarry’ was designed to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. La Pedrera encapsulates two buildings via an intriguing, light-filled courtyard, highlighting Gaudí’s adoration for geometrical and natural motifs.
This building boasts mesmerizing interiors that showcase undulating forms and brightly coloured murals adorned with mythological and floral motifs. Its exterior boasts wrought-iron balconies, stone facades, and chimneys, but the true beauty of this structure lies in its intricate details. Even the door knobs and flooring are exceptional, adding to the overall charm of the building.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the last private residence designed by Gaudí, and nowadays, only a few tenants remain living here. At night, a tour of the premises and a magnificent audio-visual show are projected on the mansion’s Modernist rooftop. It’s called La Pedrera: The Origins Show and includes a glass of cava (sparkling Catalan champagne) and various snacks to nibble on.
La Pedrera Budget Tip: On the 23rd of April, the day of Sant Jordí (the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day), La Pedrera opens its doors for free, inviting you to learn about the social, cultural and environmental projects of the Fundació Catalunya. As with all major attractions, arriving as early as possible’s in your best interest, especially during the summertime. Admission is €22 online and €25 at the door.
12. Casa Batlló
Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Initially built in 1877 and restored by Gaudí in the 1900s, Casa Batlló is famous for its undulating, dragon-esque shape and vivid, eye-catching design. Casa Battló looks particularly captivating in the morning light when the sun shimmers against the scale-like tiles on the rooftop.
The mansion, listed as a UNESCO Heritage site, boasts a strong Art Nouveau influence and is adorned with stunning mosaics crafted from shattered ceramic tiles.
As you gaze upon Casa Batlló's magnificent sandstone structures and protruding balconies, your eyes are drawn to the arched roof resembling a dragon. The interior showcases Gaudí's fondness for natural and organic shapes with its asymmetrical stained-glass windows, vibrant mosaics, and maze-like vaults. The loft is even likened to a rib cage, adding to the unique charm of the design.
If you enjoy live music such as jazz, blues, pop or funk, Casa Batlló hosts a highly sought-after series of concerts called the Magic Nights. It is the ideal summer evening activity, complete with the pleasant Mediterranean breeze and the opportunity to indulge in a few refreshing beverages.
11. Park Güell
Location: Carrer Olot, 5, 08024 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes (Monumental Zone, the rest of the park: free)
Explore one of Barcelona's most iconic spaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting. Immerse yourself in the legendary Antoni Gaudí's mind as you wander through the stunning gardens and admire the iconic works of the Catalan capital.
Nestled atop Carmel Hill, Parc Güell was initially intended to be an upscale residential development. However, it was eventually transformed into a public park in the mid-1920s. Constructed during the early 1900s, this expansive 45-acre garden complex is unquestionably a destination worth visiting.
There are many elaborate things to discover. Check out the Serpentine Bench, Plaça de la Natura, the Pink Tower, Casa Larrard, La Casa Trias, and La Escalera Monumental. You’ll want to photograph every last detail!
Along with the significant features, keep an eye out for the two gingerbread-like pavilions, the colonnaded pathways, and the Parthenon-like columns. This Utopian urban park ingeniously integrates elements of nature, Catalan nationalism, ancient poetry and mysticism.
Park Guell Budget Tip: Arrive before 8 am for free entrance! Parc Güell is also unguarded after 7 pm. However, it is quite dark then. Avoid buying your food from the overpriced stores and restaurants near Parc Güell.
10. Gaudí Experiència – G Experiència
Location: Career de Larrard, 41, 08024 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Situated at the foot of Park Güell, the G Experiència is a genuinely engaging exhibition space that differs from the rest of the famed Spaniard’s attractions. This distinctly interactive, 4D experience proffers an augmented reality and dives into all the details of the life and works of this Catalan architectural genius.
This is, in fact, the only exhibition in the entire world that has an entire space dedicated to Antoni Gaudi. Etched with over nine different languages and large interactive panels, the G Experience is a captivating way to discover history. Check out the Gaudi Experience timetables and prices here.
9. Casa Vicens
Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 18-24, 08012 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Want to know where it all started for Antoni Gaudi? This striking red-brick building rouses up a complete image of his unparalleled style. Casa Vicens is essentially seen as the very first masterpiece of this mastermind.
From 1883 to 1885, the Vicens family built a distinctive summer residence today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of significant historical and cultural value.
On the second floor, visitors can explore a captivating permanent collection that delves into over 130 years of history. The group also sheds light on the time's social, cultural, and artistic contexts while sharing Gaudi's perspective on Modernisme (the Catalan version of Art Nouveau).
Check out the Casa Vicens website for more information, tickets, and other details.
8. Sagrada Família
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Without a doubt, this UNESCO World Heritage site is not to be missed. It’s been in construction for over a century, meaning that once it’s completed, it will have taken longer to build than the Great Egyptian Pyramids. Can you even imagine that?! Crikey mate.
Gaudí devoted the later years of his life to the Sagrada Família, and he was well aware that he would never get to see the basilica completed during his lifetime. Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus, the Sagrada Família, is steeped in Gothic and Catalan Modernisme influences.
The basilica is a stunning fusion of hyperboloid and paraboloid structures, complemented by beautiful mosaics and stained-glass windows that draw inspiration from nature. To witness the breathtaking magic of the sun shining through the windows, visiting early in the morning is recommended. It's best to book tickets online and in advance, especially during the peak of summer when they tend to sell out quickly.
If you want to visit the towers, be aware that access to these requires a special ticket, which you can book on the website or at the entrance.
Sagrada Familia Budget Tip: Arguably, this basilica is just as picturesque from the outside as it is from the inside. While I highly recommend paying the admission fee to experience the sheer magic of the lights from the stained-glass windows, combined with some genuinely innovative architecture, you can still enjoy Gaudí’s Modernisme architecture from afar.
Right opposite La Sagrada Familia is the Plaça de Gaudí, a little park with a pond and exceptional views of the basilica. This is a great little spot to have a quick snack. Please be mindful and take your rubbish with you; let’s work together, dammit!
7. Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella
Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Entry Fee: No
One of Gaudí’s first projects, the fountain nestled in the verdant Parc de la Ciutadella, is a spectacle. Inspired by Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Gaudí’s enthralling flair differentiates the rush with astonishingly intricate elements throughout the masterpiece.
The fountain is brimming with many mythical creatures and horses and a sculpture of Venus that can be found on an open clam. Gaudí’s work here will create a lasting impression.
Take a stroll around the Parc de la Ciutadella, and spot the Castle of the 3 Dragons, the Catalan Parliament and the Umbracle. Lined with towering palm trees, the Parc de la Ciutadella is also a great spot to rest and recharge your batteries.
Pack a picnic, sit on the green grass, and soak up that European sunshine. The park is filled with diverse people, from African drummers to local artists; keep an eye out for aspiring DJs and acrobats practising their tricks on the grass.
6. Hospital de Sant Pau
Location: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
If you’re a fan of Gaudí but don’t want to brave the swarms of tourists, then this bad boy is for you. The Sant Pau Hospital is a twentieth-century Modernist complex with jaw-dropping domes, mosaics, sophisticated sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
The pavilions are surrounded by gardens and connected by underground passageways. Admission is €14 for a self-guided visit or €19 for a guided tour. During the summer, there are also live music events; check out the details here.
5. Colònia Güell
Location: Calle Claudi Güell, 08690 Colònia Güell, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
The ever-so-captivating Colonia Güell is one of the best Gaudi attractions if you want to step away from the massive crowds.
Juxtaposed with an idyllic industrial layout, the tranquillity of this atmosphere provides quite the contrast from the inner city sights.
Threaded with a charming Modernist touch, this 19th-century complex upholds a rich historical and artistic importance. Amongst the panoply of picture-perfect architectural gems, you’ll find iron and ceramic details dotted throughout the scene.
Colonia Güell is a unique spot just outside of Barcelona.
4. Palau Güell
Location: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
The peculiar Palau Güell is a true gem nestled within this urban utopia. As one of the first major commissions of Gaudí’s career, this building magnificently displays various modernist architecture.
Shifting between the dynamics of both palace and playground, the Palau Guell stands out particularly for the intricate interplay of light and space, accentuated with touches of traditional materials such as wrought iron, ceramics, glass, wood and stone.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site truly encapsulates the unique essence of Gaudí and provides a stellar opportunity to dive into his creative mind.
Save yourself time, money, and stress by booking your tickets online and in advance.
3. Museu del
Modernisme de
Barcelona
Location: Carrer de Balmes, 48, 08007 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
The Museu del Modernisme proffers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the modernist masterpieces in Catalonia. Antoni Gaudi’s works stand out as the true show-stopper of the different designers and artists.
Explore the dedicated section showcasing designs created by Gaudi for decorative purposes in iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Calvet, and Casa Mila. Discover the distinctive style and artistic brilliance of Gaudi, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Catalan Art Nouveau movement known as Modernism.
I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Modernism to catch a glimpse of some unique and striking designs, paintings, and sculptures.
2. Gaudí House Museum
Location: Park Güell, Carretera del Carmel, 23A , 08024 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Nestled within Park Guell, it is indispensable to the Barcelona experience, the Gaudi House Museum.
This attraction is a well-known presence in the romantic city, providing a deep insight into the personality of Gaudi. It was once his private home and has now been converted into a museum that showcases his surroundings.
The furnishings in the rooms, including his bedroom, document, and personal items, reflect his religious devotion and are adorned with various crucifixes and other trinkets.
The Gaudi House Museum boasts three storeys, a basement, and a small tower. Climb the turret to catch breathtaking vistas overlooking the terracotta-tiled city and the ceramic trencadís.
Additionally, the museum’s website offers a 3D virtual tour of the turret, the garden, the terrace, and the cold pantry. This ‘virtual visit’ provides a glimpse of the interiors via interactive videos and photos, and it is available on most museum websites.
1. Gaudí Exhibition Center
Location: Pla de la Seu, 7, 08002 Barcelona
Entry Fee: Yes
Formerly framed as the Diocese Museum, this mystical space has recently been utilised to magnify Gaudi. Having been fused into the Gaudi Exhibition Center, the magnitude of the museum embraces various Medieval sculptures and religious artefacts. Sitting alongside Gaudi’s work, viewers can get a feel for the influences that played a role in his unique style.
Gaudi was known for his love of nature, Arabic architecture, and Medieval art, and it’s this exhibition that provides the pinnacle point to dive deeply into those very ideas. Explore various articles, sketches, models, tools, and other things he created. With a digital tour and audio guide, the Gaudi Exhibition Center offers an exciting take on the simple things that once swayed such a revolutionary man’s creations.
Gaudí’s works outside of Barcelona
El Capricho, Comillas, Cantabria
Casa Botines, León
If you’re interested in visiting more than two attractions it’s best to consider one of Barcelona’s Best Sightseeing Passes:
Gaudí Bundle
Includes: A scheduled entry into the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, as well as downloadable audio guides that are available in several languages.
Modernista Pass
Includes: Free entry to Casa Vicens and a variety of well-known Modernisme buildings.
3 House Combo Pass
Includes: A scheduled entry to 3 of Gaudí’s works: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Casa Vicens.
Go Barcelona Pass
Includes: Free entry to 7 Gaudí attractions: Casa Vicens, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Colonia Güell, Museu del Modernisme de Barcelona, Gaudí Experience 4D, and Gaudí Exhibition Center. Also, the Go Barcelona Pass offers the option to join a Gaudi and Modernisme walking tour.
Barcelona Card
Includes: Discounted prices to 6 Gaudí and Gaudí-related attractions: Casa Vicens, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Palau Güell, Colonia Güell, and Gaudí Experience 4D, plus free entry to the Museu del Modernisme de Barcelona and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
Barcelona City Pass
Includes: A scheduled entry into Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, as well as a 20% discount on several other Gaudí related sites.
Articket Barcelona Museum Pass
Includes: Art museums such as the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya; however, entry is not included to any of Gaudí’s buildings.
FAQS
What is the best Gaudí building to visit in Barcelona?
Barcelona is blessed with countless Gaudi attractions; among the most popular, the Sagrada Familia stands out. If you have time to see more, visit Park Guell, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.
Where are the Gaudí buildings located?
Many of Gaudi's most magnificent creations can be found in Barcelona, with a few others located throughout Spain.
What is one of Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona?
The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s most-visited masterpiece. This basilica sees more than 3,700,000 visitors per year.
How to see Gaudí buildings in Barcelona?
The best way to visit the Gaudi buildings is with the Go Barcelona Pass. This Barcelona sightseeing pass includes the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Vicens, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Colonia Guell and the Gaudi Experience 4D.
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From one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe, the Sagrada Familia, to the dragon-esque Casa Batlló, there are many other sites that are more seldom visited; I hope this insider’s Gaudí Guide will inspire you to tackle both the top attractions and the lesser-known ones at that. After five years of living in this city, I can honestly say that these are the 13 Best Gaudi Attractions in Barcelona, Spain.
Which Gaudi building is your favourite?
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