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What is the Best Time to Visit Park Guell?

a view of sagrada familia at sunset from park guell

Deciding what time is best to visit Park Guell is one of the most common questions for Barcelona visitors.

In truth, the answer differs from person to person. Some like to have a lower light for those crucial Instagram snaps – while others are more interested in low-key visits away from the crowds.

⚠️  2023 Warning ⚠️ : It’s now mandatory to book your Park Guell tickets in advance .

Sell outs are extremely common , especially on weekends.

The only way to guarantee your spot is by booking Park Guell tickets online:

  • 🎟️ Buy now: Park Guell Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
  • 👨‍✈️ Buy now: Park Guell Guided Tours in English (75 minute guided tour)
  • 🗼 Buy now: Barcelona Pass (Park Guell + Sagrada Familia + discount pass)

So when is the better time to visit Park Guell for you?

purple flowers with the park guell entrance houses

Here’s some information to help you decide based on your priorities:

  • The park only accepts about 1,000 tourists a day (so peak season tickets are scarce 🙂).
  • The busiest hours are from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm , with the most visitors arriving from 11:00 to noon
  • In summer the sun rises at 6:30 am and sets at 9:00 pm
  • In winter in Barcelona it dawns at 8:00 am and sets at 5:30 pm
  • From 7 :00 am to 9:00 am and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm the park is for the exclusive use of neighbourhood locals

With this info, we can better orient ourselves on what is the best time to visit Parc Guell.

The early hours of the morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 am are ideal times to visit with fewer people – while also being able to take good photos.

Even from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm it is a good time but in winter the sky will already be dark, so be careful.

Again, with limited capacity you need to be booking your tickets in advance, and you can do so using the calendar below:

IMPORTANT: remember to book your ticket online to avoid finding Park Guell at capacity:

Finally, if you’re planning on visiting the Gaudi House Museum on site add 30 minutes to your visit on either side.

Looking for more info? Check out the Park Guell opening hours to better plan your trip.

If you have any specific requests, or are passionate about photography and want to know the times when the sun rises or sets in Barcelona leave us a comment below!

Related : Is Park Guell Worth It?

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mosaic bench with panoramic view at park guell

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Getting Sagrada Familia and Park Guell ticket combos is a great way to lock in your times and avoid sellouts. It also gives you a chance to get tours with enthusiastic guides and get add-ons like free audio guides. Let’s find out what Park Guell and Sagrada Familia combo ticket is right for you! Sagrada […]

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Park Guell is one of Antoni Gaudí’s most coveted architectural pearls.  Simply put, no visit to Barcelona can be considered complete without it. So how do you buy tickets for Park Guell? The most important thing to keep in mind is that the site is one of the most visited attractions in Spain, alongside the […]

COMING OVER EASTER HOLIDAYS?

Remember that this is another high season in Barcelona and tickets sell out way in advance!

Make sure you’ve got your attraction tickets booked before you leave or you run the risk of being shut out.

vetrate della Sagrada Familia al tramonto

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Park Guell Guide [2024]: How to Get There + What to Do at BCN’s Famous Park

Situated within the vibrant ‘Sun City’ Europe , Park Guell stands as a testament to the creative genius of its architect, Antoni Gaudí, whose visionary approach to design has left a timeless mark on the world of architecture. This guide aims to unravel the magic of Park Guell , a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the imagination of all who wander its whimsical paths.

I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Park Guell The first time I saw the salamander at Park Guell, I was totally blown away! It’s covered in bright, colourful mosaic and just pops out at you as you start exploring. The whole park is like a giant playground designed by Gaudí, filled with cool, curvy designs and loads of spots to just sit and soak it all in. Walking around, you’ll find so much more to see, like the awesome mosaic benches and the incredible views of Barcelona. The park’s vastness, with its intricate mosaics, whimsical sculptures, and lush gardens, invites exploration that can easily fill an entire day.

In this Park Guell guide , you can expect a comprehensive overview filled with essential information that will enhance your visit to this iconic Barcelona landmark. From detailed insights into the park’s history and the genius of its architect, Antoni Gaudí, to practical tips on how to navigate the vast grounds, this guide has it all.

You’ll find recommendations on must-see highlights, such as the famous mosaic salamander and the panoramic views from the Nature Square, ensuring you don’t miss any of the park’s wonders. Additionally, the guide offers advice on purchasing tickets , the best times to visit, and how to make the most of your time, whether you have just a few hours or a whole day to explore. With this Park Guell guide in hand, you will be well-prepared to fully experience the magic and beauty of Park Guell. Read to the end of the post to benefit from my helpful tips.

Timeless Travel Steps is supported by our readers. If you purchase through an affiliate link on my site, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclosure for further information.

Park Guell Guide Barcelona ©timelesstravelsteps.com

The History of Park Guell and Antoni Gaudi

Designed and created by Antoni Gaudí at the request of Count Eusebi Güell, for whom the park is named, this architectural marvel was initially intended as a residential estate. The project, embarked upon in 1900, evolved into a public park filled with intricate mosaics, surreal structures, and lush gardens.

Gaudí’s work on the park spanned over 14 years, a period during which his unique style—characterized by organic shapes, vibrant colours, and an integration with nature—came to full fruition.

The construction of Park Guell is a story of ambition meeting artistry. Gaudí, a figure synonymous with Catalan Modernism, poured his heart and soul into the project, leaving a legacy that transcends the boundaries of conventional park design.

Completed in 1914, the park was never fully realized as the residential haven it was meant to be, but this vast 17 hectares tranquil and enchanting park emerged as something far greater: a public space that invites visitors to step into a living, breathing piece of art.

pink hues sunset view over BCN nature square ©timelesstravelsteps.com

Park Güell Pronounciation

In English, “Park Güell” is commonly pronounced as “Park Gway.” The “ll” in “Güell” often gets anglicized to a “y” sound, similar to the “y” in “yes.” So, despite the original Catalan pronunciation, English speakers typically say “Park Gway.”

How to Get to Park Guell, Barcelona

Guell Set against the picturesque backdrop of Barcelona’s Gracia district, Park Guell’s location offers not just a visit but an immersive experience. The Park Guell address to guide your path is at 08024 Barcelona , a beacon for those drawn to the allure of Gaudí’s masterpieces.

You can choose to visit Park Guell by the vibrant pulse of public transportation, the convenience of a taxi, or the leisurely pace of a scenic walk. Each route offers its own tapestry of Barcelona’s charm.

Public Transport in Barcelona

Public transport in Barcelona offers a convenient and efficient way to reach Park Guell, with several options tailored to every traveller’s needs.

The city’s metro system is a popular choice, with Line 3 (the green line) being particularly useful. You can alight at either Lesseps or Vallcarca stations; from there, Park Guell is just a short walk away, albeit with some uphill stretches. Signposts along the way make navigating to the park straightforward.

For those who prefer bus travel, the 24 bus from Passeig de Gràcia or the H6 from Plaça Catalunya provide direct routes to the park, dropping you off nearby. These bus rides offer a glimpse into the everyday life of Barcelona, adding an authentic touch to your journey.

Tourist Bus

For a flexible and scenic route to Park Guell, consider the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service , which stops directly at the park. This option particularly suited for visitors to Barcelona, allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with the added convenience of disembarking right at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The panoramic views from the open-top bus offer a unique perspective of the city, making the journey to Park Guell as memorable as the destination itself.

Walking or Biking

For a more scenic approach, consider walking or biking through Barcelona ‘s vibrant streets. The city is known for its bike-friendly routes, and a leisurely ride can be a delightful way to experience the local atmosphere before reaching the park’s natural and architectural splendour. You may also like to consider a private e-bike guided tour of Barcelona’s best which includes Park Guell.

Guided Small Group Tour

Among the most enriching ways to experience Park Guell is by joining a guided tour with priority entry . Not only does this option often include the convenience of transportation from central locations in Barcelona and simplifies the logistics of getting to the park, but it also provides a wealth of knowledge shared by expert guides about Gaudí’s masterful creations within Park Guell.

While the hop-on hop-off bus service offers a convenient drop-off at the base of Park Guell, be prepared for the uphill walk to the entrance, a prelude to the park’s natural and architectural beauty. For those seeking a more direct route, taking a taxi to Park Guell is an excellent option, ensuring a comfortable journey right to the park’s doorstep.

view of Barcelona from nature square

Do you need tickets for Park Guell? Yes.

Yes, you need a ticket and entry to Park Guell does cost money but it is a small price to pay for the unparalleled experience that awaits. The fee contributes to the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the beauty and history of Park Guell.

In return, your ticket grants you access to a world of architectural innovation, vibrant mosaics, and breathtaking views of Barcelona, all crafted from the imaginative mind of Antoni Gaudí. General tickets start from €10.00.

You can get into Park Guell for free if you’re a local resident or a Gaudir Més member. Free entry is available in the morning (07:00 – 09:30) and in the evening (18:30 – 22:00).

TIP 1: Remember to book your Tickets to Park Guell in advance as there is a daily cap on the number of visitors allowed to enter the Monumental Zone. Booking ahead helps guarantee your entry on your preferred day and time, especially during peak tourist seasons when the park can be particularly busy. BOOK HERE .

TIP 2: It is very important that you arrive at the entry point with sufficient time so that you do not miss the time slot on your ticket . You are only given a half-an-hour grace period if you’re late. Once the 30-minute after your time-slot has passed, you lose the right to enter. We observed a small group turned away during our visit. So, ensure you book in advance and give yourself enough time to queue up.

What to Do in Park Guell

Park Guell, a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, is a treasure trove of architectural and natural wonders. Here are the essential spots to see within this iconic park:

1. Guide to The Main Entrance and Dragon Stairway at Park Guell

As you enter Park Guell, you’re greeted by the grand stairway, adorned with colourful ceramic tiles. The dragon or salamander sculpture, covered in vibrant mosaics, is one of the park’s most iconic symbols and a must-see spot for visitors.

The terms “serpentine stairs” and “dragon stairway” often refer to the same iconic feature in Park Guell. This famous staircase is known for its winding, serpentine form and is crowned by the “El Drac” sculpture, a colorful mosaic salamander that resembles a dragon, which is why it’s sometimes called the “dragon stairway.” This staircase is emblematic of Antoni Gaudí’s unique architectural style, blending organic shapes with vibrant, artistic designs.

The serpentine stairs lead up to a network of pathways and further into the park, guiding you towards the Monumental Zone, where more of Gaudí’s masterpieces await. Their location at the entrance sets the tone for the entire Park Guell experience, offering a preview of the architectural and artistic wonders that lie beyond.

salamandar p guell the main entrance ©timelesstravelsteps.com

2. The Hypostyle Room (Doric Temple)

Originally intended as a market for the estate, this area is supported by 86 striated columns, creating a forest of pillars beneath the main terrace. The ceiling is adorned with small domes decorated with original tile-shard mosaics, showcasing Gaudí’s innovative use of materials.

3. The Greek Theatre or Nature Square (Plaça de la Natura)

This expansive terrace is one of Park Guell’s crowning jewels. It offers breathtaking views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. The undulating, mosaic-covered bench that lines the edge of the terrace is not only a work of art but also a functional seating area, providing a perfect spot for contemplation and enjoyment of the panoramic views.

the expansive nature square p guell ©timelesstravelsteps.com

4. The Austria Gardens

Named after the Austrian donation of trees to the park, this area was developed later and features a more structured garden space, along with Gaudí’s house, which has been turned into a museum showcasing his life and works.

5. The Portico of the Washerwoman (Viaducts) also known as The Laundry Room Portico

The “Laundry Room Portico” and the “Washerwoman” refer to the same area within Park Guell. This is one of the park’s viaducts, characterized by its slanted columns and arches that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, offering a unique glimpse into Gaudí’s creative genius.

The “Washerwoman” refers to one of the stone sculptures within this area, which is shaped like a woman bending over, reminiscent of a washerwoman at work. This sculpture is one of the many whimsical and imaginative elements that Antoni Gaudí incorporated into the park, blending functional architecture with playful artistic designs.

The “Laundry Room Portico,” as it’s also known, draws its inspiration from the communal laundry spaces, featuring wave-like arches supported by inclined columns. These series of arches and columns provide a shaded walkway. This unique structure showcases a fascinating feature of Park Guell, making them essential for any visitor seeking to fully experience the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

GET YOUR PARK GUELL ADMISSION TICKET

view of BCN from Austria garden

6. Gaudí’s House Museum

Not originally designed by Gaudí but by his assistant, Francesc Berenguer, Gaudí lived here from 1906 to 1925. The house is now a museum displaying furniture and objects he designed. There is a separate admission ticket for the museum.

7. The Roadways and Paths

Gaudí designed the park’s roadways and paths with care for the natural landscape, ensuring they integrated harmoniously with the hillsides and provided beautiful vistas. Walking these paths gives a sense of Gaudí’s vision for a space where nature and architecture coexist seamlessly.

8. Watch the Sunset

Watching the sunset from Park Guell is one of the most magical experiences the park has to offer. The Nature Square (Plaça de la Natura), with its undulating, mosaic-covered bench, provides a panoramic view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset. The colours of the sky at dusk, combined with the view of the city, create a breathtaking backdrop that is truly unforgettable.

upper viaduct at park guell

9. Porter’s Lodge Pavilion

The Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, situated at the main entrance of Park Guell, is an enchanting structure that immediately captures the imagination of visitors. This whimsical building, designed by Antoni Gaudí, served as the gatehouse and caretaker’s quarters for the estate envisioned by Eusebi Güell. Its fairy-tale-like appearance, with organic shapes, vibrant tiles, and undulating roofs, are often compared to gingerbread houses due to their unique, playful design. These are characteristic of Gaudí’s unique architectural style, blending elements of Catalan Modernism with natural forms.

The pavilion’s roof is particularly noteworthy, adorned with colourful ceramic tiles that create a mosaic effect, a signature of Gaudí’s work. The structure’s curves and angles seem to mimic the natural landscape, making it appear as though the building has emerged organically from the ground. The use of trencadís (a type of mosaic made from broken tile shards) is evident here, adding texture and colour to the façade.

The Porter’s Lodge Pavilion is not just an architectural marvel; it also served a functional purpose in Gaudí’s design for the park. It was intended to welcome visitors and provide a glimpse of the architectural innovation that lies within. Today, the pavilion stands as a testament to Gaudí’s genius, and a historical significance that makes it a must-see landmark within the park,

10. The Upper Viaduct

The Upper Viaduct, one of the three viaducts within Park Güell, is designed to navigate the park’s hilly terrain, providing a walkway that offers both functionality and scenic views. Characterized by its robust, Doric columns and arches that mirror the organic forms found in nature, the Upper Viaduct is a prime example of Gaudí’s use of natural shapes in his work. It is elevated to blend with the park’s topography, allowing you to explore without disturbing the natural environment. Walking along the Upper Viaduct, visitors can appreciate the panoramic vistas of Barcelona and the Mediterranean beyond, making it a significant feature within the park’s design that enhances the overall experience of connecting with nature and architecture.

11. The Middle Viaduct

The Middle Viaduct also known as Pont de Baix or the Lower Viaduct in Park Guell, famous for its carob bridge, exemplifies Antoni Gaudí’s genius in blending architecture with nature. The viaduct respects the natural growth of a carob tree, integrating it into the design. Functioning as both a support structure and a shelter, the viaduct features roads above and covered pathways below, providing protection during bad weather. Its design, which mimics natural caves, makes the Middle Viaduct a key feature that enhances the park’s beauty and functionality.

BOOK PARK GUELL SKIP-THE- LINE ENTRY TICKET

middle viaduct

12. Biodiversity at Park Guell

Park Guell is a vibrant mosaic of biodiversity nestled within Barcelona’s urban landscape. The park’s flora is characterized by a rich variety of Mediterranean species, including fragrant rosemary, towering Aleppo pines, and the distinctive carob trees that blend seamlessly with Gaudí’s architectural elements. The lush greenery creates a cool microclimate, offering a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle.

The fauna of Park Guell is equally diverse, with numerous bird species such as the colourful parakeets and the melodious blackbirds adding life to the park. The dense foliage provides a sanctuary for urban wildlife, including various species of butterflies and bees that thrive among the flowering plants.

Park Guell’s commitment to preserving its natural environment makes it a living laboratory of biodiversity, where you can experience the delicate balance between nature and human creativity. The park’s ecological richness enhances its architectural beauty, making it a unique destination in the heart of Barcelona, and its worth making some time to explore this part of the park.

biodiversity at park guell

13. Guide to Visit Park Guell at Night

Visiting Park Guell at night offers a unique and enchanting experience, distinct from the daytime visit. As the sun sets, the park takes on a different character, with the play of lights and shadows casting a magical atmosphere over Gaudí’s mosaics and whimsical structures.

While the Monumental Zone typically closes to visitors in the evening, the free areas of the park remain accessible, allowing for leisurely strolls under the starlit sky. The illuminated pathways provide a serene ambiance, and the city lights below offer a breathtaking backdrop. It’s an ideal time for photographers and romantic visitors alike, seeking the tranquility and beauty of Park Guell without the daytime crowds.

However, it’s important to note that specific areas may have restricted access after dark for safety reasons, and the experience will differ as the detailed mosaics and vibrant colours of Gaudí’s works are less visible.

How Do I Access the Free Areas of Park Guell?

Accessing the free areas of Park Guell is straightforward and does not require a ticket. These areas are open to the public and can be entered from various points around the park’s perimeter. Here’s how you can access them:

From the Main Entrances

While Entrances A, B, and C lead directly into or near the Monumental Zone (which requires a ticket ), they also provide pathways to the free areas of the park. From these entrances, simply follow the signs or paths that lead away from the ticketed areas to explore the open-access zones.

Surrounding Streets

The park is bordered by several streets, and there are multiple access points along these borders that lead directly into the free areas. Look for pathways entering the park from streets like Carrer de Larrard, Baixada de la Glòria, and others surrounding the park.

Via the Viaducts and Natural Paths

Park Guell’s free areas are connected by a network of viaducts and natural paths that offer scenic walks and beautiful views of the park and the city. These pathways are accessible from the main entrances and from various points around the park’s perimeter.

Follow Signage

The park is well-signposted, with clear indications of which areas are free and how to navigate them. Keep an eye out for signs pointing towards gardens, viaducts, and viewpoints that are part of the open-access areas.

*These areas are open to the public and can be enjoyed without a ticket throughout the year.

temple ceiling park guelle guide

Park Guell Address + Opening Hours

Address: Park Guell is located at 08024 Barcelona, Spain, nestled within the Gràcia district and offering panoramic views of the city.

Opening Hours: Park Guell’s opening hours vary throughout the year to accommodate seasonal changes and ensure an optimal visiting experience. Typically, the park opens at 8:00 AM, but closing times can range from 6:00 PM in the winter months to as late as 9:30 PM in the peak of summer.

Guide to Park Guell Entrances: Which Entrance is Best for Access

Park Guell has three main entrances:

Entrance A (Main Entrance)

Located on Carrer d’Olot, this entrance brings visitors directly to the main staircase and the iconic dragon sculpture. It’s closest to the Monumental Zone but often the busiest, with most tour groups starting here.

Entrance B (Carretera del Carmel)

This entrance is situated at the top of the park, near the outdoor theatre and offers relatively easy access to the Monumental Zone. It’s a good choice for those looking to start their visit from the highest point of the park and proceed downhill.

Entrance C (Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya)

This entrance is accessible via an escalator, which makes it a convenient option for many visitors, especially those looking for an easier way to reach the Monumental Zone without climbing steep hills.

Entrance C is often considered the best because of this accessibility feature, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a more comfortable route into the park. Each entrance offers a unique perspective of Park Güell and its surroundings. Choosing the best entrance can depend on personal preferences, mobility considerations, and where you’re coming from in Barcelona.

BOOK PARK GUELL ENTRY TICKET

austria gardens

Guide to Practical Tips and Helpful Info for Your Visit to Park Guell, Barcelona

When visiting Park Guell, consider these practical tips and information about the amenities and facilities available to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

Practical Tips:

Ticket Purchase: Buy your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially for the Monumental Zone, as visitor numbers are limited.

Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 15 – 20 minutes before your timed entry slot to avoid any rush.

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven paths and there are several areas with steps.

Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially during the summer months, as some areas have limited shade.

Water: Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle. There are fountains where you can refill.

Accessibility: The park has specific routes designed for visitors with reduced mobility, but some areas might still be challenging to access.

Amenities and Facilities

Restrooms: Facilities are located at the main entrance and other strategic points within the park.

Eating Areas: There are designated picnic areas if you bring your own food. Additionally, there are vending machines and a café where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Gift Shops: Souvenir shops are available, offering a range of items related to Gaudí and the park.

Information Points: Look out for information points for any assistance during your visit.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi spots are available in certain areas of the park, allowing visitors to access digital guides and information.

Lockers: There are lockers at the entrance for storing small items, but space is limited, so it’s best to bring only essentials.

By keeping these tips and amenities in mind, you can navigate Park Guell with ease, focusing on enjoying the stunning architectural and natural beauty the park has to offer.

nature square park guell

Helpful Tips for a Seamless Vacation in Barcelona

To ensure a seamless experience, it’s wise to book activities and accommodations early, and plan your transport in advance.

For best experience, you may want to purchase the Hola Barcelona City Travel Card for 24 hours or more as this gives you unlimited rides on the public transport, including buses and the funicular, along with access to some attractions.

Here are some highly favoured activities by visitors to Barcelona which you may like also:

  • Priority Entry Guided Tour to Sagrada Familia + Towers and Park Guell
  • Barcelona City Walking Tour + Montjuic Cable Car and Montjuic Castle .
  • Barcelona Tapas Walking Tour.
  • Gothic Quarter Barcelona Walking Tour .
  • Sightseeing Tour of Barcelona by Bike/Ebike with a Guide.
  • Day Trip to Montserrat + Cogwheel + Black Madonna .
  • Sagrada Familia + Towers Guided Tour.
  • Entry Ticket to Park Guell.

For a wider range of Activities, go here to Get Your Guide and Viator .

Accommodations: Book with Booking [dot] com which has a great selection of properties with competitive rates and easy cancellations if plans change. See what’s available in Barcelona here .

If you are considering exploring by self-driving, hire your car here .

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FAQs Related to Park Guell Guide

No, there is no formal dress code for Park Güell. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and exploring the park’s paths and architectural features.

Park Güell was originally intended as a residential estate project but it was considered a commercial failure because it failed to attract buyers for the planned housing plots. However, it later became a beloved public park and an iconic symbol of Gaudí’s architectural style, appreciated by visitors from around the world.

Yes, you can bring food into Park Güell. There are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food amidst the natural and architectural beauty of the park. However, it’s important to respect the park’s cleanliness and regulations by disposing of waste properly.

Yes, Park Güell can sell out, especially the Monumental Zone, which has a limited number of tickets available each day to preserve the site and ensure a quality visitor experience. It is said that 400 tickets are sold every half an hour. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Park Güell covers an area of approximately 17 hectares (about 42 acres).

Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudí, the iconic architect of the Art Nouveau movement, has transformed Barcelona into a veritable open-air museum with his distinctive works.

Along with Park Güell, his unique architectural language is embodied in the surreal Casa Batlló , the ornate Casa Vicens, and the captivating Casa Mila , each a testament to his blend of artistic vision, architectural innovation, and creative expression. Among his masterpieces, the Sagrada Familia stands out. Begun in 1882, this grand basilica, famous for its elaborate exteriors and soaring spires, remains a work in progress.

Another Gaudí marvel is Palau Güell, a palatial estate near the Ramblas, exemplifying his early extravagant style with intricate ironworks and ingenious spatial designs.

georgina at park guelle

This is I, Georgina at the Nature Square, Park Guell, Barcelona

finally…Is Park Guell Worth Seeing?

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Park Guell guide and found it informative for planning your visit to this iconic landmark in the sun-drenched city of Barcelona. Park Guell is undoubtedly worth seeing, not only for its architectural marvels crafted by the visionary Antoni Gaudí but also for the vibrant Park Guell mosaics, lush gardens, and panoramic views that make it a jewel in the crown of Barcelona’s attractions.

The fusion of art, nature, and innovation on display here offers a unique experience that epitomizes the creative spirit of the city. As you contemplate wandering through the whimsical pathways and admiring the breathtaking vistas, remember that the key to a seamless visit is planning. To fully experience the wonders of the Monumental Zone, booking your tickets in advance is crucial, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures you won’t miss the opportunity to explore the heart of Park Guell due to the daily visitor limits.

As the deliberate escapist and a mindful wanderer, let me conclude that Park Güell is not just a destination; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Barcelona’s artistic heritage and Gaudí’s genius. Whether basking in the Mediterranean sun or seeking shade under the park’s leafy bowers, your visit to Park Guell promises to be a highlight of your journey in the sun city.

Follow Georgina on Facebook , Instagram , and on Pinterest for more Travel Insights and Destination Inspiration . Subscribe to Stay Connected.

Happy and Safe Travels Always, Wherever Travel Takes You, xx

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Introducing Georgina, the insightful Content Creator behind Timeless Travel Steps. A champion of off-season journeys and cultural immersion for the mature traveller, Georgina has explored 4 continents and over 30 countries. Her blog offers practical tips and personal insights into responsible, comfort-oriented travel along with slow travel destinations. Accompanied by classical, country, and jazz tunes, Georgina's solo adventures and time with her adult children, A & M, enrich her unique travel narrative. Join her for inspiring, immersive global explorations.

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  • Barcelona Attractions
  • Park Guell Monumental Zone
  • Architecture
  • Antoni Gaudi
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Nature and Biodiversity
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Skip the Line Tours
  • Guided Tours
  • Audio Guide
  • Free Entry For Locals
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Camp Nou Tours
  • Casa Batllo
  • Portaventura World
  • Casa Vicens
  • Wax Museum Barcelona
  • Hola Barcelona Travel Card
  • Las Golondrinas Barcelona
  • Palau De La Musica Catalana
  • Erotic Museum of Barcelona
  • Barcelona Catedral
  • Montserrat Monastery
  • Barcelona Zoo
  • KBr Photography Center Mapfre Foundation
  • Big Fun Museum
  • Barcelona Aquarium
  • Montjuic Cable Car
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
  • Travel Guide
  • Things to do
  • Trip Planner
  • Where to Eat
  • Where to Stay
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  • Best Time to Visit

Plan Your Visit to Park Guell | Travel Guide to Antoni Gaudi’s Masterpiece

Visiting the park güell in barcelona.

Commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy, Park Guell is a municipal garden. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the park is a reflection of Gaudis’ artistic creativity, who is also responsible for architectural marvels like Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila . 

Park Guell, located on Carmel Hill is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to create a seamless plan for when you visit Park Guell.

Park Güell | Visitor Information At A Glance

Park Guell

  • What are the Park Güell opening hours? Park Güell is open every day from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. 
  • Where is Park Güell located? Park Güell is located at 08024 Barcelona, Spain.  Get Directions
  • How many entrances does Park Güell have? Park Guell has three entrances: Carrer de Larrard, Carretera del Carmel, and Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
  • How many number visitors does Park Güell see per year? Approximately 9 million people visit Park Güell every year.

Park Guell Opening Hours

  • What are the Park Guell opening hours? Park Guell is open daily. The timings change depending on whether it is high season (May to October) or low season (November to April). From 1 July to 31 August 2022: 9 AM to 7:30 PM From 1 September to 29 October 2022: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM 30 October 2022 to 31 December 2022: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • When is Park Guell closed? Park Guell is open daily.
  • How long does it take to go around Park Guell? You can tour Park Guell in about 2 hours.

Park Guell Opening Hours >

What's The Best Time to Visit Park Guell

Plan a visit to Barcelona between March to May, or September to November if you wish for a quieter holiday. Park Guell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona and hence, tends to get crowded. The best time to visit Park Guell would be between 9:30 AM to 11 AM on a weekday.

Park Guell & Citizens

As of 1 July 2020, the Park Guell management has taken on the mission of helping the residents of the city rediscover and enjoy Park Güell. To this end, they have opened allowed local citizens to visit Park Guell for free any time between 7 AM to 10 PM. To avail of this service, you simply have to identify yourself as a local citizen at the entrance using any of the following methods.

  • Admission card for local residents: Local people officially residing in neighborhoods adjacent to Park Güell (La Salut, Vallcarca-Penitents, El Coll, Can Baró, El Baix Guinardó, and El Carmel) can enter for free using a non-transferable admission card. Simply call 010 or visit the municipal website to get your hands on the card.
  • Gaudir Més: If you are a member of Gaudir Més, you can visit Park Güell every day at no cost. An initiative of the Barcelona City Council, people can simply register on the  Gaudir Més  website to avail of this offer.

 If you fall within one of the above brackets and wish to visit Park Guell at a time when there are no tourists are present, plan your trip for the following hours:

  • Bon dia Barcelona: 7 AM to 9 AM
  • Bon vespre Barcelona: 8 PM to 10 PM

Park Guell Location

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain

Find on Map 

Park Güell is located between the neighborhoods of El Coll, La Salut, Vallcarca i els Penitents, El Carmel and Can Baró, in the districts of Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó. It covers to sides of the Tres Creus hill and El Muntanya Pelada hill. 

Getting to Park Guell

Visit Park Guell

Closest Stop: Travessera de Dalt You can take bus lines H6 or D40. Alight at Travessera de Dalt, which is a 10-minute walk away from Park Guell. Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntaya is the closest entrance to Park Guell from the stop. You can also choose to enter from the Carrer Larrard entrance.

Visit Park Guell

Closest Station: Vallcarca Take the green line (L3). You can either alight at Lesseps or at Vallcarca station. If you alight at Vallcarca, take the escalator on Baixada de la Glòria. Both are a 20-minute walk away from the Park Guell entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

Visit Park Guell

By Hop-On-Hop-Off

Both, the blue and green routes of the Barcelona Tourist Bus will also get you to Park Guell. The stop, known as Park Guell, is located on Avinguda de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat. From here, Park Guell is 10 minutes away. Enter from the Carretera del Carmel entrance.

Visit Park Guell

It is not recommended as you might find it difficult to locate a parking space. The parking spaces around the park are in a green area exclusively for residents. Visitors arriving can choose to opt for a paid parking facility. Park Güell has two taxi stands located on Rambla de Mercedes  and Carretera del Carmel .

Parking at Park Guell

Park Guell has a parking space for tourist coaches at the entrance on Carretera del Carmel. There are 25 parking places and 3 spots have been reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Those who wish to travel to Park Guell by car would have to avail of paid parking facilities near Park Guell.

Know More >

How To Skip The Line At Park Guell

Park Guell

Book Your Tickets In Advance

To visit Park Guell, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance. This is because the number of visitors to the park is limited, and tickets often sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. By booking your tickets in advance, you can ensure that you have a guaranteed entry at your preferred time and date, without having to wait in long queues.

Park Guell

Go On A Skip The Line Guided Tour

Going on a guided tour of Park Guell is a great way to explore the park's highlights and learn about the history and architecture of this iconic site. A knowledgeable guide can provide you with insights into the design and construction of the park, and take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting spots. Moreover, with a guided tour, you can skip the lines and avoid the crowds, making your visit more pleasant and enjoyable.

Park Guell

If you prefer to visit Park Guell on your own, it is recommended that you go early in the morning, as the park tends to get very crowded later in the day. By arriving early, you can enjoy the park's beautiful surroundings and stunning views in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, without having to jostle for space with other visitors. Additionally, going early can help you avoid the heat of the day during the summer months.

Know Before You Go To Park Güell

Park Guell Entrance

Park Güell has three entrances:

  • Carrer de Larrard:  This is the main entrance to the park.
  • Carretera del Carmel:  This entrance is located on the western edge of the park.
  • Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya:  This entrance is located on the eastern edge of the park.

Washrooms

  • Restrooms:  Park Güell has toilets located near the Carretera del Carmel entrance gate, on Passeig de les Palmeres, and near the Carrer d’Olot entrance.
  • Wi-Fi:  Visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi inside the Monumental Zone.
  • Food:  You can grab something to eat and drink from the restaurant located inside the park.
  • Gift Shop:  The Laie Park Güell Shop offers a range of products, from postcards and posters to jewelry and decoration, connected with Gaudi's work and Barcelona.

Wheelchair

  • Entry: Enter the park from the Carretera del Carmel entrance.
  • Routes: The architectural route , where you can see Park Güell’s most iconic sites. The route will take roughly 50 minutes. The second one is the other visitable sites route , where you follow the viaduct’s path up to Casa Trias. This route will take about 20 minutes.
  • Wheelchairs: They have two wheelchairs at the park. You can avail of it by booking in advance.
  • Accessible Parking: There are three free parking places for visitors with reduced mobility at the parking lot for tourist coaches near the Carretera del Carmel entrance.

Park Guell Audio Guide

There is a free Audio Guide available with Park Guell entry tickets. The Audio Guide is available on the Park Guell app. The audio guide is available in four languages; English, Catalan, Spanish and French.

Food

Terra Mia: Located at C/ Ana Mª Matute Ausejo, they serve Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant also features a large open terrace and is open daily from 9:30 AM to 12 AM.

Las Delicias: You can drop by Las Delicias for some traditional Spanish meals and is located close to the Ctra del Carmel - Gran Vista bus stop.

Restaurant Bona Tapa: Located in Borrell street, offers a cozy atmosphere for a meal with your loved ones.

Sagrada Familia

Gaudí 4D Experience: This museum gives you a chance to experience Gaudi's masterpieces with the help of modern audiovisual and interactive technology.

Sagrada Familia : A breathtaking basilica in Barcelona, Spain known for its unique and elaborate Gothic architecture.

Casa Milà: A stunning modernist building located in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.

Camp Nou: The largest stadium in Europe and home to the legendary FC Barcelona football club, located in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain.

Hotel Room

Budget: Hostel St. Christopher's Inn Barcelona (2.6 km), BCN Urban Hotels Bonavista (1.3 km), Generator Barcelona (3.3 km)

Mid-Range: Hotel Catalonia Park Güell (1.1 km), Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia (2.2 km), Hotel Zenit Barcelona (2.4 km)

Luxury: Casa Fuster Hotel (3.4 km), Ohla Eixample (3.5 km), Monument Hotel (3.5 km)

Park Güell and Schools’ Programme

The Park Guell Educational Programme offers Spanish and accredited EU schools to visit Park Güell. There are two different kinds of visit options available. Both allow students to enter Park Guell for free:

  • Guided experience:  Visit Park Guell with a guide. This mode allows a maximum of 60 people per school to visit on a day. It is available in five languages: Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and Italian.  
  • Free Non-Guided Visit:  Discover Park Güell on your own. A maximum of 60 students per school can visit on one day.

Book Your Park Güell Tickets

All your questions about visiting park güell answered.

Park Guell is open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM.

Park Guell is located at 08024 Barcelona, Spain. It is situated between the neighborhoods of El Coll, La Salut, Vallcarca i els Penitents, El Carmel and Can Baró, in the districts of Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó.

Park Guell can be reached by bus, and car.

Park Guell has 3  entrances : the main entrance, Carretera del Carmel and Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

Park Guell is open every day, throughout the year.

It takes about two hours to cover all the major sections of Park Guell.

From 7 AM to 9 AM and from 6 PM to 10 PM, Park Guell is reserved for neighbors and Gaudir Més members. Tourist visits are not allowed during these hours.

Yes, you can buy food at the restaurant located inside Park Guell.

Yes, guided tours of Park Guell are available. Going on a guided tour will allow you understand the historical and cultural significance of the park and understand Antoni Gaudi's creative mind better. You can choose between a guided tour that allows a group of 30 people or a private guided tour for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 6 visitors.

Plan a visit to Park Guell on a weekday, during early hours, between 9.30 AM to 11 AM during the months of March to May, or September to November.

Yes, you can visit Park Guell with kids. However, keep in mind that the park is not stroller friendly.

Park Güell is filled with irregular paths and steep ramps, which makes the park inaccessible but there are certain routes that those with disabilities can take that would allow them to enjoy a visit to Park Guell.

Park Guell Tips

Tips for Visiting Park Guell

Park Guell Nature & Biodiversity

Nature & Biodiversity at Park Guell

Inside Park Guell

Inside Park Guell

The Creative Adventurer

The ULTIMATE Guide to Park Güell Barcelona [UPDATED 2022]

best day to visit park guell

Park Güell is one of Antoni Gaudi ‘s most imaginative and symbolic works of art which thanks to a failed housing project is now open to the public as a city park. Hidden in the north of Barcelona his version of nirvana. This guide to Park Güell will help you find your way, bring context to Gaudi’s creative works and have the most immersive experience while touring the park.

best day to visit park guell

Although Park Güell is a bit of trek from the centre of the city you’ll be more than rewarded for your efforts. The best way to get to the Park is by taking the Metro . Get on the Green line (L3) and ride it to Vallarta station . From here you have about a 15-minute walk up a steep hill to reach the park entrance. Vallarta station is the preferred access point since parts of the hillside here have an escalator to help you up the hill. Very useful if you’re travelling with mobility issues. The climb is pretty steep and if you’re visiting during the heat of the summer, remember to bring some water!

You can also take bus #24 or #32 which will drop you off right by the park’s front gates but tends to run on a more limited schedule than the metro. The Bus Turística also stop near the park if you already have a pass. 

best day to visit park guell

Opening Hours

Park Güell is one of the most popular destinations in Barcelona so it’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance. The best time of the day to arrive is early in the morning on a weekday . This time of the day is not only the least busy, but you’ll avoid that midday heat.

The park is open:

12 February to 26 March 2022: 9:30 AM to 6 PM 27 March to 29 October 2022: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM 30 October 2022 to 31 December 2022: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

best day to visit park guell

You can easily buy tickets online before arriving. Timed Entry Tickets for Adults cost 10€ . Children aged 7 to 12, as well as adults over 65, get reduced prices. Children aged 6 and below can enter for free. For these timed entry tickets, you select the hour at which you want to enter the park. You must enter within 30 minutes of the selected slot time. You can buy tickets up to three months in advance. If you’re visiting during peak season you should buy them as soon as possible since they’re likely to sell out. Even with the timed entry tickets, you will still need to get in line and wait to enter. If you are visiting at peak season I would advise arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your entry time as the line can take a while.

best day to visit park guell

There is also an option to buy Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access tickets. These cost 23€ per/person but allow you to skip the line entry into Park Güell. You’ll also get a tour with an expert local guide, and learn about the history and details of Gaudi’s masterpiece. But if you’d prefer to save the 13 euros you can simply use this guide!

best day to visit park guell

Barcelona’s Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive designs by famed architect Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi along with Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell had a vision for a highly stylized housing community for Barcelona’s elite. In 1900, Güell bought immense expanses of farmland in the north of the city. These farmlands would eventually be converted into Park Güell.

best day to visit park guell

Gaudi designed a winning plan for 60 townhouses. They were all connected by naturalist viaducts, with a large central square for festivals. He added a market area and fabulous landscaping all around which highlighted the already stunning environment of Catalonia. But in 1914, after only two of the 60 planned houses were built, the project was shut down. There was a huge lack of interest and funding from the public – which is unimaginable now! Despite the public’s disinterest, the city itself saw the beauty and potential of such a large usable public space. And so the municipality bought the land in 1922 and transformed it into a public park.

best day to visit park guell

Throughout the park, you can see Gaudi’s didactic forms. He wanted to use symbolism to help restore the values of Christianity and Catalanism.

best day to visit park guell

There is only one cafeteria inside the park and prices are pretty outrageous. Also, the food isn’t very good either . The best thing to do is bring some food with you for a picnic. You can eat here looking out at one of the best views in the city. Be sure to wear lots of sunscreens! Although there is some shade most of the park is fully open to the sunshine. Lastly, when exploring the parts of the park outside the admission zone, be careful of pickpockets . Even inside pickpockets pay admission to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Just keep your wits about you and make sure your bags aren’t hanging open. 

best day to visit park guell

There are three main entrances to Park Güell. The most popular is the one along Carrer d’Olot . Despite the Carrer d’Olot being the most iconic view of the park, the best entrance is the Plaça de la Natura . The entry is much less busy throughout the day. Plus it gives you access to the incredible Nature Square viewpoint first thing in the morning. This is a great lookout spot to see the sunrise peeking up above the ocean.

best day to visit park guell

Plaça de la Natura

From the moment you step into the park, you will be overwhelmed by Gaudi’s iconic style. Gaudi was inspired by the squares and theatres of ancient Greece and wanted to create a similar space for the people of Barcelona. This is the Plaça de la Natura or Nature Square. It was here that over the years many plays, festivals and events have taken place. The square is half-built into the rocks of the hillside itself and is supported by the hypostyle room below. The square seems to reach out towards the ocean as if one could simply walk right out and touch it.

best day to visit park guell

Surrounding the south side of the square is a balustrade called the “ Serpentine Bench “. The bench is meant to resemble the shape of a swimming sea serpent. The curves create small areas for seating. This bench is thought to many in the art community as one of the first examples of surrealism in architecture. It is covered in hundreds of tile mosaics. The tile is meant to look like the scales of the serpent but also creates a fantastical rainbow-like effect across the skyline.

best day to visit park guell

These mosaics were a creation of both Gaudi and his collaborator Josep Maria Jujol . Both of whom helped develop Trencadís . Trencadís is a style of mosaic created using pieces of old tile, glass, buttons, shells and broken chinaware. They are then cemented together to create designs, patterns, and even images. The term Trencadís means “ chopped ” and was a method both for aesthetic purposes and to help recycle old materials. These previously thought of as useless items are given a new and beautiful life!

best day to visit park guell

The columns supporting the upper terrace along the north side of the square are designed to look like palm trees. But they are made of brick and stone. These are set in between actually palm trees, furthering the aesthetic of the natural environment and blending in with Gaudi’s architecture.

best day to visit park guell

Laundry Room Portico

Walking west from Nature Square, you head down a small staircase into the Laundry Room Portico . The Laundry Room Portico is another great example of how Gaudi blended the natural environment into his designs. These passages were meant to connect the potential houses to each other. But by doing it this way the pathways didn’t stand out and were almost camouflaged into the hillside. Walking under the porticos is like taking a breath of fresh air in the heat of the summer. The shade and cool earth provide natural air conditioning even in the middle of the afternoon.

best day to visit park guell

Portico of the Washerwoman

As you walk under the rocky porticos, you’ll come upon a statue resembling a woman with a basket of laundry on her head. This is the Washerwoman . Gaudi was inspired by classical Caryatids that adorn Greek temples. A Caryatid is an architectural column which takes the form of a standing female figure. More of these perhaps were designed but this is the only one which was actually constructed.

best day to visit park guell

The Ramp and Casa Larrard

Past the statue of the Washerwoman, you will round the corner into the famous double-galleried hairpin ramp. The ramp leads down to the Casa Larrard . Casa Larrard was once the family residence of the Guell family but has been since turned into a municipal school.

best day to visit park guell

Casa Larrard was the first project Gaudi worked on for Guell. The building was an old mansion that Gaudi renovated for Guell in 1907, but much of the old Spanish architecture still is very prominently on display. The brilliant red brick is a pop of colour amongst the green trees and sandstone arcades. The best part is the intricate alternating coloured brickworks which create stunning patterns on the outside of the building.

best day to visit park guell

Central Entrance 

As you continue around the pathway in front of the Casa Larrad, you now come upon the “official” entrance to the park. The blooming black iron gates open up into the park. The theatrics here were used by Gaudi to denote a separation between the mundane, grey city into the dream-like compositions of the park. He wanted the Park Güell to feel like a touch of the divine. A paradise or Eden here on earth.

best day to visit park guell

The outer walls of the park as covered in these enormous medallions with the words “Park” and “Guell” emblazoned upon them in the same mosaic style as within.

best day to visit park guell

The two large buildings flanking the entrance are entirely organic in their designs. Like they simply grew out of the earth. Gaudi thought of them as images from the fairytale Hansel and Gretel, like they were made of gingerbread and topped with bright white icing.

best day to visit park guell

The administration lodge , while small has two floors (one of which now contains the gift shop) and a rooftop terrace. The roof is topped with a large gable crowed with a four-armed cross which has become synonymous with Gaudi’s work.

The caretaker’s lodge on the right is decorated with upside-down coffee cups along the exterior. It is rumoured that while trying to give up caffeine, Gaudi was consumed with thoughts of coffee and even began to weave them into his designs, the cravings were so powerful.

best day to visit park guell

Escalera Monumental or Dragon Staircase

One of the most photographed parts of the park is the quintessential Dragon Staircase or Escalera Monumental . Four sets of staircases lead you into the Hypostyle Room , a beautiful backdrop behind the stunning staircase. 

best day to visit park guell

As you walk toward the stairs, take a moment to admire the crenellated walls. The organic forms along the walls are meant to represent the idea of the geographical magnitude of Catalonia.

best day to visit park guell

On either side of the staircases, there are benches for shade decorated with some of the most stunning pieces of tile work from the park. Each of the designs is so different and seems to come from all different periods of art history. I love thinking about how they found each of these pieces and the care that was taken in ensuring each piece complimented the next.

best day to visit park guell

As you walk up the first staircase, you pass the first fountain. Although it might look like a garden, look closely to see trunks and stalactites which creates layers for the water to falls upon.

best day to visit park guell

Standing on the first landing, you can view the second fountain. The head of a snake, burst from a mosaic crest. The outer blue circle represents the world and within in a small central crest you can see the Catalan flag.

best day to visit park guell

Dragon Fountain

The second landing is the best place to see the famed Dragon Fountain. The dragon is covered in trecadis. Gaudi is said to have created the shape of the dragon by jumping up and down on a mesh wireframe before he was satisfied with the way the dragon seemed to melt right into the staircase fountain. Gaudi was so inspired by Greek mythology and the dragon is no exception. This is thought to be “Python”, who in Greek mythology is a dragon, who lives at the centre of the earth, and protects the temple of Delphi. Here we have our own dragon created by Guadi, to help protect the people of Catalonia and any visitor to the park.

best day to visit park guell

Upon the last landing, you can sit on the Odeon bench. This bench is designed to provide shade in the summer, sun in the winter and protects visitors from the wind. Each of the benches are surrounded with dark green tiles and beautiful golden flowers tiles. It feels more like a thrown than a park bench.

best day to visit park guell

Hypostyle Room

Moving from the staircase into the Hypostyle Room , you are immediately hit with a cool breeze. This large open space was created as a covered marketplace for the potential residences of the community and is still used today as a marketplace for the entirety of Barcelona. 

best day to visit park guell

Hypostyle means a room which has a roof supported by pillars, typically in several rows. In this case, it is supported by 86 Doric columns which hold up a brilliant white domed ceiling. Gaudi was inspired by the ancient Greek temples and loved the appearance of the repetitive doric columns as they resembled the appearance of a large forest.

best day to visit park guell

Amongst the white tiles on the domed ceiling are colourful circular rosettes. The larger rosettes represent the four seasons and the smaller ones are meant to be versions of the sun and the moon. Take a moment to study each of them and see if you can identify each season. They are more abstract and take some imagination to interpret.

best day to visit park guell

Along the outer cornices of the marketplace, there are various gargoyles peeking their heads out. These act not only as decoration but also function as an overflow for the rainwater from above.

best day to visit park guell

Austria Garden

Exiting the marketplace to the right, you exit into the Austria Garden . When the park was given over to the city in 1922, this area was transformed into a municipal plant nursery. The name is because in 1977 so many trees were donated from Austria and are the reason this part of the park’s landscape feels so different than the rest of the environment. As can be seen below the image of a fir tree popping its head out among tropical palm trees.

best day to visit park guell

You can often see many green parrots flying amongst the greenery. The flowers are always blooming throughout the gardens. Bright pink bougainvillea, brilliant red Hibiscus Flowers, periwinkle Apocynaceae and even purple forget-me-nots are just some of the flowers you will see as you walk up and down the garden pathways.

best day to visit park guell

Gaudí House Museum

As you continue walking throughout the gardens, you’ll come to the Gaudí House Museum . Gaudi lived in this home from 1906 to 1925. It was designed by Francesc d’Assís Berenguer I Mestres , not Gaudi himself. You can visit the interior of the house for five euros. Inside, there are various pieces of Gaudi’s furniture designs and some of his models for future buildings inside. But overall I’d save your money for something else. You can still walk around the exterior of the house and take in all its glory. While viewing it you can think about how Gaudi would have spent his time while living here. Using the gardens around here as inspiration for his future designs.

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Public Area

Exit along the north-east exit to enter the public area of the park. From here you can walk across many of the park’s different viaducts. The viaducts were created to give residents easy access to flowing, fresh water as well as to create remarkable pathways which connect all the areas of the park together.

best day to visit park guell

The rocks which were extracted from the site to create even land for construction were reused here to create these uneven, natural passageways. Sizeable oval plant pots can be found throughout the path. Inside are agave plants which thrive in these dry climates but create a lush tropical environment.

best day to visit park guell

La Casa Trias

Future up the hillside you can see the La Casa Trias . The Casa Trias was designed by architect Juli Batllevell in 1905. These are additional sample houses designs for what was supposed to become the gated community.

best day to visit park guell

Turó de Les Tres Creus

Walking across the very top of the park, you have one of the most incredible views of the city. As you walk from the east side to the west side, you will come across the Turó de Les Tres Creus . This is the highest part of the park. It was here that Gaudi wanted to build a great chapel. When they found prehistoric remains here, it became clear that they could not excavate the earth. So instead, Gaudi built a monument atop the hill, which resembled the prehistoric caves found throughout Spain. Atop the monuments are three crosses, pointing to the cardinal directional points.

This is one of the best places to end the tour. The view is stunning and looks across the entirety of Gaudi’s stunning vision for heaven on earth. Walking through this park, you really do start to live inside that vision Gaudi painted for you. His dreamlike creations do make you feel like you’re wandering somewhere outside this earth. Somewhere you have only ever seen in dreams. I absolutely loved my time here and hope you find time to visit the park and live out the dream for yourself!

best day to visit park guell

best day to visit park guell

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There’s an auto-guide app that helps you explore Gaudi’s work at your own pace. https://www.rutadelmodernisme.net/home/ . It is full of tips, great info about landmarks worth the visit and useful maps.

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Hi Verònica,

Thanks for letting me know about this great site! So informative! Cheers!

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Park guell guide — the fullest information on how to visit park guell.

best day to visit park guell

If you spend a lot of time visiting Barcelona, you are probably familiar with the legendary Catalan architect: Antoni Gaudí. His works attract many domestic and foreign tourists such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, or Park Güell – the most beautiful park in the city. So, is Park Guell worth visiting, how to visit Park Guell, what to do in Park Guell and how to plan a budget trip to Park Guell for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Park Guell travel blog with the fullest Park Guell travel guide (guide to Park Guell) from how to get to Park Guell, best places to visit, best time to come as well as useful tips to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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best day to visit park guell

Around the 1800s, a businessman named Eusebi Güell hired Gaudí to design and build a hillside estate overlooking the sea with 60 villas, an ambitious project for the wealthy class on the outskirts of Barcelona but was not commercially successful, the project was unfinished and there were no buyers. Today Park Güell is a living museum of Gaudí’s works and a special public park recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site under the name “The Works of Antoni Gaudí”.

best day to visit park guell

Things to know before buying tickets to visit Park Güell (#park guell guide)

  • There are two types of tickets: regular tickets and guided tickets without queues.
  • Admission is free for children under 6 years old, ages 7-12 can get a discount.
  • The hourly ticket only allows you to travel sooner or later for about 30 minutes, for example, if you buy a ticket to visit at 9 am, you can only arrive at the latest at 9:30 AM, then the ticket will expire.
  • Up to 1,400 visitors per hour can visit the park’s monument area.
  • Buying tickets online helps you choose the most suitable time to visit. Check it out here.
  • Booking tickets online can save you time and even money, buying tickets online will get you 1 Euro off each ticket than buying at the entrance gate.
  • Buying tickets online also gives you attractive discount options.
  • You should avoid entering by the main entrance gate if you have booked tickets in advance to avoid having to wait in line.
  • Once the ticket has been checked, you cannot exit and re-enter again with the same checked ticket.
  • 400 tickets are sold out every half hour.
  • With the Barcelona City Pass, you can get free admission to Park Güell.
  • There are often many offers when you combine visits to Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia
  • In the case of a guided tour, your guide will meet you at the meet up point 15 minutes before your tour time. Usually the place to meet the guide is at the main gate.
  • Entrance ticket price in 2023: For adult: 10 Euros, Children 0-6: 0 Euro; Children 7-12: 7 Euros. Over 65 and “Targeta Rosa Reduïda” card: 7 euros.
  • Visiting hours are usually from 8 am to 6:30pm in low season and until 9:30pm in peak season.
  • The evening will be free, but you can only see the city from here, it is difficult to admire the beauty of the park because it is quite dark.
  • The park is very large, so please prepare shoes and belongings neatly, for easy walking and light carrying,
  • Note that there is no place to store luggage here, so please limit carrying heavy suitcases or backpacks.
  • Food prices here are quite high, so you can bring water and snacks if you want to save money.
  • There are 3 entrance gates to the park, you should choose the most suitable one for you when coming here.
  • The park can be reached by many public transport: bus, metro, private car.

Sunset at Park Guell. Image of Barcelona travel blog.

Best time to visit (#how to visit park guell)

best day to visit park guell

As a World Heritage Site, it is one of the busiest attractions in Barcelona. Therefore, to be able to fully see the park, you need to know the best time to come here. According to the experience of many visitors, you should explore Park Güell in the morning and remember to come before 9 am to avoid the queue to enter and you can have beautiful check-in photos without being crowded.

You also have the other option of coming in the evening to admire the city at sunset, but be sure to visit the sites in the park before it gets dark.

best day to visit park guell

What to do and where to go in Park Güell

best day to visit park guell

Gaudí’s wondrous imagination is embodied in the various structures in the park that amazes many of us. All works are shaped from curves without straight lines because Gaudí believes that nature does not create straight lines. He once said: “The straight line belongs to men, the curved one to God.”

Respect nature and take nature as inspiration. His works are like strange architectural structures rising from the ground, undulating and winding like trees.

best day to visit park guell

Dragon Stairway (#park guell guide)

Located right at the main gate, which is famous for the image of a multi-colored mosaic of salamanders, which is extremely attractive and impressive. A system of double stairs has a fountain running in the middle with impressive sculptures.

best day to visit park guell

The Hypostyle Room

Up from the dragon stairway are 86 Hypostyle-style stone columns with columns having a natural structure resembling curved tree trunks, and this is where the ceiling is of the same style, consisting of small very impressive mosaic arches.

best day to visit park guell

Greek Theater

At the center of the Güell park is an extremely large space, originally named the Greek Theater, now the Nature Square, which was intended to be an open-air theater, now home to the many souvenir vendors, is the place to hold large outdoor performances. At the bottom of this square is the Hypostyle room.

best day to visit park guell

The Laundry Room Portico

Is a portico shaped in the form of a large wave attached to a solid wall of giant stone. This is a notable example of Gaudí’s school of nature design.

best day to visit park guell

Undulating bench Banc de Trencadis

The park’s biggest attraction is the very large central square with enchanting winding benches decorated with colored mosaic tiles. From here you can see the whole city of Barcelona.

best day to visit park guell

Austria Gardens

It is the city’s former tree nursery, and is named after the Austrian government’s donation of trees in 1977.

best day to visit park guell

Gaudi Museum

One of the original houses in the park, this is a place to keep and display the life and works of architect Gaudí. To enter the museum you have to buy a separate ticket.

best day to visit park guell

Casa Trias Villa

One of the houses you can find in Park Güell is Casa Trias. The owner is Mr. Trias, a close friend of Güell and Gaudí.

best day to visit park guell

Three Cross Hill

Three Cross Hill is the tallest structure of the park with three crosses atop, from here you can see most of Barcelona. If you walk around outside Park Güell you can also go higher up to the Mirador de Joan Sales viewpoint for a view of the whole city.

best day to visit park guell

Güell Park has two main zones

The one is a not restricted zone, many trees, spread over an area of ​​8 hectares, this is an area that is free and open to everyone.

best day to visit park guell

The restricted zone, about 12 hectares, houses the monuments and sculptures for which Park Güell is famous. The Restricted Area is also known as the Monument Zone. A visit would not be complete without a visit to the zone. Since 2013, to ensure safety and a complete visitor experience, a new policy has been introduced to limit the maximum capacity for this area to 1400 guests per hour, which will minimize the overloaded effectively. You need to buy a ticket to visit this zone.

The main entrances of the park

There are 3 main entrances:

best day to visit park guell

  • Main Entrance: This entrance is on the south side, right next to the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion. From there you can enjoy a spectacular view of the dragon staircase with the classic style room. The park’s walls are made of rustic stone, topped with ceramic tiles and a medallion bearing the name Park Güell. Iron gates, designed in the shape of palm leaves. This is an approach that can be easily reached by bus and subway lines.
  • Carretera del Carmel: Located on the west side of the park. This entrance is next to the parking lot for benches and taxis. Fairly accessible by bus and metro, you can also avail of a taxi. From here, the monument zone is only 100 meters away. This entrance is also known as Plaça de la Natura.
  • Av. del Santuari de St. Josep de la Muntanya: This entrance is located on the east side and can be accessed by escalators, saving you time going up.

best day to visit park guell

During your trip to Barcelona, Park Güell will be a perfect destination for a stroll and to fully enjoy the beautiful Catalan landscape. Park Güell is also designed to protect and develop nature and biodiversity. Plants here are very diverse, providing inhabitant environment for many animals. Many plants have been grown here, including Mediterranean plants and trees. This park attracts a variety of animals, birds as well as reptiles to live here (Lizards, geckos, brown rats, bats, pigeons, nightingales, titmouse…). Therefore, this is also an interesting place for guests who love nature and animals.

best day to visit park guell

The notes and guide of visiting the most beautiful park in Barcelona above will help you have an overview before deciding to visit Park Güell.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Barcelona you can refer to

  • Aerobus BCN – Shuttle Bus Transfers Between El Prat Airport (BCN) and Barcelona City Center
  • Private Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) Transfers for Barcelona
  • Official Barcelona Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
  • Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus City Tour
  • Hola Barcelona Travel Card
  • Montserrat Half or Full Day Tour from Barcelona
  • Girona Half Day Guided Tour from Barcelona
  • Park Güell Ticket in Barcelona
  • Barça Football Club – Camp Nou Experience Tour Tickets in Barcelona
  • Sagrada Familia Fast Track Ticket in Barcelona
  • 4G SIM Card (Barcelona Pick Up) for Europe
  • Barcelona City Card & Express Card
  • iVenture Barcelona Flexi Attractions Pass

Bunker-del-Carmel-Barcelona-Spain-©-Rober-Flickr-e1456416884859

Are you looking for more top things to do in Barcelona: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Barcelona travel guide here: How to get around Barcelona cheap?. And Barcelona travel blog — The fullest Barcelona travel guide blog for a great budget trip for the first-timers.

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Park Guell : The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Gaudi’s Barcelona Park

Filled with natural forms, careful details and imaginative design, a walk through Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona. With architectural elements heavily inspired by nature, this attraction is a unique and colorful escape from the busy city. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about visiting Park Güell, including how to get there, tips for visiting, ticket information and more.

Park Guell Barcelona, Spain

WHAT IS PARK GUELL? A BIT OF HISTORY

If you’ve spent any amount of time researching your trip to Barcelona, chances are you have become very familiar with Catalan’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi’s work has become some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions which include La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Park Guell.

RELATED POST: INSIDE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING GAUDI’S MASTERPIECE

In the late 1800’s, there was an industrial entrepreneur named Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a housing development site for wealthy families. The estate was located on a hill with amazing views, completely surrounded by nature.

Güell commissioned Gaudi to develop the estate but the project was a failure as there was no buyer interest. Only two of the 60 villas ended up being built within the park (one of which Gaudi purchased and ended up living in for 20 years). 

Construction lasted between 1900-1914, but it was never finished. Today, Park Guell belongs to the city of Barcelona and was opened as a public park in 1926. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Guell Gaudi

VISITING PARK GUELL : WHAT TO EXPECT

Park Guell spans over 17.5 hectares (43 acres), and a large portion of the park is free to visit. However if you want to see Gaudi’s contributions, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter The Monumental Zone . Within The Monumental Zone you can explore popular attractions such as The Dragon Staircase, the Hypostyle Room, the Viaducts and more.

THE DRAGON STAIRCASE

At the entrance of Park Guell, you’re met with a twin staircase that takes you up to the Hypostyle Room, Nature Square and the Laundry Room Portico.

On the third platform of the staircase you will find the most famous symbol in the park, the mosaic, tiled dragon (which actually looks more like lizard).

Park Guell Dragon Staircase

HYPOSTYLE ROOM

The Hypostyle Room was originally designed to be the market area for the residents. Tiled ceiling mosaics look down on the 86 fluted columns. The columns were designed as water collectors and were intended to gather rainwater to supply the residents with.

RELATED POST: CASA MILA (LA PEDRERA) VISITOR’S GUIDE

THE VIADUCTS

Gaudi designed Park Guell with the intention to connect all areas of the park easily. There are three viaducts throughout the park which connect lower and higher ground, and were wide enough to fit horse drawn carriages.

Park Guell Hypostyle Hall

THE GREEK THEATER (NATURE SQUARE)

On top of the Hypostyle Hall there is a large platform that was intended to be used a recreational area for the residents, where they could put on plays and concerts, and hold religious ceremonies. Nature Square offers some of the best views in the park.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM PORTICO

This slanted walkway was designed to take on the shape of an ocean wave. The columns also act as a retaining wall for the road above.

RELATED POST: GORGEOUS MONTSERRAT, SPAIN – AN EASY DAY TRIP FROM BARCELONA

Park Guell Viaduct

TIPS FOR VISITING PARK GUELL

Buy your tickets online.

Park Guell has a capacity limit of 1,400 visitors an hour and ticketed time slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines and ensure your entrance into the park.

METRO BUS FOR TICKET HOLDERS

If you will be arriving at Park Guell by Metro, there is a free bus that will take you from the Alfons X (L4) stop to the park entrance. To use the bus, you must already have a ticket, so make sure to purchase them online before arriving.

The bus runs round trip, and will take you back to the metro stop when you’re ready to leave. Keep scrolling for full instructions on how to get to Park Guell below.

*Due to the pandemic, the bus has stopped its service. Be sure to check the official website for the most up to date information.

WHAT TO BRING

The Monumental Zone is 12 hectares (39 acres) so prepare to get your steps in. Comfortable shoes are a must. Also make sure to bring sunscreen and some water. There are vendors selling small bottles of water for €1, but you’ll save money by packing your own.

There is a cafe inside the Monumental Zone but it is expensive and super crowded. There are a few designated picnic areas, so grab some food on the way over to enjoy at the park.

Park Guell Barcelona

WATCH OUT FOR PICKPOCKETS

Wherever large groups of tourists gather, there are usually pickpockets lurking about. Keep an eye on your belongings and tuck your wallets in a safe place that’s not easily accessible.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, it’s to be expected that Park Guell is extremely busy. If you’re looking to beat some of the crowds, visit first thing in the morning, right when they open. The weather will also be much cooler during this time.

GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME TO GET THERE

Park Guell is huge and the entrance can be confusing to find, depending on which mode of transportation you take to get there. If you’ve booked your tickets online, you only have 30 minutes after your ticketed time slot to enter the park. Once the 30 minute grace period is up, your ticket becomes invalid (once you’re inside you can stay as long as you’d like). Give yourself a little extra time to get there, just in case you run into any problems.

TICKETS DO NOT INCLUDE ENTRY TO GAUDI’S HOUSE

Antoni Gaudi lived at Park Guell from 1906-1925 in one of the sample homes from the never completed housing project he was hired to design. Today, Gaudi’s old residence is a museum where you can learn about the life and work of the famed architect.

Your ticket into Park Guell’s Monumental Zone does not include entrance into the Gaudi Museum . You will need to purchase that separately (€5) and I also recommend buying this ticket online too in order to skip the long lines.

Park Guell in Barcelona

THERE IS NO RE-ENTRY ONCE YOU LEAVE THE TICKETED AREA

Once you are within the ticketed Monumental Zone, you can not leave and re-enter.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES / ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the uneven terrain, steep ramps and the amount of steps Gaudi incorporated in his design, Park Guell is not the easiest attraction for people with limited mobility or disabilities. The park is also located on a steep hill, so arriving by taxi is advisable.

The park has outlined a specific itinerary adapted  for people with limited mobility, but BarcelonaEnabled.com, says it might still be a challenge for wheelchair users. Check out Barcelona Enabled or Sage Traveling for accessibility information while in Barcelona.

RELATED POST : BARRI GOTIC – A GUIDE TO EXPLORING BARCELONA’S GOTHIC QUARTER

Park Guell Gaudi

HOW TO GET TO PARK GUELL

Due to its location on the top of a steep hill, getting to Park Guell can prove to be a little tricky.

ESCALATORS There are two sets of escalators that will bring you to the park entrance from the middle-bottom of the hill. The first escalator is located at 36 Baixada de la Glòria and the other escalator is located at 20 Carrer de Sant Cugat del Vallès .

There are several metro routes you can take to reach Park Guell.

  • Take metro line 3 (green) and exit at the Vallcarca stop. From here it’s a 15 minute walk to the escalators on Baixada de la Glòria which will take you up the hill.
  • Take metro line 3 (green) and exit at the  Lesseps stop. If you take this route you’ll have a long, steep walk uphill for 20-30 minutes until you get to the park.
  • Take metro line 4 (yellow) to Alfons X stop. From there you can catch the free shuttle to the park entrance. The shuttle takes 15 minutes and you will need to show a ticket, so make sure to book online in advance if you choose to go this route.

Take bus line 24 . They recently cancelled the bus stop outside of the park, so get off at Ctra del Carmel – Albert Llanas and from there it is only a short walk (.12 miles / 200 meters) down to the entrance. The bus line begins at Plaza Catalunya and takes 40 minutes.

TOURIST BUS

The Barcelona Tourist Bus is a hop-on hop-off style bus with stops at all of the popular tourist attractions in the city. If you’re taking the Blue Line or the Green Line , get off at the “Park Guell” stop.

For information and tickets for the Barcelona Tourist Bus click here.

Park Guell Dragon Staircase

PARK GUELL TICKETS

In order to access the most popular areas of the park where Gaudi’s work is located, you will need to purchase tickets into the Monumental Zone .

The park has limited capacity and tickets are reserved by time. You only have 30 minutes after your official entrance time to enter the park or your ticket becomes invalid and you will not be allowed to enter. For example if you book a ticket for a 10am entrance, you must enter before 10:30am.

It’s best to purchase your tickets online in advance so you can skip the line and ensure your visit.

You can purchase tickets on Park Guell’s website here .

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET PRICES

Adult: €10 Children (7-12): €7 Children (0-6): Free Senior (65+):  €4.90 People with Disabilities + Accompanying Person: €7 Residents: Free

TOURS Guided tours are offered by the park for an additional charge. You can purchase tour tickets here , or through Viator here .

RELATED POST: CAMP NOU STADIUM : WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN FC BARCELONA GAME

Park Guell Hypostyle Hall

VISITOR INFORMATION

The park is open 365 days a year. Due to COVID-19 the park hours have changed. Please check the official website to stay up to date on the most recent opening times and safety regulations.

NORMAL HOURS: 7am-11pm CURRENT HOURS: 9:30am to 7:30pm

CONTACT Carrer d’Olot 08024 Barcelona, España Official Website

PIN IT : A VISITOR’S GUIDE TO GAUDI’S PARK GUELL

Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

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Barcelona: 8 tips for visiting Park Güell

Aug 12, 2014

Regina W Bryan

Park Guell buildings

In 1984 UNESCO declared Barcelona’s Park Güell a World Heritage Site. It is one of the most impressive Gaudí projects in the city, and well worth the extra effort it takes to get up to the park from the city center.

A visit to the park takes planning and the better part of a day. Here are a few tips to help beat the crowds and make your experience a good one.

The park has an interesting history and was commissioned by Eusebi Güell (pronounced Goo-eh) in 1900. He and Gaudí envisioned a gated community for Barcelona’s rich movers and shakers. In 1900 the park was in the countryside, away from the hustle and noise of busy Barcelona. These days the park is within the city limits, though it isn’t centrally located. There were to be 60 houses in Eusebi Güell’s gated community, in addition to a large square, market area and other services needed to sustain the population.

However, Barcelona’s elite was not interested in Eusebi Güell’s plan, and only two of the 60 houses were built. WWI and the lack of interest saw the project abandoned in 1914, and eventually, in 1922, the city turned the land into a public park. Until recently it was a functioning public park, with no entrance fees. However, now tourists have to pay €7 to get in, a price that does not include entrance into Gaudí House Museum, where the architect lived from 1906 until 1925. For those that like to plan ahead, you can even buy tickets online .

Related: Barcelona’s best hotels for sleeping near Gaudi architecture

1. Go early

Hitting the park in the morning has a few advantages. One is that there are fewer people obstructing your photographs with Gaudí’s famous dragon fountain, and another is that it starts getting hot around 1 PM in Barcelona, especially from May to October. Wandering around in the afternoon sun in Park Güell in July or August could be a miserable trip due to the temperatures and lines. During low-season, the park will be less crowded, and heatstroke won’t be much of an issue. For more information, see the opening times throughout the year.

2. Bring food and water

There are few restaurant and cafe options in the park, but what is on offer is expensive. Plan ahead and bring a bottle of water, a couple sandwiches from your local bakery and some fruit from La Boqueria Market . Have a picnic on the beautiful Undulating Bench overlooking the city.

3. Don’t wear high heels

The park is enormous and set on a hillside that can be difficult to navigate without the proper footwear. You’ll be walking a lot and huffing and puffing uphill. Wear sneakers or shoes that aren’t going to kill your feet. Some of the pathways are made of dirt, so also use footwear you don’t mind getting dusty.

Park Guell shade

There are plenty of shady spots when you need a break from the sun. Photo: Regina W Bryan

4. Pack sunscreen and a hat

See tip one. It gets hot, especially in the summer. The last time I visited I got a sunburn, and it was May. There are shaded areas, but to explore the park fully, you’ll be trekking under the bright Mediterranean sunshine. Be prepared.

5. Public transport: Metro vs. bus

Many websites recommend taking the Metro to Lesseps and then walking up to the park. It’s an option, but it is not the fastest way, and it requires a lot of uphill hiking. If you’re fit and want some exercise, this is the route for you. If you want a quicker route, then take the bus 24 or 32 which will drop you off right by the park’s gates. When you leave the park, the walk to the Lesseps Metro stop, the green line, is not so bad because it’s all downhill. See more information on getting to the park and check out the Metro and bus schedules .

6. Watch your camera and wallet

Some of the trails to the back of the park, away from the main attractions such as the courtyard, houses, entrance, dragon and marketplace, can be desolate and thieves have been spotted lurking in the bushes. Keep an eye out. It’s not dangerous to wander the park’s trails, but make sure you have your purse and camera across your chest and are aware of who and what is going on around you.

Gaudi House Museum

The Gaudi House Museum is worth the extra ticket price. Photo: Regina W Bryan

7. Don’t miss the museum

The extra €5.50 you’ll have to cough up to get into the Gaudí House Museum is worth it. Between the general park entrance and the museum entrance, you’re looking at about €12. It’s a treat to tour the house, nicknamed the ‘pink tower’, to see where the architect and his family lived from 1906 until 1925. Touring the house also offers an idea of what Gaudí and Güell had planned for the 60 proposed houses that were never constructed. When Gaudí left the ‘pink tower’ he moved to La Sagrada Família and lived on site until he was run over by a tram in 1926.

Related: Tips for visiting Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia

8. Locals get in for free

Finally, not everyone has to pay to get into the park. When the city decided to start charging visitors, locals were not happy. After all, many neighbors had been using the park for years as a green space to jog and walk Fido. Locals from the districts adjoining Park Güell (El Coll, Vallcarca-Penitents, La Salut, El Carmel and Can Baró) have free entry to the park all year. If you live in La Barceloneta, then you’re out of luck!

Plan, pack a lunch, and catch the bus for a morning at this must-see destination. There is nothing else quite like it in the world, and the vistas overlooking the city and Mediterranean are spectacular on a clear day. Enjoy one of the most unique parks in the world!

About the author

Regina W Bryan

About the author: Regina W.Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com .

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3 thoughts on “Barcelona: 8 tips for visiting Park Güell”

best day to visit park guell

There’s an auto-guide app that helps you explore Gaudi’s work at your own pace. https://www.rutadelmodernisme.net/home/ . It is full of tips, great info about landmarks worth the visit and useful maps.

best day to visit park guell

It’s one of the significant works of the epic Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. Thank you for sharing

best day to visit park guell

Information on the official site of Park Guell says that entry is free to the park, barring the Monumental zone which is for 7 Euros. Please correct your information. Gullible people will end up spending money even when they can have access to the free zone within the park.

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What to See in Park Guell: Free Entry & the Park Guell Monumental Zone

By: Author Christine Wheeler

Posted on Published: December 29, 2019  - Last updated: May 17, 2023

Park Guell in Barcelona is one of the city’s top attractions and one of the most popular Instagram spots in Barcelona . Most of the popular things to see in Park Guell are in the Monumental Zone. This area houses most of Gaudi’s work within the park.

While Park Guell has free entry all day, the Park Guell Monumental Zone requires tickets all day now for anyone who is not a local.

Even without the Monumental Zone, there are plenty of other things to see in Park Guell. From lookouts to a museum to more of Gaudi’s work, you can easily spend hours in Park Guell. However, most people just take time to visit the Monumental Zone and leave.

**Thank you to my blog readers for letting me know that the Park Guell free entry times have now been reserved for residents. You must have a ticket and enter between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. as of winter 2021. Residents may enter for free from 7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. More information here from Park Guell .

Keep reading to find out what to see in Park Guell inside the Monumental Zone and throughout the park. Find the best time to visit Park Guell and how to get free entry to the Park Guell Monumental Zone too (NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE).

*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns a commission at no extra charge to you.

The best place to watch sunrise in Barcelona is Park Guell

Table of Contents

VISITING PARK GUELL: FREE ENTRY TIMES

***Thank you to my blog readers for letting me know that the Park Guell free entry times have now been reserved for residents. You must have a ticket and enter between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. as of winter 2021. Residents may enter for free from 7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. More information here from Park Guell .

The entire Park Guell is free all day long except the Monumental Zone. This area is the most popular and most visited section of the park. This area of the park is roped off certain times of the day to control the number of people in the Monumental Zone.

To get in to the Monumental Zone at Park Guell for free, you must visit outside of the regulated hours. In the morning, if you enter the Monumental Zone before it opens, stay as long as you want. Once you leave though, you must have a ticket to return during the regulated hours.

The regulated hours for Park Guell when you need tickets to enter the Monumental Zone are from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

If you visit outside of these hours, you do not need a ticket and can enter the Monumental Zone for free. However, there is little to no lighting in the Monumental Zone without the sunlight, so visiting at night is not recommended. 

A woman poses in Park Guell Barcelona at sunrise in the Greek Theater.

GETTING TICKETS TO THE PARK GUELL MONUMENTAL ZONE

If you plan to visit the Monumental Zone during the regulated hours, get your ticket in advance. You can purchase tickets at the entrances to the Monumental Zone, but you may end up waiting a while.

Only 400 people can enter the park each half hour. However, once you are in the park, you can stay as long as you want. If you leave, you must have another ticket to return during open hours.

Because they limit the number of tickets sold, buying tickets at the gate sometimes means waiting a few hours to enter the park. You can wander the rest of the park while you wait, but this may cut into your plans for Barcelona.

The Hypostyle Room in Park Guell Barcelona at sunrise

If you plan to visit during a busier time of the year, get your tickets in advance for sure. Even when we visited Barcelona in November , our family had to wait over an hour from when they got their tickets to when they got into the Monumental Zone.

Tickets cost 10€ ($11), but there are reduced rates for children under 12, adults over 65, and people with disabilities. They do require proof if you purchase any of the reduced price tickets according to the website. You can purchase tickets in advance through the official website here .

Purchasing a ticket in advance also includes Bus Guell , a direct ride to Park Guell from the Alfons X metro station. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes. This saves you a long walk uphill on the way to the park and downhill on the way out of the park.

A woman in the Laundry Room Portico or curved walkway at Park Guell in Barcelona.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PARK GUELL & THE MONUMENTAL ZONE

The best time to visit Park Guell is in the morning right as it opens or in the evening near closing time. If you visit during ticketed hours, these times have the lowest amount of people in the Monumental Zone, allowing for pictures without so many people around. Going in the morning or evening also gives you the best light with the sun lower in the sky.

The best time to visit Park Guell overall though is in the morning before it opens. In fact, the Monumental Zone at Park Guell is the best place for sunrise in Barcelona in my opinion. Going for sunrise means no one is around, you have the park to yourself for pictures, and it is free to enter.

How much time you have sunlight before the park opens depends on the time of year. During the shortest days of winter, there is only about 15 minutes between sunrise and when the park opens. Most of the year, there is at least 30 minutes between sunrise and when the park opens.

I was nervous that the free entry for Park Guell would not work, but we walked right in for sunrise in November. They start setting up the ropes and ticket tables a few minutes before opening, but we got there around 8 a.m. The sunrise in Park Guell was amazing, and we had time to walk around and get pictures with only a few other people in the park.

Sunrise is the best time to go to Park Guell plus you get free entry

Once the park opens for ticketed entry, it fills up quickly. By 9 a.m., the park was packed with people. Even though they limit it to 400 entries every half hour, people can stay as long as they want. Most people stay an hour or less, but some stay longer making the area feel very crowded.

You can also visit after the restricted time ends. However, this time of day is more crowded than mornings. People who arrive in the evening wait until after the ticket tables close to enter and watch the sunset. I have heard evenings are the most crowded time to visit as there are no limits to how many people can enter, but I’m not sure if that is true or not.

Depending on the time of year, there is sometimes only 15 minutes between closing time and sunset. Other times of the year, there is closer to 30 minutes or even an hour between closing time and sunset. During the time of year when there is a longer time between closing and sunset, there are probably breaks in the crowd after the park closes.

If you can manage an early start to the day, definitely plan to be at Park Guell for sunrise. If you need a little more time or prefer to go during the ticketed times, try to be there close to opening time so that you can enjoy the park without so many people.

Sunrise at Park Guell in the Greek Theater looking out over Barcelona

WHAT TO SEE IN PARK GUELL

There are plenty of things to see in both Park Guell and the Monumental Zone to fill up at least half of a day. However, you can pick and choose what to see and spend as little as an hour in the park. If you want to take your time and see it all, it could take you a full day.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE MONUMENTAL ZONE OF PARK GUELL

The Monumental Zone is a small part of the entire park, but it is the most popular part of the park. When most people say Park Guell, they mean the Monumental Zone. This area houses the majority of Gaudi’s work in Park Guell.

Make sure to wander all the trails in the Monumental Zone. Below are the most popular spots, but there are unique views throughout the park. The main areas along the stairway and middle of the Monumental Zone stay crowded, but the rest of the area is much quieter.

Sunrise view from the Hypostyle in Park Guell. Free entry is available before and after the park closes.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM PORTICO CURVED WALKWAY

The Laundry Room Portico is one of the most popular Instagram photo spots. In fact, a line forms right at the start of it so that people can take pictures without anyone behind them. Do not wait in this line though.

The curved walkway often seen in Park Guell photos continues beyond this first little section. Simply walk around the line into the dirt area next to the curved walkway. Walk along the walkway until you find a spot without anyone in the background and take as many pictures as you want without a line.

If you go to the upper level walkway in this area, you also have a great view down on the curved walkway itself and a more unique view for photos. Make sure to walk throughout the entire Monumental Zone and not just the popular photo spots. There are plenty of unique angles to get your own photos there.

The Laundry Room Portico in Park Guell is a curved walkway popular in Instagram photos

THE GREEK THEATER OR NATURE SQUARE FOR THE BEST VIEW

The Greek Theater or Nature Square makes for the perfect spot to watch sunrise in Barcelona. When we visited in November of 2018, much of this area was closed off for construction. It is still under construction, and construction is scheduled to continue through June 2020. 

There are still some parts of this area you can visit for pictures, but having so much of it blocked off meant waiting for an opening to get your own picture. When we went, only one or two of the balcony areas at the end of the viewing platform were open, so it filled up quickly.

A couple in the Greek Theater at Park Guell at sunrise

This is when going in the morning really helps. We had no wait to take our pictures there before the park opened and when the park first opened. However, by around 9 a.m., we stopped by one more time and the area was super crowded. Everyone wanted the same little area for photos with Barcelona in the background.

If you go in the morning, go straight to this area to get your pictures. Then see the rest of the Monumental Zone. If you go later in the day, be prepared to wait it out.

During some phases of construction, more of the overlook area will be open allowing for more spaces to enjoy the view. Once the construction ends in summer of 2020, there will be more space to spread out and take your photos.

A woman looking out over Barcelona in the Greek Theater in Park Guell

THE HYPOSTYLE ROOM WITH THE MASSIVE COLUMNS

This was my favorite area of the Monumental Zone. There is also construction in this area, so you may have to get creative to get your photos.

This area does not get as crowded as some of the other areas except the space at the front overlooking the park and the city. We spent some time watching sunrise from here, and it was a beautiful view with less people.

Make sure to look up at the ceiling here and not just as the columns themselves. The whole area is beautiful, and in the early morning, the sunlight dances through the columns making for beautiful photos.

Thanks to the columns, even during the more crowded part of the day you can get photos without anyone behind you. Use the columns to block people out or wait a few seconds for them to keep moving behind another column.

A woman standing among the columns of the Park Guell Hypostyle Room

THE PORTER’S LODGE PAVILION

The main entrance to the Park Guell Monumental Zone is on the south side of the park on Carrer d’Olot. This is where our Uber dropped us off since we arrived early. This entrance also gives you a great view of the stairway, Hypostyle Room, and the outside edge of the Greek Theater.

On either side of you as you enter are two buildings. These buildings are visible in most photos taken from the stairway, the Greek Theater and outer edge of the Hypostyle Room. The one on the left when facing the stairs was the porter’s lodge with a waiting area and phone booth. The one on the right was the porter’s residence and is open now for tours.

If you want to see the inside of the porter’s residence, there is a line to get in. There is no extra ticket required. If the line is short, take the time to go in. You get great views from the windows of the park, especially on the upper level. If the line is long, it isn’t worth it in my opinion unless you have plenty of time to spend in Park Guell.

People beginning to enter Park Guell by the Porter's Lodge Pavilion in Park Guell

THE DRAGON STAIRWAY FOR THE INFAMOUS PICTURE

The Dragon Stairway is another popular spot for photos in Park Guell. Many people also take photos along the edge of the stairs of the tiled walls or looking out over the city.

The most popular spot for photos on the Dragon Stairway though is with the dragon itself. The dragon, or salamander, often appears on postcards of Park Guell. People line up for photos with the dragon on the stairs.

This was the only place we noticed a full-time security guard. The guard’s job is to keep people from touching the dragon or sitting next to it. He or she also keeps the line moving. If you take a picture with the dragon, make sure not to touch it or sit on the railing next to it.

A man stands by the dragon in the Dragon Stairway in Park Guell Barcelona

THE AUSTRIA GARDENS FOR A MOMENT OF PEACE

The Austria Gardens are off to the left side of the stairway when you walk up from the main entrance. This area is more peaceful and quiet than most of the Monumental Zone.

The path curves through a garden that gets its names from trees donated by Austria. The area has some shade and not many people, making it a perfect spot for a little break to enjoy the flowers and views of the Gaudi House Museum.

A woman walking through the Austria Gardens in Park Guell

WHAT TO SEE IN PARK GUELL: FREE ZONE

The rest of Park Guell besides the Monumental Zone is free 24 hours a day. The area has lots of pathways to wander and several spots to stop along the way and enjoy the views of Barcelona. If you have some extra time or have to wait to get into the Monumental Zone, check out the free part of Park Guell.

CASA MUSEU GAUDI – GAUDI HOUSE MUSEUM

This is the house Antoni Gaudi lived in from 1906 to 1925. It now serves as a museum for Gaudi including recreating some of the rooms and displaying personal items.

Tickets for the Gaudi House Museum are 5,50€ ($6). Purchase tickets through the Sagrada Familia website , and even purchase a combination ticket for both places.

We opted to skip the museum. We did not purchase tickets in advance, and it did not interest us as much as the rest of the park. With only three days in Barcelona , we chose to explore the rest of the park and keep moving.

A woman stands in the Greek Theater or Nature Square in Park Guell Barcelona. Free entry gets you in before the crowds.

VIADUCTS NEAR CASA MUSEU GAUDI

The pathways near the Casa Museu Gaudi have rock archways making up the viaducts in this area of the park. These make for pictures similar to those in the Monumental Zone but without the crowds or the wait.

The viaducts are mostly on the northeast side of the park. Follow the paths up to La Casa Trias from the Monumental Zone and Casa Museu Gaudi to find them.

A woman in the columns of the viaducts in Park Guell's free zone

TURO DE LES TRES CREUS VIEWPOINT

We walked up to La Casa Trias which does have a good view of the city. However, the better view is from Les Tres Creus in the southwest corner of the park. Take the time to enjoy the walk from one side of the park to the other and check out this viewpoint.

From Les Tres Creus, you see a beautiful view of the city. Look off to the west (to the right if you are facing the city) for a good view of the church at the top of Mount Tibidabo as well. 

A woman looking out over Barcelona from the free zone at Park Guell

WHY VISIT PARK GUELL IN BARCELONA?

Park Guell is a must on any Barcelona itinerary. Even if you only have an hour, stop and see the Monumental Zone. The park showcases Gaudi’s work in a beautiful setting with a perfect view of the city.

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona? Check out the Four Points Barcelona Diagonal where we stayed or other hotel options here . For more Barcelona travel tips, check out our three day itinerary for the best photo spots in Barcelona .

Spain and Portugal pair well for a European vacation, so check out our posts on Lisbon and Sintra as well. For more Europe travel tips, check out the Europe section of the blog. 

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Find out how to get into Park Guell Barcelona free and what to see in Park Guell, one of the best things to do in Barcelona Spain.

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Wednesday 17th of May 2023

I would suggest changing the title of this post to accurately reflect that the free entry is no longer true. The article is shown in a Google summary and I obviously ended up not buying tickets. When I hiked all the way up to the park, they said it's not free entry and that it was also sold out. A long hike under the sun for nothing.

Christine Wheeler

Friday 11th of August 2023

Unfortunately, I cannot control what Google decides to show and do not make any money when you only read the Google part and do not click through to read the full update. I update with information from locals and tourists as I get the information, but I have had it in multiple places in bold and italics that it is no longer free entry for a couple of years at least now.

Saturday 2nd of July 2022

I was tricked to this place with my whole family without tickets by this blog, because it’s the first result in Google for me. The text still says (two years later) that it’s free for the park.

Please update that info on the page.

Taxi money not well spent.

@Christine Wheeler, just so you know, it's not just the monumental section you have to pay for. You can't get into any part of the park for free now.

It says in bold under free entry times that this has changed and is no longer the case as of winter 2021 (and has since winter of 2021). Free entry to Park Guell is only for residents as of right now and all others must have a reservation. I've copied and pasted this information into the introduction as well since people are apparently not reading it where it is.

Daniel Nicholls

Wednesday 29th of December 2021

Thanks for the article. We wanted to give a bit of information about entering the park during the “free” hours.

The park is only open to residents during that time. I don’t know when it changed from the way it was when you went but they have people checking at the entrances in the morning before the park opens to people buying tickets.

Here is a link to the official website stating the same:

https://parkguell.barcelona/en/park-guell-and-citizens

We found this after we found the info on your article here so now we are waiting an hour and a half outside until we can get in (well after sunrise).

Friday 31st of December 2021

Thank you so much for letting me know. I've updated my post to reflect this. I'm so sorry you were not able to get in for free before the normal hours and hope that you were still able to enjoy the park when you did make it in.

Sunday 17th of October 2021

Hi Christine, that's an excellent review with a lot of useful information, thank you for it! I just wanted to ask if the same information applies for the free entry as before? For October 30 for example, is it still until 8:30 in the morning and can we for example enter at 8 for free and then leave at 9 for free? I read on their website something that the park is booked from 7:30 to 9:30 for some other activities but not sure if that means no entrance will be allowed early in the morning.

Unfortunately, they have changed the times and no longer allow free entry for everyone before and after the operating hours. The park is open for ticket holders from 9:30 until 5:30 but then only to residents before and after that.

Dominica Bonifacio

Tuesday 28th of September 2021

Hi all - just so you know they no longer let people in earlier than opening if you are not a resident! Today I arrived at 7:30am before sunrise and it was already blocked on multiple sides but guards. I did however look up the busiest times on Google maps and on a Tuesday at 930am I got decent photos before the crowds came. Just wanted to share my experience!

Thank you so much for letting me know! I've updated the post to reflect this and appreciate you taking the time to let me know it has changed and the best time that you found to go!

Park Güell offers a peek into Antoni Gaudí’s colourful modernist fantasy world. Eusebi Güell, a wealthy local businessman, commissioned Gaudí to design and build a luxury housing complex set in a beautiful park overlooking the city of Barcelona. Güell was inspired by the English parks and gardens he had seen while traveling. Today, over a hundred years later, Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions.

Entrance of Park Güell

What you’ll find in this article:

  • Practical information about tickets and guided tours
  • The difference between the paid zone and the free zone of Park Güell
  • Opening hours and prices
  • Information on how to get to Park Güell
  • History, architecture, background information and interesting facts
  • Insider tips, such as where to get a bite to eat near the park
  • Tips on how to combine a visit to Park Güell with a visit to the Sagrada Familia

What is Park Güell and why should you visit it?

Park Güell is one of the most famous works of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. There is no single other creation of Gaudí in which the connection with nature is so strongly present.

Personally, we think that Park Güell is a real must-see during your trip to Barcelona, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Apart from the architectural pearls that are hidden all over the park and the delicious scent of the plants and trees, you will also be amazed by the wonderful view over the city.

In other words, one of the highlights of Barcelona.

Interesting fact: Originally, Park Güell was meant to be a luxury housing complex for the local bourgeoisie.

Eusebi Güell, Gaudí’s patron and the person who commissioned the project, wanted to build a beautiful garden with individual, detached homes on a hill above the city, where the local elites could escape from the noise and the grime of 19th century industrial Barcelona.

Unfortunately no buyers were found for the homes and the project never took off. Only two of the houses were ever completed, one of which became Gaudí’s home. It is now a museum and can be visited in the park.

Visit Park Güell

Since 2013 there is an entrance fee for the monumental zone of the park.

You can choose to only visit the free part, and you’ll definitely enjoy it if you choose to do that, but you’ll be missing out on the most spectacular parts of Park Güell, such as the famous trencadís benches and the salamander steps.

If you decide to visit the monumental zone, you should buy your tickets for Park Güell online in advance.

Lines at the park can be very long, and due to limitations on how many people are allowed in per day you may end up waiting for a long time.

Important: The monumental zone of the park only allows 800 visitors at a time.

When you purchase your ticket you’ll be asked to choose a time slot for your visit. Make sure you’re on time, because if you arrive more than 30 minutes late your ticket will be cancelled without a refund.

Tip: If you buy your tickets online you’ll get to skip the line and access the park really quickly.

When to visit Park Güell?

The best time or day to visit Park Güell depends on your plans and the available time slots and dates.

Keep in mind that some time slots are already fully booked months ahead, especially in the high season, so you may need to be a little flexible.

In the Summer, temperatures can get quite high in Barcelona, so if you’re visiting between June and August it’s best to go in the morning or in the evening.

Early morning and late in the evening are also the times the park is generally least crowded, so take that into account when choosing the time of your visit.

Bench in Park Guell with a view behind it

How long is a visit to Park Güell?

That depends on if you only visit the monumental (paid) part of the park, the free part or both.

Between an hour and a half and two hours is usually enough time to see the whole thing.

If you enjoy walking around among the trees, flowers and plants, you will be staying longer.

In any case, make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Also keep in mind that it will take you a while to get to the park, because it is quite far from the city centre.

Practical Info

Park güell tickets & prices.

There are three options for general entrance tickets for Park Güell.

  • Basic Ticket Standard entrance ticket to the park’s monumental zone. Price is €7 for adults, children younger than six get in free, and €5.90 for children between 7 and 13 and adults over 65.
  • Combination ticket: hop on hop off bus + Park Güell You can also buy a combination ticket for Park Güell and the hop-on hop-off bus (one day). Price is €37 for adults, and €21 for children between 4 and 12.
  • Guided tour of Park Güell You can also choose to visit Park Güell with a guide. During the tour you will learn even more about the park’s architecture, its history, and Gaudí’s unique style. Price is €26, and includes the cost of the ticket. You’ll receive booking confirmation via email, including the meeting point for your tour.

You can enter Park Güell for free (basic entrance ticket) with your Barcelona City Pass.

Opening hours

  • January to March 25th: 8.30 am — 6.30 pm (in March until 7pm)
  • March 26th to April: 8 am — 8.30 pm
  • May 1st to August 27th: 8am — 9.30 pm
  • August 28th to October 28th: 8am — 8.30 pm
  • October 29th to December: 8.30am — 6.30 pm

Park Güell has fixed visiting schedules. This means that you have to decide in advance (when you book your tickets) at what time you would like to visit the park.

You will be asked to choose a half-hour time slot for your visit, which is the time during which you’ll be allowed to enter the park with your ticket.

Don’t worry, once you are inside you can stay as long as you want. Just make sure you’re not late.

You can print out your tickets or save them on your smartphone.

Important: Last entry time is one hour before the park closes.

Visit Park Güell for free

park güell free zone

You only need to buy an entrance ticket for the monumental zone of Park Güell, the rest of the park is free.

That said, if you skip the monumental zone you’ll be missing out on the most famous parts of Park Güell.

Restaurants and bars near Park Güell

It is forbidden to have picnics in the park’s monumental zone. In the rest of the park it’s allowed, but not very convenient because there aren’t many good places to sit down and eat.

You need to be lucky and find a spot on a bench. There is a bar near the exit of the Park next to the shop.

Instead of eating in the park, we recommend you stop for a bite to eat before or after your visit in Gràcia, a cute neighborhood that’s right below Park Güell.

A few insider tips:

  • Bar Restaurant Delicias: classical Spanish and Catalan tapas and when the weather is good you can sit on the terrace. (Carrer de Mühlberg 1, about a 10 minutes walk from Park Güell, metro Vallcarca)
  • Cafè Camèlia: a cosy, vegetarian café in Gràcia where you can have lunch or a piece of homemade pie. (Carrer de Verdi 79, metro Fontana)
  • Gastrobar FruFrú: for later on in the day, a mojito with a bite to eat! Hidden on a little street where no tourists go. (Carrer de Septimania 36, metro Lesseps)

How to get to Park Güell?

The park has several entrances and from the nearest metro station it’s quite a walk, so here are the best ways to get there:

  • By metro — Plaça Lesseps: Take the green metro line (L3) to Plaça Lesseps. Walk along Travessera de Dalt until you reach Carrer Larrard. Make a left and walk uphill until Carrer d’Olot, where you’ll find the main entrance to Park Güell. This route takes about 20 minutes and involves a lot of walking uphill. Alternatively, you can turn left one block before reaching Carrer Larrard, onto Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya. Follow this street past the convent on the left until you reach the escalator, head up, and continue straight until you reach Carrer D’Olot. From there turn right and you’ll reach the entrance to the park. This route takes more or less the same time, but is less steep than the previous one.
  • By metro — Vallcarca: A good option for the fit among us. Take the green metro line to Vallcarca, (the next stop after Lesseps). Take the Parc Guell* exit from the station and make a left at Baixada de la Glòria. You can take the escalator up, but you will also need to climb a steep path. You’ll arrive at a side entrance of the park, where you will be treated to an extraordinary view over the city of Barcelona. The advantage with this route is that you’ll enter the park at its highest point and can move downhill once you’re inside.
  • By metro — El Coll La Teixonera: This is the easiest route if you’re visiting Park Güell after the Sagrada Familia. Take the blue metro line (L5) to El Coll-La Teixonera and exit via Mare de Deu de Coll. Follow Carrer Beat Almato, take the escalator uphill, and turn right onto Carrer Santuari. Go past the church, make a right onto Carrer Ceuta, and then take the middle of the three small streets. Walk on until the Cami de Can Mora and after about a five minute walk, once the road starts to go up, turn right. After about 200 meters you’ll arrive at the entrance gate of Park Güell. Metro stop El Coll la Teixonera is the deepest metro station of Barcelona. To get to the platform you’ll need to take an elevator that goes deep underground.
  • By bus: Out of all public transport options, this one is the least hassle, as the bus will drop you off right next to the entrance to the park. From Plaça Universitat, Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia you can take bus line 24 (Paral·lel/Carmel) to the Carretera del Carmel. You’ll arrive at one of the side entrances of Park Guell.
  • Hop on Hop off bus: Barcelona’s tourist bus also stops at Park Güell. Make sure you get on the blue line. This line also goes by the Sagrada Família, so it’s ideal if you want to visit both.
  • By taxi: The easiest option. A taxi can drop you off at the main entrance of Park Güell. From the city centre it will cost around €12.
  • By bike: Every now and then we’re asked if it’s possible to bike to Park Güell. It is, but only if you’re very fit and want a challenge. It’s about 5 kilometers from the central Plaça Catalunya and you’ll be going uphill almost all the way, so make sure you have enough gears on your bike!
  • By car: You can reach Park Güell by car relatively easily, let your GPS guide you. Here is a list of places to park nearby: Parking Bus Park Güell, Carretera del Carmel 20; Parking Esperança i Guell, Carrer de Sant Cugat del Vallès 13; Parking Massens i Guell, Carrer de Massens 73.

house in Park Guell with a view behind it.

What can you see and do during your visit to Park Güell?

Built on the side of a hill, Park Güell is over 17 hectares large and is spread out across many levels. The spectacular main gate, the mosaic bench, the Hall of Columns… there is much to see and enjoy both in the monumental zone and the free area of the park.

It’s a great place to take a beautiful walk, get acquainted with Gaudí’s work, and enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Park Güell’s Entrance

The park is surrounded by a thick wall, which was meant to keep the would-be residents safe inside the garden city.

The wall’s use of natural brown stone and brown and yellow mosaic tiles make it quite striking, although as it stands now it is incomplete, like other elements of the housing development project.

At the entrance to the park you’ll see the beautiful iron gate which gives way to the lower plaza, flanked on each side by two houses that are characteristically Gaudí, with their tiled roofs and spires.

These two buildings were meant to be the guard’s house and the reception building.

Currently one of them houses a gift shop, while the other is an information center where you can watch a video on the park and Gaudí’s work.

To be able to enter you need to be in the possession of a paid ticket. Through the gate you’ll reach main stairs, “l’escalinata del drac” (the stairs of the dragon).

L’escalinata del drac with the famous lizard

Nobody seems to know what this ‘monster’ is exactly. Is it a huge Salamander? An Iguana? Some other type of lizard, or perhaps a dragon?

In any case, it’s the most popular photo spot of the entire park.

According to some experts it symbolizes Python, the guardian of the subterranean waters in Greek mythology. A couple of meters behind the popular ‘Python’ you can spot another reptile: a snake head.

Its meaning is symbolic: the red and yellow stripes behind the head of the snake represent the Catalan flag.

Hall of 100 pillars – Sala Hipóstila

At the top of the stairs you arrive at the Sala Hipóstila, or Hall of 100 pillars (although the name is slightly misleading, in reality there are only 86).

These Doric-style pillars, which are 6 meters in length and 1.20 in diameter, support the central plaza above.

Additionally, they also function as water collectors.

Water filters through the earth of the plaza above, through the pillars’ hollow interior, to a 12,000 liter cistern that is hidden underground, beneath the hall.

This cistern was meant to supply irrigation for the park. Even in the late 19th century, Gaudí had a mind for sustainability and efficient use of natural resources which put him ahead of his time.

According to the original plans, the Sala Hipóstila was meant to be a covered market where the residents of the development could do their shopping, but this never came to pass.

The space has great acoustics, so musicians love to come and play in the area.

Also while you’re here, notice the colorful mosaic ceilings of the chamber.

These are the work of architect Josep María Jujol, one of Gaudí’s partners, and the different colors represent the lunar phases and the seasons of the year.

Plaça de la Natura and the famous mosaic bench

Above the Sala Hipóstila lies an oval plaza, known as ‘Plaça de la Natura’ (Plaza of Nature).

The plaza is surrounded by Gaudí’s famous mosaic benches, which act as a balustrade.

This spot is popular with visitors because of the stunning mosaic inlays (known as trencadís in Catalan), and because it offers great views of the city below.

Gaudí originally wanted this space to be an open air theater, which is probably why he named it the ‘Teatre Grec’ (Greek Theater).

The square is 86 by 40 meters and is partly carried by the columns of the hall of pillars underneath it.

The benches’ curious shape, which was inspired by a Sea Serpent, was meant to bring people together and stimulate social interactions.

The story goes that to shape them (you’ll find they’re surprisingly comfortable), Gaudí had a nude man sit on the still-soft plaster to help mold it.

Trees, plants and the garden Jardins d’Àustria

The land where the now so green Park Güell was constructed, was originally extremely dry and empty.

Gaudí choose mediterranean tree-and plant types that would adapt perfectly to the property: pine trees, eucalyptus, magnolia, palm trees, cypresses, almond trees, prunes, mimosa, thyme, lavender and rosemary.

Result: it always smells heavenly!

Inside the monumental part also lie the beautiful ‘Jardins d’Àustria’ (Gardens of Austria), which were given such a name because they host trees Barcelona received as a donation from Austria in 1977.

Casa Larrard

One of the houses in Park Güell belonged to Gaudí’s patron Eusebi Güell: Casa Larrard.

This villa dates from the 18th century but was completely renovated by Gaudí. Nowadays this house is the Park Güell Escola Baldiri Reixac, a school for children.

El Pórtico de la Lavandera (Pòrtic de la Bugadera)

At the east side of the square of the Greek theater is an iron gate with a path that leads to the gardens of Casa Larrard.

This promenade, one level above the house, is surrounded by a forest of pine trees and has the shape of a huge wave on steeping pillars, with a double pillar for extra support.

It’s one of the best examples of the organic architecture that Gaudí applied.

The curved pillars perhaps don’t give you the idea of stability but they are constructed for exactly that. This promenade reminds of a cave and was meant for protection of the sun.

The free part of Park Güell

There are different entrance gates for the free zone, for example on Carretera del Carmel (see ‘bus’ at ‘How to get to Park Güell?’ or the ‘alternative option’).

In the free area of the park you’ll find many pretty walking paths and a couple of beautiful houses and spots from where you have a wonderful view over the city.

The cave paths are especially interesting. These viaducts were meant to connect several areas of the park and the houses that were supposed to be built.

In the free part you will find the Viaducto de las Jardineras and the Viaducto del Algarrobo. When designing these paths, Gaudí was inspired by nature and the roman, gothic and baroque art styles.

He also kept in mind the fact that vehicles (coaches back then) had to be able to pass through.

Casa Museu Gaudí – the house of Gaudí

Casa Museu Gaudí was the official residence of Gaudí between 1906 and 1925.

Despite it being nominally his home, he didn’t spend much time in it over his final years, when he was consumed with the Sagrada Familia project.

Of the 60 homes that were projected for the development, Gaudí’s was one of the only two that ended up being built, and it wasn’t designed by him but rather by Francesc Berenguer.

The building is recognizable because of its color — pink, and is colloquially known as the ‘torre rosa’ (pink tower).

In the museum you’ll find furniture designed by Gaudí, as well as other household elements he and his collaborators created.

Some of the items on display actually belonged to and were used by Gaudí.

The second house in Park Güell was Casa Trias, named after its owner, the lawyer Martin Trias i Domenech, the first buyer of a plot in the garden city in 1902.

Turó de les Tres Creus

The highest spot of Park Güell – and according to many the spot with the best view over Barcelona – is the hill Turó de les Tres Creus.

Here you will see three crosses on top of a pile of stones, the Golgotha. Two of them give the cardinal points (NSEW) and the third one points at heaven.

Gaudí wanted to use the hill to build a chapel for the inhabitants of the garden city to have a place to worship, however during the construction prehistoric remains appeared and it was decided to turn it into a memorial with three crosses.

This is one of the must-visit spots outside of the monumental zone and a fantastic place to get some landscape pictures of Barcelona.

When you climb the spiral stone stairs to the top of the tower you’ll see why.

History and architecture of Park Güell

Antoni Gaudí designed Park Güell between 1900 and 1904, commissioned by his patron, the wealthy businessman Eusebi Güell.

Inspired by his trips to England, where the garden city idea was born, and by the Jardín de la Fontaine in Nimes, where Güell spent his childhood, he bought a large piece of land just above the neighbourhood of Gràcia in 1895 with the intention of building a luxury residential area to escape from the less appetizing aspects of life in industrial Barcelona.

In 1878 he saw Gaudí’s work for the first time and the businessman and architect, both living in Barcelona, became friends.

Güell bought the Montanya Pelada, ‘the Naked Mountain’, at the northwest of the city.

The area was completely barren, there was no water and the rocky ground made it very difficult to build a park, so Gaudí developed a plan that incorporated the land’s natural mediterranean features into its design.

The property was too steep for roads and paving, but instead of leveling off the ground, Gaudí adapted his design to the landscape.

By building walkways and excavating roads and tunnels, he made the ground accessible. The rubble that resulted from this process formed the foundation of the park.

The layers of ceramic that you see everywhere were created as a collage, using the waste products of construction.

The use of natural ground stone and other construction residue as construction materials caused certain problems.

Gaudí had to construct his works with complex layers in order to make them resistant to the elements.

The walls are built with a 4 centimeter thick layer of brick and concrete and a layer of cement, that was strengthened with thick iron bars.

This all is covered with a layer of roofing tiles and eventually an outer layer of cement with the mosaic of the ceramic tiles.

It was only when the renovation works were carried out by the city after 1922 that this construction became visible.

Garden city

Once completed, the garden city was meant to hold sixty luxurious homes with a panoramic view over Barcelona.

Each plot was between 1,200 and 1,400 square meters and no more than one sixth of the land would be used for construction, with the rest dedicated entirely to nature.

Unfortunately, with asking prices between 23,000 and 37,000 pesetas, the locals found the parcels too expensive.

Another issue was distance; in the early 20th century there were no metro and bus lines to get to the area, and the roads up the hill were steep and of bad quality.

The political climate in the city also negatively affected the project. The general strike of 1902 inaugurated a period of political instability in Barcelona, which culminated with 1909’s ‘Semana Trágica’.

The ‘Catalan matter’, in which both Gaudí and Güell were involved, didn’t help in a time that the ruling classes tried to be friends with the central government in Madrid.

Eventually only two parcels were sold. On one of them is now Casa Museum Gaudí, where the architect lived between 1906 and 1925, in the company of his old father and his niece.

The other parcel became Casa Trias, owned by lawyer Martí Trias i Domènech, a close friend of Güell and Gaudí.

Güell also lived in the park, in the large villa called Casa Larrard, which Gaudí renovated for him between 1906 and 1922. Currently there is a school housed in the villa.

Open to the public

In 1906 it became clear that the project hadn’t achieved the expected results. Still, construction wasn’t stopped until 1914, when the first World War broke out.

After the death of Eusebi Güell in 1918, his heirs decided to sell the land to the city of Barcelona under the condition of opening it to the public as a park.

In 1926, the year of Gaudí’s death, Park Güell was opened for the public.

Just like Gaudí’s other masterpieces, the park is on the Unesco list of cultural world heritage sites (since 1984).

Between 1987 and 1994 the park was renovated by Elías Torres and José Antonio Martínez Lapeña together with Joan Bassegoda.

Interesting Fact: in contrast to Parc de la Ciutadella and Barcelona’s other urban parks, Park Güell is spelled with a ‘k’ instead of a ‘c’.

Eusebi Güell deliberately choose the English spelling because his development was inspired on the garden cities he had seen while traveling in England.

Our personal tips

  • For a picnic it’s much better to go to Parc de la Ciutadella, Park Güell doesn’t have any grass and very few benches with tables.
  • It’s easy and worth it to combine a visit to Park Güell with a visit to Gràcia or the Sagrada Família.
  • If you want to bike to the park, make sure that you get a bike with gears. It’s a steep uphill ride.
  • If you travel with a larger group, make sure you keep your own entrance ticket with you. Every now and then we hear from people that accidentally exit the monumental area of the park and are not allowed back in. If you only have one reservation for the group, make sure you keep this in mind!

Attractions near Park Güell

There are two important attractions near Park Güell:

  • The Sagrada Familia
  • Sant Pau Modernist Complex

Visit the La Sagrada Família and Park Güell on one day

Both la Sagrada Família and Park Güell are must sees, especially if it’s your first time in Barcelona. If you want to visit these two can’t-miss monuments on a single day read our tips below.

How to get from the Sagrada Família to Park Güell?

There are several ways to get from one attraction to the other. Walking, by bike, taxi, bus and metro.

Good to know: the difference in elevation is significant. Keep this in mind if you plan to walk or bike.

Tip: Make sure to budget enough time for your visits. The Sagrada Família usually takes between one and two hours (more if you’re visiting the towers), and Park Guell is more or less the same.

Travel time between the two varies depending on your mode of transport. On foot it’s roughly ~35 minutes.

  • Walking: If you have enough time, walk up to Park Güell and stop for lunch in the district of Gràcia. We love Sol Soler for tapas on Plaça del Sol. If you want something sweet instead, head to La Nena on Carrer Ramon i Cajal for churros and chocolate and lemon pie.
  • By bus: Take local bus line 92 at Sant Antoni Maria Claret-Lepant, a 10 minute walk from Sagrada Família. Get off at Ctr del Carmel-Parc Güell.
  • Metro: Get the Blue Line at Sagrada Família towards Vall D’Hebron and get off at El Coll-La Teixonera. From there it’s a 15 minute walk and the good news is that it’s downhill. You’ll also get to to enjoy a nice view of Barcelona.
  • With the hop-on hop-off bus: You can easily travel between Sagrada Família and the Park Güell on the Hop On Hop Off Bus. The Blue Line runs by both attractions and the distance is about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Taxi: There are always enough taxis at both sides of the Sagrada that take you in about 10-20 minutes (depending on traffic) to the main entrance of Park Güell (Carrer d’Olot).

Also Near Park Güell: the Gaudí Experience

Not far from Park Güell you’ll find the Gaudí Experience, an interactive 4D film that will take you on a journey through Gaudí’s life, his creations, and his unique and creative mind.

It’s especially fun for children and school groups. You’ll also find a souvenir shop and an exhibit room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit park güell.

It depends on the season. In the winter, you’ll want to visit when the sun is highest, around midday. In the summer however you’ll want to dodge the hottest hours, so it’s best to visit in the morning until 11 am, or in the evening after 6 pm.

Do you need tickets for Park Güell?

Yes and no. The central part of the park, known as the monumental zone, requires a ticket to enter, but the area around it is free to visit. We recommend you visit both areas so you should buy a ticket.

Can I skip the line if I book tickets in advance?

Yes, when you buy your tickets online in advance you’ll be asked to choose a time for your visit. When you arrive at the park you’ll be able to enter immediately without having to wait.

How much are tickets to Park Güell?

Tickets are €7 for adults, and €5.90 for children and seniors.

When was Park Güell built?

Park Güell was built between 1900 and 1914. It opened to the public in 1926.

Is there WiFi in the park?

Yes there is. The monumental zone of the park has a free wifi network you can connect to.

Can the park be visited at night?

Not specifically. Park Güell doesn’t offer nocturnal visits or tours, but it is possible to access the park up until the gates close at 12 o’clock at night. However, you won’t be able to see much because there is no artificial lighting and the park will be quite dark.

Is it worth it to join a guided tour of Park Güell?

If you explore the park with a guide, you’ll learn more about its unique architecture, its history, and about the man behind it: Gaudí. That said, it’s not necessary to go with a guide to enjoy exploring the park, and if you have to choose between a guided tour for one attraction or another, we think the Sagrada Familia is a better choice.

Hotels near Park Güell

Park Güell occupies a hilltop directly above the neighborhood of Gracia. It has privileged views over Barcelona, but it is also quite far from the center, where most of the city’s attractions and places of interest are located.

If you decide to stay in the vicinity of Park Güell you’ll get to enjoy great views in area that is much more tranquil than the city center, but you’ll rely more on public transport and you’ll have to walk longer distances to get around the city.

Three hotels near Park Güell:

  • Casa Vilaró Casa Vilaró is a three star hotel with a bed and breakfast feel. It is 3 minutes from Park Güell’s main entrance.
  • Apartaments Travessera Park Güell Apartaments Travessera Park Güell are fully equipped tourist apartments located on Travessera de Dalt. They are about 10 minutes away from Park Güell’s main entrance.
  • Catalonia Park Guell Catalonia Park Güell is a three star hotel with a rooftop pool that is 10 minutes from Park Güell’s north side.
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Sagrada Familia and Park Guell on same day: how to best plan time?

For various reasons it makes most sense for us to experience these two Gaudi highlights on the same day. I will purchase advance tickets online so I will need to select entry times for each. For example, we will probably see the Church first (since it is most strenuous; therefore top of the day best). If we began Sagrada at 10AM, perhaps a 2-3PM entry at Park Guell? I imagine we will stop for lunch in between. (Guell closes at 6PM I believe i October). Any thoughts or recommendations for planning a great itinerary for the above would be greatly appreciated!

.... a previous response of mine elsewhere to the same question: check WED16 at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187497-i44-k7350676-First_Timers_Help_With_5_Day_Itinerary-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#57433425 and this is the map I refer to in the text: http://bit.ly/DIYroute-pg-sf

In short, do visit Park Güell first -which is on top of a hill-, then stroll down to the bohemian neighbourhood of Gràcia for lunch and then head to Sagrada Família. Don't forget also drop by Sant Pau when you finish SF, it's just a short ten minutes walk from there. This is far better than visiting the other way around.

I did both in the same day. I’m not sure why, but I always go to the furthest point first, so I did park guell first. I had tix for park guell at about opening time. We had a picnic lunch and when we were done with the park, we took the bus to La Sagrada Familia. I think my tickets were for 3. We arrived early so we walked around the park in front and took some pictures. We also browsed the gift shop a bit. It was all pretty simple

During hot periods, I'd prefer not to do Parc Guell around the middle of the day. Otherwise, I think I'd choose to make La Sagrada Familia my first stop at opening time. It seemed to me that crowded conditions would have more impact there than at Parc Guell. In both cases you do want to arrive with tickets already in hand.

There was little to no shade at Park Guell. It seemed the La Sagrada Familia was climate controlled

Based on our experience in Barcelona, I agree that you should start with Sagrada Familia. However, instead of 10:00 a.m. I would strongly recommend that you book tickets for the opening time of 9:00 a.m. We were very happy that we were there at the opening, because by 10:00 it was extremely crowded. If those are the only two sights that you have planned for that day, then a 1:30-2:00 entry time for Parc should give you plenty of time for lunch in between.

Are visitors including time to go through the museum at Sagrada Familia? My itinerary did not include visiting the museum, however, I was glad that I did. It provided much context in the details of what one saw in the church. I was at Sagrada Familia at 9:00 am and left around 1:00 pm.

I guess it comes down to what type of experience you want, and how much time you devote to visiting each site. No right or wrong answers.

I agree, the museum at La Sagrada Familia is excellent and it did come as a surprise to me. I had no idea it was there and with all the research I did, I feel like I never read about the museum. I did observe that many skipped the museum or walked thru rather quickly, so for us the museum didn't feel that crowded. Actually, tickets were sold out that day for both La Sagrada and Park Guell. I didn't find either to be unmanageable in terms of crowds. I thought it was more crowded at the park near La Sagrada Familia and entrance to La Sagrada than it really was inside. (Casa Mila, on the other hand, felt extremely crowded thru the whole experience)

Last year we in in Barcelona in late September and did exactly the same itineary as you are recommending. I agree that seeing the Sagrada Familia in the morning early helps beat some of the crowds. At 10:00 a.m. it was already packed, if you visit one of the towers and museum, you can easily spend 2 to 2:30 hours. We opted to take a cab to Park Guell and eat near there and then explore the park before our tour. If we had to do it again, we would have got a picnic as the restaurants near Park Guell are really touristy.

Also note that there are limited # bathrooms at Park Guell and if you get there when there is are lots of tourist buses, you will wait in a long line.

I had a first-time-slot ticket at La Sagrada Familia. I used the audio-guide, did not ascend a tower but did visit the museum. I spent a brief time in the shop, which is nice but has considerable overlap with shops at other modernista sites. I was at LSF for about 1-1/2 hours, but I am a totally non-religious person. I can well imagine that many religious visitors would want more time, and then there's the whole tower business.

I agree that the museum is very, very lightly visited and worthwhile.

One useful thing to know is that once you enter the shop, you cannot return to the rest of the site.

I'd also go look at the museum portion of the Basilica where you can watch craftsmen restore the models that Gaudi used to plan the cathedral. While we were there, there were two men putting together models and it was fascinating to watch, at least for me.

Thank you all for these great tips! One more question: is the Tower a must add-on? You can bundle Guell and Sagrada but it doesn't include the Tower climb.....?

I didn't consider it essential to go up one of the towers, so I skipped it. But that means I am in no position to tell you how great it was or was not. I will just note that unless you're spending two weeks or more in Barcelona, there are trade-offs between the various sightseeing options. You get to decide how important the tower is to you, compared to the many museums and other sights (modernista and otherwise) in Barcelona. Plus all the great side-trips.

We did them both in the same day. We did the one earliest times at La Sagrada Familia, spent 1.5 hrs. We got the audio guide, walked around the ground floor/sanctuary, went up the elevator to a tower and then did the museum. I was not that impressed with the tower, but others loved it. It's more about the architecture than the view. We went to the Gaudi Museum at Parc Guell and then had tickets for The Monuments area at 1:30.

We did Sagrada Familia, (including the audio tour, tower tour and museum) and the Parc in the same day, with Sant Pau in between. Go early to the cathedral, then walk to Sant Pau. It's an easy city bus from there to the park, then an easy bus from the park back to Eixample where we were staying. If I remember, our cathedral entry was around 9 am, and our Park entry was around 2 pm. We had no problem fitting all that in, plus a quick bite and beer. In my view, the tour part of the the cathedral is skippable. Although it's a quick elevator ride up, it's a long twisty way down with no handrails.

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Third Eye Traveller

14+ Things to Do in Park Güell Barcelona in 2024 (Gaudi Park)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: March 19, 2024

Categories SPAIN

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

One of the most popular attractions in Barcelona has to be Park Güell, a stunning park located on Carmel Hill and designed by Antonin Gaudi. 

Most people visit to see the vibrantly tiled Serpentine Benches in the Greek Theatre with the panoramic views. But, there are so many amazing things to do in Park Güell beyond that.

You can explore the Laundry Portico, marvel at the Hypostyle Hall, ascend the Dragon Stairway, Visit Gaudi’s House and get a photo with El Drac. 

Plus, many, many more attractions like viaducts, viewpoints and biodiversity trails. You could honestly spend hours here.

However, there are some important things to know before you visit as this place can be chaotic when it comes to crowds.

Here are all the magical things to do in Park Güell Barcelona and how to make the most of your visit. 

Park Guell Barcelona

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Park Güell history 

Park Güell was originally proposed as a housing development in the 19th century for the Catalan bourgeoisie and was the idea of Count Eusebi Güell. 

He wanted to build a city garden similar to those in England at the time hence why the name of the park is English. 

The English City Garden movement was where the wealthy could live in their mansions whilst enjoying a private green space, amazing views and fresh air.

Güell commissioned Antonin Gaudi to plot and design this space for him. Gaudi constructed most of the famous features like the Greek Theatre, Dragon Stairway and Laundry Portico between 1900 and 1914. 

Despite elaborate housing plans, only two houses were built here due to land ownership restrictions on and none were designed by Gaudi. 

Park Guell Barcelona

One was Casa Larrard which was inhabited by Güell himself in 1906. Gaudi bought the other house the same year with his savings. He lived there with his father and niece. 

Eusebi Güell passed away in his home in 1918 and the park opened up to the public as a municipal park in 1926. 

Casa Larrard was converted into a school and Gaudi’s property became the Gaudi House Museum. 

Today, Park Güell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It sees over 9 million visitors every year and part of the park is a monumental zone that requires an entry fee! 

Park Guell Barcelona

Magical things to do in Park Güell Barcelona 

1. serpentine benches at the greek theatre (plaça de la natura).

The Greek Theatre is the most famous part of Park Güell and what most people want to see on their visit.

It is lined with serpentine benches and all of them have been made with colourful tiles. These broken tile patterns, known as trencadis , are what made Antonin Gaudi so famous! 

The benches provide a fabulous photo opportunity over towards the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions. But, also you can see the most famous Gaudi project in the distance which is the Sagrada Familia.

The Greek Theatre is one of the most Instagrammable places in Barcelona and the iconic view of the city so you can expect it to be crowded. I would recommend heading here first at opening time.

Top tip: Do not put your feet on the benches. The security is really strict on this and kept telling people off on my visit!

The Greek Theatre Park Guell

2. The Hypostyle Room (Sala Hipostila) 

Another famous feature of Park Güell is the Hypostyle Room or the Sala Hipostila located beneath the Greek Theatre.

This is a huge space with 86 enormous columns that stretch from floor to ceiling and is meant to represent a grand temple.

If you look up you’ll find gorgeous colourful murals that were made by Gaudi. The entire tiled ceiling appears to be undulating and, from a distance, looks like a sky filled with clouds.

You’ll find some terraces at the far end that provide a beautiful view over the entrance pavilion! 

Park Güell Barcelona

3. Escalier du Dragon (Grand Staircase)

Another one of the best things to do in Park Güell is visit the Grand Staircase called Escalier du Dragon.

It’s hard to miss as it sits in front of the iconic Porter’s Lodges in the entrance pavilion. It features two mirrored staircases made of tiles.

As you make your way up or down, you’ll find flowers, shrubs and tiled walls that form terraces and balustrades. Plus, there are several grottos to explore. 

Look out for the many creatures you can find here as well like Hobgoblins and a Dragon called El Drac!

The best place to capture this staircase would be the fountain at the bottom looking up or from the top of the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions. But, it’s always super crowded.

Escalier du Dragon Park Guell

4. Get a cheesy photo with El Drac! 

One of the things I was most excited to see in Park Güell was El Drac! He’s the adorable lizard that you can find on the Esaclier du Dragon. 

He certainly is popular and you’ll see him surrounded by tourists hoping to get a photo with him throughout the day! 

This salamander was made using lots of broken mosaic tiles called trencadis which were Gaudi’s statement. However, this vibrant dragon was created by Joseph Maria Jujo.

As El Drac is so popular you may be waiting a while to get a photo but I thought it was worth the wait. His face is just so sweet.

El Drac Park Guell Dragon

5. Visit the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions 

The two incredible buildings that flank the entrance of Carrer d’Olot are known as the Portico Lodges. 

These adorable undulating houses are stunning and one has a gorgeous tiled chimney that looks like a cross.

Beyond just looking beautiful, these structures serve a practical purpose and you can head inside both.

One of the lodges is named Casa del Guarda. You’ll find a small museum that has a video about Antonin Gaudi’s life and the story of Park Güell.

It’s part of the Barcelona History Museum. Again, I would prepare to wait in a long queue to enter!

The other lodge is home to the gift shop where you can buy all manner of Gaudi and artsy souvenirs to take home. 

Porters Lodge Pavilions Park Guell

6. Laundry Room Portico (Carob’s Viaduct)

You’ll find the Laundry Portico to the east of Nature Square. This area used to form part of the gardens of the Casa Larrard mansion owned by Eusebi Güell.

The design of this portico was by Gaudi and has the appearance of a wave with several columns to keep it standing! 

These almost feel like they are defying gravity and are a Modernista work of genius.

Park Guell Laundry Portico

This whole area makes a great photo opportunity as well and isn’t as busy as the main staircase. 

Look out for the ‘washerwoman’ statue which is incorporated into the Laundry Room Portico! 

Laundry Room Portico

7. Viaducts & viewpoints

Park Güell is filled with amazing viaducts, bridges and viewpoints in the Monumental Zone. 

Gaudi actually designed these viaducts to allow carriages to travel through the site and make their way up to the Cavalry or Hill of Three Crosses to enjoy panoramic views.

You can explore Pont de Baix, Pont del Mig and Pont de Dalt. All of these routes provide excellent vantage points over the site and there are several street markets too. 

Park Guell Viaduct

8. Passeig de las Palmeras

You’ll most likely walk along the Passeig de las Palmas on your way to the Greek Theatre.

This stunning Palm Tree avenue, filled with flowers and rare trees, is often overlooked but it is so beautiful.

It has several grottos where you can sit and relax in the shade. In summer, this is a welcome respite.

Passeig de las Palmeras Park Guell

9. Casa Gaudi (Gaudi’s House Museum)

As part of your visit to Parc Güell, you can see Gaudi’s House Museum. It’s decorated in a pretty peach colour, has a tiled green rooftop and is lined with palm trees. 

From the hillside in the park, you can take an epic photo of the house with the city and Montjuic in the backdrop. 

Although it’s inside the park, you do need an extra ticket to enter the house. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment as there is always a long queue to go in.

Gaudi House Museum

10. El viaducto dels Enamorats 

The El viaducto dels Enamorats is often overlooked for the most popular attractions but I wouldn’t skip this in a hurry.

Not only does this area provide amazing views over towards Gaudi’s House but you can also find markets and bands that play here throughout the year.

As it doesn’t see as many visitors, I found this a peaceful place to sit for a while and relax without the crowds!

El viaducto dels Enamorats  Park Guell

11. Austria Gardens

The Austrian Gardens used to form part of the estate but it was converted into a plant nursery when the park was opened up to the public.

The trees planted here look very different to the typical palm trees you will find dotted around the park.

That’s because these trees were a donation from Austria in 1977 during the “Vienna in Barcelona” exhibition. 

Beyond the spectacular trees, you’ll find two properties. One is a house belonging to the lawyer Martí Trias i Domènech and the other is Gaudi’s House. 

Austria Gardens Park Guell

12. Park Güell Cavalry 

You’ll find the Cavalry towards the very top of Park Güell’s Monumental Zone. This is a small mountain with three crosses and was built by Gaudi. 

According to blueprints, Gaudi had plans to build a small chapel here but it never came to pass. Instead, you’ll find 3 stone crosses in its place.

Most people climb up here for the fabulous views and you can see towards the coast and Montjiuc!

Things to do in Park Guell Barcelona

13. Avoid Park Güell Cafeteria

There are no restaurants inside Park Güell and the cafeteria here is pretty bad! It’s overpriced with mediocre offerings and receives countless complaints. 

I have to admit, beyond the bad reviews, I still haven’t eaten in the café here due to the long lines. It looked like chaos even in January.

I would either bring lunch or I would head to one of the cafés outside the area. The Store Café has glowing reviews.

Park Guell Barcelona

14. Exit through the Park Güell gift shop 

You can’t leave without having a look in the gift shop, it just has to be done. 

They have lots of pretty souvenirs to take home that are designed with the same colourful tiles as Gaudi Park.

Plus, you’ll find lots of guidebooks, mugs, postcards, pens, and keyrings. Everything you could think of. 

It is a little pricey compared to the souvenirs you can get at La Ramblas. But, these are official souvenirs and I thought were of a higher quality.

I couldn’t resist picking up a little El Drac to take home with me. He was so adorable and is now sitting proudly on my bookshelf. 

El Drac Park Guell Barcelona

15. Explore the free woodland zone 

The monumental zone costs money to visit but there is lots of woodland that you can explore beyond the private area for free!

The entire park has a surface of 19 hectares and is close to many neighbourhoods. So, they open up this land as a green space for residents and tourists alike.

You will find maps around the area that clearly define the free zones and the views from the free areas are great as well. You’ll reach heights of 210 metres and get to see the vast city below! 

Is Park Guell worth visiting?

100% yes! Although it is a little chaotic and can be really busy, I think that you simply cannot miss a visit to Park Güell in Barcelona.

It’s the city’s top attraction only second to the Sagrada Familia and the unique features and monuments are breathtaking to explore. 

Always remember that there is so much more to Gaudi Park than just the tiled benches in the Greek Theatre and that postcard view.

You have an entire park to explore with pavilions, gardens, porticos, nature trails and grand houses as well. 

Don’t skip a visit to Park Guell! It’s a highlight of any visit and must be on your Barcelona bucket list. 

Park Guell Barcelona

How to visit Park Güell in Barcelona 

The one thing to note about Park Güell is that it’s perched on Carmel Hill so the underground doesn’t run here and it’s a bit of a walk to reach the area in the city! 

It’s also good to note there are several entrances to Gaudi Park. The main ones are on Carrer de Larrard, Carrer d’Olot and Carretera del Carmel.  

The closest metro station would be Lesseps station (green line), then it’s a twenty-minute uphill walk.

The best way to get here if you don’t want to walk is to take the bus. You can take the H6 and D40 lines that drop you off outside the entrance. 

There are also lots of hop-on-hop-off buses that stop at Gaudi Park as well. Click here to book.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the entrance. Uber and Bolt both work but FreeNow is the preferred taxi app in Barcelona and is much more reliable. 

Park Güell’s address is Gràcia. Click here for a Google Pin! 

Things to do in Park guell Barcelona

Park Güell opening times

Park Güell’s chargeable zone is typically open from 9.30 am – 7.30 pm. But, this can change throughout the year.

I would always recommend buying a ticket for the first available time slot of the day (9.30 am) to avoid the majority of the crowds. 

Saying that it’s good to note that the free areas around the monumental zone are open 24 hours a day. 

Note: Although you used to be able to visit Park Guell for free at sunrise. This is no longer possible and is only possible for Barcelona residents.

Park guell Barcelona

Park Güell ticket prices

The standard entry ticket to Park Guell is 10 euros which is a bargain compared to the other Gaudi UNESCO sites. This gets you access to the entire park and the monuments.

I would highly recommend booking your ticket in advance . You will have to select an entry time and you will have 30 minutes within that time to enter the park. 

If you don’t manage to book tickets online you can queue up at the gate. But, this could take a long time to get tickets, especially in high season.

You can book a ‘Park Guell Guided Tour with Skip the Line Access’ for 23 euros. But, I don’t think you lose anything by going self-guided and it means you can explore at your leisure. 

If you want to visit Gaudi’s House Museum, you will need to buy a separate ticket. This is the only part of the park that requires an extra fee.

There are also combo tickets you can buy that include the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Cata Batlló etc. So, you can tailor your experience how you like!

Dragon Staircase Park Guell

My top tips for visiting Park Güell

  • Book tickets online and as far in advance as you can – I would book tickets well in advance of your visit. It has been known to sell out as they have a maximum capacity. 
  • Leave a few hours to visit – you need at least 2 hours to explore as a minimum. I’d bump it up to four to see everything at a relaxed pace. 
  • Book for the first time slot of the day – This would be the quietest time to visit. It gets crowded very very quickly!
  • Don’t just visit the Serpentine Benches – There is SO much more to Park Guell than just the Greek Theatre. Make sure to explore the other areas too. 
  • Take public transport to the entrance – Carmel Hill is very high up in Barcelona and walking would be exhausting. Take a bus to the top of the hill! 

Dragon Stairway Park Guell

Park Güell FAQs

Why is Park Guell so famous? Due to the incredible architecture created by Antonin Gaudi. It’s now a UNESCO site. 

Is Park Guell free? Some parts are free but all the Monumental Zone (which includes all the main highlights) are chargeable at 10 euros for a self-guided visit. 

How long does it take to walk through Park Guell? It will take around 2-3 hours to explore Park Güell and all the sites.

What should I wear to Park Guell? There is no dress code for Park Güell but I would wear something comfortable and some sensible shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking! It’s also really dusty on the floors so you may want to wear closed-toe sandals.

Discover more Gaudi masterpieces in Barcelona

There are plenty of Gaudi attractions in Barcelona that are worth visiting during your trip. There are so many you could spend your whole trip seeing them.

If you only have time for one, I would always recommend the majestic Sagrada Familia. 

It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and the construction is still being made as per Gaudi’s design from the 19th century. 

Barcelona Bunkers del Carmel

It’s stunning with elaborate columns and colourful windows that are enhanced by sunlight. There’s even a chance to climb up the cathedral towers for breathtaking views!

Nearby you have the Gaudi Schools. These were completed by Gaudi in 1909 to provide schooling to poor children in the neighbourhood. 

There are many houses that Gaudi designed that you can visit like Casa Batlló , which is called the House of Bones. The design was based on the legend of St George slaying the dragon. 

Casa Mila / La Pedrera is another popular attraction with an undulating front. You can visit the art-nouveau apartments and the Warrior Rooftop.

Casa Mila Barcelona

I particularly loved my visit to Casa Vicens . This was one of Gaudi’s first house projects and the tiling and decor are just fabulous. 

These are all part of the Gaudi UNESCO site and the ticket prices reflect this status. Just like Park Güell, you should book tickets for these attractions well in advance as they sell out.

Lastly, I would recommend Cascada Monumental or Gaudi’s Fountain. Although Gaudi only designed the hydraulics for the water, the fountain itself is fantastic and has a gorgeous Greco-Roman design! 

Gaudi's Fountain Barcelona Cascada Monumental

Where to stay in Barcelona

On my visit, I stayed in the magical Sercotel Rosellón which was located right beside the Sagrada Familia and had one of the best views of the city.

Not only do most of the rooms face the Sagrada but they have an incredible rooftop terrace where you can sip a drink and enjoy tapas with this breathtaking view as well.

The rooms were very clean and comfortable and it was close to most of the city centre attractions.

Also, the metro is just a minute’s walk away which links you with the rest of Barcelona!

Click here to book your stay at Sercotel Rosellón

Sercotel Rosellon Review

Read more of my Barcelona travel guides

30+ Instagrammable places in Barcelona

How to visit Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona

The gorgeous Cascada Monumental 

Discover Sant Pau Recinte Modernista 

Secrets of Pont Del Bisbe Bridge

How to visit the Kiss Wall Barcelona

Why you must visit the Fairy Bar in Barcelona

You must visit Palau de la Musica Catalana

Archivo de Indias – Hidden Gem in Seville

Mirador San Nicholas viewpoint in Granada

Casa de Pilatos – magical palace in Seville

Save these things to do in Park Güell Barcelona for later! 

things to do in Park Guell Barcelona Spain

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Best time of the day to visit Sagrada Familia & Park Guell - Barcelona Forum

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Best time of the day to visit Sagrada Familia & Park Guell

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' class=

Thanks in advance!

' class=

The concept of Sagrada is that of a forest - trees branching as we look upwards and sunlight streaming thru the space between the leaves and branches - as I gathered from the museum.

So the time around noon may not be ideal - the sun needs to be - sort of on the ''sides'' - so that sunlight can stream thru the stained glass windows.

We visited last month between 10am and 130pm and could distinctly see the sunlight fading around noon. So our best pictures are actually those that we took around 10-11am.

Hope this helps - the Sagrada is amazing !

As for Park Guell - I think 11-4 may end up being hot. Temperatures may not be too high in Oct/Nov but the sun tends to be too direct and severe. We reached around 6pm and it was perfect.

We are going there in two weeks and I was also planning on visiting those two sites on the same day. My original plan was to do the Segrada Familia right when it opens and then do the Park Guell after lunch. What did you end up doing and do you have any advice? Did you buy your tickets online through their websites? Thank you!

' class=

I would visit Sagrada first thing in the morning, to avoid the crowds that accumulate throughout the day. Park Güell has the same issue, but much more space to absorb visitors. There is substantial construction occurring at Park Guell, so be ready to accommodate that.

best day to visit park guell

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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best day to visit park guell

Headout Blog

Park Güell Barcelona | Read this before you visit Gaudi’s wonder!

Things to do in Barcelona Barcelona Attractions Parks in Barcelona Park Guell

When the legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi was given a lush natural park to develop a hi-profile gated residential community of 60 houses, he planned and directed something that will inspire generations to come. Today, the Park Guell Barcelona receives an annual footfall of around 12 million tourists and most of them come out mesmerized with the architectural wonder. Park Guell by Gaudi was commissioned by Count Eusebi Güell in 1900 and houses attractions like the Dragon Stairway, the Hypostyle Room, and the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion among others. Read on to know if the Park Guell Barcelona Ticket is worth your penny.

Essential Information for Visiting Park Guell

Park Guell Barcelona

Handy information

Casa del Guarda The Stairway Sala Hipóstila Plaça de la Natura or the Greek Theatre Austria Gardens

Things to know

Number of visitors per year: 12 million UNESCO World Heritage Site designation: 1984 Established: 1914 Architect: Antoni Gaudi Architectural style: Modernisme

Opening Hours And Address

Daily: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM Address : Carmel Hill Gracia Barcelona, Spain Get Directions

Why You Must Visit Park Guell Barcelona

Park Guell, spread over 18 Hectares of hilly land, was originally envisioned by Count Eusebi Guell to be a miniature city for Barcelona’s affluent class. But within few years of development, the project was abandoned. Even so, Gaudi continued to develop it as a park. Ever since its opening to the public in 1926, the estate has been a major crowd-puller. Keep reading to find out what sets this historic park apart and how you can experience the best of Park Guell Barcelona in a few hours.

Know Before You Purchase Park Guell Barcelona Tickets

  • 400 tickets are sold every half hour.
  • The entry time on the ticket provides a 30 minute grace period, for e.g. a 10:00 AM ticket allows admission till 10:30 AM.
  • Once a ticket is validated, you can’t leave the premises and enter again with the same ticket.
  • Purchasing tickets online allow you to dictate entry timing according to your convenience, which might not be the case otherwise.
  • Booking your tickets online can save you 1 Euro per ticket as ticket window surcharge is excluded.
  • Additional discounts are often available on purchasing the ticket online.
  • You can opt for regular tickets or guided skip the line tour; get discounted ticked from headout.com
  • Kids below 6 years are not charged a ticket, and young adults between, 7 – 12 can enjoy discounted rates.
  • In case of a guided tour, your guide will meet you at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your slot.
  • The meeting point for Park Guell guided tours is at the Souvenirs Shop located in Carrer d'Olot nº 12, in front of the main entrance of the Park Güell.
  • If you also wish to visit Sagrada Familia , you can avail discounted combination guided tours to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia . The discount combo ticket also includes transfers between Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
  • With the Barcelona City Pass , you can get free entry to Park Guell.
  • The official guides are architectural experts and you can choose from the options of monolingual or bilingual (English and Spanish) or multilingual guides.
  • A free official audio guide is available for your smartphones, Android, and iPhone, that can help you take a self guided tour of Park Guell.

Park Guell Barcelona Tickets

According to Barcelona Turisme , more than 9 million people visit Park Guell every year, making it one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona . Purchasing Park Guell skip the line tickets are a must as the park has become increasingly notorious for ticket lines with waiting times of up to 40 minutes.

Purchasing your Park Guell Barcelona Tickets online is highly advisable. Here are the 3 best Park Guell Barcelona tickets. Simply click on the tickets and book your tickets for a smooth Park Guell tour.

Save €6 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code GOBARCA

Park Guell's History

park guell barcelona

Never intended to be a park, Park Guell was touted to be a Utopian dwelling in the middle of a park. Eusebi Guell, a wealthy industrialist hired Gaudi to bring his vision to life. Gaudi worked on the project for 14 years until the Count died in 1914 and his heirs decided to stop the project as not even a single house was sold. In 1922, the city of Barcelona bought the half-built residential complex and converted the 17-hectare area it into a public park by 1926. Since then the popularity of the park has been on the rise, the authorities initially divided the park into two zones and by October 2013, the monumental zone was restricted by ticket.

Park Guell's Unique Architecture

park guell barcelona

Gaudi not only managed to bring a fairytale to life with his architecture he also invented Trencadís. Trencadis is a mosaic created by small pieces of broken ceramic. The use of this technique is almost unanimous throughout the park. The genius architect effortlessly involved his inspiration nature, everywhere. From the fluidity of the design to their structure, from sculptures to motifs, that allowed this concrete architecture to stand as one with nature. Animals such as salamander, snake, octopus, and lions are incorporated at various junctures by using trencadis, while flowers are introduced via various motifs spread all across the park.

Your Park Guell Tour Deconstructed

Who would want to miss the chance to witness the architectural marvels created by an architect dubbed as the “God’s Architect”? As the popularity of Park Guell and the subsequent footfall increased so did the wear and tear on the property. To conserve Gaudi’s masterpieces the authorities divided the Park Guell Barcelona into two parts namely the Monumental Zone and the Free Zone .

The Park Guell Monumental Zone has most of Antoni Gaudi’s work and covers around 5% of the park. As the name suggests the free zone has free entry, whereas entry to the monumental zone has been restricted by tickets since October 2013.

Monumental Zone

Though in terms of size the monumental zone, also known as the monumental core occupies just 5% of the overall park, in terms of marvels and attractions it takes the cake. Here are some of the highlights of the Park Guell Monumental Zone.

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Porter’s Lodge Pavilion

Resembling something like gingerbread houses from Hanzel and Gretel, the two trencadís-speckled pavilions stand on either side of the entrance. The left building hosts a waiting room and telephone booth.

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Dragon Stairway

Standing guard over the twin flight of steps is the infamous multicolored mosaic salamander aka the dragon. Easily the most popular attractions of the park, it is also an icon for Barcelona.

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Doric Temple/ Sala Hipóstila / the Hypostyle Room

This picturesque structure is supported by 86 stone columns, the outermost ones lean in like bent trees giving the whole composition the naturalistic appeal, perfectly encapsulated by Gaudi.

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Greek Theatre/ Plaça de la Natura/ Nature Square

Later renamed to Plaça de la Natura aka Nature Square, the Greek Theatre was originally intended to be an open-air theatre. Nowadays, the area is often dotted with souvenir sellers.

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Laundry Room Portico

The spiral ramp is shaped in the form of a great wave resting atop slanting columns, serving as one of the finest examples of Gaudi’s naturalistic and organic design.

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Banc de Tracadis

A mesmerizing, long, and serpentine bench adorned with tile-shard mosaics created by one of Gaudi’s closest contemporaries, Josep Maria Jujol. It lies alongside the Nature Square acting as a balustrade.

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Austria Gardens

A donation of trees in 1977 from Austria was what christened this plant nursery as Austria Gardens. Developed later it has a completely different look in comparison to the rest of the park.

What is the Free Zone?

The Free zone comprises of sprawling acres of winding paths lined with a stream of sculptures inspired by nature. While you enjoy the flora and fauna of the Park Guell Barcelona, it also lends you spectacular views of the city. While most of the free zone is untouched yet well manicured flora, the Gaudi's House Museum falls in this zone and demands a visit.

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Gaudi House Museum

One of the park’s original homes was home to Gaudi himself and has now been turned into a museum about his life and work. You have to buy an additional ticket from the official website as the museum isn’t part of the standard Park Guell ticket or the guided tour.

Gaudi's Museum is located in the Free Zone outside of the Monumental Core. Plan your visit such that you visit the Gaudi Museum before or after the Monumental Core. This is because you cannot re-enter the Monumental core once you exit.

Best Time to Visit Park Guell

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Nothing can beat the experience of exploring Park Guell by the morning light. Try to enter before the 9:00 AM slot, to avoid crowds and enjoy good vantage points. You can also opt for a later timing, closer to the closing time, to enjoy the city views by the sunset. In this case, cover the attraction before sunset as it is not highly illuminated.

Entry is free before and after the park timings as access controls are removed. If you're on a budget and want to explore the Park for free, try squeezing in during these free hours. The crowd tends to hoard during the noon hours, hence ignore time slots between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM as much as possible.

All You Need to Know Before Visiting Park Guell Barcelona

Park guell hours.

Although the park is open at all times, the monumental zone is time bound. The timing varies and notably, the last entry is one hour prior to the closing time.

The Park Guell is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Park Guell Barcelona is open all the year round, including December 25th, May 1st and other international holidays.

Park Guell Entrance

Located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona, Park Guell Barcelona has three entrances namely, Carrer de Larrard, Carretera del Carmel, nº 23 and Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

  • Carrer de Larrard: This is the main entrance to Park Guell Barcelona and is easily approachable via bus and metro lines. This entrance entails walking up the steps and some climbing to reach the monumental zone.
  • Carretera del Carmel: This entrance is next to the parking lot for the couches and taxis. Quite approachable by the bus and Metro, you can also avail a drop from a taxi. From here the monumental zone is just 100 meters away. This entrance is also known as Plaça de la Natura.
  • Sant Josep de la Muntanya: This entrance can be accessed by an escalator, which will spare you most of the climb to the hill.

Here are 3 maps that show the Park Guell Entrances in detail. Download them and keep them handy on your phone to navigate to the closest entrance.

Carrer de Larrard Carretera del Carmel Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya

Park Guell Directions

  • By Bus - H6, D40, 24 and 92 lines The bus route of H6 and D40 takes a stop at Travessera de Dalt, which is a 10-minute walk from both Sant Josep de la Muntanya and Carrer de Larrard. As for buses on 24 and 92 line stops at Carretera del Carmel-Park Güell. Additionally, the Bus Turístic (blue line) and the Barcelona City Tour, "East" route (green color) stops at "Park Güell", which is a 10-minute walk from the Carretera del Carmel
  • By Metro – Green line L3 The green line L3 metro stops at two stations that are close to Park Guell Barcelona. Lesseps and Vallcarca stops are both a 20-minute walk from the nearest entry point, Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
  • By Car Park Guell Barcelona has 13 spaces for taxi parking, 12 are at the on Carrer de Marianao and the other one is at Carrer d'Olot. In addition parking for tourist coaches is also available. Coaches usually drop off at Carretera del Carmel entrance.

Park Guell Map

Here's a compact Park Guell map that will come useful during your Park Guell visit. Download the Park Guell Map and keep it handy on your phone!

Here's another Park Guell Map that shows you the entrances and a clear demarcation of the free zone and monumental core.

park guell barcelona

Image Courtesy: Park Guell Barcelona Website

Park Guell Facts That Will Leave You In Awe

  • Heritage: In 1984, the Park Guell was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO under “Works of Antoni Gaudí”.
  • The Iron Gates: The palm leave shaped iron gates surrounding the property wasn’t part of Gaudi’s initial plan. They were brought in from Casa Vicens to replace the wooden gates, sometime after the death of Gaudi.
  • No Straight line: Gaudi believed that nature doesn’t do straight line and thus replicating his inspiration; he used only curved line all through the property.
  • Flora and Fauna: Not just as an inspiration, the park preserves nature with utmost care. Spot a wide variety of flora and fauna around the park including several non-native species of parrots, short-toed eagle, and hummingbird hawk moths among others.
  • The best vantage point: The terrace of Park Guell overlooks Barcelona and the 110 meters long vantage point boasts some of the best photographic views of Barcelona. Lined with benches decorated with colorful mosaics, it is probably the first ergonomically designed benches in the World.

Park Guell Reviews

Park Guell is a lovely place and the guide make the experience even better with great explanation and highlights about the place

- Nurul, Headout, February 2023

The venue was beautiful and we were very lucky with the weather. It's January, so noit to many tourists are there and we had great views. The guide was funny and had knowledge. The taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong point even though we told him to go to the suggested area and showed him the picture.

- Simone, Headout, January 2023

Insider Tips for Visiting Park Guell Barcelona

  • Prepare to walk : The overall experience of Park Guell by Gaudi entails long walks, steep climbs, and stairs. So arm yourself with comfortable shoes and minimum weight in your carry ons.
  • Saving time : Booking tickets beforehand not only saves you money but also spares you the wait in line or the wait for your time slot to arrive, lending you more time to enjoy the park in its entirety.
  • Avoid the main entrance : If you have pre-booked your ticket, avoid entering from the main entrance. Choose amongst the other entrances as they are less crowded, hence allowing easy entry.
  • Back-up : Food and Beverages uphill are scarce and overpriced, carry some food and water along.
  • Sun-protect : If you are visiting during summers apply a good sunblock and carry goggles, caps or scarves to escape from the scorching heat as the shaded area in the park is a luxury seldom available.
  • Limited Mobility : Though the free zone is wheelchair friendly, the staircases pose a hindrance for those who have limited mobility, especially in the monumental zone.
  • Night views : While the entry at night is free of charge, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is not highly illuminated. You can enjoy the view of the town but not the works of Gaudi.
  • Leave your luggage home : There are no luggage lockers available at the Park Guell. Hence, come along with minimum luggage as pulling a trolley or lugging a rucksack along the hilly terrain can be a tedious task.

Ready to Visit Barcelona?

Here are a few more of Gaudi's wonders that you can explore while in Barcelona

Gaudi Tour In Barcelona

There is a dash of Gaudi anywhere you turn in Barcelona. Curiosity will not let you leave the city without understanding why Gaudi is one of the most important architects and founding father of Barcelona’s eminent cityscape. If you are not the one for guided tours, go on a self-guided Gaudi tour exploring his mastery in the city.

 Casa Milà

Another gem of a building made by Antoni Gaudí hands is Casa Milà, Barcelona . The unique style of the building will leave you in awe. It was built using stones from the nearby mountains and looks like a stone house from the outside. For this reason, it is famously known as 'La Pedrera' (The Quarry) by the locals. The interiors are decked with quirky colours; dynamic, round floors; and a natural ventilation system. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its distinctive architecture, the structure has since inspired many designers around the world.

Casa Batlló

If you want to know the true essence of Antoni Gaudí’s unmatched passion for aesthetics, there is no other place than Casa Batlló, Barcelona to confirm it. Popularly called Casa dels ossos (House of Bones), the site was also declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2005. With no straight line or angle in sight, the fluidity of the house makes the house feel like a sea.

Casa Vicens

Antoni Gaudí’s first commission, Casa Vicens in Barcelona , turned out to be an icon and first great work of Catalan Modernisme. Today, it is a world-famous house museum set up to honour Gaudí, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You can inspiration from Moorish architecture in the form of horseshoe arches and vibrant facades. Many influences across the globe can be seen in the building especially with traces from Indian and Japanese forms of architecture.

Sagrada Familia

Basílica de la Sagrada Família is an unfished minor Basilica. In 1883, Gaudi took over the project as Chief Architect after the previous architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar resigned. Although the basilica is inspired by the Gothic style, you can see a touch of Gaudi’s curvilinear Art Nouveau and Catalan Modernism forms. Art critic Rainer Zerbst commented that it is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art! What makes it more fascinating is that Antoni Gaudi is buried in the crypts of Sagrada. The magic in its architect demands to be felt in person and you can only do that by taking a Sagrada Familia guided tour .

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Freaquently asked questions about park guell barcelona, why is park guell famous.

Park Guell Barcelona is famously for touted to be a Utopian dwelling in the middle of a park. It is well known for its unique style of Trencadis, a mosaic created by small pieces of broken ceramic. Park Guell became of the most famous and iconic landmarks by Antoni Gaudí.

What can you do at Park Guell?

Some of the must-sees of Park Guell is Casa del Guarda, The Stairway, Sala Hipóstila. Plaça de la Natura or the Greek Theatre, and Austria Gardens.

What does Park Guell look like?

The park resembles wavy shapes reminiscent of flowing lava.

Who built Park Guell?

Parc Güell is a park designed by Antoni Gaudí upon the request of Count Eusebi Güell.

What was Park Guell intended for?

Originally, Park Guell was envisioned by Count Eusebi Guell to be a miniature city for Barcelona’s affluent class. But within few years of development, the project was abandoned, and Gaudi continued to develop it as a park.

Is Park Guell worth it?

Park Guell Barcelona is famous for touted to be a Utopian dwelling in the middle of a park. It is well known for its unique style of Trencadis, a mosaic created by small pieces of broken ceramic. Park Guell became of the most famous and iconic landmarks by Antoni Gaudí. If you are a fan of aesthetics and modern architecture, the place is most definitely worth visiting.

What is the monumental zone of Parc Guell?

Park Guell is free to visit except for the most important of all its part, the monumental zone. The noteworthy of the zone are Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, Dragon Stairway, Greek Theatre, Laundry Room Portico, and Banc de Tracadis to name a few.

When was Park Guell made?

Park Guell was open to public visitors from 1926.

What makes Parc Guell unique?

Park Guell Barcelona is famous for touted to be a Utopian dwelling in the middle of a park. It is well known for its unique style of Trencadis, a mosaic created by small pieces of broken ceramic. Park Guell became of the most famous and iconic landmarks by Antoni Gaudí.

How long does Park Guell take?

Keep aside at least 90 minutes to see all of Park Guell Barcelona.

What is the best time to visit Park Guell?

The best time to visit the Monumental Zone of Park Guell is before 9 am.

Can you get into Park Guell for free?

Park Guell is free to visit except for the most important of all its part, the monumental zone. The noteworthy of the zone are Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, Dragon Stairway, Greek Theatre, Laundry Room Portico, and Banc de Tracadis to name a few. There are Park Guell guided tours availble.

How much does it cost to visit Park Guell?

Park Guell Timed entry tickets start from just €10!

Do you need tickets for ParK Guell?

To visit the most important part of the park, the Monumental Zone you will need Park Guell Tickets .

Is Park Guell free on Sundays?

On the first Sunday of every month, there are a limited number of free tickets available at the Tickets office.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Guided tours

Guided tours

Park Güell offers guided tours in various languages to inform visitors about the site's history, symbolism and natural and heritage values. The tours are conducted by specialised guides , taking visitors back to the end of the 19th century, when the area that now contains the park was subjected to urban development.

The visit includes an itinerary that lasts about an hour , passing through the site's most emblematic points of interest, reliving their history and linking them to the values of Modernisme, the secrets of Gaudí's architecture and the park's harmony with nature.

The maximum number of people per group will always be 25.

Some areas with high concentration of visitors (the Nature Square, the Hypostyle Room and the Dragon Staircase) have specific regulation conditions in order to avoid a possible crowding situation.

  • Guided tour
  • Plus guided tour
  • Private guided tour
  • These schedules are subject to change. Please check the final schedule of the chosen day during the purchase process. The purchase can be made with a maximum of 90 days in advance.
  • 12€ per person* + Ticket to the Park (mandatory to access the area).
  • *Children from 0 to 6 do not need to pay for the guided tour, but they need a ticket (at cost 0€) to access the Park, since they are accounted for in the total capacity.
  • We recommend that you check the various discounts available when making your purchase.
  • Number of people
  • Groups of maximum 25 people.
  • This modality includes
  • Entering without queuing (remember that you need to purchase your ticket beforehand).
  • Discovering new information about Park Güell in a group of no more than 25 people, escorted by one of our specialised guides.
  • Gaudir més / Park Güell local resident card
  • Members of the Gaudir Més cultural register and holders of Park Güell local resident cards only need pay the price of the guided tour. Visitors will have to produce their card at one of the park’s access points.
  • The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes.
  • Available languages
  • Catalan, Spanish, English and French.
  • Accessibility
  • There is an alternative route without stairs or barriers. If needed, we have at your disposal a wheelchair service, which you can reserve sending us an email at: [email protected].
  • Meeting point
  • Carretera del Carmel ,23 ( check how to get here ).

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HOURS AVAILABLE

  • 29€ per person* + Ticket to the Park(mandatory to access the area).
  • Groups of maximum 15 people.
  • This tour includes
  • Skip the line access (remember that you need to purchase your ticket prior to the tour).
  • Route through the unregulated area and tour of the Park. Welcome and short screening at Casa Jaqués. Park Güell themed souvenir.
  • Members of the GAUDIR MÉS program benefit from free access, but need to purchase the tour. To obtain tickets, registered members need to identify themselves at any of the ticket offices of the Park. From 01/06/2022 onwards, the Barcelona library card will not be valid for free entrance to the park instead of the Gaudir Més register....
  • Approximately 90 minutes.
  • English and Spanish.
  • There is an alternative route without stairs or barriers available. If needed, a wheelchair can also be reserved via email at [email protected].
  • Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya, 46 (on the side of Casa Jaqués, check how to get here ).

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LANGUAGES TO CHOOSE

  • 40€ per person* + Entry to the Park (mandatory to access the area).
  • *Children from 0 to 6 do not pay for the guided tour, but they need a ticket (at cost 0€) to access the Park, since they area accounted for in the total capacity.
  • Minimum 2 people and maximum 6 people. To learn more about tours for more than 7 people, please e-mail us at: [email protected].
  • It includes
  • Entering without queuing.
  • Discovering new information about Park Güell, explained in a friendly manner and adapted to your interests by one of our specialist guides.
  • To learn more about tours in different languages, please email us at : [email protected].
  • The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes. Available up to 48 hours in advance.
  • Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya, 46 ( check how to get here ).

best day to visit park guell

In compliance with current regulations in force (article 65.1 of the Tourism Act of Catalonia), guided tours of Park Güell can only be conducted by official tourist guides qualified by the Catalan Autonomous Government, MUHBA guides and the teachers that accompany groups of students, provided that these tours are not done for additional profit.

IMAGES

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  2. Park Güell, Top Things to do in 2021

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  4. Park Guell : The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to Gaudi's Barcelona Park

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  6. The Best Of Park Guell : Top Park Guell Guided Tours You Just Can't Miss

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COMMENTS

  1. What is the Best Time to Visit Park Guell?

    From 7 :00 am to 9:00 am and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm the park is for the exclusive use of neighbourhood locals. With this info, we can better orient ourselves on what is the best time to visit Parc Guell. The early hours of the morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 am are ideal times to visit with fewer people - while also being able to take good photos.

  2. 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Park Güell [Local's Guide]

    April - October - every Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. As well as all day April 23rd (Saint George's day), May 18th and September 24th (during La Mercè festival). 3. Don't buy tickets from the box office. It is possible to buy tickets from the box office at Park Güell, but there are two distinct disadvantages.

  3. Park Guell Guide [2024]: How to Get There + What to Do at BCN's Famous Park

    Park Guell Address + Opening Hours. Address: Park Guell is located at 08024 Barcelona, Spain, nestled within the Grà cia district and offering panoramic views of the city. Opening Hours: Park Guell's opening hours vary throughout the year to accommodate seasonal changes and ensure an optimal visiting experience.

  4. Visiting Park Guell in 2024

    The best time to visit Park Guell would be between 9:30 AM to 11 AM on a weekday. Park Guell & Citizens. As of 1 July 2020, the Park Guell management has taken on the mission of helping the residents of the city rediscover and enjoy Park Güell. To this end, they have opened allowed local citizens to visit Park Guell for free any time between 7 ...

  5. The ULTIMATE Guide to Park Güell Barcelona [UPDATED 2022]

    The best time of the day to arrive is early in the morning on a weekday. This time of the day is not only the least busy, but you'll avoid that midday heat. The park is open: 12 February to 26 March 2022: 9:30 AM to 6 PM. 27 March to 29 October 2022: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

  6. Park Güell (Ultimate Visitor's Guide)

    🇪🇸 Best Comprehensive - This Complete Gaudí Tour is one of the best guided tours to see all of Barcelona's top attractions in a single day. It costs €170 to €190 and conveniently brings you on guided tours in English through Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló .

  7. The fullest information on how to visit Park Guell

    Park Guell | park guell guide Best time to visit (#how to visit park guell) ... and guide of visiting the most beautiful park in Barcelona above will help you have an overview before deciding to visit Park Güell. Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Barcelona you can refer to ...

  8. Park Guell : The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to Gaudi's Barcelona Park

    Park Guell spans over 17.5 hectares (43 acres), and a large portion of the park is free to visit. However if you want to see Gaudi's contributions, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter The Monumental Zone. Within The Monumental Zone you can explore popular attractions such as The Dragon Staircase, the Hypostyle Room, the Viaducts and more.

  9. Planning your visit

    Check when you can come to Park Güell and enjoy your visit at your own pace. View more. Prices. Choose the visit to Park Güell best suited to you. Don't miss out on this iconic Barcelona space, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. View more. Availability of tickets. Park Güell has a limited visitor capacity. Check ticket availability ...

  10. What's the best time during the day to visit the...

    Parc Guell, Barcelona: "What's the best time during the day to visit the..." | Check out 6 answers, plus see 77,442 reviews, articles, and 64,277 photos of Parc Guell, ranked No.14 on Tripadvisor among 5,897 attractions in Barcelona.

  11. Barcelona: 8 tips for visiting Park Güell

    A visit to the park takes planning and the better part of a day. Here are a few tips to help beat the crowds and make your experience a good one. History. The park has an interesting history and was commissioned by Eusebi Güell (pronounced Goo-eh) in 1900. He and Gaudí envisioned a gated community for Barcelona's rich movers and shakers.

  12. Official website Park Güell

    Park Güell occupies 12 hectares, which include the monumental, forest and panoramic areas. Its regulation allows us to preserve this iconic space and improve the quality of life of local residents, while at the same time offering a better experience for the thousands of visitors of the Park, who will find a better quality experience and a more accessible setting.

  13. Opening times

    PARK GÜELL OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES. First and last time bands with tickets available for sale: From 9:30 am to 6 pm (from 31/03/2024 omwards, 7.30 pm). The following times are reserved exclusively for neighbors and Gaudir Més members, and tourist visits are not allowed: "BON DIA BARCELONA": From 7 to 9:30 am. For more information on free ...

  14. What to See in Park Guell: Free Entry & the Park ...

    Park Guell in Barcelona is one of the city's top attractions and one of the most popular Instagram spots in Barcelona. Most of the popular things to see in Park Guell are in the Monumental Zone. This area houses most of Gaudi's work within the park. While Park Guell has free entry all day, the Park Guell Monumental Zone requires tickets all ...

  15. Park Güell

    Turó de les Tres Creus. The highest spot of Park Güell - and according to many the spot with the best view over Barcelona - is the hill Turó de les Tres Creus. Here you will see three crosses on top of a pile of stones, the Golgotha. Two of them give the cardinal points (NSEW) and the third one points at heaven.

  16. Sagrada Familia and Park Guell on same day: how to best plan time

    We went to the Gaudi Museum at Parc Guell and then had tickets for The Monuments area at 1:30. We did Sagrada Familia, (including the audio tour, tower tour and museum) and the Parc in the same day, with Sant Pau in between. Go early to the cathedral, then walk to Sant Pau.

  17. 14+ Things to Do in Park Güell Barcelona in 2024 (Gaudi Park)!

    3. Escalier du Dragon (Grand Staircase) Another one of the best things to do in Park Güell is visit the Grand Staircase called Escalier du Dragon. It's hard to miss as it sits in front of the iconic Porter's Lodges in the entrance pavilion. It features two mirrored staircases made of tiles.

  18. Best time of the day to visit Sagrada Familia & Park Guell

    Visit Parc Guell in the morning. 3. Re: Best time of the day to visit Sagrada Familia & Park Guell. The concept of Sagrada is that of a forest - trees branching as we look upwards and sunlight streaming thru the space between the leaves and branches - as I gathered from the museum.

  19. Park Guell Barcelona

    The best vantage point: The terrace of Park Guell overlooks Barcelona and the 110 meters long vantage point boasts some of the best photographic views of Barcelona. Lined with benches decorated with colorful mosaics, it is probably the first ergonomically designed benches in the World.

  20. Guided tours

    Park Güell offers guided tours in various languages to inform visitors about the site's history, symbolism and natural and heritage values. The tours are conducted by specialised guides, taking visitors back to the end of the 19th century, when the area that now contains the park was subjected to urban development.. The visit includes an itinerary that lasts about an hour, passing through the ...