Park Güell

One of Barcelona’s most attractive parks and certainly among its top attractions, Park Güell is a must for anyone visiting the Catalan capital. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than worth a visit for its architecture and mosaics as well as for fabulous views over the city. 

In 1900, businessman Eusebi Güell commissioned Gaudí to create a residential area. That particular project was never completed, but Gaudí designed an extensive urban park that was finished in 1914 and opened to the public in 1926. The park occupies 15 hectares and can be seen as the pinnacle of Gaudí’s naturalistic period. He was deeply inspired by nature, which is clearly reflected in the many organic and curved shapes. Look out for the colourful bench which snakes through the park, the staircase with the salamander (El Drac) and the colonnade. These are just a handful of highlights that bring colour and fun to the landscape as they are decorated with thousands of mosaic tiles. 

Although the residential project was never completed, two houses were built in the park. Gaudí lived in one of those houses for twenty years and you can now visit it as the Casa Museu Gaudí. Here you can admire furniture and objects that the genius himself designed. 

Things to know before you go 

• Park Güell operates on a time slot booking system. It is therefore important to buy your tickets in advance and to be at the park on time. 

• You can enter a maximum of half an hour after your reserved time. 

• Due to the uneven paths and slopes, it is difficult for wheelchair users to move around the park. However, there are two routes that allow wheelchair users to visit. To find them, use the entrance on Carretera del Carmel. 

• Dogs are allowed inside on a leash, but are not allowed in the Plaza de la Naturaleza, the colonnade, the staircase of the Dragon, the Jardines de Autria and the Pórtico de la Lavandera. 

• Taking pictures for non-commercial use is allowed. 

Opening hours of Park Güell 

Park Güell is open 365 days a year. However, opening hours vary seasonally – it is important to check the exact times on the day of your visit. 

How to get there 

The park is located in a hilly part of the Gràcia district and the best way to get there is by public transport. There are several options. 

• By metro: line 3 (the green line), stop Lesseps or Vallcarca (20-minute walk) 

• By bus: lines H6 and D40, stop Travessera de Dalt (10-minute walk) 

• By tourist bus: Bus Turístic (blue line) and Barcelona City Tour (green), Park Güell stop 

Due to lack of parking in the area, it is not recommended to come by car.