Park Güell is one of the most famous works of Antoni Gaudí, and like the Sagrada Família, it remains unfinished. The park is full of surprises and well-known architectural icons such as Gaudí’s house, the staircase with the salamander, the serpentine bench, and the famous trencadís (Gaudí’s mosaics). Since 1984, Park Güell has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a national monument since 1969. All these reasons make it a must-visit park!
Attention!
It is now necessary to reserve your entrance tickets for Park Güell in advance, as they are only available online. Since sold-out days are very frequent, especially during peak season and weekends, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.
🎟️ Buy now: Fast Track access to Park Güell (skip the lines)
🙋♂️ Buy now: Guided tours for Park Güell (75-minute guided tour)
✅ Buy now: Sagrada Familia + Park Güell Combo (top two attractions of Barcelona, one ticket)
What to See and Do in Park Güell
Park Güell is located in the Gràcia district, on the southwestern slopes of the Turó del Carmel hill. People visit this park for various reasons: to enjoy nature, to walk, but especially to admire one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces and to enjoy the breathtaking views over the city of Barcelona.
Currently, it is necessary to purchase tickets to access Park Güell. As it’s a highly popular attraction, it’s important to buy your tickets online in advance.
👉 Read more about Park Güell tickets here.
Monumental Zone of Park Güell
Park Güell is divided into two parts: a larger section, known as the monumental zone, and a smaller area that serves as a wooded area. Nowadays, it is necessary to buy tickets to access the monumental part of the park.
In the monumental zone, you’ll find all the highlights of Park Güell, including Gaudí’s buildings, like the main entrance, the staircase with the salamander, the Sala Hipóstila, the serpentine bench covered with trencadís, and the Algarrobo viaduct. For all Gaudí enthusiasts, this is obviously a must-see.
Main Entrance of Park Güell
The main entrance of the park is at Carrer d’Olot number 5 and consists of an iron gate, two pavilions, and a large staircase.
One of the pavilions now serves as a tourist shop, gift shop, and bar, while the other hosts an audiovisual exhibition about the park’s past.
The original purpose of these two pavilions was to manage the “garden city”. They are known as the Casa del Guarda, the guard’s house. However, the wall meant to enclose the park was only partially built.
Notice the beautiful mosaics decorating the wall and the peculiar, fairy-tale shapes of the houses. Behind this main entrance is the staircase with the salamander, one of the most photographed symbols of the city.
Gaudí’s Dragon Staircase
L’Escalinata del drac (The Staircase of the Dragon) is the name given to the staircase at the main entrance, adorned by a number of colorful fountains and the famous “dragon” spewing water from its mouth.
In English, this is also known as The Staircase of the Salamander. But if you pay close attention, you’ll quickly discover that it’s neither a dragon nor a salamander, but a lizard!
Room with the 100 Columns
The staircase with the lizard leads to a large veranda, known as Sala Hipòstila, with 86 columns supporting a large square, the Plaça de la Natura. This veranda was intended as a covered market but was never opened.
Besides the beautiful details in the columns and ceilings of the Sala Hipòstila, it’s interesting to know that Gaudí here designed a self-sufficient and environmentally friendly city. For instance, there are pipes in these columns that collect the rainwater trickling down from the square, to store it later in a large underground reservoir. The water that runs over the mouth of the dragon (or lizard) comes from here.
Plaza with a View
Above the veranda is the Plaça de la Natura, the “Plaza of Nature,” filled with sand and enclosed by the famous serpentine benches entirely in Gaudí’s style. It took five years to build and decorate these benches, but the result is stunning. The beautiful mosaics that adorn the bench are designed by Josep Maria Jujol.
In Gaudí’s plans, this large esplanade was intended as the place for large open-air events, called Teatre Grec.
From this plaza, you also have a magnificent view over Barcelona and the main entrance of Park Güell.
Jardins d’Àustria
Within the monumental area, there’s also a beautiful garden called Jardins d’Àustria. This area was actually formed by plots that were for sale, but when Park Güell opened as a public park, the area became a municipal nursery, and many trees from Austria were planted there, which were donated to the city in 1977. Hence the name Jardins d’Àustria (Gardens of Austria).
Pòrtic de la Bugadera
Also interesting to see is the Pòrtic de la Bugadera, located behind an original iron door to the left of the Plaça de la Natura. The portal is shaped like a wave on a spiral slope and is adorned by columns that serve as supports.
The accompanying path, which led to the Casa Larrard, the residence of Count Güell, is also beautiful to see.
Casa Larrard
Count Eusebi Güell also had a large mansion in the future private garden city, the Casa Larrard. This unique 18th-century building was reformed by Gaudí and was the residence of the count.
When the area opened as a park, it became a school. Since 1983, the school within Park Güell has been known as Escola Baldiri Reixac.
Viaducts
Gaudí also built a series of viaducts through the park to connect the various houses.
The viaducts were wide enough to allow the passage of vehicles, while covered paths for pedestrians were created underneath.
The viaducts, inspired by different architectural styles, now form an amazing route through the park. Viaducto de las Jardineras and Viaducto del Algarrobo are some of the most well-known.
The Pink House: Gaudí’s House
The Pink House, designed by Francesc Berenguer i Mestres, was built between 1904 and 1906 by the contractor as a model house and was one of the few houses in the park. In 1906, Antoni Gaudí purchased the house and made it his own. Later that year, Francesc Gaudí (his father) and Rosa (an orphaned niece) also moved into the house.
A visit to this house, which now houses a museum dedicated to Gaudí, is also possible. However, note that you need to buy separate tickets for this, as the house is not included in the Park Güell ticket.
During your visit, keep in mind that this luxury villa was not originally intended for the architect. Yet, he came to live here with his father (who was ill) and niece (who had serious health problems). Both died fairly quickly, and so Gaudí lived almost alone in this house for twenty years.
A few months before his death in 1926, Gaudí left his residence in Park Güell. Although he never had problems with the daily walk from this hill to Barcelona, Muntanya Pelada was then far from the city center, lonely and sparsely populated. It’s not surprising then that the artist eventually decided to settle in his workshop at the Sagrada Família.
When Gaudí died on June 10, 1926, he left the Pink House as an inheritance to the Board of the Construction of the Temple of the Sagrada Família. As they needed financial resources to continue the work on the temple, they decided to put the house up for sale. A year later, Francesc Chiappo Arietti and his wife, an Italian couple from Torino, bought Gaudí’s house.
The house remained in the Chiappo Arietti family until 1960, when it was offered and sold to the association of the Amigos de Gaudí (‘Friends of Gaudí’). Their goal was to open a museum dedicated to Gaudí in the house. In 1963, they succeeded in opening this new cultural institution in Barcelona.
In 1992, the Amigos de Gaudí association decided to return the house to the Board of the Construction of the Temple of the Sagrada Família, which now owns the Gaudí house-museum.
In the Casa Museu Gaudí, visitors experience the atmosphere and life of the architect in this house. You see how he lived and enter all his rooms. There is also a large collection of furniture, of course designed by Gaudí, as well as various objects and works by some of his colleagues.
Turó de les Tres Creus
The Turó de les Tres Creus is in the highest part of the park. From here you have a fantastic view over beautiful Barcelona. Here you will also find three crosses on a stone hill, called Golgotha. Two of them indicate the cardinal points (NSEW), and the other points to the sky.
However, this was not Gaudí’s intention. He wanted to build the chapel of the garden city here, but when some remnants of prehistoric caves were uncovered, it was decided to build this monument instead.
Casa Trias
Half hidden in the park, you will find a beautiful white house, the Casa Trias. This impressive house, along with Casa Larrard and Gaudí’s Pink House, is one of the only houses built with the original purpose in the park, namely to build a residential area for the wealthy.
The house belonged to the lawyer Martin Trias i Domènech, the first to buy a plot in Park Güell in 1902. The construction of his villa was carried out by the architect Juli Batllevell (1903-1906). Unfortunately, the imposing villa is not open to the public, but it’s beautiful to see from the outside.
Playgrounds in Park Güell
The little ones are also thought of in Park Güell. Besides the fact that the park is extraordinarily beautiful and that many of Gaudí’s houses will appeal to kids’ imaginations, children can also have fun at one of the three playgrounds found there.
Free Section of Park Güell
Above the monumental part of Park Güell, there is a 7-hectare piece of forest that can be visited for free. This area is part of Turó del Carmel, the mountain where Park Güell is located.
Here, you can peacefully enjoy a walk in nature (as it’s rarely visited by tourists) and appreciate the beautiful view of the city from one of the many viewpoints. But the most magnificent is, of course, the expansive view from the top of the mountain!
Gaudí Experience
After your visit to Park Güell, you can stop by the Gaudí Experience (Carrer Larrard, 41) to admire impressive 4D projections and an interactive exhibition about Gaudí’s work.
During the 4D projection, also known as the G-Experience, you’ll discover in a very special way (with Dolby surround system, moving chairs, and special effects) how nature inspired Gaudí.
The Gaudí Experience is a beautiful and modern knowledge center about Gaudí, his life, and work. It’s a must-visit for Gaudí fans and is very suitable for children, schools, and groups. There’s also a nice gift shop where you can buy Gaudí souvenirs.
🙋♂️ Book your tickets now for a guided tour.
History of Park Güell
Park Güell originated when Count Eusebi Güell bought a large piece of land on Muntanya Pelada (now Muntanya del Carmel). He commissioned Antoni Gaudí to create a beautiful residential park there, similar to the British residential parks. The intention was to build a ‘private garden city’ for the wealthy Barcelonians.
The first works began in October 1900 and lasted four years. In addition to the brilliant Gaudí, other architects such as Josep Maria Jujol, Francesc Berenguer, Joan Rubió, and Llorenç Matamala also contributed. But the entire project and even the decoration of the park (from plants to fountains, columns, and benches) was determined by Gaudí himself and is entirely built in the Modernista style.
The first to buy a plot in Park Güell was a friend of Güell, the lawyer Martí Trias i Domènech, who had his house built by the architect Juli Batllevell. Then, the contractor Josep Pardo i Casanovas built a model house to boost sales in the park. Gaudí himself moved in there in 1906 with his father and niece. Later, in 1907, Eusebi Güell rebuilt an old farmhouse already on the site into his residence, Casa Larrard.
However, as only three plots of the garden city were sold, the project was declared a failure, and the construction of this luxury private garden city was halted in 1914. When Eusebi Güell died in 1918, his heirs offered the area to the city council, which bought it and turned it into a park due to its beauty.
Park Güell opened in 1926. Later, in 1969, Park Güell was declared a National Monument, and in 1984, it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Park Güell Tickets
If you’re planning to visit Park Güell, it is essential to purchase your tickets online in advance. This is for two reasons: firstly, because tickets are no longer sold at the ticket office, and secondly, because the number of tickets per day is limited and can be sold out on busy days.
Purchase your Park Güell tickets now
Park Güell Guided Tours
You can also take part in a guided tour of Park Güell. During these tours, you’ll learn all about this impressive city park and have the opportunity to ask all your questions to an expert guide. The tours last 75 minutes and are offered in multiple languages.
🙋♂️ Book your tickets now for a guided tour.
How to Get to Park Güell
Park Güell is located on the southwestern side of Turó del Carmel hill. The park has several entrances, with the main one at Carrer d’Olot.
You can reach the park on foot or by public transport. Various bus lines stop near Park Güell:
- Bus line 116: stop at Park Güell (main entrance at Carrer d’Olot).
- Bus line 24: stop at Ctra del Carmel – Albert Llanas (side entrance at Carretera del Carmel).
- Bus line V19: stop at Ctra del Carmel – Albert Llanas (side entrance at Carretera del Carmel).
If you come by taxi or Hop-on Hop-off bus, you will be dropped off at the side entrance at Carretera del Carmel.
If you come by car, you can park at the BSM Travessera de Dalt – Park Güell parking lot. It is advisable to reserve in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Park Güell
Park Güell covers a total area of about 17.18 hectares, of which approximately 7 hectares are forest area with free public access.
Park Güell has three entrances: the main entrance at Carrer d’Olot, the entrance at Carretera del Carmel, and the entrance from Carrer de Larrard.
In Catalan, it’s pronounced as “pahrk gweh”. The name “Park Güell” is a tribute to Eusebi Güell, the promoter of the park. The use of “Park” instead of “Parc” may be seen as an English influence in naming this city garden, which would normally be “Parc Güell” in Catalan. It possibly reflects an attempt to give the park a more international appeal.
Park Güell is accessible by metro (line 3) followed by a 15-20 minute walk, or by bus. The exact stops and routes may depend on your starting point in Barcelona.
Due to the steep roads to the park, it’s advisable to take the bus or a taxi. My tip is to use bus 116 from Lesseps (L3) or Joanic (L4) metro stations, which takes you directly to the main entrance of Park Güell.
If you’re coming from central Barcelona, like Plaça Catalunya or the Ramblas, it’s recommended to first take the green metro line to Lesseps (L3) and then transfer to bus 116 or 24.
If you’re coming from Sagrada Família, take bus line V19, which departs from Passeig de Sant Joan at the corner with Carrer del Rosselló. Get off at the side entrance of Park Güell (stop Ctra del Carmel – Albert Llanas). Another option is to take metro line L5 to Diagonal, then transfer to metro line L3 and get off at Lesseps (L3), and then take bus 116 or 24.
It’s recommended to plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit to Park Güell.
Yes, there are toilets available and picnic areas. You can bring your own food and drinks.
Pets are allowed in Park Güell, but there are restrictions and rules to ensure the safety of visitors, pets, and the heritage in the park. Specifically:
– Pets must be leashed to ensure the safety of all visitors.
– Access for pets is allowed in most parts of the park, except in specific locations like the Nature Square, the Hypostyle Room, the Dragon Staircase, the Austrian Gardens, and the Laundry Room Portico. These restrictions are meant to protect both visitors and the heritage.
– People bringing or accompanying pets are responsible for any damage their pets may cause.
The opening hours can vary, but generally, Park Güell is open from early morning (around 9:30 am) to evening (7:30 pm). It’s wise to check the current opening hours before you go.
No, Park Güell has been a paid visit since 2013. Only local residents and members of Gaudir Més, with the required documentation, can enter for free. Children up to 6 years old, people with disabilities, and holders of the “Tarjeta Rosa” card can also visit Park Güell for free.
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the monumental part of Park Güell.
There are fees for access to the monumental part of Park Güell. Ticket prices start from €10 and can vary based on age, possible discounts, and the time of visit.
Yes, it is necessary to purchase tickets online in advance to visit Park Güell. Tickets are no longer sold at the ticket office, and the number of available tickets per day is limited, so they can sell out quickly on busy days.
Absolutely, Park Güell is known for its unique architecture, beautiful landscapes, and artistic designs, making it more than worth a visit.
Near Park Güell is the Gaudí Experience, an interactive and modern exhibition to learn more about the architect Antoni Gaudí. You can also combine your visit to Park Güell with a visit to Casa Vicens, another famous building by Gaudí, and a walk through Gràcia, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Barcelona.
Useful information
Price: Tickets starting from €13.50. Children up to 6 years old and disabled individuals have free access.
👉 Read more about Park Güell tickets here.
Please note: If you have purchased an online ticket, you may enter the park up to a maximum of 30 minutes after the time indicated on your voucher, so plan your travel time accordingly!
Opening hours: The park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Address: Carrer d’Olot, 5 08024 Barcelona
Public transportation:
Metro: Lesseps (L3), Vallcarca (L3)
Bus: Tourist bus, 24, 116, V19″
