Most people have heard of the Sagrada Familia, often called Gaudi’s masterpiece, but do you realise that there are a whole pile of Gaudi attractions in Barcelona?
I sure didn’t when I first visited, but now that I have been twice, I’ve managed to see a few of them and have discovered even more. So take my experience and use it when you are finding Gaudi in Barcelona
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Who is this Gaudi bloke?
Antoni Gaudí was a brilliant and imaginative architect from Catalonia, Spain, who lived from 1852 to 1926.
Best known for his unique and quirky style, Gaudí loved incorporating nature into his designs, creating buildings that look like they belong in a fairy tale.
His most famous work is the Sagrada Família, the massive and intricate church in Barcelona that, believe it or not, is still under construction, 142 years after it was started!
Gaudí’s other masterpieces, like the colourful Park Güell and the wavy Casa Batlló, are just as magical and showcase his love for vibrant colours and unusual shapes.
Gaudí’s work is not only stunning to look at but is also creative and innovative and continues to inspire people around the world.
So, if you ever find yourself wandering through Barcelona, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve stepped into a whimsical wonderland—you’re likely admiring the genius of Gaudí!
Must see Gaudi Buildings in Barcelona
The best way to learn a little about Gaudi and really enjoy his art is to visit some of the buildings he designed around Barcelona, in Spain.
These are the best-known and most loved of his buildings.
Sagrada Familia
I can’t write anything about Gaudi without talking about the Sagrada Familia, the incredible basilica that he worked on for 43 years.
Work continued after his untimely death, and the main structure is now expected to be finished in 2026 for the 100th anniversary of his passing.
Some of the finer details will take years more, and the controversial staircase may not be built at all.
In my opinion, the Sagrada Familia is a must when you are in Barcelona. If you can only get to one Gaudi site, then it has to be this one.
I have visited twice in the last few months because it really is incredible and I wanted to see it for myself again.
The first time I visited I joined a tour and visited the towers, the second time was a general entry ticket.
The outside of the basilica is incredibly intricate and detailed, with each side having a different story and purpose.
The real magic happens though once you walk inside. The windows are made to bring the light in and create magical, multi-coloured hues that cover the white interior.
Visitors can include the scenic views from one of the towers as an added extra, which are the highest views you can get in Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia is a working Catholic basilica, consecrated in 2010, so it is also possible to attend mass in the cathedral for free. Places are very limited and filled on a first-come basis, with lines forming hours in advance.
Park Güell
Park Güell is located in the foothills of Barcelona and was home to Gaudi for the last twenty years of his life.
Originally designed as a housing development, it turned into a fantastical public park that’s now a must-see.
Today the park is best known for its colourful mosaics, playful sculptures, and winding paths. It is often featured in Instagram photos showing the Barcelona city in the background.
The park’s famous lizard sculpture, often called “El Drac,” (the dragon) is a splash of vibrant tiles, all discarded waste from a nearby tile factory.
Gaudí’s love for nature is everywhere you look, from the tree-like columns to the organic shapes that blend seamlessly with the landscape.
The Sagrada Familia may be an icon, but here Gaudi’s work feels much more whimsical and fun.
I visited Park Güell on this exclusive guided tour, which was a fabulous way to learn about Gaudi’s work and life.
You can also enter and explore by yourself.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of Barcelona’s most eye-catching buildings, you can’t miss it as you walk along the bustling Passeig de Gràcia.
Designed by Gaudi, this colourful house looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale.
Gaudí transformed the building with wavy lines, bright mosaics, and balconies that look like skulls or masks, earning it the nickname the “House of Bones.”
The roof is especially interesting, resembling the back of a dragon, complete with shiny scales. Inside, every detail is carefully crafted, from the flowing staircase to the stained glass windows.
Gaudí really let his imagination run wild here, creating a home where no straight lines exist and every corner is a piece of art.
I walked past Casa Battló during my first visit in Barcelona, but it wasn’t until I visited for the second time that I got to step inside.
I was on a tight schedule so I paid a little more to enter early in the morning (8:30 am). Not only did this mean I could fit more into my day, but it also meant that there were not so many people making it. more pleasant visit.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is another of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona.
This building looks like it’s made from waves of stone, with its smooth, curving façade and iron balconies.
The name “La Pedrera” means “The Stone Quarry,” but don’t let that fool you—this place is far from ordinary!
Like his other buildings, Gaudí designed Casa Milà with no straight lines, making it feel organic and alive.
One of its coolest features is the rooftop, which is filled with quirky, helmet-like chimneys that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Inside, the apartments are just as imaginative, with beautiful details and innovative designs.
Sadly I am yet to properly see the inside of Casa Milà, but even just enjoying the external architecture is a must on your visit to Barcelona.
I was able to sneak a peek through the windows, and I loved the ceilings, which look like a windswept beach patterned with the corrugated sand.
Casa Milà is just along the street from Casa Batlló, so it can be visited at the same time.
More Gaudi Sights in Barcelona
There are signs of Gaudi’s influence all across Barcelona and even further afield. Here are some other Gaudi buildings and structures you may like to also visit.
Palau Güell – A lesser-known gem, this mansion showcases Gaudí’s early work with beautiful ironwork and innovative design.
Casa Vicens – Gaudí’s first major project, a colourful house with a mix of Gothic, Moorish, and nature-inspired elements.
Colonia Güell – An unfinished church in a small village outside Barcelona, offering a glimpse into Gaudí’s architectural evolution. It includes a crypt filled with organic shapes and natural light.
Gaudí House Museum – Located in Park Güell, this museum was Gaudí’s residence and now displays his furniture and personal items. Sadly at the time of my visit, it was closed for renovations.
Güell Pavilions – Featuring a magnificent dragon gate, these pavilions are part of the estate commissioned by Eusebi Güell.
Torre Bellesguard – Inspired by medieval castles, this lesser-known Gaudí work blends history with modernism.
Finca Güell – Includes Gaudí’s stunning gate and lodge, showcasing his intricate ironwork.
Porta Finca Miralles – An often-overlooked work, featuring a wavy wall and an ornate entrance gate.
Bellesguard – Combining Gothic and modernist elements, this residence offers beautiful views and unique architecture.
Casa Calvet – Gaudí’s most conventional building, designed for a textile manufacturer but still featuring his unique touch.
Tours for Finding Gaudi in Barcelona
It will be no surprise to hear that there are a huge number of Gaudi tours available in Barcelona. While the tours I took are included above, here are a few more that might appeal.
For the budget traveller, consider one of the Gaudi free walking tours. I did a Barcelona Highlights free walking tour with DonkeyTours Barcelona that I enjoyed, so I would suggest their Gaudi tour too, which can be taken in both Spanish and English.
There is a range of combination tours that can take you to one or more of the Gaudi sites in one go. Take a look at these.
If you prefer to get really in-depth or just want to enjoy a private tour there are some great options for those too.
Wait…before you go…
Enjoy your time in Spain by reading these posts next
24hrs in Barcelona
Barcelona Hostels
10 Barcelona Must-Dos
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
