Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain: Complete Travel Guide and Tips

Discover Park Güell, a Gaudí masterpiece in Barcelona, offering breathtaking views and a green space surrounded by modernist architecture.

Park Güell is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Barcelona, Spain. It is a public park that was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, who is known for his unique and colorful style. Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone who visits Barcelona.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Park Güell, including its history, location, how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, what to do, what to see, and where to eat. We will also give you some tips on how to plan your itinerary for a day in Park Güell. Read on and discover the magic of Park Güell!

Other itineraries that can help you better plan your trip to Spain:

Park Güell Admission Ticket – Visit Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s major works in Barcelona. Take in spectacular views of Barcelona and explore this stunning green space that’s surrounded by modernist architecture.

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History of Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell was originally conceived as a residential estate for wealthy families who wanted to live in a natural and artistic environment. The project was commissioned by Eusebi Güell, a rich entrepreneur and patron of Gaudí, in 1900. Gaudí designed the park as a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, inspired by the English garden city movement.

However, the project was not very successful and only two houses were built on the site. One of them was occupied by Gaudí himself from 1906 to 1926. The other one is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The park was eventually donated to the city of Barcelona in 1926 and opened to the public as a municipal park.

Where is Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell is located on the hill of El Carmel, in the district of Gràcia, in the north of Barcelona. It covers an area of about 17 hectares and offers stunning views of the city and the sea. The park is divided into two parts: the monumental zone, which contains the most famous and artistic elements designed by Gaudí, and the free zone, which is a large green space with paths and gardens.

How to go to Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

The easiest way to go to Park Güell is by public transport. You can take the metro line L3 (green) and get off at Vallcarca or Lesseps stations. From there, you can walk uphill for about 15 minutes or take a bus (number 24 or 92) that stops near the entrance of the park. You can also take the bus number 116 from Plaça Catalunya or the tourist bus (blue route) that stops at Park Güell.

Another option is to take a taxi or a private car. However, keep in mind that there is no parking available inside or near the park. You will have to park your car in a nearby street or garage and walk to the park.

Services that can help with your transfer and visit:

What are the best times to visit Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell is open every day of the year, from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm in summer (May to September) and from 8:30 am to 6:15 pm in winter (October to April). The best time to visit Park Güell depends on your preferences and availability. However, we recommend you to avoid peak hours (10:00 am to 3:00 pm) and weekends, as the park can get very crowded and noisy.

If you want to enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing experience, you can visit Park Güell early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You will also have better chances of finding tickets for the monumental zone, which has a limited capacity of 400 people per half hour. You can buy your tickets online in advance or at the ticket office on site.

What are the best times to visit Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Where to stay to visit Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain – Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast

If you want to stay close to Park Güell, you have several options depending on your budget and preferences. You can choose from resorts, hotels, hostels, or bed and breakfasts that are located near the park or within walking distance. Here are some suggestions:

Resort: If you want to treat yourself with a luxurious and comfortable stay, you can book a room at Hotel Casa Fuster, a five-star hotel that is located in Passeig de Gràcia, one of the most elegant avenues in Barcelona. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a pool and a panoramic view of the city. It is also close to many other attractions such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Hotel: If you are looking for a more affordable and cozy option, you can stay at Hotel Travessera, a three-star hotel that is located in Travessera de Dalt, a street that leads directly to Park Güell. The hotel has modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. It also offers a buffet breakfast and a 24-hour reception.
Hostel: If you are traveling on a low budget or with a group of friends, you can choose a hostel such as Factory Gardens, a hostel that is located in Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Coll, a few minutes away from Park Güell. The hostel has dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. It also has a garden, a terrace, a kitchen, and a lounge area.
Bed and Breakfast: If you prefer a more intimate and personal atmosphere, you can opt for a bed and breakfast such as Casa Vilaró, a bed and breakfast that is located in Avinguda de Coll del Portell, next to Park Güell. The bed and breakfast is a family-run house that was built by the first female architect in Spain. It has six rooms with private bathrooms and balconies. It also has a garden, a pool, and a dining room.

Some hotels worth knowing to analyze your accommodation are:

Acta Voraport
8.7 – Fabulous in 10,404 reviews
Set in Barcelona, less than 1 km from Bogatell Beach, Acta Voraport offers accommodation with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Ronda House
8.5 – Very good in 8,207 reviews
Ronda House is set just off Ronda Sant Antoni Avenue, 10 minutes’ walk from Las Ramblas. This hotel has a restaurant and rooms with satellite TV. The Ronda features bright, simple décor.
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Gran Via
8.6 – Fabulous in 4,226 reviews
This spacious and modern hotel is located in Eixample district, built in 2004, the Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Gran Via, features wide-open public spaces covered in marble.
Hostal Centric
8.7 – Fabulous in 2,344 reviews
Centrally located, Hostal Cèntric offers free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, free luggage storage and free safe.
ME Barcelona
9.2 -Superb in 1,123 reviews
Boasting a terrace and a bar, ME Barcelona is set in the centre of Barcelona, 2.7 km from Somorrostro Beach. This 5-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service.

There are also some other accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.

What to do in Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell is a place where you can enjoy nature, art, and culture. There are many things to do in Park Güell, such as:

Explore the monumental zone: This is the most famous and visited part of the park, where you can admire the amazing creations of Gaudí. You can see the main entrance with the dragon fountain, the mosaic-covered terrace with the serpentine bench, the Hypostyle Hall with the 86 columns, the Greek Theatre with the mosaic ceiling, and the two pavilions that resemble gingerbread houses.
Visit the Gaudí House Museum: This is the house where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926. It is now a museum that displays some of his personal belongings, furniture, drawings, and models. You can learn more about his life and work and see how he decorated his home.
Walk around the free zone: This is the largest part of the park, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and relax. You can stroll along the paths and gardens, see the viaducts and bridges that Gaudí designed to blend with the landscape, and discover some hidden sculptures and details.
Enjoy the views: Park Güell offers some of the best views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. You can climb up to the Turó de les Tres Creus (the hill of the three crosses), which is the highest point of the park, or go to the Mirador de la Natura (the nature viewpoint), which is located at the end of the terrace.

Top tourist attractions of Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell is full of attractions that will surprise and delight you. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:

The dragon fountain: This is one of the most iconic symbols of Park Güell and Gaudí’s style. It is a colorful mosaic sculpture of a dragon (or salamander) that spits water from its mouth. It is located at the main entrance of the park and welcomes visitors with its playful expression.
The serpentine bench: This is another masterpiece of Gaudí’s art. It is a long curved bench that covers the entire perimeter of the terrace. It is decorated with colorful tiles that form different patterns and shapes. It is also very comfortable and ergonomic, as it adapts to the shape of your body.
The Hypostyle Hall: This is a large covered space that was intended to be a market for the residents of the estate. It is supported by 86 Doric columns that create a forest-like effect. The ceiling is covered with mosaic tiles that form geometric designs and images of flowers, fruits, stars, and animals.
The Greek Theatre: This is an open-air space that was used for cultural events and performances. It has a circular shape and a mosaic ceiling that represents the four seasons and the four elements. It also has two staircases that lead to two small temples with conical roofs.

Top tourist attractions of Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

The two pavilions: These are two buildings that flank the main entrance of
the park. They have an asymmetrical shape and are covered with ceramic tiles
and stones that create a fairy-tale look. They were used as gatehouses for
the guards and caretakers of the estate.
The viaducts: These are structures that cross over valleys and ravines in
the park. They have different shapes and styles, such as arches, columns,
balustrades, or organic forms. They are made of stone or brick and blend
with nature.
The portico of the washerwoman: This is one of the most original
and impressive viaducts in the park. It has a parabolic shape and resembles
a wave or a snake. It supports itself on one side only, leaving space for
a path underneath. On top of it, there is a sculpture of a woman carrying
a basket on her head.
The colonnaded footpath: This is a path that runs along the edge
of the park.

Suggestions of touristic attractions, activities and guided tours in Barcelona:

Tip itineraries for 1 day in Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell is a large park that covers 17 hectares of land. It has many different areas, each with its own charm and beauty. To make the most of your visit, you should plan ahead and decide what you want to see and do. Here are some possible itineraries for 1 day in Park Güell:

If you want to see the most iconic and popular parts of the park, you should book a ticket online for the Monumental Zone. This is the area where you can find the famous mosaic dragon, the colorful terrace with panoramic views of the city, the whimsical houses that look like gingerbread, and the columns that resemble palm trees. The Monumental Zone has limited capacity and requires a timed entry ticket, so make sure you book in advance and arrive on time. You can spend about an hour or two exploring this area and taking photos.
If you want to discover the natural and artistic side of the park, you should follow the Nature Square Route. This is a circular path that starts and ends at the main entrance of the park. Along the way, you will see some of Gaudí’s organic designs, such as the viaducts that blend with the landscape, the stone benches that follow the curves of the terrain, and the mosaic tiles that reflect the sunlight. You will also enjoy some stunning views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea from different viewpoints. This route takes about an hour and a half to complete and does not require a ticket.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the park, you should visit the Gaudí House Museum. This is where Gaudí lived for 20 years, from 1906 to 1926. The museum displays some of his personal belongings, furniture, drawings, and models. You can also see how he decorated his home with his characteristic style and colors. The museum is located inside the park, near the main entrance. You need a separate ticket to enter the museum, which you can buy online or at the ticket office.

Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip-the-line Entry – Experience the magic of Park Guell hassle-free with our skip-the-line tour. Expert guides, Gaudi stories, and stunning views await. Book your spot now!

Where to eat in Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain – Tips for bars and restaurants

After spending some time in Park Güell, you might be hungry and thirsty. Luckily, there are some options for eating and drinking near the park. Here are some tips for bars and restaurants:

If you want to have a picnic in the park, you can buy some snacks and drinks from the vending machines or kiosks that are scattered around the park. You can also bring your own food and beverages, but remember to dispose of your trash properly and respect the environment.
If you want to try some local cuisine, you can go to La Torreta de Park Güell. This is a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Catalan dishes, such as paella, fideuà, escalivada, and crema catalana. The restaurant has a terrace with views of the park and the city. It is located outside the park, on Carrer d’Olot, a few minutes walk from the main entrance.
If you want to have a drink with a view, you can go to Mirablau. This is a trendy bar that offers cocktails, wines, beers, and tapas. The bar has a large window that overlooks Barcelona and the sea. It is especially beautiful at night when the city lights up. Mirablau is located on Plaça del Doctor Andreu, a short bus ride or a long walk from the park.

Park Güell is a wonderful place to visit in Barcelona, Spain. It is a showcase of Gaudí’s creativity and imagination, as well as a green oasis in the urban jungle. Whether you want to admire its architecture, enjoy its nature, or learn about its history, Park Güell has something for everyone.

Don’t forget to book your tickets online and follow these tips for an unforgettable experience.

Where to travel next?

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