Plan Your Visit to Parc Guell
The Laundry Room Portico at Parc Guell designed by Antoni Guadi
What is Parc Guell?
Parc Guell is a privatized park that was commissioned by Eusebi Guell in the early 1900’s which contains several elaborate architectural elements designed by Antoni Guadi. Since I’m not an artist or architect, I’m not going to get into trying to explain the works of Antoni Guadi, but will just say that, if you are in Barcelona, you need to see them for yourself. They are so unique and somehow slightly unsettling but satisfying at the same time. La Sagrada Familia is the coolest church I have ever seen and an absolute must-see in Barcelona. Parc Guell is the second most essential place to visit in Barcelona, in my opinion. It is also easier to visit with little kids than La Sagrada familia since there is plenty of space for kids to roam while you marvel at the architectural genius. When we visited Parc Guell, it was a bit confusing to get there and navigate. Things had changed a lot since I was there last in 2005. Read on for all you need to know to make your visit smooth and rewarding.
A stunning example of Gaudi’s organic style that blends nature into architecture as part of the Modernista movement.
Getting tickets for Parc Guell:
I suggest purchasing tickets online at https://parkguell.barcelona/en before your visit. You will have to select a date and time for your visit. You must arrive within 30 minutes of your designated time slot to be admitted. Give yourself plenty of time for travel to the park so that you do not miss your time slot (like we almost did). There are several unofficial sources selling tickets to the park as well. I would avoid using unofficial sites if possible.
Cost for Parc Guell:
10 Euro for adults (over 12), 7 Euro for kids 7-12, and free for kids 6 and under.
Getting to Parc Guell:
The park is located in the La Salut neighborhood in the Gracia district of Barcelona and is a bit of a distance from the other popular tourist sites. There are several entrances to the park and we made the mistake of navigating to one of the entrances that could only be used by residents. I suggest navigating to the ticket office at 4 Carrer Olot, 08024 Barcelona, Espana.
By Metro:
Take the green line, number 3 to the Lesseps stop. Be aware that the walk from the metro stop to the park is about 20 minutes and all uphill. Alternatively, you could take a bus from the metro stop and shorten your walk to about 6 minutes.
By Car:
We drove to the park and I don’t recommend it. With Barcelona traffic, it took just as long as the metro and we ended up walking 15 minutes from the parking lot anyway. There are several public parking garages in the area, but you cannot park on the street as those spots are reserved for residents only.
Covid changes at Parc Guell:
When I last visited Parc Guell in 2005, you could freely wander around all areas of the park (aside from the houses which are either private or require a separate ticket). This time, there was one way in and one way out of the Greek Theater (Nature Square) which is the large plaza surrounded by colorful mosaic tiles. Due to this, it is essential to be a little more deliberate about planning your route.
The Nature Square (aka Greek Theater) with the kids and Wendi hiding in the shade.
How much time do you need?
2-4 hours
Top things to see at Parc Guell:
The Laundry Room Portico, The Turo de les Tres Creus, The viaducts, The Greek Theater or Nature Square, The Hypostyle Room, and the Dragon Stairway
My personal favorite of these are the viaducts and laundry room portico. These don’t get as much hype as the others but are just as, if not more, impressive.
A markup of the map showing the route we think hits the best sites in the Parc.
Recommended path to see Parc Guell:
1. Start at the Ticket office on the corner of Avenue del Santuari de Sant Joseph de la Muntanya and Carrer Olot and enter the park
The Washer Woman incorporated into the Laundry Room Portico
2. Walk down the stairs to your right to see The laundry room portico.
The view of Barcelona from the top of Turo des las Tres Creus.
3. Walk back up the stairs and follow the path up the hill to The Turo de les Tres Creus for a spectacular view of Barcelona
**there is a small playground just north of the Turo de les Creus where our kids enjoyed the swings and slide
Gus on the Swing at Parc Guell.
4. Work your way across the park to the Northeastern side to see the Viaducts 1 and 2
5. Walk down the path of palms towards the Nature Square.
The kids on the viaduct in Parc Guell.
6. Enter the Nature Square from the east (be aware that once you leave this area you cannot come back up, so take your time).
An example of the mosaic style of Gaudi, Trencadis in the Nature Square.
7. Walk down the stairs to the Hypostyle Room.
8. Walk down the Dragon Stairway and see the famous emblematic salamander.
The Dragon Stairway and the Trencadis Salamander.
Once in the park, you can download the Parc Guell app which has a map and a few planned itineraries. Unfortunately, I found the app and itineraries difficult to use and they all left out the Turo de les Creus and the Viaducts, two of the best parts.
Final tips for a smooth visit at Parc Guell:
Buy your tickets in advance from the official site.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the park since your tickets are only good for entry within 30 minutes of your designated time.
Navigate to the main ticket office at 4 Carrer Olot, 08024 Barcelona, Espana.
Don’t miss the Laundry room Portico, Turo de les Tres Creus, and the Viaducts.
Once you leave the Nature Square you will not be able to go back.
Parc Guell is a magical place unlike any other park I have ever seen. Absolutely add this to your Barcelona itinerary!
The crew enjoying the shade at the playground inside the park.
