Guide to Gaudi in Barcelona

This guide to Gaudi was originally posted on May 22, 2014 and was updated on February 4, 2018.

Antoni Gaudí is perhaps the most famous and mythical artist to come from Barcelona, and his work alone demands a trip to the city.

His work has shaped how the modern city developed and the minds of many young Catalan and Spanish artists and architects. Many draw inspiration from him, but no one comes close to creating the intricate masterpieces that Gaudí coined. The man left his mark on the city and knowing where to start a tour of his works can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together a summary of the highlights of Gaudí’s Barcelona, our guide to Gaudi in Barcelona!

Tour it: While you can see Gaudí on your own, we recommend trusting in an expert local guide. Try the complete Gaudi tour from our friends at Walks to see it all!

La Sagrada Familia

This Roman Catholic church is one of the most famous images of Barcelona and rightly so; it is one of the most intricate examples of architecture in history. Gaudí started the project back in 1883 and worked on it until his death in 1926, when only a quarter of the work is finished. Work continues to this day, but visitors can still wander the grounds and check out the inside of the cathedral. A combination of art nouveau and Gothic styles, the church is sure to blow your mind. Schedule a few hours for this visit; you won’t want to leave before you see every little detail.

Casa Mila

One of a few private homes designed by Gaudí in Barcelona, Casa Mila is located smack-dab in the center of the city on the Passeig de Gracia. Designed in a constant curve, the house is an eye-popping example of Gaudí’s work nestled between the traditional buildings of the posh street. Every detail was carefully designed with great care, making sure that all of the elements tell a story. The insane yet beautiful home will make you wish you could snatch up the property for yourself!

Park Güell

We know it can get a bit boring to spend your time hopping from museum to museum when you’re in Barcelona, so Park Güell offers the perfect combination of nature and art. Located on a hill above the Barcelona city center, the garden is full of Gaudí’s touches offering a whimsical escape from the bustle of the city and one of the best views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. You can wander the grounds for free but will have to pay an entrance fee to access Gaudí’s private home and the main structure of the park. You’ll often find bands playing and Barcelona teens flitting about, so be sure to make a trip (on the metro, by cab or on foot) to get a taste of both Gaudí’s Barcelona and the city’s modern culture.

Casa Batlló

The second of Guadí’s two works on Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlló is another example of the unparalleled creativity of the Catalan artist. Nicknamed the house of bones, the house is visually stunning both inside and out. Take a stroll on the opposite side of the street to appreciate the mosaic facade, and be sure to buy tickets in advance for a late-evening tour of the house when tourists are less likely to fill the place. The combination of bold colors, the creative harnessing of light and curved style will have you pondering the work for days.