A Quick Guide to Park Güell Barcelona

Famous landmarks in Barcelona

History of Parc Güell

If you’re an avid fan of Gaudí and his spectacular work, Parc Güell is the ultimate place to visit while in Barcelona. His superbly extravagant architectural style of Catalan Modernism is on full display in this extensive gem of greenery. The locals and tourists love the park, but its history is even more lively and charming.

This sprawling park was constructed between 1900 and 1914. But it wasn’t until 1924 that it first welcomed the public to its whimsical pathways peppered with trees and architectural elements. Interestingly, the project was initially intended to be a private city, commissioned by the Count and local businessman Eusebi Güell who sought to build a private community for Barcelona’s wealthy.

Güell envisioned a gated residential community with 60 lavish British-style condominiums. That’s why he named the project Park Güell instead of the Catalan conventional Parc Güell. Güell and Antoni Gaudí had collaborated before. Cripta de la Colonia Güell, Pavellons Güell, Celler Güell, and Palau Güell were all Modernist architectural masterpieces designed by Gaudí and commissioned by Eusebi Güell.

The duo broke the ground on the new project in 1900, but as fate would have it, the self-contained residential project failed. They downed the tools on the housing project in 1914, as no one bought the plots of land. Only two of the 60 private homes had been completed by then, leaving the rest of Park Güell as an expansive private garden.

Thankfully, the owner soon gave up Park Güell for public purposes. It didn’t take long before the garden and park appeared on tourist maps, gaining traction with visitors and locals alike. Antoni Gaudí purchased one of the two complete houses in 1906, which is currently the famous Gaudí House Museum.

Eusebi Güell’s heirs sold Park Güell to the Barcelona Council following his death in 1918. It was declared a public park in 1926. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 for its artistic, architectural, and historical uniqueness.

Nice day out in Barcelona

Why should I visit Park Güell in Barcelona?

Park Güell is a slice of paradise for Gaudí’s fans and lovers of Modernism architecture. At this 18-hectare park, the gorgeous Mediterranean skies, beautiful flora, mosaic tiles, stone, and much more magically come alive on a hillside perch. Although it was designed at the turn of the 20th century, it continues to delight children and adults alike.

It’s a great place to relax and explore away from the busy city-centre parks like Parc de la Ciutadella. Only 400 people are permitted to enter the park within a half hour, so you’re not likely to brush shoulders with rowdy crowds.

The colourful Guard’s House and its sweeping balcony offer picturesque views of the sea in the background and the imposing city skyline. Park Güell is also a true definition of what we love and adore about Barcelona: a highly creative metro city with a Mediterranean charm.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Exploring Park Güell

There are essentially two parts to the park, namely the monument’s area and the forest area. Use the Olot Street (Carrer d’Olot) entrance to access the monuments. It’s packed with impressive symbolism, including fantastic references and allegories to religion, the Catalan middle class, and the industrial age. This majestic gate represents the entrance to heaven.

If you venture beyond the entrance, you’ll come across Pavelló de l’Administració, the home of the park’s souvenir shop, and the former guards’ sleeping quarters, Casa del Guarda. These adorable modernist buildings pay homage to Gaudí’s whimsical architectural style.

The marvellous stairway is next up. It boasts Park Güell’s most sought-after feature — a Gaudí’-designed fountain and a 2.4m-long salamander, both dressed in broken tiles mosaic.

You’ll find the Square (aka La Plaça) at the top of the stairway, circled by the colourful, rolling bench. Enjoy the imposing views of the Barcelona skyline and the Mediterranean Sea from this point. Sala Hipòstila, which consists of 86 columns, supports the La Plaça.

The forest area makes up the rest of Parc Güell. It comprises a series of forested pathways and trails, creating a proper city park where locals go for a stroll or a jog. The park’s highest point is marked by the El Calvari, at 182 metres (roughly 600 feet).

Initially, Gaudí envisioned a chapel at the top of the park but eventually erected a three-crossed monument. Nonetheless, the vistas and views from this point are truly spectacular.

How can I get to Park Güell?

Walking – If you’re on a foot tour of Barcelona, you’re within a 30-min walk from anywhere in the districts of Sant Gervasi and Gràcia.

By public bus – You can take bus lines 24 and 92 to Parc Güell stop—or bus line 116 to Olot / Marianao stop. Bus lines 24, 32, and H6 also stop at CAP Larrard, a short walk to the park’s main entrance.

Barcelona Metro – You can take Line 3 to Lesseps or Vallcarca metro stations. It’ll take you no more than 15 minutes on foot to reach the park from either station.

Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour bus also makes a stop near Parc Güell.

Do I need a ticket to get to Park Güell?

Yes, you do need a ticket to get to the park as a tourist.

Adults pay €10 for a general admission entrance ticket.

Senior adults ages 65 and over, kids ages 7-12, and tourists with a disability pay a discounted rate of €7 a ticket.

Guided and private tours are available at €22 and €50 per ticket, respectively.

You can buy your tickets here

What’s the best time to visit the park?

Early morning on weekdays is generally the best time to explore Park Güell. Be there when the park opens at 9.30 AM to beat the crowds.