Tips on Visiting Park Gϋell: A Gaudi Masterpiece in Barcelona

If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be. I’m sure Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famous church, is on your itinerary, and if it’s not then you’ll definitely be missing out. (Click here for tips on a perfect visit to Sagrada Familia.) But today is all about the outrageous architecture of Park Gϋell! First, I’ll fill you in on ten tips to make the most of your visit, and then I’ll take you on a little tour of my favorite areas of the park.

FIRST OFF…WHAT IN THE WORLD IS PARK GϋELL?

Park Gϋell (pronounced Gwell, as my cab driver corrected me) was intended to be a housing development for the wealthy citizens of Barcelona. Eusebi Gϋell contracted Gaudi to design it, but the plans fell through because of lack of interest and funds and only two out of the 60 planned houses were actually constructed there. The city, who has a love…and I mean LOVE for Gaudi, turned it into a public park. It is now one of the most visited places in Barcelona.

READY FOR SOME TIPS?

GET THE PAID TICKET: There are 2 areas of the park…the paid and the free. But as it usually is, most of the good stuff is in the paid section. The ticket prices are so reasonable that I would definitely urge you to spend the money and see all the crazy ideas that Gaudi poured into this park. You can show your ticket on your phone at the entrance. (I always print off a copy and have it on me just in case.)
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE: I can’t stress this enough…buy your tickets as soon as you know your itinerary. The park is about a 20-minute drive from the Gothic Quarters, so you don’t want to get there and find out tickets are sold out for the day. We got there at 11:00 and the family in front of us were so disappointed that the only tickets they could purchase were for 5:00 that evening. Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance and they only allow 400 people in the park at a time. (You can stay as long as you’d like once you get in.)
COULDN’T GET A TICKET? YOU CAN STILL ENJOY THE FREE ZONE: There is a whole outer area that is completely free to the public. It’s nice to get a glimpse of Gaudi’s creative architecture without having to go inside.
TIMED TICKETS…SO DON’T BE LATE: Like most attractions in Barcelona, your ticket is timed, so do not be late or they will NOT let you in. They do give you a 30-minute window on your ticket, but allow time for the line you may still see at the entrance. You can give all the excuses you like, but they are serious when it comes to the time.
HOURS OF THE PARK: The park is open every day of the year. Check their website for exact times since they vary by season.
WHAT THE PARK COSTS: Adults cost 7.50 €, Children (7-12) and Seniors are 5.25 €
HAVE A PICNIC: You can bring food into the park and it is a perfect place to have a picnic while overlooking the city. Grab some bread, prosciutto, and cheese from a local market and have a feast while you’re there.
TRY THE CAFÉ: If you didn’t plan ahead and are feeling a little hungry, the park has a café right at the entrance. We stopped in for a cappuccino before we explored the park and it was delicious. They serve snacks and light food.
WATCH OUT FOR PICK POCKETS: Especially in the free section, make sure you are keeping an eye out for your belongings. You know the drill…always be aware…especially in crowds. Actually, I heard that some pickpockets even pay to get in to the park because many people have their guard down once they’re inside.
BRING THAT CAMERA: There are endless photo opportunities, so make sure you’ve got that camera out and ready to work!

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE SPOTS IN THE PARK…

DRAGON STAIRWAY

In the center of the two front staircases you’ll find the mosaic dragon (although some people call it a salamander). Some people think it represents the dragon in Greek Mythology called Python, that lives in the center of the Earth and protects the temple of Delphi. (You’ll see this Gϋell dragon in many souvenir shops around the city.)

SERPENT

Above the dragon is a stunning head of a snake that is looking out at you. Notice the Catalan flag is displayed behind it.

LAUNDRY ROOM PORTICO

This passageway was meant to be used to connect the homes, and Gaudi wanted it to blend in with the natural surroundings. It’s a gorgeous spot to get some shade on hot summer days.

HYPOSTYLE ROOM

As you walk up the main staircase, you’ll go into this huge covered area with 86 columns. This was to be the marketplace of the complex.

Notice the gorgeous mosaics on the ceilings.

2 MAIN BUILDINGS

These are the first things you’ll see when you enter the park. Gaudi designed them after the fairy take Hansel and Gretel. This is a great example of how Gauidi’s work makes me feel like I’m standing in front of a life-size gingerbread house.

MAIN SQUARE AND ITS VIEWS

This square has one of the best views because it overlooks the bustling city as well as the Mediterranean in the background. The square is lined with colorful mosaic benches.