If you’ve researched information about where to go in Barcelona, Park Güell should be a name you recognize. It’s easily one of the most iconic locations in Barcelona and where you’ll get some of the city’s best views.
A Brief History Of The Park
Did you know that Park Güell was never meant to be a public park?
The Park was designed by Antoni Gaudí, a famous Spanish architect, at the request of his friend Eusebio Güell.
In 1900, work began at Park Güell. It was originally planned to be a modern housing development. Its location was close enough to enjoy the conveniences of the city but far enough away to get peace and fresh air. The late 1800s were a time of increased awareness of the effects of getting a break from the smog-filled city air. In America, people would often take trains from places like New York City to the Pennsylvanian countryside for a break. It’s the same idea!
The development was meant to house sixty families in sixty single-family homes. In 1914, the housing development project failed and ended. But thanks to the work Gaudí had already completed, a public park, known as Park Güell, opened in 1926. Gaudí lived in the Park until he died in 1926. His house is now a museum and open to the public.
Design Inspiration
Nature was Gaudí’s main inspiration for the Park. Because they’re rarely found in nature, you’ll find it difficult to find any straight lines in the park.
There are many animals made from mosaic tiles throughout the Park. Even the columns in the Park follow a fluid shape and are made from natural materials.
The buildings and columns, like in the image shown, were to seemingly “blend in” with their surroundings. Don’t you think Gaudí was successful?
Gaudí’s Legacy
Gaudí’s legacy lives on in the Park (now reopened after the pandemic) and at La Sagrada Familia, his massive, still unfinished cathedral in Barcelona.
Visiting Park Güell
When visiting Barcelona, Park Güell is a must-see! Here is the most up-to-date information to help you plan your visit.
Location
Park Güell, Carmel Hill, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Hours
Tickets are available between 9 AM to 7:30 PM.
You’re free to explore the Park for as long as you like once you’re inside. However, be aware that once you leave the Park, you cannot re-enter with your ticket. So, take your time and enjoy the Park while you’re there!
Admission
- General (ages 13+): 10 euro
- Child (aged 7 to 12): 7 euro
- Child (under 7): Free
- Senior (ages 65+): 7 euro
- Disabled people: Free
- Accompanying people with disabilities: 7 euro
Getting There
Getting to Park Guell is pretty easy! When I visited, we took the local bus after a Paella cooking class. You can also get to the Park via Metro, taxi, or bus trip.* Getting to the Park via private vehicle isn’t recommended because of the lack of public parking spaces.
Metro – green line (L3), Lesseps, or Vallcarca stations
Line 3, Lesseps stop: 20-minute walk to the Park. The entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya is because of its escalator.
Line 3, Vallcara stop: 20-minute walk to the Park. The best route is to take the escalator on Baixada de la Glòria, and then go to the entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
Bus – H6, D40 lines
From the bus stop at Travessera de Dalt (H6 and D40), the walk to the Park is 10 minutes. You can access the Park from both Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntaya, with an escalator, or from Carrer Larrard.
Bus Tours – Bus Turístic and Barcelona City Tour
From both the Bus Turístic (blue line) and the Barcelona City Tour, [the route is “East”] (green color), the bus stop is “Park Güell”.
In both cases, the stop is at Avinguda de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat. The walk to the Park takes 10 minutes, and the best entrance is Carretera del Carmel through Av. Pompeu Fabra.
Taxis
Park Güell has two taxi stands located on Rambla de Mercedes and Carretera del Carmel.
*Transportation information has been adapted from Park Guell’s official website*
Health Safety Measures
- Maintaining a safe distance between others is encouraged
- Hand sanitizing stations are available around the Park
- Areas accessible to large groups continue to be monitored and restricted to a certain number of people at one time
- Learn more here.
Have I convinced you to hop on a flight to Barcelona? I hope so! Let me know in the comment section below. ✈️
Until my next adventure,
Want to read about the luxurious Spanish island of Mallorca? Check this out.
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