Park Guell in Barcelona — Antonio Gaudi’s open-air creation

Park Guell is rightfully considered one of Barcelona’s main attractions. The most famous Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi, worked on it, whose style is easily recognizable. His design has no right angles, and mosaic elements are abundantly used in the details. What is so special about this place? Let’s figure it out together.

History of the creation of Park Guell

The idea of ​​creating the park belongs to the philanthropist Eusebi Guell, after whom the green area got its name. He was inspired by English gardens, which were fashionable at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 1901, Guell acquired 15 hectares of land, where, according to his plan, in addition to the park, six dozen private lands were to be located. The site already included the Larrard House country house, where the philanthropist eventually settled. Later, the building became a municipal school.

However, the Barcelona residents did not support this idea. At that time, this area was far from the city center, had a complex landscape, and was considered unattractive for housing. Thus, only two plots were sold.

The park was created in three stages. In the first, the slopes were strengthened and landscaped. In the second, roads were paved, entrance pavilions and walls were erected. On the third, they built two houses and a colonnade. And the famous winding bench was created in the third stage, in the early 1910s.

Antoni Gaudi, who worked on the park in his signature style, purchased one of the two new houses built on his territory and lived there for two decades. In 1963, a museum dedicated to the architect was opened there. The second house belonged to his friend, the lawyer Trias i Domenech, and is still owned by his heirs.

Due to financial problems, in the 1920s, Guell’s descendants were forced to sell the park to the Barcelona City Hall. Thus, this territory became part of the city. In 1984, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is in the park

The first thing visitors see is the central entrance with two pavilions. The right building with a recognizable tower is occupied by the administration. The second house, Casa del Guarda, was intended to house the gatekeeper. Now it houses a branch of the Barcelona History Museum (Museu d’Història de Barcelona, ​​or MUHBA).

A grand staircase with fountains begins right next to the entrance, leading to the Hall of a Hundred Columns (La Sala Hipòstila). At its foot is one of the symbols of this place — a mosaic salamander (El Drac). Above the hall is the central object of Park Güell — a terrace with a long winding bench in the shape of a sea serpent, decorated with mosaics. From it, you can see the main entrance and the city panorama behind it.

All the paths on the territory are closely integrated into the mountain landscape. They are laid under the arches, between the columns, on the viaducts.

The highest point of the park is the Hill of the Three Crosses (El Turó de les Tres Creus) or Calvary. There are steps leading to it, and at the top, as the name suggests, there are three stone crosses. This place offers an incredible view of Barcelona.

Entrance tickets to Park Güell and opening hours

Entrance to Park Güell in Barcelona is paid. Tickets for adults will cost 13 euros, for children from 7 to 12 years old — 9.50 euros. Its price also includes a visit to Casa del Guarda.

The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. The last visitors are admitted at 7:30 p.m. After entering, everyone can spend as much time in the park as they need. However, if you go outside the territory, you will not be able to return with the same ticket.

How to get to the park

There are several ways to get to Park Güell. The first option is to

get off at the Lesseps metro station on line 3. The best way to get off is from Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya, where there is an escalator. It takes 20 minutes to get to the park.

You can also take buses H6 and D40. The closest stop near the park is Travessera de Dalt. From there you will have to walk about 10 minutes along Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya or Carrer Larrard.

Around the same distance from the park, on Avinguda de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat, there are tourist buses Bus Turístic (blue line) and Barcelona City Tour (green route “East”). The best way to get to the park is along Av. Pompeu Fabra. This way you can easily get to the entrance from Carretera del Carmel. 

Where to eat near Park Guell

After an active walk through Park Guell, you will probably want to eat something delicious. We have selected four locations with good reviews where you can do this:

• Terra Mia is a Mediterranean restaurant. It serves exquisite seafood and meat dishes, Spanish tapas, and excellent ice cream. In good weather, you can sit on the large summer terrace.
• Bar Restaurant Casi is a bar restaurant with a family atmosphere, where you can have a full lunch. Its menu pleases with democratic prices.
• Comida de Olla is another place specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant serves business lunches, which include main courses, desserts, and wine.
• Lluritu is a seafood restaurant, where they prefer to cook seafood over an open fire. Everything is served with a minimum or no side dish at all, so as not to interrupt the natural taste of the seafood.

Where to stay near the park

There are several hotels of different categories with excellent reviews within walking distance of the park:

• Hotel Catalonia Park Güell (3 stars). Its guests will enjoy an outdoor pool on the roof and stylish rooms. The hotel has a gastro bar, and breakfast is served in a buffet style.
• Factory Hostels Barcelona (2 stars). A hostel is located 200 meters from the park. It has its library and a terrace. Breakfast is included in the price. Rooms are designed for 6-10 guests.
• Hotel Ronda Lesseps (4 stars). Its rooms are decorated in a Mediterranean theme and are made in white and blue tones. The hotel is famous for its two beautifully landscaped internal terraces, where you can have breakfast or drink a glass of wine with exquisite snacks. 
• Hotel BESTPRICE Gràcia (1 star). The rooms of this hotel are decorated with large-scale photographs of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks. The images are placed above the headboards of the beds, giving the rooms a modern and avant-garde look. There is no restaurant here, but there is a vending machine with food and drinks.
• Catalonia Park Putxet (4 stars). An excellent hotel with a swimming pool on an open-air terrace, a gastro bar, and a gym. The comfortable rooms are designed for 1-4 guests.

Park Güell on the map

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Park Güell?

Park Güell is a garden with unique elements, designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Is entry to Park Güell free?

No, you must purchase a ticket to enter the park. Children under 7 are admitted free.

Do I need to book a visit to Park Güell in advance?

It is better to plan your visit to guarantee entry to the park.

Is it possible to eat in Park Güell?

There is no café in the park, but there is a special picnic area.

How long does it take to visit Park Güell?

For a stroll through the park, you should allow at least two hours.

Are there public toilets in Park Güell?

Yes, there are several public toilets in the park: on Carretera del Carmel, near the main entrance, on Passeig de les Palmeres near Plaça de la Natura, and near the entrance from Carrer d’Olot. Signs will show you the way.

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