Must see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona

Last Updated on March 27, 2023

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I don’t think anyone will arugue with the statement that Antoni Gaudi’s work is a huge part of what makes Barcelona the wonderful city it is. Even if you don’t know much about art or different architectural styles, you will be able to recognize Gaudi’s work in no time. His style is very unique and Gaudi buildings sure stand out among all the others in Barcelona. His work contributes to the identity of the city, and many travel to Barcelona just to see some of his masterpieces like Sagrada Familia. Seven of Gaudi works built in and around the city are now UNESCO recognized.

Born in 1852 in Reus, Antoni Gaudi spent most of his life in Barcelona. He developed a style, that was very unique and until this day, it sets him apart from everyone else. Nature was his biggest inspiration, and you see its elements incorporated in a lot of his designs. The lack of straight lines, animal and nature accents are visible in many of his projects. Gaudi died tragically in 1926 from injuries suffered after getting hit by a passing tram. His unassuming appearance led people to believe he was a beggar, help was not provided right away and he died a few days later. The work he left behind had a great influence on the city and no visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing some of it.

Gaudi buildings in Barcelona to visit

Sagrada Familia

Without a doubt the most famous of Gaudi buildings, and the reason many even visit Barcelona is Sagrada Familia. This stunning, still unfinished church was his greatest project, one he devoted 43 years of his life to, with the last 12 spent working only on it. There are plans for Sagrada Familia to be finished in 2026, which would coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.

It’s not hard to see why Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited churches in the world. The exterior and its 3 façades impress with its size and incredible attention to detail. The inside, designed to resemble a forest, makes you feel incredibly small and stuns with the colorful stained glass.

Visiting Sagrada Familia is one of the top things to do in Barcelona, so making ticket arrangements ahead of time is highly encouraged. Pre-booking tickets is a must especially if you plan on visiting in peak season.

Book Sagrada Familia tickets here

Location: Carrer de Mallorca

Closest Metro stop: Sagrada Familia

Casa Batllo

Hands down my personal favorite of Gaudi buildings in Barcelona is Casa Batllo. Josep Batllo purchased the house along the busy Passeig de Gracia in 1903, but was not happy with the way it looked and planned to demolish it. In 1904 he hired Antoni Gaudi, who convinced him that such drastic measures would not be necessary and redesigning the house would do. The work was completed in 1906 and the result of that redesign is what we see now.

Casa Batllo is one of the most unique, eye catching buildings in Barcelona, which looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. The colorful façade was created using the Trencadis technique, which is making mosaic using broken pieces of ceramic or glass. The roof is, in true Gaudi fashion, quite extraordinary as well. It’s shaped like a dragon’s back, and features 4 stacks of functional, yet unusual chimneys.

Book your Casa Batllo tickets here.

Location: Passeig de Gracia 43

Closest Metro stop: Passeig de Gracia

Casa Mila ( La Pedrera )

A short walk from Casa Batllo is Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera ( the stone quarry ). It was the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudi before he shifted his focus to Sagrada Familia. Casa Mila represents a whole different style compared to what was the norm back in the day, which back in the day caused quite the controversy and was an object of ridicule. These days, it’s one of the most admired and visited buildings in Barcelona.

Casa Mila might be less colorful than some of other Gaudi creations, but it makes up for it with stunning design. It’s the classic example of Gaudi’s inspiration with nature, as not a single straight line can be found in the house. The wavy façade, the roof terrace with spectacular chimneys and amazing view of the city make Casa Mila one of one the must see buildings in Barcelona.

Even though I was able to get a ticket on the spot during my Barcelona trip in November, pre-booking is highly recommended if you are visiting in the summer.

Book your Casa Mila tickets here

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92

Closest Metro stop: Diagonal

Park Güell

Gaudi’s plan for the 45-acre park was to build 60 houses in a private gated community away from the noise of the city. Due to the lack of interest, only two buildings were built, the project failed and the area became a public park in 1926. Despite that, Park Güell remains one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona.

Just like you would expect from Gaudi, this is not just a regular park. Park Güell is definitely unique and has quite an enchanting vibe to it. The inspiration he drew from nature can be seen everywhere, from animal accents to columns resembling tree trunks. The park itself is free to visit, but there is a charge to access the Monumental Zone, which is the most popular part of Park Güell. The serpentine mosaic tile bench is located inside the area, which is the ultimate spot for the classic view, one that can be seen on every single post card from Barcelona.

Park Güell is located bit outside of the city center, but easily reachable by public transportation. There are two subway stops you can use, but no matter which one you choose be prepared for a 15 min walk ( quite hilly at times ) until you reach one of the park’s entrances.

Book your skip-the-line Park Güell ticket here.

Location: Carrer de Larrard

Closest Metro stop: Lesseps or Vallcarca

Casa Vicens

In the Gracia neighborhood, you will find Casa Vicens, the first house designed by a young, still unknown Gaudi. Built between 1883-1885 as a summer home for the Vicens family, the newly restored house is now open to visitors as a museum. Casa Vicens is great choice if you want to visit one of Gaudi buildings without the huge crowds. It’s located off the main tourist route, so it’s definitely not as popular as Sagrada Familia or Casa Batllo.

Casa Vicens is one of the first buildings of Art Nouveau style. It’s very unique, colorful and eye catching with the apparent Moorish and Oriental influences.

Location: Carrer de les Carolines 20-26

Closest Metro stop: Fontana

Casa Calvet

Casa Calvet is often overlooked in favor of the more known Gaudi buildings like Casa Batllo or La Pedrera. Built between 1898-1900 for a textile manufacturer Pere Màrtir Calvet, it’s without a doubt the least extravagant of Gaudi works. This could be a reason, that many people don’t even realize, the famous Catalan architect is the one behind the design. As a residential building, it’s not open to visitors, and can only be admired from the outside.

Location: Carrer de Casp 48 / closest Metro stop: Urquinaona

Lamp posts at Plaza Reial and Plaza del Palau

Although technically not a building, these lamp posts are worth mentioning, as they are the first work done by Gaudi. A recent graduate Antoni Gaudi was commissioned by City of Barcelona to design new lampposts for Plaza Reial. He presented two designs : one with 6 arms, the other with 3. The two lamp posts can still be seen in Plaza Reial, and many people don’t realize this is the first official work done by the genius architect.

Location: Plaza Reial

Closest Metro stop: Liceu

Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella

Cascada, a triumphal arch with a waterfall and fountain is a prominent feature of the most central park in Barcelona: Parc de la Ciutadella. The massive fountain is said to be inspired by the Trevi fountain in Rome. Behind the design was Josep Fontsere and the work was done with the help of a young and enthusiastic assistant Antoni Gaudi.

Location: Passeig de Picasso 21

Closest Metro stop: Jaume I

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READ NEXT:

• Barcelona tips – know before you go.
• Barcelona in November – what’s it like to visit off season
• The complete guide to visiting Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

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