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Explore Barcelona’s stunning architecture on an informative guided tour, starting with La Sagrada Familia with skip-the-line access, then discovering Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces at Park Guell and Casa Batllo.
1. La Sagrada Familia
As one of Barcelona’s iconic buildings, Sagrada Familia attracts millions of visitors every year. To properly appreciate Gaudi’s masterpiece, optimal viewing conditions must be present and planning a must if waiting lines become long. A guided tour may provide the ideal way to skip these long lines while experiencing this grand basilica at your own pace and gain entry to one of its towers for a closer view of its remarkable facade details and architecture.
At present, there are two towers available to visit with a special ticket – Passion and Nativity towers. Both offer incredible views over the city. Note that tower visits tend to be more costly, but they’re well worth your while for their epiphany-like experiences as they provide greater insight into Gaudi’s design principles.
If you can’t visit the towers, there are still excellent viewpoints from other locations where you can capture stunning photographs. Please remember that the Basilica itself is still under construction so your photographs might include cranes, netting or workers in them. Bike tours are another excellent way to enjoy this neighborhood – there are shops which rent family-friendly bikes; or take one yourself on either an organized tour or self-guided one – there’s also plenty of bars and restaurants offering delicious tapas as a refreshing break before or after visiting this unique attraction!
2. Park Guell
Carmel Hill Park designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudi is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Barcelona’s most beloved attractions, offering gardens and breathtaking architectural elements that will leave an indelible mark.
Park Guell offers free entry, but to gain entry to its monumental zone – which covers only 5% of the park and contains many iconic elements like serpentine benches – you will require a ticket. Tickets may be purchased either at the box office or online; online offers generally provide cheaper options.
Booking tickets early in the day, during less crowded periods such as morning commuter rush hours or weekends/public holidays, is best to avoid congestion and avoid delays at ticket booths.
As soon as you enter the monumental zone, two pavilions stand out: Casa del Guarda (where doormen would sleep) and Pabello de l’Aministracio (with its souvenir shop). Both structures exhibit Gaudi’s distinct modernist style.
As you explore the park’s many elements, admire its distinctive stonework resembling Dr Seuss’s landscapes and stop for lunch at Placa Reial, where several restaurants are offering traditional Catalan cuisine. After you have enjoyed a satisfying meal, head over to Camp Nou stadium to watch one of your local teams compete.
3. Casa Batllo
Gaudi fans must visit this imposing building to appreciate his signature aesthetic of wavy mask-shaped balconies and terraces that resemble dragon backs. Additionally, its exterior boasts blue, green and purple trencadis tiles which resemble Water Lilies by Impressionist Claude Monet.
Built initially as the home for the Batllo family, this building was acquired by Bernat Candy (owners of the Chupa Chups candy brand) in 1994 and transformed into a museum open for tours and experiences by the public. Decorated with period pieces to recreate what life might have been like as an apartment in Eixample during Gaudi’s lifetime, its rooms now host tours for tours and experiences in this home museum.
Visitors to Casa Batllo can tour it daily from 9 am to 8 pm from 9 am until 8 pm. Tickets begin at 29 euros for adults and are available online; you may also consider purchasing a Gold pass, which offers skip-the-line access and additional benefits.
Casa Batllo can be found at Passeig de Gracia on the main street and is easily reached from Metro stops such as Passeig de Gracia which serves three lines (purple, green and yellow). For an effortless visit without waiting in line to tour this building, book tickets here in advance to avoid long waiting lines at Casa Batllo.
4. Montserrat
Montserrat is one of Catalonia’s most stunning mountain landscapes and home to an ancient Benedictine Monk retreat, boasting religious treasures, historical landmarks, breathtaking mountain views (if weather allows!) and religious and historic treasures.
Visit Montserrat Abbey either alone or as part of a guided tour. While its Basilica is open to the public, other sacred spaces require prior arrangement with a tour guide or have specific visiting times and may require reservations with specific tour operators or have particular visiting times. Guided hikes on Montserrat Mountain are also available.
The Monastery of Montserrat features an incredible museum showcasing religious art. Caravaggio and other notable artists, as well as French impressionists Monet, Sisley, and Degas, can be found within its walls.
Most visitors take the train from Barcelona to reach Montserrat. Trains leave every half hour from Barcelona and arrive at Monistrol de Montserrat at its base. Combination tickets including rack railway/cable car tickets as well as transport back can also be purchased; these can be bought online in advance.
Book a small group tour from Barcelona that features early entry to the monastery to skip lines, cava tasting, and lunch nearby – we highly recommend Walks Tours as they provide convenient tours designed to fit into busy traveler schedules.