Parc Güell, Gràcia, Barcelona

Any visit to Barcelona would undoubtedly not be complete without a trip to Gaudi’s park Guell. With his art literally everywhere; beneath your feet, on the walls, on the statues, its hard not to be taken in by the culture. At busy times in the crippling heat however it can taint what is supposed to be a very pleasant experience, so try to go when it is cooler and less busy. Also, the constant presence of lots of local people wanting to sell you things can get irritating, but a firm 'NO’ normally does it. Also as with any major tourist destination in Barcelona, watch out for pickpockets and scammers.

Beautiful, extraordinary, park as if from fairy-tale. Gaudi’s art and vision of the world created this amazing place. You can enjoy, explore, and also get some wonderful views over Barcelona. A picture with a giant lizard is a must :)

I totally want to go back here again one day it was beautiful. It is a park designed by Antoni Gaudi who was an architect and loads of his work features in and around Barcelona. It is very Gothic looking and features loads of nmosaic work from the fountain in the centre to the bench on the higher level which stretches for ages and is shaped like a snake. It is massive and every piece of mosaic was laid by hand. Truly amazing. Directly under the part with the bench is another bit with loads of pillars and they are just gorgeous. Within the park are little houses where Gaudi lived. The view from the snake seat is fantastic and I could have sat there all day taking it all in.
There are many walks through the park taking in loads of different views and scenery. It is so peaceful and lovely on a warm day

Amazing example of Gaudi architecture in a beautiful park. Worth spending a day there to explore the park and take lots of photos of the structures. The salamander is always crowded but worth getting close to! Also worth the walk is a climb to the top of the park. From there you can experience amazing views over Barcelona, including viewing another famouse Gaudi creation, La Sagrada Familia. Bring a picnic and have a relaxing day at the park.

This park is a must see and was the second place on my 'to do’ list on our holiday in Barcelona this August.
We got to the park on the local bus which we caught right outside our hotel (Tryp Apolo), we didnt use the 'sightseeing’ buses.

We had looked at the metro and bus but i had read the walk from the nearest metro is quite steep uphill and the bus drops you right outside. It took about 40 minutes to reach the park from where we got on but the journey was all part of the fun, it was like being on the sightseeing bus but without the expense as the fare was the standard 1 trip rate which i think was 1 euro 30. There was a lovely spanish lady who pointed out things along the way and with our guide book we were able to spot lots of interesting Gaudi works along the route.

The park itself is absolutely amazing. Its huge and full of the most beautiful Gaudi work. the double staircase is stunning with the mosaic lizard but is alwasy busy so not easy to get a decent photo, you have to wait a long time if you want a perfect shot. The seat area that ripples above the staircase is wonderful to sit at and just take in the view, which are some of the best in Barcelona. Again its busy but we did get some photos of just us which was lovely.

There are lots of lovely walkways where you can find peace and quiet and with the musicians tinkling in the background it makes for a really relaxing stroll in the Barcelona heat.

The park itself is free apart from the museum, we didnt go in there as the queue was big and it was the park we had wanted to see anyway. There is a gift shop but its small and cramped, the building its house in however is very pretty, the two gatehouses are like gingerbread houses, i could see Hansel and Gretel being very happy there!

There is a cafe selling a good selection of fresh produce hot and cold and soft and alcoholic drinks and ice creams all at fairly reasonable prices considering the location.
There are a few little stalls dotted about where you can pick up a few trinkets and souvenirs also.

I dont want to tell you too much and spoil your visit, words couldnt really do it justice anyway, make a trip, its well worth it!

A great park and a real must see when in Barcelona. There are amazing views from the lovely zigzag seats which have great Gaudi mosaics on them. When arriving at the park be ready for a big hill, some of the hills leading to the park even have escalators on them they are that steep. The lizard is even better in real life than the photos and see if you can find the caves that make you feel like you are in the Flintstones

I’ve lived just outside Barcelona for the last two years, although am alas back living in England. I’ve therefore been to Parc Guell a number of times and I can say that it is a truly remarkable place. It is however far better off-season as it gets very very busy and a lot of tour groups go there and sadly spoil the peace, tranquillity and magic that Gaudi worked so hard to achieve. If you’re lucky you will see Gaudi’s lovely lizard at the gates (although quite often it hasto be repaired because tourists sit on it to have their pictures taken and break off huge chunks). Make sure you spend awhile there as it took me about four visits to see everything and you will always find some new delight every time you go.

One word of warning though - the cafe there takes advantage of being the only place to sell food nearby and it is therefore incredibly expensive, even for tourist prices.

Just wanted to agree with other reviews - this really is a must when in barcelona, make sure you allot the whole day and take your time to stroll and stop for a coffee, etc…

Must-see tourist attraction - you could easily spend a full day here wandering round admiring the (lunacy of the ) design/architecture.

Breath taking views of the city from here as well.

Loving all things Gaudi this is a must see. And even if you’re not a big fan this place is unique and inventive and unlike anything else you’ll ever see.

Visited in April last year on a short stay in Barcelona. So much to see in the city, but this is a must. Crazy artistic designed buildingd by the famous Gaudi are the main draw, with statuettes and grottos all around the parc to capture your interest. Superb views from the higher terraces and small refuges to sit and watch the world go by. Would suggest a few hours needed to properly explore the area.

This is a stunning place, one of the most unique man made places on earth, and it is definitely the best place to view the whole of Barcelona from. The unusual landscaping of the place seems somewhat Flintstones in inspiration at first, but when you hit the ceramic mosaics it becomes another and entirely new world altogether.

It is rather crowded and be prepared to queue for a long time for the toilet, or if you would like your picture taken in front of the lizard. I wouldnt bother going in the gift shop as it is over priced and too crowded to squeeze up and down the narrow stairs.

You should get to this place by the underground rather than bus as it is much quicker.

A great place to visit. Take a bus to the parc. It provides great views back across the city towards the sea. Be careful of the pick pockets!

Such a nice place! You are inspired only if you watch. It’s a very quiet place. If you are in Barca - don’t miss this out! Worth seeing.

Facts:
It is (park) named after Gaudi’s great patron, Count Eusebi Guell. Although intially planned as a residential garden city in the English style (hence the name “Park”), the initiative was unsuccessful and only one showhouse was built, like the one which was Gaudi’s home and today houses the museum devoted to the architect. Finally, Guell donated the park to the Municipal Council in 1923 and since then it has belonged to the municipality and been a unique publick park enjoying a prime location. Nowhere else so successfully integrates Gaudi’s work into nature: his main source of inspiration.

This should definitely be on your 'must do’ list, for any length stay. A fine piece of Gaudi architecture, the park is littered with a host of photo opportunities. I would suggest that you don’t go in the baking heat of the midday sun, as there is a fair bit of walking to be done, most of which is up hill.

This is an experience you cannot miss if visiting the city. The only downfall is the steep hill, but if you take the tour buses, you can get dropped off there and picked up at a scheduled time. A great viewing place, where you can overlook the city. Amazing. If interested in Gaudi and art you must see this as this was one of his best.

Another must see in Barcelona, up a steep hill, but well worth it.
The entrance is stunning, fantastic steps, with a lizard/gekko feature, and super 'lodges’ in the bizzare Gaudi style.
One of the highlights are the world famous mosaic benches with great views over the city, although there are usually people on the benches, which makes it difficult to see them
fully.
There’s a pleasant park next door, and in the garden is a very welcome outdoor cafe, with coffee, snacks and beer.

This was a truly awesome experience the views over the city were amazing. The only problem seemed to be a school trip there and the place was moving with screaming kids. Guadi designed some amazing buildings and all and this is the pinnacle of it all.

Para mi el parque mas bonito de Barcelona.
La subida para llegar, que se hace pesada sobre todo en verano, queda minimizada una vez has llegado y empiezas a descubrir todos los encantos con ese toque de Gaudí, combinando naturaleza, arte y arquitectura.

Sin duda uno de los lugares imprescindibles en Barcelona.

Our apartment was situated close by the nearest stop to Parc Guell, although from here (Lesseps) it a bit of a trek. With the heating biting down on the steep hill up to the parc be prepared to endure the journey, although it’s a fantastic form of exercise if you ask me. The route through the upper reaches of Barcelona are clearly marked out (just follow the 'throng’ of people anyway) and at stages there are outdoor escalators to carry a little of your weight for you (what a great idea).
You’ll soon see the entrance to the park itself following which there is another good walk to the summit (you can climb on a rock with a cross should you wish to take in the photo opportunity).
Whilst you’re walking up you’ll see the vast open vista presenting fantastic views over the city of Barcelona – pretty much all the landmarks are there to be picked out right down to the ocean.
Below this is the main area of Parc Guell – the bits that are on all the photographs. This is the most obvious to fans of Gaudi and once again offer great views over the city. The seating and architecture is akin to something off an episode of Star Trek (all generations). Rock formations appear to be natural but it soon becomes clear they are the work of Gaudi and mind bits. There is a café and seating area (thankfully covered via umbrellas’ – you really are open to the sun up here) and then underneath the main area a columnated, covered square which cascades (via gloriously tiled furniture and steps to the main entrance and Gaudi shop and museum.
If you’re in Barcelona I’d put this visit down as essential. As far as parks go this is other worldy and beautiful, bizarre and a whole load of fun.

Parc Güell is one of my favourite parks in Barcelona - it’s particularly fantastic as you never quite know what you’re going to find around the next corner. It’s pretty high up which means some brilliant views over the city, though in hot weather some of the endless steps can seem daunting!

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city.

Well worth a visit if you’re out and about in Barca. It’s very up hill and down dale as I recall, hot and dry, but with fantastic views over the city, and of course a lot of Gaudi tiling. The bench (longest in the world?) is quite a sight, and is particularly nice if you’ve seen l’Auberge Espagnole - yes it’s the same one!

What many regard as the most enjoyable and successful of Antoni Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, Parc Güell was actually born of failure: the work was commissioned by the Catalan shipping magnate Don Eusebio Güell as part of a garden city on the English model. The location, high above the city, was designed so that its wealthy residents could enjoy the fresh air and clear skies away from the pollution lower down.

Most of what we now think of as the park - the heavily architectural elements - were intended as public facilities, all designed in Gaudi’s trademark naturalistic and fantastic style, with many pieces being decorated in bright, irregularly-shaped traditional mosaic called trencadis.

Gaudi began work in 1900, but of the intended 60 houses, only two were ever built. Having failed to sell them, Gaudí moved into one of them and lived there from 1906 until 1926. It now houses a museum about the park.

The park is entered between two fantastical pavilions, which look like something out a fairy story (Hansel and Gretel springs to mind). The route then continues up two curving staircases bisected by fountains and the famous mosaic lizard (surely one of the most photographed sights in the city), before reaching the equally famous Hall of a Hundred Columns (actually, there are 86). At this point, look up - the ceiling consists of a series of shallow domes, with huge medallion-like bosses in between, all decorated in more mosaic, designed by Josep Maria Jujol, who collaborated with Gaudí on a number of projects over a 23-year partnership. The Hall was intended to be the covered market area of the new development.

More stairs take you on to the top of the Hall, to another of the famous landmarks: the terrace, with its long, sinuous bench, decorated with yet more mosaic. It is said the indentations in the seat of the bench were moulded by the builders’ buttocks, sitting in the soft concrete. If so, it certainly works! The terrace offers fabulous views over Barcelona - if you can peer through the crowds. It is also used as a performance space and for other public events.

The park behind consists of a series of roads and terraces, which have viaducts and overhangs displaying yet more Gaudi trademarks - leaning columns, columns imitating the palms above them, curving spaces and rough, sculptured surfaces. These were actually intended as sheltered walkways for pedestrians, and to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic - a modern innovation for its time.

Work finished on the park in 1914 and, having remained undeveloped, it was acquired by the city in 1918, and opened to the public in 1923 as a park. The park became part of a world heritage site in 1984 alongside the Palacio Güell and Casa Mila, and in 2005 were incorporated into a larger group entitled the ‘Works of Antoni Gaudí’ including the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló.

Practicalities

The park contains a cafe as well as the museum, but be warned: the site itself is up a very steep hill, and abounds with steps. Wheelchair access is possible to most of the park, but the slopes can be steep and it involves some lengthy diversions.

The nearest metro station is ‘Lesseps’ on line 3 (green line) (Direction: Canyelles).

Entry to the park is free, but there is a charge to enter the museum.

Very nice, calm place worth visiting.

the best time we spend there!!!

I added photos of the stone columns. As the other reviewers have said, the architecture is stunning in its simplicity.

If you visit Barcelona, this place should be on your list.

It’s the BEST park I have even been to and also the reason why I booked a trip to Barcelona.
It’s just awesome. I love Gaudi’s work, it’s just WEIRD, ORIGINAL, MODERN.
The park is a bit far from the center. It takes a bit more than an hour to walk there from Plaza Catalunya but if you walk you can have the chance to see other art works from Gaudi: Casa Batllo, Casa Mila. You can also see La Sagrada Familia (cathedral).

The Parc Guell is the most amazing place I have ever been to.
As Sabrinachi said in the other review here Gaudi combines his architectural knowledge with his love for nature more than any other place. I went there with my daughter and we both could not stop wondering how they did it. You think its just stone - but it is alive everyt twist and turn must have been calculated to perfection. If you are in Barcelona or anywhere near dont miss out on this fantanstic - in the very sence of the word - park.

By visitint the musical Gaui I heard first time about these great artist. In the year 2004 I visited barcelona and i was able to see the artworks of Gaudi.. At many places in Barcelona you can find elements of Gaudi, but the park Guell already is somewhat quite particular. It perfectly brings nature and architecture in perfect harmony. I think only Gaudi can do so.
A highlight is also at the snake-shaped bank on the roof. Students of gaudi had created parts of it.
Pictures says more than words, so i addes some for you….