No city in the world looks like Barcelona, and that’s thanks to one man—Antoni Gaudi. His spectacular creations make the largest city of Catalonia one of the most visually striking cities on Earth. Four of the ten most popular tourist attractions in the city are his designs. Seven works of Antoni Gaudi are today UNESCO World Heritage Sites, proving his outstanding influence on modern architecture. Our guide features nine of the most beautiful Gaudi buildings in Barcelona that you absolutely must visit during your stay in this magnificent city.
What makes his designs so special?
Gaudi didn’t just design buildings—he brought them to life. His structures don’t follow straight lines. Instead, they have wavy walls, twisting columns, and colourful mosaics, inspired by nature and religion. They feature organic curves, bright colours, and intricate details. No two of his buildings look the same. Each is wildly different but always filled with imagination.
Antoni’s work combines traditional Catalan influences with modern technology, creating a unique style which no one could imitate. His ideas were so ahead of his time that they have continued to influence architects worldwide.
Where can you see the works of Antoni Gaudi?
Gaudi spent most of his life in Barcelona, leaving behind the largest collection of his work in the world. You can find his stunning designs in many parts of the city, from the Park Guell’s landscape to the Sagrada Familia’s towering spires.
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9 Must-see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona
Gaudi buildings in Barcelona go far beyond the Sagrada Familia. In this guide, we will show you the best works of Antoni Gaudi you cannot miss when exploring Barcelona.
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1. Casa Vicens
Begin your day by exploring Casa Vicens, hidden in the quiet Gràcia neighbourhood. Built between 1883 and 1885, this eye-catching house was his first major project and a place where his distinct style began to take shape. The bold use of colour, red bricks, exotic shapes, and ceramic tiles set the stage for his future masterpieces. Though over 140 years old, it only opened to the public in 2017 as a tourist attraction.
INSPIRED BY THE EAST
Casa Vicens was designed for a wealthy ceramic factory owner, and the building reflects his trade. Vibrant ceramic tiles inside and out, and floral patterns cover the facade, celebrating the client’s heritage and the architect’s love of nature. This house belongs to the architect’s Orientalist period, inspired by Moorish and Islamic designs. Narrow windows, horseshoe arches, and geometric patterns give it an exotic, almost fairytale-like look. The influence of nature is everywhere—look for floral patterns on walls and ceilings.
Casa Vicens is one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in the world. It’s also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list, proving its importance in architectural history. Visiting it lets you see the starting point of an artistic revolution.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES: 9:30 AM – 8 PM (April–October) / 9:30 AM – 6 PM (low season)
- ENTRANCE FEES (as of March 2025): €20 (adults), €18 (students & seniors), free for children under 11
- LAST ENTRY: 1 hour 15 minutes before closing
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2. Casa Mila
Have you ever seen a house that looks like a living sculpture?
Imagine living in a house with no straight walls, flowing like a wave and inspired by the irregularities of the natural world. That’s Casa Mila, one of the most visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. Designed between 1906 and 1912, this was the last private home Gaudí built before focusing on La Sagrada Familia.
This unusual corner building with flowing shapes was meant to be a private residence and an apartment complex. During its construction, many people didn’t know what to think. Some admired its creativity and organic design, while others thought it looked too strange. With no straight walls, a wavy stone facade, and unusual iron balconies, it was unlike anything they had ever seen. Some loved it. Others called it ‘La Pedrera,’ the stone quarry, as an insult.
Casa Mila’s curved stone facade, twisting iron balconies, and wavy structure make it one of the most striking landmarks in Barcelona. This UNESCO-listed masterpiece, which once divided the city, is one of Spain’s most famous landmarks.
ABOUT CASA MILA
Gaudí wanted to bring nature into architecture, and he achieved that with every detail. His love for nature is everywhere in this building. The flowing stonework mimics waves. The twisted iron balconies look like vines. Inside, the attic is just as beautiful, filled with soft curves and natural light. The Gaudí Museum on the top floor offers fascinating insights into this visionary architect,
One of the highlights of Casa Mila is its spectacular rooftop. It features chimneys shaped like helmeted soldiers, stairwells with smooth curves, and breathtaking views of the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Casa Mila is one of the busiest attractions in the city. Expect long queues, especially in summer. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
- OPENING TIMES (Summer 2025): 9 AM – 8:30 PM
- OPENING TIMES (Winter 2025-2026): 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- NIGHT TOURS: Available from 8:40 PM – 10:20 PM in summer and 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM in winter
- ENTRANCE FEE (As of March 2025): ) Tickets start at €29 for adults, €19 for seniors, and €12.50 for juniors (12-17).
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If you want a magical experience, book a night tour and see Casa Mila under the stars.
3. Casa Batllo
A short walk from La Pedrera leads to Casa Batllo, which sits proudly on Passeig de Gràcia. Did you know that Gaudí didn’t build this famous house from scratch? He redesigned an existing ordinary building into a spectacular work of art in 1904. His talented assistants helped bring his vision to life.
AN EXPLOSION OF COLOUR AND IMAGINATION
Casa Batllo is a UNESCO-listed site and one of Gaudí’s most imaginative works. There are hardly any straight lines in this building. The architect used broken ceramic tiles to decorate the facade, creating a shimmering mosaic of blues, greens, and oranges. The irregular windows and sculpted stonework add to the building’s fluid, almost underwater appearance. The balconies resemble skulls, while the columns look like bones, giving Casa Batllo its nickname the ‘House of Bones.’
The noble floor, with over 700 square meters of space, is one of the highlights of the visit. A private entrance leads to a room with tortoise-shell skylights and vaulted walls. Every detail reflects Gaudí’s love of organic shapes. The view of the blue-tiled inner courtyard is also breathtaking.
DON’T FORGET THE ROOF
The roof terrace is one of the most photographed parts of the house. It features four chimney stacks and an arched structure that looks like a dragon’s spine. The four chimneys are not just decorative; they were designed to improve ventilation. Some say Gaudí was inspired by the legend of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, slaying the dragon.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES: Casa Batllo is open daily from 8:30 AM to 10 PM. The last admission is at 9 PM during the peak season and 6.30 PM during the low season. Expect long lines, so book your ticket in advance. Visit early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- ENTRY FEE: As of March 2025, the cheapest general entry ticket starts at €29 for adults. Kids under 12 get in for free.
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4. La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is one of the greatest Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. This Roman Catholic basilica, dedicated to the Holy Family, is Gaudí’s most ambitious work. It is also the most visited monument in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite being under construction for over 140 years, it remains the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world.
A DESIGN LIKE NO OTHER
The basilica blends Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in a way that no other church in the world does. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and detailed carvings are full of religious meaning and natural inspiration. Antoni designed it to look like a living organism—organic, flowing, and full of life. The façade tells stories from the Bible, the columns inside mimic tree trunks, and the stained glass fills the space with beautiful colours.
AN UNFINISHED VISION
Did you know Gaudí was not the original architect? Construction began in 1882 under Francisco de Paula del Villar. Gaudí took over in 1883 and dedicated the rest of his life (43 years) to it. By the time he died in 1926, less than a quarter of the basilica was complete. Construction still follows his original plans with completion set for 2026—100 years after his death.
When finished, La Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church in the world and can accommodate 10,000 people inside.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Book your tickets in advance – they sell out fast.
- Want to see the towers? You’ll need a separate ticket for tower access (these tickets sell out quickly, as the capacity is limited).
- Don’t miss Gaudí’s tomb and the museum outside the church. The audio guide makes the experience even richer.
- ADMISSION FEE: As of March 2025, prices start at €26 per adult, and tower access from €36.
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5. Palau Güell
Before creating La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, Gaudí designed Palau Güell, a royal-like mansion in the heart of Barcelona. Tucked away in the El Raval neighbourhood, just a few meters from La Rambla, this Neo-Gothic masterpiece was Gaudí’s first major project in the city centre.
The Neo-Gothic palace, built between 1886 and 1888, was once a luxurious home of his patron, Eusebi Güell. Despite being located near one of the city’s most famous streets, this UNESCO-listed building remains one of the least-visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.
This building with arched iron gates was where Gaudí first experimented with ideas that later defined his career. Gaudí combined stone, iron, wood, and ceramics to create a one-of-a-kind space.
At first glance, Palau Güell’s plain stone façade might not grab your attention. But step inside, and Palau Güell hides a stunning interior, extravagant design, and ornate motifs. Gaudí’s unique style shines through every corner, blending Gothic elegance with artistic innovation. The central hall acts as a giant light source, while the roof terrace showcases bizarre chimneys that seem like sculptures.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- OPENING TIMES: 10 AM – 8 PM (Apr-Sep) | 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Oct-Mar)
- Closed on Mondays (except holidays), Dec 25-26, Jan 1 & 6
- ADMISSION FEE (As of March 2025): €12 (adults), €9 (students), €5 (12–18), free (under 11)
- FREE ENTRY: First Sunday of each month, plus special holidays like Santa Eulàlia (February 12 ), Sant Jordi (April 23), the Long Night of Museums, National Day of Catalonia (September 11), La Mercè (September 24), and others.
6. Park Guell
Park Güell is unlike any other park. You won’t find ordinary buildings here—only dreamy structures that look like they belong in a fairytale. The gingerbread-like houses, twisting columns, and colourful mosaics with creative design create an otherworldly experience. Located on the edge of El Carmel Hill in the Gràcia district, this unusual park with a creative design, is one of the top attractions in Barcelona.
What makes this place so special? Everything here feels alive. The bright mosaics, curved lines, and organic shapes blend perfectly with nature. The paths and columns feel organic like they grew from the earth itself. The park’s layout isn’t just for a show – it’s genius engineering. The sloped paths and hidden drainage systems help control rainwater, making it a functional masterpiece.
A wave-like bench, made of colourful mosaics, wraps around the main terrace, offering breathtaking views of Barcelona. Below, the grand colonnade looks like something out of ancient Greece, yet its design is completely unique.
THE PARK THAT ALMOST NEVER WAS
Believe it or not, this park was originally meant to be a private neighbourhood. Gaudi’s patron, Güell commissioned the design to the renowned Catalan architect Antoni. The original idea was a housing project for well-off families, a place where they could live in harmony with nature. Its location was unbeatable, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the city. However, the plan of ‘living inside a work of art’ failed. Instead, this site has become one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
Construction started in 1900 and lasted 14 years. An insufficient transport system, a lack of buyers, and the highly exclusive character of the development led to the works being abandoned. Until then, only two of the sixty houses were built. Park Guell became a large garden which was officially opened to the public in 1926.
Inside the park, you’ll find a museum, which was once home to a famous architect. Strangely enough, the house itself is not his design. And if you’re wondering, the entry ticket to the park does not include the museum—you’ll need to buy a separate ticket.
At the entrance, you’ll meet one of Barcelona’s most famous residents—a colourful mosaic dragon. Along with La Sagrada Familia, this dragon is a symbol of the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Most of the park is free, but the Monumental Zone—where all the famous structures are—requires a ticket. Buy online to skip the long queues.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Bus 24 stops at the entrance. The metro (Lesseps or Vallcarca) gets you close but requires a 20-minute walk. Be ready for a steep climb (the last 200 m).
- ADMISSION FEE (As of March 2025): Tickets for the Monumental Zone cost €18 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
WANT TO VISIT FOR FREE?
Free entry is available on certain Sundays and holidays: April 23rd (Sant Jordi), May 18th, and September 24th (La Mercè). Don’t forget, spots are limited—so arrive early! Apart from that, there are certain times when you can explore the Monumental Zone for free:
- November-March: Get a free ticket from the box office on the first Sunday of every month (on a first-come, first-served basis).
- April-October: Visit for free every Sunday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
TIP:
Alternatively, try to come before 9 AM or after 8 PM, when ticket controls are more relaxed. From 7 AM to 9:30 AM and from 8 PM to 10:00 PM, the nearby residents and Gaudir Més members can access the park for free. However, nobody controls entry to the Monumental Zone.
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7. Casa Calvet
Casa Calvet is not the usual fantasy-like creation most people associate with Barcelona’s most famous architect. Unlike his more experimental designs, this one, located in the Eixample district, follows a more traditional approach. Built between 1898 and 1900 for a textile industrialist, Casa Calvet is one of the architect’s most conventional designs. It has a curved façade, symmetrical structure, and balanced design—features that are quite rare in his work.
At first glance, it looks symmetrical and orderly, but closer inspection reveals playful details. The curved façade, ornamental iron balconies, and even mushrooms carved into the stone give it character. These mushrooms reference the owner’s passion for fungi, showing how the architect personalized every detail. Casa Calvet won the Building of the Year award in 1900, proving its importance. Though private property, it remains a significant piece of the city’s architectural history.
8. Teresian College
Teresian College is a Gothic-inspired masterpiece built for a religious order with a limited budget. The project started under a different architect, but when passed on in 1889, the final result became something special. Teresian College is another early work of Gaudi. Despite financial limitations, the building with a rectangular ground plan features rich symbolism, medieval-style towers, and intricate brickwork. The tall, narrow windows add a vertical feel, and the play of light and shadow gives the building depth and mystery. Though the school remains private, its unique design makes it worth seeing from the outside.
9. Torre Bellesguard
Torre Bellesguard is one of the most fascinating works of Antoni Gaudi. Built on the site of a 15th-century royal residence, this beautiful structure carries the legacy of Catalonia’s past. The site was once home to a castle belonging to King Martin of Aragon, and this influence is clear in the stone façade and pointed tower. The ruins of the original structure inspired Antoni’s new design, creating a fusion of medieval and modernist styles. The Catalan architect rebuilt this manor house, which feels like a mix of fairy-tale and fortress, between 1900 and 1909.
SYMBOLS OF CATALONIA
Unlike many other works, this one has sharper, straight lines, visible in the walls and parapets. The stone façade blends into its surroundings, while the dragon-tail roof and mosaic details add a touch of fantasy. The most eye-catching detail is the tower, topped with a cross decorated in the red and yellow of the Catalan flag. Below it, a crown-shaped ornament reminds us of the site’s royal connections. Though it’s one of the less famous Gaudi buildings, it’s just as fascinating as the larger landmarks in Barcelona.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Though private, parts of Torre Bellesguard are open to visitors. General tickets cost 12 euros, with discounts for seniors and young visitors. As of March 2025, guided tours require booking and cost 20 euros for adults. The site is open daily except Mondays from 10 AM to 3 PM (the last entry at 2 PM).
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Now you know what the best Gaudi buildings to visit in Barcelona are!
More works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
But what if we told you that some of the most fascinating works by this legendary architect are the ones nobody talks about? While the world admires La Sagrada Família and the striking residences like Casa Mila or Casa Batllo, other Antoni’s lesser-known works hide in plain sight- overlooked, yet just as remarkable.
10. Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella
In the heart of the famous Parc de la Ciutadella stands a grand fountain with golden horses and mythical creatures. This monumental cascade may remind you of Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Few know that a young architecture student played a role in its creation. While the design belongs to Josep Fontserè, a young visionary Antoni worked behind the scenes to create its hydraulic system and water tank. This small but essential role marked the beginning of a legendary career.
11. Street Lamps in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau
Tucked away in two of the city’s squares, these elegant street lamps are often ignored by everyone. Elegant yet unnoticed, the street lamps in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau hold a special place in history. They were the architect’s first assignment from the city council—an opportunity to prove his skill. With marble bases, cast-iron structures, and intricate snake crowns holding lanterns, they symbolize the modernist future of the city. The city’s coat of arms sits proudly in the centre of their columns, revealing early signs of his signature attention to detail.
12. Pedrera Street tiles
Did you know that Barcelona has a different tile style for each part of the city? Unlike other streets, the Passeig de Gràcia boulevard leading to two iconic residences features something different beneath your feet. The pavement here carries intricate designs of sea creatures and swirling botanical patterns. The intricate hexagonal tiles that cover the boulevard were once created exclusively for Casa Mila’s residence. Today, they serve as a reminder of an architect’s impact on an entire city.
TIP:
To truly experience the evolution of Antoni’s style, visit at least three Gaudí buildings in Barcelona.
Now you know what the best works of Antoni Gaudi are!
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Last updated: 12/03/2025