9 Best Gaudi Buildings in Barcelona You Can’t Miss


Looking for the best Gaudí buildings in Barcelona to add to your itinerary? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve seen all of Gaudí’s major works up close and can honestly say they’re even more impressive in person than in the photos!
From colorful facades to curvy rooftops and unexpected details, his architecture is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
In this post, I’ll share the 9 Gaudí buildings I think are truly worth seeing, along with a map of Gaudí buildings in Barcelona to help you plan your route.
Let’s get into the list so you can decide which ones to add to your trip!
Best Gaudí Buildings in Barcelona
The works of Antoni Gaudí are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why once you experience them in person.
From world-famous landmarks to lesser-known gems, these are the best Gaudí buildings to visit in Barcelona that truly stand out.
1. La Sagrada Familia



At the top of the list of best Gaudí buildings in Barcelona has to be La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s most famous work and still under construction more than 140 years after it began.
It’s massive, detailed, and honestly one of the most incredible buildings I’ve ever seen.
I’ve been multiple times and still notice new things every visit, from small carved figures to how the sunlight moves across the stained glass.
The inside feels like a stone forest with rainbow light pouring in from every angle, and I’m constantly amazed by how much thought has gone into every single detail.
Both audio guided tours and guided tours are available but the most important thing you need to know is that tickets must be booked online ahead of time.
Head to the official Sagrada Familia website to grab your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
2. Casa Batlló



After La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló has to be my favorite Gaudí building in Barcelona, just because it’s so whimsical.
This family home was commissioned by the Batlló family and was redesigned by Gaudí in 1904, turning it into one of his most playful and imaginative works.
The house looks like something from a dream, with colorful scaled tiles, curved balconies, and a roof that resembles a dragon’s back.
And what really makes it fun is the audio guide, which is super inspiring and tells the story through the voice of the house itself.
Some Casa Batlló tickets also include augmented reality features and the Gaudí Cube, which feels like stepping inside a kaleidoscope.
3. Casa Vicens



Casa Vicens is a total hidden gem in the Gràcia neighborhood and was actually Gaudí’s first house project.
It looks completely different from his later buildings, with colorful tiles and design elements that feel more Asian or Middle Eastern.
I took an audio-guided tour and fell in love with the tilework that features little yellow flowers and teal leaves, and the whole place is full of fun details everywhere you look.
It’s also one of the quieter Gaudí sites, so you most likely won’t be shoulder to shoulder with other visitors.
Don’t miss the rooftop for a peaceful view over the neighborhood.
4. La Pedrera (Casa Milà)



La Pedrera, also called Casa Milà, isn’t as flashy as Gaudí’s other buildings, but it’s brilliant in its own way.
It’s got a wavy stone facade and is all about curves, creativity, and clever design, especially the rooftop with its sci-fi looking chimneys that are in the shape of warriors.
The building was originally an apartment complex spanning the entire block, and now a few floors of the building are open to the public.
Inside, you’ll get to see the apartment’s kitchen, bedrooms, and living spaces, along with exhibits that explain Gaudí’s methods and models.
This is the Gaudí building to visit if you’re really interested in architecture as it will help you understand just how innovative he really was.
5. Park Güell



Park Güell is one of the most famous photo spots in Barcelona, with colorful mosaic benches and panoramic views over the city.
It was originally planned as a housing development but turned into a public park instead.
The Monumental Zone is where you’ll find the most iconic Gaudí elements, like the lizard statue known as El Drac and the fairytale gatehouses.
You’ll need a ticket for that part of the park, and you’ve gotta book your tickets online on the official Park Güell website a few days ahead of time.
I recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and get better photos.
6. Torre Bellesguard



Torre Bellesguard is one of Gaudí’s lesser-known works and it’s a bit of a hidden gem just outside the city center near Tibidabo.
The name means “beautiful view” in Catalan, and it really lives up to it–you can see all the way to the sea on a clear day.
The building looks like a mix between a castle and a modernist house, which makes it feel totally different from his other projects.
My favorite part was the rooftop, which has a unique design element where the corners of the building come together to look like the face of a dragon.
Both audio-guided tours and guided tours are available to learn more about the history and architecture of Gaudí.
7. Palau Güell

Palau Güell is located just off La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter and was one of Gaudí’s earlier commissions, designed for the wealthy Count Güell.
From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but the interior is a surprise full of dramatic lighting, dark materials, and crazy chimneys on the roof.
It was built as a private mansion, and Gaudí pulled out all the stops to show off his creativity.
You can walk through the main rooms, the dome ceiling, and even peek into the family’s private chapel.
It’s one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona but usually less crowded than other Gaudí sites and a great indoor option near the city center.
8. Gaudí Crypt at Colonia Güell

The Gaudí Crypt is located in the small town of Santa Coloma de Cervelló, just outside Barcelona.
It was meant to be the start of another church project, but only the crypt was completed.
Even so, it’s packed with interesting design elements and considered a testing ground for ideas he later used in La Sagrada Familia.
One of the most magical ways to visit is by booking a Candlelight concert in the crypt, which is a totally unique way to experience the space.
You can also visit during the day, and it’s usually very peaceful and quiet.
9. Casa Calvet

Casa Calvet doesn’t scream Gaudí at first glance, but if you look closely you’ll notice some fun details hidden in the design.
This house was one of his earliest works and is more traditional, built for a textile manufacturer who wanted something impressive but not too out there.
It’s not open to the public so you can’t go inside, but it’s worth a stop from the street just to see the carved stonework and iron balconies.
And right at the bottom is D·Origen, one of my favorite coffee shops in Barcelona.
Grab a coffee, head outside, and enjoy the view of this lesser-known Gaudí building.
Antoni Gaudí Buildings in Barcelona Map
Here’s a map of all the Antoni Gaudí buildings mentioned in this post.
Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Casa Calvet are all in the Eixample neighborhood so those are easy to visit on foot.
Then I’d recommend visiting La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell as they’re a bit further out but on the same side of the city.
Torre Bellesguard and the Gaudí Crypt will take some extra planning since they’re located further outside the city center.
Tip: You can also consider taking the Barcelona Bus Turístic or the Barcelona City Tour Bus, which are hop on/hop off buses that are a great way to get around the city.
Final Thoughts: Best Antoni Gaudí Buildings to See in Barcelona
I hope this list helps you decide which Gaudí buildings to add to your Barcelona itinerary!
Whether you’re all about the big sights like La Sagrada Familia or want to track down a few hidden gems, there’s something really cool about seeing his work up close.
Each building has its own personality, and even if you only visit a few, you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation for his wild imagination.
Don’t forget to book tickets in advance for the popular ones (La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell) since they do sell out!
Enjoy your Gaudí Barcelona sightseeing!
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