How to Visit Park Güell: Tickets, Tips, & Best Time to Go

ByAllison Sicking Last Updated on
How to Visit Park Guell Barcelona
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Planning a trip to Barcelona and wondering how to visit Park Güell? You’re in the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve visited this iconic park many times and know how tricky it can be to plan your visit.

Since tickets must be booked in advance, many travelers miss out simply because they didn’t plan ahead.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Park Güell, from how to get tickets to the best times to go and where to find the best photo spots.

I’ll also share practical tips on what to expect and how to get there. Keep reading to make the most of your visit to this famous park in Barcelona!

Brief History of Park Güell

Park Güell (pronounced “Park Gway”) was designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914 as part of an ambitious residential project.

Commissioned by Eusebi Güell, the plan was to create a luxury housing development inspired by nature and organic architecture.

However, due to a lack of buyers, the project was abandoned, and the land was later converted into a public park in 1926.

Today, Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Gaudí’s signature colorful mosaics, curved structures, and innovative design.

The stone viaducts at Park Guell Barcelona

Park Güell Tickets

Now, let’s review the ticket situation at Park Güell Barcelona.

Do You Need to Buy Park Güell Tickets in Advance?

Probably the biggest thing you need to know about visiting Park Güell is that tickets must be booked in advance.

The park has a timed entry system and limits the number of visitors per time slot, so if you show up without a ticket, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to get in.

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to purchase your tickets online ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.

I’d recommend booking them at least 2-3 days in advance, but during the summer months or holidays, it’s best to book them even earlier.

Colorful mosaic benches at Park Guell with palm trees in the background

Park Güell Ticket Prices & Types

There are 3 main types of tickets available at Park Güell:

Park Güell Visit

The general admission ticket costs €18 and grants access to the Monumental Zone, where you’ll find Gaudí’s most famous architectural features, as well as the park’s scenic green areas.

It’s the best option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace without a guided tour.

Park Güell Guided Tour

The guided tour ticket costs €35 and includes a Park Güell tour in Catalan, Spanish, English, or French, with a maximum of 25 people per group.

A knowledgeable guide will provide deeper insights into Gaudí’s design, the park’s history, and hidden details that you might otherwise miss.

Park Güell Visit with Gaudi House Museum

The combined ticket costs €24 and includes general admission to Park Güell along with access to the Gaudí House Museum, where the architect lived for nearly 20 years.

It’s a great choice for those who want to learn more about Gaudí’s life and see original furniture and objects designed by him.

Where to Buy Park Güell Tickets

The best place to buy Park Güell tickets is through the official Park Güell website, as it offers the lowest prices with no extra fees.

However, if tickets to Park Güell are sold out for your preferred time slot, you can also check GetYourGuide, which sometimes has availability even when the official site does not.

➞ Book Park Güell tickets on the official website here
Whimsical houses at Park Guell with the city of Barcelona in the background

Park Güell Guided Tours

Guided tours of Park Güell are available if you are interested in upgrading your experience.

Are Guided Tours Worth It?

I think Park Güell is pretty easy to visit on your own but if you want to learn more about Gaudí’s vision, design techniques, and hidden details, a guided tour is a great way to enhance your visit.

Tours provide historical insights and skip-the-line access, making the experience smoother and more informative.

Many tours also combine Park Güell with Sagrada Familia, saving you time and effort, and the transportation hassle when visiting two of Barcelona’s top attractions.

Best Park Güell Tours to Book

Here are some of the best Park Güell guided tours to consider:

A view of the exterior of Sagrada Familia basilica with a small pond in front of it

Park Güell Location & Entrances

Park Güell is located on Carmel Hill in the Gràcia district, slightly outside Barcelona’s city center.

While it’s not too far from La Sagrada Familia, getting there requires some planning since the park sits on a steep hill.

Public transportation doesn’t always drop you off directly at the entrance, so expect a short uphill walk.

There are three main entrances to the park:

  • Carretera del Carmel: Best for those arriving by taxi or private vehicle, as it’s close to the parking area.

Me sitting on a colorful mosaic bench at Park Guell in Barcelona with palm trees in the background

How to Get to Park Güell

Park Güell is located on a hill, so getting there requires a bit of planning. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can take the metro, bus, taxi, or even a hop-on-hop-off bus to reach the park.

Here are the best ways to get there:

Take a Bus

By public transportation, the best way to get to Park Güell is by taking the bus. I’d recommend just navigating to the park on Google Maps for the best route.

One of the most popular options is the V19 bus, and you’ll get off at the C N Cataluyna – Park Güell stop, which is right by the Carretera del Carmel entrance.

This option will get you closest to the entrance without having to walk uphill!

Other options are the H6 and D40 bus lines, which stop at Trav de Dalt – Torrent de les Flors. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the park.

A TMB public transportation bus driving down a street in Barcelona Spain

Take the Metro

Another option is to take the metro but there aren’t any metro stops that are super close to the park.

The green line (L3) Lesseps station is the closest recommended metro stop, but it’s still a 20-minute uphill walk to the park.

If you choose this route, it’s best to enter via Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya, where an escalator can help with the climb.

I would avoid the Vallcarca station (the next stop on the green line), as the escalators are currently out of service.

Related Reading: How to Get Around in Barcelona

Take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Both the Barcelona Bus Turístic (blue line) and Barcelona City Tour (green line, East route) stop at Park Güell.

The bus stop is on Avinguda de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat, and from there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the entrance at Carretera del Carmel.

The red Barcelona city tour bus parked on a street in Barcelona Spain

Take a Taxi or Uber

Taking a taxi or Uber is the easiest option if you want to avoid walking uphill.

There is a taxi stand on Carretera del Carmel, near the park entrance, which is most likely where the taxi will drop you off.

Walk to Park Güell

Technically it is possible to walk to Park Güell, but definitely be prepared for an uphill climb. It takes about 50 minutes from the city center.

Things to See at Park Güell

Here are the top sights you shouldn’t miss when visiting Park Güell:

Colorful mosaic benches at Park Guell with whimsical houses and the city of Barcelona in the background

The Greek Theater or Nature Square

This large open space is probably the most photographed part of the park and is surrounded by Gaudí’s famous serpentine bench, covered in colorful mosaic tiles.

The El Drac mosaic lizard statue at Park Guell

Monumental Staircase

At the park’s main entrance, this grand staircase leads up to the Hypostyle Hall. It features the iconic El Drac (the dragon or salamander statue), one of Park Güell’s most photographed spots.

Large stone columns at Hypostyle Hall at Park Guell in Barcelona

Hypostyle Hall

Originally intended as a marketplace for the residential project, this hall features 86 stone columns inspired by Greek temples. Make sure to look up as the ceiling is decorated with intricate mosaic medallions.

The Viaducts stone columns and pathways at Park Guell

The Three Viaducts

Gaudí designed these elevated pathways—Pont de Baix (Lower Bridge), Pont del Mig (Middle Bridge), and Pont de Dalt (Upper Bridge)—to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

The Austria Gardens at Park Guell with trees and greenery

Austria Gardens

Originally a nursery, this peaceful green space now features a variety of plants and trees from Austria. It’s a quieter area of the park with a few Gaudí-inspired architectural elements and benches for relaxing.

The Porter's Lodge Pavilions at Park Guell in Barcelona Spain

The Porter’s Lodge Pavilions

These two gingerbread-looking buildings once housed the gatekeeper’s residence and a waiting area for visitors. Their brightly colored mosaic roofs and organic shapes make them a classic example of Gaudí’s unique style.

The stone archways of the Washerwoman's Portico at Park Guell

Washerwoman’s Portico

This curved stone corridor, shaped like a wave, was designed to support the road above it. The tilted columns and natural rock materials create a striking effect, making it one of the park’s most unique walkways.

A large stone cross of the Three Crosses overlooking the city of Barcelona

The Three Crosses

Located at the highest point in Park Güell, this stone monument features three crosses and offers some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. It’s a short but steep climb to the top, making it a rewarding spot for photos.

The exterior of the Gaudi House Museum at Park Guell surrounded by trees

Gaudí House Museum

Once Gaudí’s residence, this museum showcases furniture, drawings, and personal objects from his life. Although it’s not included in the standard Park Güell ticket, it’s worth a visit for those interested in learning more about the architect’s work and daily life.

Me standing next to columns and trees at Park Guell

Forest Zone

A less-visited part of the park, this wooded area is free to visit and features winding trails and quiet viewpoints. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and experience Park Güell’s more natural side.

Park Güell Visitor Information

Here’s the basic visitor information to help you plan your visit:

Park Güell Opening Hours

Park Güell is typically open daily from 9:30am-7:00pm all year round, although the times do vary slightly depending on the season. The last entrance permitted is typically at 6:00pm.

Since tickets are assigned on the basis of time-slots, you can enter the park up to 30 minutes after your allocated start time. 

Best Time to Visit Park Güell

The best time to visit Park Güell is early in the morning or late in the afternoon/early evening to avoid the biggest crowds.

Midday tends to be the busiest (and the hottest), especially during peak tourist seasons, making it harder to enjoy the park’s unique architecture and viewpoints.

If you want the best lighting for photos, early morning offers softer light, while late afternoon provides a warm glow over the city.

How Much Time to Spend at Park Güell

Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Park Güell, which is enough time to see the main architectural highlights and enjoy the views.

If you want to take photos, walk through the green areas, or visit the Gaudí House Museum, you may want to allow up to 3 hours.

The Viaducts stone pathways at Park Guell

Best Photo Spots at Park Güell

Park Güell is one of the most photogenic spots in Barcelona, but getting the perfect shot can be tricky with the crowds.

The serpentine bench at Nature Square offers stunning panoramic views of the city, while the Monumental Staircase with El Drac is one of the most popular photo spots.

Last time I visited, it was nearly impossible to get a picture alone with the famous mosaic lizard—unless you arrive early, you’ll have to just be patient as visitors take turns posing.

The Hypostyle Hall’s towering columns, the Three Viaducts, and the Three Crosses viewpoint also make for incredible backdrops.

To avoid large crowds in your photos, it’s best to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Me sitting on a colorful mosaic bench at Park Guell with the city of Barcelona in the background

Tips for Visiting Park Güell

Follow these tips to make the most of your Park Güell experience:

  • Book tickets in advance: Park Güell requires timed entry, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, you might find your preferred time slot sold out.

  • Get there early: The park gets crowded quickly, especially around popular photo spots like El Drac and the serpentine bench. Arriving right when it opens gives you the best chance to explore without large crowds.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: The park is built on a hill with steep pathways and uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. If you plan to explore beyond the Monumental Zone, expect some uphill climbs.

  • Bring sunscreen: The sun can be intense at Park Güell so make sure to wear sunscreen to avoid a sunburn, especially during the summer months.

  • Bring water or snacks: There aren’t many places to buy food inside the park, and walking around in the sun can be tiring. Bringing a bottle of water and a light snack will help keep you refreshed.

  • Check out the free Forest Zone: Many visitors don’t realize that the Forest Zone of Park Güell is free to enter. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk and offers hidden viewpoints with fewer crowds.

  • Take the V19 bus to avoid walking uphill: The V19 bus stops close to the Carretera del Carmel entrance and saves you from a long uphill walk.

  • Stop at Compà sandwich shop before or after: Located not too far away, Compà is one of the best sandwich shops in Barcelona and a great place to grab a delicious sandwich before or after your visit.
The Gaudi House Museum with the city of Barcelona in the background

Visiting Park Güell: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Park Güell:

How do you pronounce Park Güell?

It’s pronounced “Park Gway” in Catalan, with a soft “G” sound similar to “way.”

Is Park Güell free?

Some areas, like the Forest Zone, are free, but access to the Monumental Zone requires a paid ticket.

Can you visit Park Güell without a ticket?

You can enter the Forest Zone for free, but the most famous parts of the park, including El Drac and the serpentine bench, require a paid ticket.

Is Park Güell worth visiting?

Yes! It’s one of Barcelona’s most unique landmarks, offering stunning architecture, panoramic views, and classic Gaudí designs.

Is there food available at Park Güell?

Food isn’t really sold within the park but there are some vendors selling bottles of water. There are also picnic areas available if you want to bring your own food.

Me standing in the Washerwoman's Portico at Park Guell

Final Thoughts: Park Güell Visitor Guide

I hope this guide has helped you feel confident about planning your visit to Park Güell!

With its stunning architecture, colorful mosaics, and panoramic views, it’s truly one of Barcelona’s must-see landmarks.

Remember to book your tickets in advance on the official website, arrive early to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park’s hilly terrain.

Whether you visit on your own or take a guided tour, Park Güell is an unforgettable experience that showcases Gaudí’s creativity and Barcelona’s unique charm.

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Allison Sicking is a Barcelona-based travel writer and founder of Splendidly Spain. Originally from the United States, she moved to Barcelona in 2024 after living in Mexico for many years. With her knowledge of the Spanish language and extensive experience living abroad, she specializes in travel to Spanish-speaking countries and is passionate about helping others experience the vibrancy of these destinations.