Is Casa Amatller Worth It? Honest Review + Tips
Planning a trip to Barcelona and wondering if Casa Amatller is worth it? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve visited this unique modernist house myself and can share exactly what to expect.
Located right next to the famous Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller is often overlooked–but it has its own intriguing history and stunning architectural details that make it worth considering.
If you’re unsure whether Casa Amatller deserves a spot on your itinerary, I’ll break down what makes it special, what to keep in mind before visiting, and whether it’s the right fit for you. Let’s get into it!
Is Casa Amatller Worth It?
Casa Amatller is absolutely worth it if you want a more peaceful and intimate alternative to the crowded Casa Batlló.
Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, this modernist gem has a darker, more medieval vibe, with heavy wood, intricate stonework, and stained glass details that make it feel like stepping into another era.
And one of the best parts is that it’s far less crowded than many of the other famous buildings in Barcelona. When I visited, I was the only one on the tour and basically had the whole house to myself!
The audio-guided visit takes you through beautifully preserved rooms with elaborate ceilings, carved wooden furniture, and impressive tilework.
Another highlight is the chocolate shop on the ground floor, a nod to the Amatller family’s legacy. Even if you skip the tour, you can stop by for a sweet treat and admire the building’s stunning façade.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem with incredible details and a more relaxed experience, I think Casa Amatller is definitely worth visiting.
Brief History of Casa Amatller Barcelona
Casa Amatller was designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch in the late 19th century as a private residence for chocolatier Antoni Amatller.
Originally a traditional building, it was transformed into a modernist masterpiece with influences from Gothic and Flemish architecture.
The stepped gable façade, colorful tilework, and ornate ironwork set it apart from the neighboring Casa Batlló.
Inside, the house was carefully decorated with stained glass windows, carved wooden ceilings, and intricate stone details, reflecting the Amatller family’s appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
After Antoni Amatller’s passing, his daughter preserved the home and its original decor, eventually opening it to the public.
Today, visitors can step inside this beautifully maintained house and get a glimpse into the lifestyle of Barcelona’s upper class during the early 20th century.
Casa Amatller Tickets
Here’s an overview of the types of tickets available at Casa Amatller:
Audio-Guided Visit: From €18
The Audio-Guided Visit is the basic admission ticket and includes:
- 45-minute audio-guided tour available in English, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian, German, and Chinese
- Priority entrance ticket to the Casa Amatller house museum
- Audioguide and headphones
Guided Visit: From €21
The Guided Visit is the upgraded admission ticket and includes:
- 1-hour guided tour of Casa Amatller
- Available in English, Spanish, and Catalan
- Access without queuing
- Chocolate gift
Note: Guided tours in English are only available at 10:00AM.
How to Save Money on Casa Amatller Tickets
Take advantage of these Casa Amatller discounts to save money on the entrance fee:
Buy the Barcelona Go City Card
If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in Barcelona, the Go City Card is a great option that provides a lot of discounts on major attractions.
They have both All-Inclusive passes and Explorer passes, where you can choose a pass that suits your trip.
The passes include access to 55+ Barcelona, Spain attractions, including Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Vicens, and more.
Buy the Barcelona Card
Another popular sightseeing card is the Barcelona Card, which includes a 20% discount to Casa Amatller.
It also includes free entry/discounted prices to a select list of museums and attractions. Plus, the major advantage of this card is that it includes unlimited public transportation.
Book Your Tickets Online in Advance
Another way to save is by booking your tickets online in advance.
You can save 2€ on the ticket price when you book online. Plus, you’ll get to skip the lines at the ticket office once you arrive.
Other Casa Amatller Discounts
Here are a few other discounts available at Casa Amatller:
- Children under 7 years old (free)
- Students
- Seniors over 65 years old
- People with disabilities
- Residents of Spain
Visiting Casa Amatller
Here’s on overview of what to expect when visiting Casa Amatller:
Ground Floor
The ground floor serves as the entrance to Casa Amatller, where you’ll first step into a grand lobby with an impressive courtyard and a monumental staircase leading to the main floor.
This space is already impressive and showcases intricate stone carvings and is illuminated by a stunning modernist skylight.
This area once housed the garage and service quarters but now leads to the café and chocolate shop.
Main Floor
The main floor was the private residence of Antoni Amatller and his daughter Teresa, and it has been carefully preserved to reflect its original layout and decor.
Visitors can explore beautifully furnished rooms with stained glass windows, carved wooden ceilings, and intricate stonework.
Modern amenities of the time, such as an electric lighting system and a dumbwaiter for food service are interesting to see, as well as a grand fireplace representing the origins of chocolate.
You’ll also get to tour both the father and daughter’s bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a study and sitting rooms with antique displays.
Chocolate Shop
The chocolate shop on the ground floor is a must-visit, offering a selection of Chocolates Amatller, the brand founded by the Amatller family.
Here, you can browse beautifully packaged artisanal chocolates, which are unique souvenirs from Barcelona or just a sweet treat during your visit.
I brought home a bar of the milk chocolate and it was really delicious!
Café
Located in what was once the garage and service area, the café now serves a wide range of food and drinks, including traditional hot chocolate made from the original Chocolates Amatller recipe.
If you’re a chocolate lover, make sure to save some time at the end of the tour to try out the hot chocolate.
Don’t forget to add the whipped cream on top to complete the experience–it was worth it!
Casa Amatller Visitor Information
Here’s the basic visitor information you’ll want to know before visiting Casa Amatller:
Location
Casa Amatller is located at Passeig de Gràcia, 41 in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona.
It’s located right to the left-hand side of Casa Batlló and can be reached easily by walking, taxi, or public transportation.
Opening Hours
Casa Amatller is open daily from 10:00AM-7:00PM. The audio-guided tours start every 30 minutes.
How Long to Spend at Casa Amatller
A visit to Casa Amatller typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of ticket you purchase.
I’d also recommend budgeting some extra time for the chocolate shop and visiting the café for a hot chocolate.
Tips for Visiting Casa Amatller
Follow these tips to make the most of your Casa Amatller experience:
- Consider purchasing one of the Barcelona tourist cards: If you plan on visiting multiple attractions in Barcelona, consider purchasing one of the Barcelona tourist cards like the Go City Card or the Barcelona Card. They offer discounts and/or free entry to many popular sites, including Casa Amatller.
- Book your tickets online in advance: Casa Amatller tickets can be purchased directly on-site but they cost 2€ more than booking online. Try to book your tickets online ahead of time to save money and skip the queues.
- Save time for the chocolate shop and café: Don’t miss the chance to taste traditional hot chocolate and indulge in some delicious chocolates at the Casa Amatller chocolate shop and café.
Casa Amatller: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Casa Amatller:
Was Casa Amatller designed by Gaudí?
No, Casa Amatller was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and features a mix of Gothic and modernist influences.
How do you pronounce Casa Amatller?
Casa Amatller is pronounced “Casa Ah-maht-YAY”, following Catalan pronunciation.
What does Casa Amatller mean?
Amatller is derived from the word for “almond tree” in Catalan, and the house is named after the Amatller family.
Do you need to buy tickets for Casa Amatller in advance?
While it’s not necessary to book tickets in advance, it’s highly recommended as booking your tickets online is cheaper than purchasing them on-site.
Is Casa Batlló or Casa Amatller better?
Casa Batlló is more famous with a whimsical vibe, while Casa Amatller is quieter, and has a darker, more medieval vibe.
Do you need to bring headphones for Casa Amatller?
No, the audio guide at Casa Amatller includes a headset so you don’t need to bring your own.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It To Go Inside Casa Amatller?
I hope this guide has helped you decide whether Casa Amatller is worth a visit!
Unlike its famous neighbor, Casa Batlló, it offers a quieter, more intimate experience while still showcasing incredible modernist design.
With its medieval-inspired interiors, detailed craftsmanship, and unique chocolate-making history, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
If you prefer a less crowded alternative to Barcelona’s most popular modernist sites, stepping inside Casa Amatller is definitely worth it.
Plus, even if you don’t tour the house, you can still stop by the chocolate shop and café for a sweet taste of Barcelona’s history.
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