Is Casa Milà Worth It? Honest Review + Tips
Planning a trip to Barcelona and wondering if Casa Milà (La Pedrera) is worth it? Look no further!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’m here to give you an honest review of Casa Milà to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money.
In this post, I’ll share a complete breakdown of the experience, different ticket options, and useful tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a Gaudí fan, or simply curious about one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Casa Milà right here.
Ready to find out if Casa Milà deserves a spot on your itinerary? Let’s get started!
Is Casa Milà Worth It?
In my opinion, Casa Milà is worth it if you’re really passionate about architecture or an Antoni Gaudí enthusiast interested in his innovative building techniques.
The building’s design is undeniably unique, with its wavy stone facade and structural innovations, but it definitely feels a bit more understated in comparison to Casa Batlló.
Instead of being a “wow-factor” type of attraction, Casa Milà offers a more subtle and in-depth appreciation of Gaudí’s work. The audio guide does a great job explaining these innovative techniques, which definitely gives you a deeper understanding of Gaudí’s creative genius.
In addition, the roof terrace at Casa Milà is a probably the best part of the house, with its surreal chimneys, warrior structures, and panoramic views of the city.
So if you enjoy exploring Gaudí’s more experimental side and are curious about his architectural techniques, then I think Casa Milà is worth a visit. But if you’re looking for something more visually striking, you might prefer Casa Batlló instead.
Brief History of Casa Milà
Shortly after the finalization of Casa Batlló, Pere Milà, a prominent member of the bourgeoisie, commissioned architect Antoni Gaudí to build him and his wife Roser Segimón a new house.
They planned to live on the main floor and rent out the rest of the apartment block. Gaudí agreed, and construction began on February 2, 1906. The building that previously stood on the site of Casa Milà was demolished to make way for Gaudí’s new design.
Pere Milà acknowledged Gaudí’s creativity and permitted him to do whatever he wanted to the building. Gaudí took this as a challenge and practically ignored all the conventional rules of architecture at the time.
The architect received much criticism throughout Casa Milà’s construction, with citizens disproving of its unusualness. Some even made fun of the people living in the apartments.
To Gaudí, that didn’t matter. Despite facing financial and legal challenges—such as the rooftop exceeding permitted limits, Gaudí’s continual changes to the design, and budget overruns—Pere Milà and Roser Segimón were deeply impressed with his work.
Today, the house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Gaudí’s most revolutionary works. Its unconventional, rough-hewn appearance has given it the nickname La Pedrera, which means “the stone quarry”.
Casa Milà Tickets
Here’s an overview of the different ticket options available at Casa Milà:
La Pedrera Essential: From €28
The La Pedrera Essential ticket is the basic admission ticket and includes:
- Audio guide
- Access to the rooftop
- Explore the Whale attic
- Visit old tenant’s apartments
- Spend time in the flower courtyard and butterfly courtyard
La Pedrera Premium: From €120
The La Pedrera Premium ticket is an upgraded guided tour (as opposed to the audio guide) and includes:
- Small-group guided tour in English
- Access to the rooftop
- Explore the Whale attic
- Visit old tenant’s apartments
- Enjoy exclusive access locations like the Gaudí Room, auditorium, private interior balcony, and mezzanine
- Glass of cava
La Pedrera Night Experience: From €39
The La Pedrera Night Experience is a night tour of Casa Milà with sessions from 9:20PM-11:00PM and includes:
- Guided tour
- Rooftop show
- Audio-visual screenings
- Glass of cava
La Pedrera Sunrise: From €39
The La Pedrera Sunrise ticket allows you to be among the first to enter the house and includes:
- Guided tour at 8:00AM
- Access to the rooftop
- Explore the Whale attic
- Visit old tenant’s apartments
- Spend time in the flower courtyard and butterfly courtyard
- Visit the Gaudí Room and auditorium (former garage)
How to Save Money on Casa Milà Tickets
Take advantage of these Casa Milà 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 tourist 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 attractions, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Amatller, and more.
Buy the Barcelona Card
Another popular sightseeing card is the Barcelona Card, which includes a 2€ discount to Casa Milà.
While it’s not a huge discount, the card also includes free entry/discounted prices to a bunch of other 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 Milà Discounts
Here are a few other discounts available at Casa Milà:
- Up to 12 years old (accompanied by an adult): Free
- Between 13 and 17 years old: 15.50€ discount
- Student Card: 9€ discount
- From 65 years old: 9€ discount
- People with a disability: 9€ discount
- Companion of a person with a disability: Free
Visiting Casa Milà
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when visiting the Casa Milà modernist building:
The Main Apartment
The tour starts on the fourth floor of the apartment building in the restored Main Apartment. It’s fully furnished in early 20th-century style, offering a glimpse into what life was like for Barcelona’s upper-class families during that era.
Each room is beautifully preserved, from the grand living room, with its high ceilings and decorative chandeliers, to the study with its ornate desk and furniture.
The kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a children’s room are also on display, giving visitors a full understanding of how the family lived.
Once you enter each room, the audio guide will automatically start, giving you all the details about the room and its contents.
The Attic
Casa Milà’s attic is definitely the most educational part of the tour. Its 270 catenary arches, designed to resemble the ribcage of an animal, showcase Gaudí’s mastery of organic architecture. The space feels both futuristic and ancient, like stepping into the belly of a giant whale.
The attic also houses an exhibit on Gaudí’s architectural methods, including 3-D models of his other famous buildings in Barcelona like La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell.
You’ll get a deeper understanding of how he combined traditional building techniques with innovative ideas inspired by nature.
The Rooftop
The Warrior Rooftop is by far the coolest part of Casa Milà. Gaudí’s chimneys and ventilation towers have been transformed into sculptural works of art, often referred to as the “guardians” or “warriors.”
Each one is uniquely shaped, with a combination of smooth curves and sharp edges, and the stonework is covered in tiles that shimmer under the sun.
From the rooftop, you can enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona, including landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Mount Tibidabo in the distance.
The Courtyards
The end of the tour takes you to see the spectacular courtyards on the ground floor of the house–the Flower Courtyard and Butterfly Courtyard.
The Flower Courtyard is a huge space with colorful flower mosaics painted on the walls and ceiling of a spectacular staircase leading up to the main floor.
The Butterfly Courtyard is equally beautiful, featuring wall paintings and a huge wrought iron gate with a butterfly design.
While not included in the basic tour, the courtyards also lead down a ramp to Gaudi’s Room, which is the former garage of the Gaudí house.
Casa Milà Visitor Information
Here’s the basic visitor information you’ll want to know before visiting Casa Milà:
Location
Casa Milà is located at Passeig de Gracia 92, right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of many other attractions.
Opening Hours
Casa Milà operates on summer and winter schedules:
Summer Schedule (March 4-Nov 3)
- Monday-Sunday from 9:00AM-8:30PM
- Night Sessions from 9:00PM-11:00PM
Winter Schedule (Nov 4-Mar 6)
- Monday-Sunday from 9:00AM-6:30PM
- Night Sessions from 9:00PM-11:00PM
Best Time to Visit Casa Milà
The best time to visit Casa Milà is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
How Much Time to Spend at Casa Milà
You can expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours at Casa Milà, depending on how in-depth you go with the audio guide.
The experience is self-paced so you can spend as much time as you like in each area.
Tips for Visiting Casa Milà
Follow these tips to make the most of your Casa Milà 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 Milà.
- Book tickets online in advance: Not only will you save a couple euros (2€ off when booking online), but you’ll also avoid long queues at the entrance. Casa Milà can get very busy, especially during high season, so securing your tickets ahead of time will save you time and money.
- Visit early or late for fewer crowds: The best times to visit Casa Milà are early in the morning or later in the afternoon. These times tend to be less crowded, and you’ll have more space to enjoy the rooftop views and explore the courtyards without feeling rushed.
- Take your time on the rooftop: The spectacular rooftop is definitely the highlight of Casa Milà, so plan to spend some extra time here. The views are fantastic, and the sculptural chimneys make for some great photo opportunities.
- Bring sunscreen: There is very little shade on the rooftop so wear some sunscreen to avoid a sunburn, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. When I was up there in August, it was scorching!
- Focus on the architectural innovation: The exhibitions in the attic is where you’ll learn about Gaudí’s unique architectural methods, so take your time to read and understand the information provided. This will give you a deeper appreciation for his work and make your visit more meaningful.
- Consider the night experience: If you’re looking for something fun to do at night in Barcelona, definitely consider the night visit at Casa Milà. It includes a guided tour, glass of cava, and spectacular audiovisual show on the rooftop.
Visiting Casa Milà: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Casa Milà:
What makes Casa Milà special?
Casa Milà is an excellent example of Gaudí’s naturalistic phase, where he focused on organic forms and practical innovations rather than bold, colorful designs. It’s a more subtle but equally impressive display of his genius.
Is Casa Milà better during the day or night?
Visiting during the day gives you a chance to see the architectural details clearly, but the Night Experience adds a magical touch with the rooftop light show. If you prefer fewer crowds and a different atmosphere, the evening visit may be a good option.
Is Casa Milà or Casa Batlló better?
If you’re trying to decide between Casa Milà or Casa Batlló, I personally prefer Casa Batlló for its whimsical, colorful designs. Casa Milà is more focused on innovative techniques and structural elements.
Does anyone live in Casa Milà?
No, Casa Milà is currently not inhabited and is open to the public as a museum. However, it does have some offices and apartments that are used for special events or as private residences.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Going Inside Casa Milà?
I hope this guide has helped you decide whether Casa Milà is worth adding to your Barcelona itinerary. I think it’s definitely worth visiting if you have an interest in architecture or a deep appreciation for Gaudí’s work.
The unique building is a testament to his innovative techniques, and while it may not have the same bold, colorful features as Casa Batlló, it offers a fascinating look into how Gaudí blended form and function.
That said, if you’re more drawn to vibrant, whimsical architecture, you might find Casa Batlló more enjoyable.
For me personally, Casa Milà wasn’t my favorite, but I think those with a strong interest in architecture will appreciate it more.
Whatever your preference, visiting at least one of Gaudí’s masterpieces is a must when in Barcelona!
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