If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, a visit to Park Guell is probably on your to-do list. The park receives approximately 9 million visitors every year and it’s considered one of the world’s top architectural masterpieces. Keep reading to find out what to see in Park Guell and learn practical information to help you plan and enjoy your visit.
Park Guell History
So what is Park Guell and why is it so famous? The park was commissioned to architect Antoni Gaudi by a wealthy businessman and politician called Eusebi Guell. Inaugurated in 1926, Park Guell is now recognised as one of the most impressive examples of Modernist architecture, which is somehow similar to Art Noveau. The eclectic mix of colours, shapes, and textures makes it stands out as a truly remarkable work of art. As a result, Park Guell was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The park is part of Barcelona’s Gaudi route, which includes other architectural wonders like the mansions of Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera) and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia. On that note, you can combine a visit to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell quite easily: travel time from Sagrada Familia to Park Guell is approximately 30 minutes on bus V19.
Best Time To Visit Park Guell
Barcelona is an all-year-round tourist destination, and the same applies to Park Guell. There is no wrong time of the year to visit, so it all comes down to your own preferences and travel style. The summer months are the peak season and visitor numbers are at their highest, but peak season is also packed with events hosted at the park, ranging from cinema screenings to guided tours and concerts, many of which are free of charge. If crowds are not your thing, the best months to visit would be November and March, when the weather is mild and crowds are more manageable.
How To Get To Park Guell
The park is located half-way between two metro (underground) stations: Lesseps and Alfons X. Lesseps is on Line 3, only one underground stop away from the hotel Catalonia Park Guell, a popular option due to its unbeatable location near Park Guell and known for its panoramic city views from its rooftop – which also features a swimming pool!
On the other hand, Alfons X station is on line 4, which connects Park Guell with the city beaches. If this is your first time in the city, you’re probably better off taking the underground to Alfons X, since there’s a shuttle bus service departing from that station that will take you directly to the park, saving you the walk uphill. The bus service is included in the price of your entrance ticket.
Park Guell opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., 365 days a year. However, we recommend that you visit the Park Guell official website to check for updates, as some areas may not be accessible at the time of your visit.
What To See In Park Guell Monumental Zone
Park Guell is built on a 42-acre site, so if you’re wondering how long to spend at Park Guell, the answer is at least 2 hours – although you could easily spend twice that amount if you have time and energy to spare and explore. At the very least, make sure you visit the following areas:
- Dragon Staircase: topped by a photogenic dragon sculpture covered in a colourful mosaic.
- Laundry Room portico: its imposing slanted columns are a great representation of its creator’s topsy-turvy world.
- Austria Gardens: one of the most unique areas of the park thanks to its tropical atmosphere.
- Nature Square: also known as the Greek Theatre and one of the most photographed areas of Park Guell.
We hope you’ll enjoy your visit to Park Guell with this short guide of what to see in this beautiful park!
