Gaudí Architecture Walk with Park Güell, Barcelona

Join a local, private guide on a walk through Barcelona's neighborhoods influenced by Antoni Gaudí's impressive works. You'll visit iconic sites like Casa Batlló, where you can learn how Gaudí mixed colors and shapes; the "Block of Discord," stopping to view the exterior and interior of Casa Milà (La Pedrera); and the architect's most famous site, La Sagrada Família. Finish at Park Güell to explore a unique blend of nature and architecture, where Guadí's modernist style creates an atmosphere of dreamy surrealism.

As the saying goes, Antoni Gaudí's and his notable architectural works aren't just a part of Barcelona—they are Barcelona. Join an expert guide to discover the truth behind this adage, as Gaudí's influence is everywhere, from the city's streetlights and fountains to its parks, museums, and monuments. A private walk is an excellent way to learn more about this renowned architect and how his style impacted the city. 

You'll start on the famous Passeig de Grácia boulevard, home to early 20th-century mansions built by the city's bourgeoisie. Your guide will stop to admire the Block of Discord, a set of three modernist buildings sharing the same facade and a perfect example of the city's different architectural styles. The first building is Casa Lleò Morera, designed by Domènech i Montaner; next is Casa Amatller, designed by Puig i Cadafalch; and finally, Casa Batlló, by Antoni Gaudí.

Since this is a Gaudí walk, your attention is on Casa Batlló and its unique facade. The building is a modernist masterpiece of a residential building, often referred to by locals as Casa dels Ossos, "House of Bones." As your guide will explain, this is because of the building's skeletal design, with skulls for balconies and bones for pillars. Though you won't go inside the building, you'll learn all about its exteriors.

Next, walk about six minutes down the boulevard to Casa Milà. Along the way, your guide will share details of other lesser-known works by Gaudí, including his influences on everyday details, like Barcelona's streetlights and fountains. As Casa Milà's nickname La Pedrera suggests, it resembles a "stone quarry." And much like most of Gaudí's works, it blends constructional and functional innovations with decorative design, resulting in a work of art. After admiring the facade, you'll head inside, where each room works as an exhibition of how the interiors looked under the Milà family. But the highlight is the rooftop, with its chimneys and ventilation towers turned into unique sculptures.

Of course, no Gaudí-themed walk is complete without visiting La Sagrada Família, the architect's masterpiece and resting place. As such a massive site with so many details to notice, it helps to have an expert guide leading the way. You'll spend an hour admiring its three grand facades, numerous spires, vaulted nave, crossing, and apse. You'll also visit the Crypt Of The Expiatory Temple (the oldest part of the building and where Gaudí got his inspiration to blend nature with the built world) and Sagrada Família Museum (where you can look at Gaudí's models and drawings, plus view his tomb). If you'd like, you can also climb the Torre de la Pasión for views of the city. 

This private walk adds another site to the list, as you'll also spend one hour at Park Güell to explore more of Gaudí's unique ability to integrate nature and architecture! You'll notice a unique mix of playful colors and structured organic forms blending into the natural environment. With your guide, you'll explore all the main sites, including the potter houses at the main entrance, the dual staircase with the dragon sculpture, the Hypostyle Room supporting Gaudí's famous bench, the Pont de Baix viaduct, the Laundry Room Portico, Casa Larrand, and the Greek Theatre.

You'll bid farewell to your guide at the end of this exciting Gaudí-themed day. Feel free to continue relaxing and exploring Park Güell on your own! Though the Monumental Zone (where your guide will take you) requires tickets, the other part of the park is open to the public. We recommend checking out the Austria Gardens.