Gaudí in 24 h

Once you’ve had a proper breakfast, it’s time to start the day with one of Gaudí’s best-known works. Take bus 24 from Plaça de Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia, or the V19 from Passeig de Sant Joan or Barceloneta, to get there easily. 

Originally planned as an English-style residential development, Park Güell is now one of the city’s main sights. Here, Gaudí combines nature, architecture and symbolism, with religious and mythological references and even a hint of fairytale, like Hansel and Gretel. 

Walking through it is about wandering through shapes, colours and viewpoints, with spectacular views over Barcelona. 

Recommendations: 

• The easiest way to get there is by bus 24; you will have to get off at the stop on the Carmel–Albert Llanas road. 

• Entry must be booked in advance at parkguell.cat or at official tourist information points, as there are no ticket offices in the park. 

• The most convenient entrance is via Carretera del Carmel, with a flat walk from the bus stop. 

• The Casa Museu Gaudí is not included in the standard park ticket and has an additional charge. 

• It’s quieter early in the morning. 

After your visit, leave the park and head towards the centre to see another of Gaudí’s major works. 

Inside, the basilica becomes a forest of light and colour, with an almost otherworldly atmosphere. It is best to visit early, between 9 and 10 am, when it is quieter and less crowded. 

The basement museum is also well worth a visit, where Gaudí’s working methods and sources of inspiration are explained. It is often one of the most memorable parts of the visit. 

Recommendations:

• Book in advance via the official website or official tourist information points. 

• Free entry for people with disabilities and one companion, with advance booking. 

• Wear appropriate clothing: no sheer fabrics, swimwear, miniskirts or shorts or attention-seeking outfits.

Continue on foot to Passeig de Sant Joan, where you can stop for lunch.

Did you know? You’re in Barcelona’s “Chinatown”, an area full of Asian shops, restaurants and supermarkets. Don’t miss Norma Còmics, one of Europe’s leading comic bookshops.

Specialists in traditional Chinese cooking, with freshly made hand-pulled ramen prepared on the spot and a wide range of authentic dishes. If you’re into Chinese food, it’s well worth a try.

One of the city’s more authentic Chinese restaurants, well worth a visit if you’re in the area. You won’t find familiar adapted dishes here, but traditional cooking instead. Portions are generous and the vegetable dumplings are particularly good. 

After lunch, you can make an optional stop at the Biblioteca Pública Arús, a distinctive, history-filled space.

Opened in 1895 by Rossend Arús in his own home, the library was created as a centre of knowledge for working people. Today it holds more than 75,000 volumes across subjects such as philosophy, religion, botany, law and social sciences, with a focus on contemporary social movements. 

Its interior is a real hidden gem, with a classical feel that takes you back in time. A short but very rewarding visit.

Did you know? It holds one of Europe’s largest collections on Sherlock Holmes, with more than 2,000 books. 

Walk along Passeig de Gràcia to Casa Batlló, in the Block of Discord. Gaudí transformed an existing building into something entirely different. 

Mosaic, masks, a mushroom-shaped chimney and ceilings that recall the sea floor make this a highly immersive visit. Can you imagine living in a house like this? 

Recommendations: 

• Spanish residents may be eligible for 2-for-1 tickets. Check the official website.

• Evening visits with live music create a very special atmosphere. 

To round off the afternoon, visit Palau Güell. Here you will see Gaudí’s early work and get a clearer sense of how his architectural style developed. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, this palace was the home of the industrialist Eusebi Güell and his family. 

It is less visited than other Gaudí landmarks but well worth your time. 

Recommendations: 

• Free entry on the first Sunday of the month, but advance online booking is required, opening at 10 am on the previous Thursday.

• The rooftop and terrace close in bad weather, so it is worth checking the forecast. 

• A key Gaudí site at an affordable price. 

   

From Palau Güell, make your way into El Raval, a lively, diverse neighbourhood, a good way to bring the day to a close with dinner. 

Mediterranean cooking with influences from both northern and southern Italy. The menu is entirely gluten-free, with mostly vegetarian dishes made from local produce. 

SSet in a former painter’s studio.

A long-standing neighbourhood bar with more than 70 years of history, offering just four dishes. Small and simple, and described by Ferran Adrià as a special place.

A food market bringing some of the city’s best together in one place, with 14 gourmet stalls, local and international food and something for every taste. Perfect if you want to try a bit of everything in one spot. There’s also a terrace with a cocktail area overlooking Port Vell.