Park Güell is located on Carmel Hill, offering panoramic views of Barcelona from its hilltop location.
This park is renowned for its stunning examples of Catalan Modernist architecture designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.
Its unique architecture, mosaics, and views draw nearly 9 million tourists annually.
There are a few things you cannot miss inside the Park Guell.
This article explores them all in detail, but before that, you must know how this park is divided into different zones and which zone is best for you.
Zones in Park Guell
Park Guell is divided into the Monumental Zone and the Forest Zone.
Monumental is a ticketed zone, while the Forest zone is free to enter.
You can find all the highlights of Park Guell, like Serpentine Bench, El Drac, Hypostyle Room and more in the Monumental Zone.
On the other hand, the Gaudi House Museum is located in the Forest Zone.
Here is an overview of the zones of Park Guell:
| Monumental Zone | Forest Zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Ticketed entry, limited capacity | Free Entry and Open to all |
| Area Covered | Spread over 12 hectares, the Core Attraction of Park Guell | Spread over 8 hectares, Covers 90% of the park’s area. |
| Main Attractions | – Serpentine Bench- El Drac (Dragon Statue)- Hypostyle Room- Gaudí’s Architecture | – Walking trails- Gardens- Gaudí House Museum |
| Views | Panoramic city views from terraces | Lush greenery and city views |
| Atmosphere | Crowds, busy | Peaceful, relaxing |
| Time to Explore | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Location within Park | The central and most visited part of the park | Surrounding areas with wooded paths |
| Best for | Art and architecture enthusiasts | Nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity |
Top Things to See Inside Park Guell
Park Guell, the whimsical park, is a visual feast, blending nature with intricate designs, colorful mosaics, and unique structures.
Visitors can explore a variety of must-see sights within the park, including the famous Dragon Stairway, the Hypostyle Room, and the stunning Serpentine Bench.
Each corner of Park Güell offers something new and enchanting, making it a must-visit destination.
Here is a list of top attractions to see inside Park Guell:
1. Greek Theatre/Nature Square (The Plaça de la Natura)
The Greek Theatre, or Plaça de la Natura, is a large open area at the centre of Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí.
Originally planned for outdoor shows, it offers stunning panoramic views of the park and city, including the Sagrada Familia.
This space features Gaudí’s famous undulating bench decorated with colorful mosaics.
One part of the square is carved into the rock, while the Hypostyle Hall supports the other.
It’s a popular spot for visitors and one of the most photographed areas in the park.
To visit, you’ll need a ticket to the Monumental Zone of Park Güell.
2. The Entrance and the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions
The main entrance to Park Güell is on Carrer d’Olot and features two beautiful pavilions designed by Antoni Gaudí.
These pavilions, known as the Porter’s Lodge Pavilions, have colorful mosaic roofs.
The one on the left was the caretaker’s house, while the one on the right, now part of the Barcelona History Museum, was the caretaker’s residence.
The entrance gate, made of wrought iron from Gaudí’s Casa Vicens, welcomes you into the park’s Monumental Zone.
The gate and pavilions mark the beginning of your visit, where you can explore Gaudí’s famous works, such as the Serpentine Bench and El Drac (The Dragon).
3. The Hypostyle Room
The Hypostyle Room in Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a stunning space with 86 Doric columns, originally meant to be a marketplace.
These 6-meter-tall columns support the roof above, with the ceiling decorated in spiral mosaic patterns.
Located below the main terrace, this room serves as its foundation.
The outermost columns are sloped, creating a wavy effect.
Rainwater is cleverly collected and funnelled through the dragon’s mouth.
Inside, gaps between the columns form three large naves, resembling a temple.
This room is a must-see in the Monumental Zone, showcasing Gaudí’s blend of utility and beauty.
4. The Austria Gardens
The Austria Gardens in Park Güell is a lovely green space named after a donation of trees from Austria in 1977.
This area is distinct from the rest of the park, offering peaceful spots for relaxing and beautiful views for photos with your loved ones.
Originally part of Gaudí’s failed housing estate project, the gardens now feature various plants, staircases, and terraces with stunning views of Barcelona.
You can also see two historical houses, including the Gaudí House Museum.
The Austria Gardens provide a tranquil escape from the busier Monumental Zone in the park’s free public area.
5. The Dragon Stairway
The Dragon Stairway, or El Drac, is a must-see spot in Park Güell, Barcelona.
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it’s a grand double staircase decorated with colorful mosaics.
The staircase is divided into three sections, each with unique details, such as the emblem of Catalonia and whimsical shapes.
At the bottom, a famous multicolored salamander statue, often called a dragon, sits covered in vibrant tiles.
This statue made using Gaudí’s trencadís technique, is one of the most photographed attractions in the park.
The Dragon Stairway marks the main entrance to Park Güell’s Monumental Zone, showcasing Gaudí’s creative and colorful design.
6. The Laundry Room Portico
The Laundry Room Portico in Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, stands out with its unique architecture.
It resembles a slanted ocean wave and is adorned with textured walls and statues.
It was originally meant for laundry in the Forest Park area but now serves as a fascinating architectural landmark.
Gaudí’s design seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings, showcasing his creativity in harmonizing art with nature.
Visitors can explore its passages and enjoy the shade while appreciating the intricate details that make it a captivating feature of Park Güell’s landscape.
7. Roadways, Pathways and Viaducts
In Park Güell, Antoni Gaudí designed a system of roads, paths, and bridges to help visitors explore the park easily.
These roads mimic the shape of pine trees and were built using stones sourced from within the park itself.
Carriages originally used these roads to reach the “Turó de les Tres Creus” at the mountain’s summit.
Underneath these roads, collonaded footpaths provide shaded walks, with columns designed to support the weight of the roads above.
Gaudí’s viaducts, like Pont de Baix, Pont del Mig, and Pont de Dalt, connect different parts of the park, blending seamlessly with its natural beauty and Modernist architecture.
8. Gaudí House Museum
The Gaudí House Museum is situated next to the Austria Gardens in Park Güell, about 200 meters from the main entrance on Carrer d’Olot.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Antoni Gaudí.
Known initially as Torre Rosa, this house became Gaudí’s residence for the last two decades of his life.
Today, it is a museum showcasing his furniture, personal items, and artistic creations.
Visitors can explore rooms like Gaudí’s Bedroom, Living Room, and Dining Room, each displaying his unique style and innovative designs.
The museum also features a terrace with panoramic views of Park Güell, illustrating Gaudí’s seamless integration of architecture with nature.
To visit, you’ll need a ticket to the Monumental Zone of Park Güell.
9. Park Guell Casa del Guarda
The Casa del Guarda, also known as the Caretaker’s House, is a small but significant building at the main entrance of Park Güell in Barcelona.
Designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1901 and 1903, it originally served as a home for the park’s caretaker.
Gaudí’s design reflects simplicity and practicality, yet it also showcases his intricate architectural style even in a modest space.
Today, the Casa del Guarda is part of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), hosting exhibitions that explore the history of Park Güell and Gaudí’s vision for it.
Visiting here offers insights into both the park’s past and Gaudí’s innovative architectural approach.
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10. Serpentine Bench
The Serpentine Bench in Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a famous mosaic-covered seat that winds along the main terrace in a wavy shape.
It’s known for its vibrant colors and unique design, using broken ceramic tiles in greens, blues, and whites.
This bench not only offers a place to sit but also symbolizes Gaudí’s blend of art and nature.
It’s tilted slightly to drain rainwater and features niches for private seating.
Visitors love its panoramic views of Barcelona and the sea, making it one of the most photographed spots in the park and a must-see attraction.
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