Barcelona Gaudí Tour: Sagrada & Park Güell

Antoni Gaudí is one of the world's best known architects, and his fantastical work, scattered around Barcelona and Catalonia, is unparalleled in terms of uniqueness and wonder. During this full-day private Gaudí tour, we'll introduce his most recognized buildings, including his magnum opus, La Sagrada Família, as well as the imaginative work of his contemporaries. We'll examine the tenets of the architectural movement these 20th-century luminaries formed—Catalan Modernisme—understanding how it is representative of a proud national identity. Finally, we'll have a sense of how Barcelona's urban development ushered in the city we know today.

Please note: Tickets for the Sagrada Familia are currently very limited and hard to secure. We kindly ask for your flexibility when booking this tour, as we'll do our best to secure these tickets for you. Thank you!

We’ll begin in Barcelona's Eixample (Catalan for enlargement) district, introducing the history of Barcelona and the mid-19th-century expansion of the city under urban planner Ildefons Cerda. This expansion paved the way for new construction and new ideas, and presented an opportunity for the forward thinking architects of Gaudí's generation. With this in mind, we'll walk through the district, admiring asymmetrical and seemingly undulating façades and peaking into sumptuous interiors. Eventually, we'll reach Gaudí's masterwork, Casa Batlló, on the Block of Discord. While admiring the exterior of this elaborately tiled building, a former mansion constructed to resemble a dragon, we'll imagine the experience of living inside such an extraordinary space and the start of the next generation of great architects.

We'll jump in a taxi to the airy neighborhood of La Salut, where we'll tour the sprawling Park Güell, another of Gaudí's most lauded creations. The park takes its name from Eusebi Güell, one of Barcelona's most successful entrepreneurs and Gaudí's friend and benefactor. They developed the park together, wanting to create an innovative community and housing development the likes of which had never been seen in Barcelona. Though the idea was not ultimately successful, Gaudí himself purchased one of the residences, living there until his death. The rest of the park became a municipal garden, from which you can take in expansive views of the city and the sea from its gingerbread house-like vistas. 

After a break for lunch (at own expense), we'll move on to the crown jewel of Gaudí's career: the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. Though originally conceived by a different architect, Gaudí took over the project in 1883, infusing it with his whimsical style. Construction continued after his death in 1926, and still continues to this day. We'll take in the intricately sculpted exterior, discussing Gaudí's religious zeal and chosen symbols, before entering the ethereal sanctuary. We'll admire the genius behind every detail of Gaudí's design, down to the way his monumental columns resemble trees and a thick forest canopy.

By the end of our full day Gaudí walking tour, we'll have an understanding of the significance of the brilliance of Gaudí on Barcelona and Catalan identity as a whole. This Gaudí tour of Barcelona is led by a local expert in art and architecture, as well as in Gaudí's life and works.

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your fellow travelers. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

What sites does this tour include? 
The tour will include visits to La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló (exterior), three of Gaudí's most iconic works. Your guide may also include other works by Gaudí and his contemporaries.

Will we visit the Gaudí House Museum while inside Park Güell?
This tour does not include the Gaudí House Museum.

Does this tour include skip-the-line tickets?
Yes, we provide skip-the-line tickets for Sagrada Família, and Park Güell.

What are skip-the-line tickets?

For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to directly enter the security line at the cathedral, museum and park without waiting to purchase tickets. You will still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.   

What about lunch?
We will make time for lunch during the tour! Note, the cost of lunch is not included.

Can I join a small group version of this tour?
At this time, the tour is offered only privately. You are welcome to join small group versions of the shorter Gaudí in Barcelona tour and Sagrada Família tour.

What if I want to learn more about Catalan culture and identity?
Those who want to learn more about Catalan national identity may enjoy our Catalan Independence Tour. 

Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible? 
We do cover extensive territory on this tour. The interior of Casa Batlló is wheelchair-accessible, and there are also chairs onsite for rental. Sagrada Família is wheelchair accessible, however it is still under construction which means that the constant changes may affect mobility at times. People with reduced mobility may have difficulty navigating Park Güell. Please contact us with any questions, we would be happy to advise if this tour will be comfortable for you.

Is this tour appropriate for children?
For young children (ages 3-12) we recommend our shorter Gaudí for Families tour, which is led by experts specially trained in educating children.

There are 8 or more people in my group but your website won't allow me to include more than 7 participants. Can't you make an exception?

No, unfortunately due to venue reservation restrictions we cannot accommodate groups larger than 7 people. If your group is larger, we recommend you split into multiple groups.