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Gaudí Barcelona Tour for Kids

Introduce your kids to architecture in Barcelona and beyond with this interactive family Gaudí tour
From US$484 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Casa Batlló
  • Block of Discord
  • Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Photos & Highlights
  • Family-oriented architecture tour of Barcelona led by an expert guide with experience in working with children
  • Incorporates engaging exploration to foster learning in a fun way
Tour Description
Walking down the street in Barcelona is like taking a trip into another world. Balconies fashioned like grinning skulls, roofs following the curve of a dragon's back, façades patterned with the undulating imprint of waves on sand—Antoni Gaudí's imaginative architectural creations continue to capture the minds of Barcelona residents and visitors alike. Gaudí and his contemporaries worked to create buildings that are at once innovative and seemingly magical, unlike anything that had ever been produced at the time and which continue to draw attention today. Our 2.5 hour Gaudí Tour for Kids, led by a family-friendly architect or art historian, will introduce children to these famous architects' work and Catalan Modernisme in a digestible way, providing age-appropriate explanation for understanding and appreciating the art of modernista architecture and urban planning.

Barcelona Architecture Tour for Kids

We'll begin our exploration of modernista architecture by talking a bit about the new Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona, where most of the buildings are concentrated. As the city began to outgrow the already cramped Gothic Quarter, Barcelona city planners sought to create a new neighborhood marked by new avenues, and an innovative architectural style that would set Barcelona apart from the rest of Spain. Why might the people of Barcelona have wanted to build this new district? And why in this innovative fashion? We'll find the answers to these questions by exploring with your guide. Comparing plans of the medieval Gothic Quarter with those of the Eixample, we'll consider the differences between the narrow, twisted streets of the former and the wide, straight boulevards of the latter.

Casa Batlló with Kids

Arriving at the Block of Discord, a rare instance of adjacent modernista buildings, we'll identify again this movement's special motifs, pondering how they appear different from architect to architect. Can we spot what Gaudí liked, versus his friend Lluís Domènech i Montaner? Entering Gaudí's Casa Batlló together, we'll experience first-hand what it's like to be inside one of these magnificent buildings! In the attic, we'll stare up at the rafters—modeled after a rib cage—and wonder if we've been swallowed whole by a giant snake—or a dragon! In fact, the building was built to resemble a dragon, and we'll introduce the legend that inspired Gaudí to build this way. Throughout our visit, which includes time on the roof and an opportunity to see the whole of Barcelona, we'll imagine what it might have been like to live in such a strange apartment, comparing and contrasting Gaudí's vision with our own homes.

Experience Gaudí's Architecture as a Family

Moving on to Casa Milà (La Pedrera), we will have an opportunity to see a shining example of modernista architecture. Commissioned in 1906 by one of Barcelona's wealthy families, the Casa Milà served as Gaudí's playground for the next six years. From conflicts with the city over the building to the Milà family's doubts about the bold design, the building was one of Gaudí's more controversial projects. As our eyes explore the exterior, we will learn the facets of Modernisme, doing some close looking at the materials used, the curved, wavy shapes, and the natural motifs found.

Take Aways

As our walk comes to a close, we'll allow our imaginations to run wild by reflecting on our own modernista visions. How would you build your modernista house? We'll come away with a greater understanding of Modernisme and a newfound appreciation for avant-garde architectural risks.


Notes About the Gaudí Tour for Kids Tour

Please note that this walk does not include Gaudí's Parc Güell or Sagrada Familia. If you are interested in viewing the latter site with us, you may enjoy our Sagrada Familia Tour, intended for adults.
Experts
Maria Maria
Local Guide
Biel Biel
Art Historian
Killian Killian
Archaeologist
Maica Maica
Local Guide
Montse Montse
Local Guide
Mónica Mónica
Architect
Elisabet Elisabet
Local Guide
Carla Carla
Full time guide
Olga Olga
Local Guide
Philippe Philippe
Local Guide
Mariona Mariona
Local Guide
Jaume Jaume
Architect
Bernat Bernat
Architect
Veronica Veronica
Art Historian
Manfredi Manfredi
Political Scientist
Resources
Wheelchair accessibility
  • The route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets; please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise. We are always happy to discuss possible adjustments for visitors with mobility concerns.
  • If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best tour option for you.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.

  • Are skip-the-line tickets included? 
    Yes. Our team will pre-purchase timed admission tickets on behalf of your family. You will pay for the tickets upon booking, and your guide will have these on the day of the tour.

  • Does this tour focus exclusively on Gaudí? 
    No. Gaudí and his work were part of an amazing creative environment that sprung up at the end of the 19th century. We will discuss some of his contemporaries to understand Gaudí and architecture in Barcelona.

  • Does this tour include the Sagrada Familia and the Parc Guell? 
    No, those sites are not near the area covered on this tour and thus would require more time.

  • Will this tour be interesting for the adults in our party? 
    While creating an engaging learning experience for children is the focus of our family tours, adults also find the content fascinating.

  • Does this tour visit the Gothic Quarter?
    No, the area covered on this tour is north of the Gothic Quarter, however, we have another tour, Barcelona Tour for Kids, which visits that historic area.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Where You'll Start
(4.71) 42 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Veronica was such a delight! She took time to share many stories behind the history of Barcelona and did so in such a captivating way that my children stayed engaged the entire tour while learning many new things!!!
The tour was very interesting but not for kids.
The guide was nice and patient, we would have enjoyed a fluent spanish speaking guide better, or english. Her accent is heavy so it made it hard to understand, other than that she was very nice.