I’m sure you’d agree that when a wealthy industrialist employs the world’s greatest architect to construct paradise on earth it’s going to end up in tourist gold.
If you don’t there’s over 9 million tourists a year to back me up.
Yes, getting Park Guell tickets is about as standard as airport transport. Yet you wouldn’t know it. The complaints about lines from tourists range from whiny to hell-on-earth-like.
How can we avoid issues with the world’s most stunning urban park?
Reading my guide of course.
Index
1 – Park Guell facts
2 – What to see
3 – Tickets
4 – Park Guell guided tour in English
5 – How to get to Park Guell
6 – Hours and best time to visit
7 – Park Guell hacks
8 – Park Guell map + app
9 – FAQ
Park Guell Facts
This 17 hectare park (about 13 city blocks) on a rocky hill is one of the most spectacular urban parks in the world. It keeps watch over Barcelona from the hills above the Gracia district.
Park Guell was conceived in 1900 by wealthy industrialist Eusebi Guell. His intention was to create a lavish, Utopian housing development in the middle of a park using the world’s most cutting edge architecture.
Cue Antoni Gaudi.
The legendary Catalan architect was put in charge of designing the more than 60 luxury homes of the planned community over looking the city, far away from smoky factories. All with latest technology and a touch of art.
In the end the men couldn’t even sell the show house and construction was halted in 1914.
Gaudi moved into one of the houses in 1906 and lived there until 1926: it’s now the Gaudi House Museum. Ultimately the area was turned into a municipal garden in 1926.
UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984.
What to See at Park Guell
Park Guell is made up of two areas: The Monumental Zone and the Free Zone.
All of the most recognized portions of the park will be found in the Monumental Zone while the Free Zone is more of a backyard garden.
The Monumental Zone
At the south side entrance on Carrer d’Olot you’ll see the park hemmed in by a rustic stone wall with its emblematic ceramic medallions bearing the name Park Guell.
The two trencadís-speckled buildings on either side that look a lot like gingerbread houses from Hanzel and Gretel were once the porter’s lodge complete with waiting room and telephone booth.
The twin-flight dragon stairway entrance is flanked by two grotto terraces, one of which was used for keeping horses. A journey up the stairway is as capricious as it is magnificent: you’ll encounter goblin shapes, Catalonian symbols, and the famous tile-shard mosaic dragon: the most famous image of the park.
It’s actually a salamander 😛
Further up the staircase you’ll find the Doric Temple (a forest made of 86 columns) which was intended to be the market of the estate. Thanks to its twisted columns it gives the impression of being on a patio built on tree roots.
Keep walking and you’ll get to the Banc de Tracadis, a long bench covered in ceramics created by Josep Maria Jujol, one of Gaudi’s closest contemporaries.
Here is the massive tile-decorated esplanade and centre-piece of the park called Plaça de la Natura (Nature Square). The view of the city from there is amazing.
The Free Zone
The Free Zone takes up 92.1% of the park so you’ll have a ton of terrain to explore for free.
In general the space is much more wild and garden-like: you’ll find a seemingly endless stream of sculpture-adorned winding paths creeping uphill and offering spectacular views of the city, unseen aside from a few rooftop bars.
You’ll also see some of the park’s original homes including the famous Gaudí House Museum: it was here that architect Antoni Gaudi lived from 1906-1925. In 1963 the house was turned into a museum about Gaudi and his life.
Careful: the Gaudi House Museum isn’t property of the park. You won’t be able to visit with a standard Park Guell ticket nor any Park Guell guided tour.
Tickets can be bought online via the official website.
Park Guell Tickets
Prices
On the 25th of October 2013 the price of Park Guell tickets went from zero to €7.00. The least picturesque part of the park remains free but the monumental part (described above) is not.
Online prices are listed in bold.
- General ticket:
€8.50€7.50 - Kids (7-12):
€6.00€5.25 - 65+:
€6.00€5.25 - Disabled visitors:
€6.00€0.00 (with paid accompanying person) - Kids under 7: €0.00
Careful: if you leave the paid area of the park you won’t be able to re-enter.
If you read my FAQ section you’ll see there are rumours about free entry to Park Guell if you’re really, really early around 7 am. Please take this advice with a grain of salt.
Buying Tickets Online
The advantages of buying your Park Guell tickets online are three-fold.
Firstly, you choose your own times. Buying tickets in advance online ensures you get the time slot you wish for which makes planning your day easier.
Secondly, it’s cheaper. When you buy your ticket online you save €1.00 per ticket.
Thirdly, there a no lines. Just print out your ticket or show your QR code on a smart phone at the access control point to get in.
Get your tickets online by clicking the button below:
Using a Tourist Pass
If you’re going to visit both Park Guell and Sagrada Familia I suggest getting a discount tourist pass.
The best pass option including Park Guell tickets is the super-handy Barcelona City Pass. Not only do you get line-skipping entrance to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia but you also get a trip on the Bus Touristic.
It also gives you 20% discounts on virtually any other attraction including Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Camp Nou, flamenco shows, walking tours, nightlife etc.
With this digital discount card all is done from home and you’ll skip lines everywhere.
For more information check out my page on Barcelona City Pass options.
Ticket Windows
The logical and old school approach is to get your Park Guell tickets at ticket windows.
Be advised though: this is one of Barcelona’s biggest attractions and if you do this you’ll likely be waiting in line for upwards of an hour.
Also be advised that the maximum hourly visitor admittance is 400 people. This means that even after waiting in line you’ll like be assigned a time slot which could be anywhere from 1-4 hours later depending on crowds.
Whatever you do, book your Park Guell tickets online.
Park Guell Guided Tours in English
This fantastic Park Guell guided tour is offered exclusively by Barcelona tour legends Ticketbar: you won’t even find this on the official Park Guell website.
The tours here are in English with actual flesh and blood guides who are Gaudi experts.
This 90 minute tour runs from Thursday to Monday.
The meeting point is right outside the park at 41 Carrer de Larrard.
With this tour you’ll avoid lines at the entrance and have a great education on one of the world’s best parks.
Prices: adults €26.00, children 10-17 are €19.00.
After buying your Park Guell tour tickets you’ll receive a confirmation email from Ticketbar within 24 hours.
In the email you’ll have all instructions needed for attending the tour as well as your ticket which must be printed and presented at the tour start location.
How to Get to Park Guell
Since Park Guell is both out of the way and uphill this is a great chance to take advantage of a €5.00 discount on Spain’s taxi app program: MyTaxi.
You’ll save so much time and end up paying only about €5.00 or €6.00 from anywhere central, a great option if you’re traveling in large groups or with kids.
For more information see how to sign up with MyTaxi.
Here are your other transport options:
- Bus 24 from Passeig de Gracia or Placa Catalunya will get to you right to the gates.
- Bus 94 connects Park Guell to the sea and Sagrada Familia but expect a ten minute walk.
- Metro stops Lesseps or Vallcarca on the green line L3 (15 minute uphill walk).
- With the Bus Turistic. The bus leaves you a short walk from the park.
- Taking a regular taxi should be between €10.00-15.00 from anywhere central.
If you’re still a bit confused on directions drop me a line below with a departure point for some custom advice.
How to Get to Park Guell from other Barcelona Attractions
- Sagrada Familia: Use the Carrer Marina exit and follow the street uphill (to the left) for about 10 minutes until you reach the corner of Sant Antoni and Maria Claret. Here you’ll grab bus 92 and it’ll leave you right at the entrance to the park. It’ll take about 40 minutes.
- Casa Batlló: Exit the house and cross the street to take bus 24 (right outside the Mcdonald’s) and it’ll drop you off right at the park entrance. It’ll take about 35 minutes.
- La Pedrera: Take a right on Passeig de Gracia when exiting the house and grab bus 24 right in front of the Gucci shop. The trip right to the entrance takes 30 minutes.
- Camp Nou: Take the blue metro line from Badal to Diagonal and then take bus 24 at Passeig de Gracia. It’ll take about 50 minutes.
Park Guell Hours
As a rule you should leave an hour for the monumental part and another hour to see the free part.
- 1 Jan to 16 Feb 2018: from 8:30 to 18:30 (last entry at 17:30).
- 17 Feb to 25 Mar 2018: from 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00).
- 26 Mar to 29 Apr 2018: from 8:00 to 20:30 (last entry at 19:30).
- 30 Apr to 26 Aug 2018: from 8:00 to 21:30 (last entry at 20:30).
- 27 Aug to 27 Oct 2018: from 8:30 to 20:30 (last entry at 19:30).
- 28 Oct to 31 Dec 2018: from 8:30 to 18:30 (last entry at 17:30).
What’s the Best Time to Visit Park Guell?
Park Guell can’t be beat with the morning light so I advise the earlier the better.
Your best bet is getting Monumental Zone entry before 9:00 am and showing up about 30 minutes before to walk the free zone. The crowds won’t be any thinner during the day.
After I suggest walking back into the city. It’s downhill. Get a feel for the way locals live by having a carajillo (a shot of espresso with chosen liquor) in a random cafe. Then head to the Gracia district for brunch. You’ll have the whole day ahead of you.
If you just can’t get up then I recommend the later time slots toward closing time.
In summer I would strongly advise going between 1 pm and 4 pm as the sun (and crowds) could take you out!
Park Guell Map
The city has outlined 3 different routes to explore the park depending on which entrance you use.
It’s recommended to download or print the park map from the official Park Guell website to avoid getting lost and maximise time. Here you’ll also be able to download a free app with audio, photos, and an interactive map to really enhance the experience.
The app is available in 7 languages including English and is available for Android and iPhone.
Park Guell Hacks
- Book Park Guell tickets online or you may be waiting hours.
- Leave at least 50 minutes to travel there from the city centre.
- Remember: there’s a 30 minute grace period for entry times (e.g 9:00 tickets admitted till 9:30).
- With pre-booked tickets try and avoid entering at the main entrance (the west is less crowded).
- Bring appropriate ID if you’ll be taking advantage of any discounts (senior, children etc.).
- Bring comfortable shoes if you’re looking to go all the way to the top.
- Visit in the evening for more comfortable temperatures and great sunset photos.
- Ameneties are overpriced and scarce: take your own food and water for a picnic.
- Shade is at a premium so bring sunscreen in summer.
- Those with limited mobility should arrive via taxi or Bus 24 to avoid uphill walks.
Park Guell FAQ
What time slots are available for the Monumental Zone?
You can select to enter at :00 or :30 every hour of the park’s opening hours (last entry 1 hour before close).
What happens if I’m late for my time slot?
You have 30 minutes courtesy to be admitted otherwise your tickets won’t be accepted – plan ahead!
Can I cancel or change my ticket booking?
No changes or refunds can be made with tickets bought at the official Park Guell website.
For guided tour tickets you may be able to contacting [email protected]
How will I receive my tickets?
For both general admission and guided tours you’ll receive your tickets via email.
I didn’t receive my tickets, what now?
First of all make sure your tickets haven’t been caught in any spam filters. If you still can’t locate the tickets then you can email [email protected]
Can I show my ticket on my smart phone or tablet?
Yes.
I can’t print my ticket and I don’t have a smart phone, what now?
Bring a piece of ID (and preferably your reservation #) to the ticket windows to be given your passes.
How long should I leave for the visit?
Including 30-45 minutes return travel time plus an hour each for the Monumental Zone and free zone I would leave 3.5 hours minimum.
I heard there was free entry to the Monumental Zone, is this true?
The workers don’t arrive to set up ticket barriers at the Calle d’Olot entrance until about 7:45 am. I’ve heard this means people can go right through into the Monumental Zone without paying, but please don’t quote me on it.
If you really can’t handle paying I would risk trying to get the free entry at this time. Even if you’re turned away you can still have a great excursion to the free zone.
If I haven’t booked my tickets online will I get in?
Yes and no. After waiting in potentially long lines you may be assigned a much later time slot or in busy cases be told to come back the next day.
Your best bet for tickets in this case is to buy your Park Guell entrance at the machines at Lesseps or Vallcarca metro stations. Here there are shorter lines and you won’t risk walking uphill for nothing.
Is Park Guell OK for disabled visitors or those with limited mobility?
Disabled visitors may have problems navigating the Monumental Zone due to its many steps and uneven paths. Any special access requirements should be sent to [email protected]
Get at Me in the Comments Below
Yes, I’m going to (desperately) ask you to consider me your friend in Barcelona.
That means you can ask me any question, no matter how ridiculous, about your upcoming holiday and I’m going to answer it! So whether it’s Park Guell guided tour tickets or just a place to get a good cup of tea know because I’m here for you.
Also don’t be afraid to join the Park Guell discussion in my new Facebook group called I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, chat with fellow travelers, and more – anything goes!
Fire away 😛
Annette van de Water says
Sorry, just to clarify on my question regarding the Park Guell times on the site, I am trying to book a guided tour. I have the voucher for the entrance and time of 09h00. Thanks again, Annette
Annette van de Water says
Hi Ash – Sorry but its me again with another question. We arrive 27th June and will be visiting Park Guell on the 28th at 09h00. I booked this through your site with the My City Bus inclusion. We would like a guided tour but when I looked through your site to visit this, there is no option for a morning visit on the day nor any specific times. My purchase order is 302018052600 and date of purchase 02-06-2018. The voucher reference number is TG1000183389. Thank you again for the fabulous site and amazing helpfulness. Kind regards, Annette
Shelby says
Hello! Thank you for all the information you share. Just want to be sure I understand your recommendation! I was planning on visiting the park the same day that we arrive in Barcelona (we will be traveling there the end of June). We do not arrive until late morning. So you would recommend then selecting a time between 1-4? Thanks for your help!
Ash says
Hi Shelby,
I would always recommend leaving more time for any unforeseen problems like flight delays or getting lost on the way to the hotel or whatever. It’s also a bit of a hike getting to the park as well so you’ll need time. You’ll also probably want to grab something to eat as well so that’s more.
I would pick around 3 or 4 in this case 🙂
Ash
Shelby says
Thank you for your reply! I will look into getting somewhere in that time frame. We will actually be traveling by train from Madrid so less likely that we will have complication but still better to plan for any circumstances like you said!
Aubrey says
Is there anywhere near the park you recommend to get coffee or breakfast? I’m thinking we will try to take your advice to get there first thing and won’t want to take up too much time with breakfast in the morning before we go.
Ash says
Hi Aubrey,
Since the park is quite isolated there aren’t a lot of options near the park and those that are tend to be tourist traps or very low quality bars.
The only places I know around are lunch spots.
I can tell you I lived near there for a year and never found anything good for breakfast.
Since I can’t recommend any from personal experience perhaps just get a snack from a supermarket to hold you over? Then head for a late breakfast or lunch afterwords and any of the top breakfast spots I’ve suggested.
Ash
Leora Chan says
I’ll be in Barcelona from June 28 thru July4. I want to take the Tourist Bus, take the English guided tour of Sagrada Familia and see Park Guell for starters. Should I buy each of the tickets separately or buy the Online City Pass or both if it’s cheaper. My friend and I are staying near the Sant Antoni metro station and I guess will be trekking back and forth. I’d appreciate any advice. Love your site but I’m confused with too many options. Oh, do they check to see if you’re really 65 when showing up with a senior ticket? Thanks!!!!!!!
Ash says
Hi Leora,
You’ll be here right in the middle of high season so for the line skipping abilities and the 20% flexibility alone I would book the Online City Pass.
That said, if you’re not planning on seeing much else other than what you’ve listed you’re certainly free to buy the tickets individually. Think a bit about what else you want to see and you’ll find your answers there, though in summer the convenience of the City Pass alone is worth it.
For the 65+ stuff consider it a compliment if they ask to see ID! Obviously they won’t bother you if you’re in your 80´s but if you’re on the borderline it’s not uncommon… it means you look young so let’s hope they ask 😉
Ash
Adrian says
Thanks. And I have complete confidence Ash. Even with two teenagers in tow!
Cheers again.
Adrian
Ash says
No problem 🙂
Adrian says
Thanks Ash. That’s Uber helpful advice (groan! ). I’ve now arranged our entire itinerary based on the advice provided on your site, so thanks for all the tips and info you’ve put on here!
Adrian
Ash says
Hi Adrian,
The entire itinerary, eh? I’m feeling the pressure 😉
At any rate let me know if you have any more questions about the holiday, good luck up on Tibidabo!
Ash
Adrian says
Hi Ash,
Just wanna say great site and full of really useful tips as we plan our itinerary for our first trip to Barcelona in a couple of weeks!
We want to visit Parc Guell for a few hours one morning and were thinking of going on from there to the amusement park at Tibidabo in the afternoon. Can you suggest the easiest/quickest way for a family of 4 to get from Parc Guell up to Tibidabo please?
Cheers.
Adrian
Ash says
Hi Adrian,
First off thanks for the compliments on the blog and I am glad I can help 😉
From Park Guell to the Tibidabo Funicular is a tough one with transit – it’s actually only about 3.5 km but would involve first going in the opposite direction taking bus 92 and then changing to bus 196 for a 40 minute trip if everything runs smoothly. Add in the summer chaos and area inexperience and this trip will take an hour or more.
Check out the route I’ve mapped on Google maps here.
For four people my recommendation is to take a taxi which will take about 12 minutes and cost around 9 euros.
Better yet you could sign yourself for Spain’s version of Uber: Cabify. It’s a superior service and cheaper. If you sign up under my portal you’ll also get a 6 euro discount on your first trip.
This means your trip from Park Guell to the Tibidabo funicular will be around 3 euros!
For more info on Cabify check my link out here.
For the money and time involved this is the best solution in my opinion.
Anyway, if you have any more questions make sure to hit me up! I’m always here to help.
Cheers,
Ash