Park Güell is a park system composed of a public park and an adjacent monument zone in Barcelona. Located in the neighbourhood of La Salut, the park sits on the northern face of Carmel Hill. The park was built in the early 20th-century, with Catalan modernist architectural designs by Antoni Gaudi, a famed architect. Within the park complex is a municipal garden that is free to the public and a monument zone and museum that require separate entrance fees.
Park Güell in Barcelona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws visitors of all ages from locations around the world. Visitors often spend between 1 and 3 hours within Park Güell, enjoying its natural beauty, unique artwork and Catalan architecture, and the park’s many amenities. The gardens and park can be reached by car, city bus and guided tours, as well as through the city’s metro railway.
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What are the highlights of Park Güell in Barcelona?
Biodiversity in Barcelona’s Park Güell public park includes plants favourable to the Mediterranean climate, from oak, olive, magnolia and broom trees to wisteria, lavender and rosemary. This urban park houses various species of reptiles and mammals, as well as diverse bird species and insect life. Throughout the park, you’ll also find playgrounds and sports areas, leisure activities and games, as well as extensive trails and walking paths.
Within Park Güell’s monument zone, you’ll find striking examples of Modernism and Catalan culture, innovative architectural features and 7 buildings by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Brightly coloured mosaics and fanciful sculptures are prevalent throughout this zone. To make the most of your visit to Park Güell, locals recommend signing up for one of the guided tours available to you via the park’s website. Guided tours last approximately 1 hour, and are available in multiple languages.
What is the history behind Park Güell?
Barcelona’s historic Park Güell was not originally designed to be a public park. Instead, the hillside space was created to be a luxury residential area consisting of elaborate villas with sweeping panoramic views of the city. Gaudí and his family resided in one of only 2 homes built on the site, as public interest waned in the project.
It was later decided that Park Güell would be designated as a municipal garden and feature art and architecture by Gaudí. Today, some of the most popular areas of the park prominently feature his designs, from elaborate homes and pavilions to gardens, roads and viaducts, along with The Greek Theatre, The Hypostyle Hall, and a large dragon staircase.
Good to know when visiting Barcelona’s Park Güell
Locals recommend purchasing advance admission tickets online before you visit Park Güell in Barcelona. A free mobile app is available to download that provides an interactive map of the park, as well as historical information and facility locations. Information is available on the Park Güell website for accessible routes for wheelchair-users or those with reduced mobility.
The Park Güell in Barcelona can be reached via the Lesseps or Vallcarca metro stops, the Travessera de Dalt city bus stop, or the Park Güell tour bus stop. Each of these stops require between a 10 to 20-minute walk on foot to reach the park. Taxis and private vehicles will find parking available outside Park Güell, though parking may be limited during peak visiting times.
Park Güell in Barcelona
Horario: Daily from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
Teléfono: +34 (0)934 09 18 31