Park Güell Barcelona

Park Güell: Tips, Highlights, Tickets, and Our Experience

Park Güell is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. We visited a few years ago, but this time, we were in for a surprise – more on that later. In this travel report, you’ll find everything about our visit to Park Güell. Plus, we’ll share valuable tips and insights to help make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

Since we knew that Park Güell is high on the list for most visitors to Barcelona, we planned our visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Probably only the Sagrada Família is more popular. We booked our tickets online for the first entry slot at 9:30 AM.

Tip: Book your ticket early if you want to visit the park in the morning. You can book your ticket online here*.

Park Güell Arrival and Parking: How to Reach Your Destination Comfortably

Our holiday apartment* was located in beautiful Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, so we had to leave early. Fortunately, the traffic both on the Costa Brava and in Barcelona was light, allowing us to get there quickly.

We parked in a nearby parking garage. From there, it was about a 500-meter walk, partially using escalators, to the western side entrance, Entrada Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

Map from the parking garage to the western entrance of Park Güell Barcelona
Map from the parking garage to the western entrance

At 9:15 AM, we were standing in front of the entrance, which was still closed to visitors. Only locals with tickets to visit the park were allowed in at that time. The ticket booth at the entrance was closed, and we couldn’t see if it opened later.

Park Güell tickets, closed ticket counter
Park Güell Tickets Sold Out

Tip: It’s best to book your ticket online*. Spontaneous visits can be challenging, as we experienced at Teide in Tenerife and at the catacombs in Naples.

Video

Park Güell Barcelona Tour: Our Highlights and Tips

Since we entered through the side entrance, we started our tour in reverse. The advantage was that we arrived directly at the large terrace, Plaça de la Natura, and had it almost entirely to ourselves.

This is one of the most famous photo spots in Barcelona. The view over the city, combined with the curved mosaic benches and the two iconic houses at the main entrance, is simply breathtaking. Since we arrived early, we were able to take many beautiful photos without people in the background.

We first explored the upper areas of the park and walked all the way to Casa Trias. Along the way, we encountered street artists, including dancers and musicians, who created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The views from up there are truly fantastic.

The Most Famous Highlights: Casa-Museu Gaudí, Hypostyle Hall, and Dragon Staircase

We saved the best for last. The world-famous highlights of the park are located near the main entrance. We first visited the Casa-Museu Gaudí before heading through the impressive Hypostyle Hall with its towering columns to the Dragon Staircase.

A few years ago, I casually leaned against the dragon for a photo. Watch the video above to see what happened this time! The park guard immediately warned me, and I wasn’t the only one. In the past, you were allowed to touch the dragon, but that’s no longer permitted today.

Overtourism in Barcelona: Measures to Protect Park Güell

In recent years, mass tourism in Barcelona has increased significantly, placing a particular strain on Park Güell. The high number of visitors led to more frequent protests from local residents and damage to the historic structures. To protect the park, stricter regulations were introduced, including mandatory ticketing.

Despite these measures, Park Güell remains one of Barcelona’s absolute highlights. We highly recommend a visit!

3 Tips for Your Visit

Don’t rush through the park. Take your time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. It’s also worth watching the artists in the park and letting Gaudí’s famous structures sink in at your own pace.

Book your ticket in advance: The park is very popular, and tickets for specific time slots can sell out quickly. To ensure you get the entry time you want, book your ticket* online ahead of time.

Visit early or late: The best times to visit the park are either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During these times, there are fewer people around, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere in peace.

  • Map: Helps you find the main highlights in the park. View here
  • Tickets: Secure your ticket online. Book here*
  • Combo Ticket Sagrada Família & Park Güell: Get a combo ticket for both attractions. Buy here*

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