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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

When Barcelona is prosperous, it builds with breathtaking flair. Its superb Gothic buildings are engineering marvels; not for their height, but their width.

During the late 19th century, the city evolved its own Modernista style, related to Art Nouveau but filled with Catalan national symbols (notably dragons).

It also produced one extraordinary genius, Antoni Gaudí, whose inspiration went beyond mere decoration to the forms of nature herself. Today Barcelona is reinventing again; just visit the new 22@ District.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: 1
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

The Barcelona tourism office has an architecture audio guide to Gaudí’s 11 Barcelona buildings, available in Spanish, English and French. Download it from the tourism office website. The Ruta de Modernisme is a self-guided route with all 117 Modernista buildings, and 105 Modernista hotels, bars and restaurants. A physical version of the guide and map are also on sale at Barcelona’s tourist office; it also offers 50% discount on admissions. Or just explore for yourself: the 19th-century suburb of Eixample is full of stunning Modernista façades that most tourists never find: hire a bike and explore at leisure.

External view showing the blue and red glass tower
Experience

Agbar Tower

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Barcelonans, understandably, call it a ‘giant suppository’. Designed in 2005 by French architect Jean Nouvel, it features an innovative, shimmering skin of 4,500 LED lights that display delightful, infinitely varied coloured patterns.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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External view of the Santa Eulalia Cathedral
Experience

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

This massive pile is Catalan Gothic at its most grandiose, full of wonders: lavishly ornate chapels, Renaissance sculpted choir stalls, and crypt of patron saint Eulalia. The cloister is especially charming.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Casa Batllo

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.

Best for ages: 8+ | £32

Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Marking the culmination of his experimentation with natural forms, Gaudi’s landmark apartment building resembles a giant cliff face battered by the sea. Inside, a remarkable Gaudi-style apartment, an attic filled with architectural exhibits, and the extraordinary roof and chimneys.

Best for ages: 8+ | £25

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Gaudi's Modernist Legacy in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Small Group Walking Tour

Gaudi's Modernist Legacy in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Small Group Walking Tour

Barcelona

Enjoy a stroll through the streets of Barcelona and discover its most extravagant buildings on this 3-hours walking tour of the city's moder...

€18 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Barcelona e-Bike Gaudí Highlights or Bohemian Neighborhoods Small Group Tour

Barcelona e-Bike Gaudí Highlights or Bohemian Neighborhoods Small Group Tour

Barcelona

See Barcelona with lots of fun and little effort on this 3,5 hours electric bike tour, led by an expert local guide. The easy-to-use bikes a...

€40 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [418 ratings]

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Barcelona Gaudí Segway Tour

Barcelona Gaudí Segway Tour

Barcelona

This 150 minute Segway Tour takes you along the districts of Eixample and Gràcia including the Sagrada Familia and other Barcelona top sight...

€59 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [35 ratings]

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Gaudi Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia Ticket

Gaudi Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia Ticket

Barcelona

The famed architect Antoni Gaudí is as synonymous with Barcelona as siestas and las Ramblas. The Fat Tire Gaudí Bike tour is the perfect way...

€69 | Rating 4.57 / 5 [7 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand Hotel Central

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A stylish, central hotel in the hip El Born district, with 1920s features and one of the best rooftop pools in town.

Official star rating:

Hotel Neri

Barcelona, Catalunia, Spain

Historic charm, contemporary chic and great food combine in this beguiling bolthole, on a picturesque square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

The MO boasts spectacular interiors, a world-class spa, double-Michelin starred restaurant and an unparalleled location on the beautiful Passeig de Gracia.

Official star rating:

W Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

This sceney, architectural waterfront hotel comes with edgy design, a party-feel pool terrace and sweeping Mediterranean views.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.

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