Barcelona wouldn’t be the same without Antoni Gaudí. The Spanish architect shaped the city as we know it today, designing iconic buildings like La Sagrada Família — the city’s gargantuan church — as well as public parks and residential buildings.
Brightly colored mosaic murals, undulating curved walls and ostentatious designs characterize his distinctive — and often eccentric — style that can be seen all over Barcelona.
But, where should you start? Here’s our pocket guide to Gaudí’s architecture and where to see the finest examples in Barcelona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Photo by Salvador Maniquiz. Image Location: Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Spain
Who was Antoni Gaudí?
Born in 1852, Antoni Gaudí is one of Spain’s most celebrated architects. He grew up in Reus, near Tarragona in Catalonia, where he fostered a love for the natural form and design. He then studied at the Barcelona Architecture School, before being commissioned to design Barcelona’s most unique buildings.
What is Antoni Gaudí known for?
Gaudí is renowned for his vibrantly colored Modernisme style, inspired by organic natural forms, oriental art, and art nouveau architecture. La Sagrada Família church in the heart of Barcelona is his most famous work. However, he’s also known for Park Güell, which features his mosaic sculptures and fantastical arched architecture, among many other buildings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: La Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
Where can you find Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona?
From the bustling Gothic Quarter to the quiet neighborhood of Gràcia, you’ll find examples of Gaudí’s work scattered all over Barcelona.
La Sagrada Família
Location: Eixample
Barcelona’s iconic church (often referred to as Gaudí’s cathedral) is arguably his most famous work. You can’t miss its distinctive design, styled as a traditional gothic church yet infused with twisted towers, gargoyled facades, and vibrant stained glass windows. Its construction is still in progress, with completion expected in 2026 — 100 years after Gaudí’s death. If you want to visit, it is essential to book La Sagrada Família tickets in advance.
Sagrada Família School
Location: Eixample
Close to La Sagrada Família, you’ll find a small school built for the children of the church’s construction workers. Look out for its wavy walls and roof, designed to imitate plant leaves — which allows rainwater to naturally slide off its curved tiles.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Park Güell
Location: Gràcia
Expect an explosion of color at Park Güell, an impressive public garden decorated with Gaudí’s colorful mosaics and sandy stone buildings. Snap a photo with the celebrated salamander sculpture and admire the view over the city’s rooftops from the top. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
La Pedrera - Casa Milà
Location: Eixample
One of three residential buildings that Gaudí designed, Casa Milà is a beautiful apartment block that echoes the sea in its curvy design. Head up to the rooftop terrace with its sculptural, shell-like chimneys and spectacular views of La Sagrada Família.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Sebastiani. Image Location: Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Spain
Casa Batlló
There’s no house quite like the quirky Casa Batlló, the jewel of Gaudí’s residential designs. You can’t miss the dragon-shaped rooftop that ripples over tile-encrusted walls and intricate facades. Inside, the spiral staircase and bone-like arched attic look like something from a Hollywood fantasy movie set.
Cripta de la Colònia Güell
Just 45 minutes by train outside of Barcelona, you’ll find Colònia Güell — a textile village where Gaudí was commissioned to rebuild an old church. It was here that he experimented architecturally before building La Sagrada Família. Unfortunately, it was never fully completed; but you can still visit it today.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Where else can you find Gaudí in Barcelona?
To really immerse yourself in the architect's world, head to the Gaudi Experience. Watch a 4D movie about his work and marvel at his unpublished models among the interactive displays. You can also visit the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) to see hundreds of objects from Gaudí’s career — from his own furniture designs to photographs and architectural drawings.
The best Gaudí tours in Barcelona
A guided tour is the best way to see Gaudí’s masterpieces and learn about the genius himself.
Free Walking Tours Barcelona organizes excellent English-speaking tours that cover his key works, including La Sagrada Família. Each one lasts 2.5 hours and at the end, you pay what you think the tour was worth.
Alternatively, book a private tour with Patrick Guide, where the knowledgeable owner and guide himself will entertain you with his fun, engaging style.
If you’d rather pedal around the city, join Gaudi Bike Tours for a half-day excursion to all of Gaudí’s UNESCO-listed buildings.
Ready for a Gaudí extravaganza? Download the Trainline app to book your train tickets to this art-infused European city. You won’t regret it.
Read more of our Barcelona guides to help your travel research before traveling by train to this gorgeous city:
- Top things to do in Barcelona for every traveler
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Dive into Barcelona's best hotels with pools
- How to spend 3 days in Barcelona
- Where to find the best paella in Barcelona
- Best day trips from Barcelona by train
- The finest beaches near Barcelona by train
- Your guide to Barcelona's main train station
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain
