architecture tour spain

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BARCELONA & 1929/1992

Explore how city and nature fuse in Montjuïc

BARCELONA & Landscape

Discover how nature and public space merge in the city

BARCELONA & Sagrada Familia

Get amazed with the most visited monuments in Barcelona!

BARCELONA & Modernisme

Take this trip through the magic of modernisme

BARCELONA & RCR

Experience architecture through RCR’s most representative projects

BARCELONA & URBANISM

Travel with us to the origins of the Modern Barcelona!

BARCELONA & THE SEA

Discover Barcelona through its architecture!

• Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

BARCELONA & GAUDI

A great start to discover the genius of Gaudi!

BARCELONA & GOTHIC TO MODERN

See Barcelona through the eyes of Enric Miralles!

BARCELONA & THE FUTURE

Walk through the smart city looking for our future!

Barcelona Architecture Walks are a series of urban walking tours led by architects,  inviting you to discover our city through the buildings and lessons of its Masters.

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From the 8th of September to the 24th of November 2024, Manifesta 15, the European Nomadic Biennial, comes to the metropolitan region of Barcelona for its 15th edition. Through artistic interventions in prominent... Read More

Amazing pics from Summer’24 tours

Now that Summer has end, we want to share with all of you, some amazing images of the Summer’24 tours. We are very proud because many travellers have been walking with us on... Read More

20 Best Barcelona Architecture Tours (2024)

Taking an architecture tour in Barcelona is like stepping into a living textbook of some of the most stunning designs you’ll ever see. From Gaudí’s masterpieces to hidden modernist gems, these tours really bring the city’s buildings to life.

I live in Spain and have been on a few of these tours around Barcelona. Each time, I’m blown away by the stories and secrets behind each building.

So, what exactly will you discover on a Barcelona architecture tour, and which ones are worth your time? Well, as you’ll see, these tours can offer you a deeper understanding of why Barcelona’s architecture is so well known – and how they can maybe even reveal a few surprises along the way.

Planning a trip to Barcelona last minute?

If you’re booking your  trip to Barcelona last minute, I’ve got you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

⭐  Most popular sights in Barcelona

• Sagrada Familia – tickets often sell out weeks in advance so get your entry ticket here (or entry tickets AND a guided tour here)
• Park Güell – grab your skip-the-line entry
• Casa Batlló – click here for tickets and audio guide

🌍 Top tours in Barcelona

• Montserrat Tour, Monastery and Winery (great day trip!)
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (incredible night out)
• Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History (all the highlights at once)

🛏️ Top hotels in Barcelona

• Ohla Barcelona (5-star luxury with an amazing rooftop pool)
• Seventy Barcelona (boutique hotel with beautiful décor)
• Àmfores Boutique Guest House (great budget option with superb location)

🚌 Want free public transport while you’re in Barcelona? Check out the Hola Barcelona travel card !

Sagrada Familia: Fast-Track Access Guided Tour

✅ Skip the lines and get a detailed tour of Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia with insights from an expert guide

✅ Learn about the ongoing construction and the people working to complete this iconic basilica

✅ Finish up at the Sagrada Familia Museum to see original sketches and understand the complex design

Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Full-Day Tour

✅ See top sights like Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and Park Güell all in one day

✅ Enjoy fast-track entry to Sagrada Familia and save time during peak seasons

✅ Explore Montjuïc, the Barrio Gótic, and modernist landmarks with plenty of time to enjoy the city’s highlights

Private Casa Batlló and Casa Milà Tour with Tickets

✅ Get a personal tour with skip-the-line entry to Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà from a local guide

✅ Discover the unique details of Casa Batlló and how Gaudí designed for light and air

✅ Visit Casa Milà and take in the great city views from its terrace to wrap up your tour

Table of Contents

Best Barcelona architecture tours

1. sagrada familia: fast-track access guided tour.

⭐ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 based on 3,230+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Sagrada Familia tour

✅ Check latest price and availability

If you want to delve deep into Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia: Fast-Track Access Guided Tour is the one for you. Your expert guide will escort you inside this world-renowned Basilica, providing an exclusive look at Gaudi’s original sketches and plans.

This class and trip to the market was so fun! I loved learning how to make paella, step by step and clean and prep the seafood. The sangria and tapas were also excellent. Highly recommend this class !! – Jennifer ( see more reviews )

Learn about the ongoing construction, the current predicted completion date, and how generations of craftspeople, architects and artists have striven to bring Gaudi’s vision to life. Inside the Sagrada Familia, you’ll be awestruck by the dream-like interior, the intense colors from the stained glass windows, and the branch-like columns.

The tour concludes at the Sagrada Familia Museum where you can see original sketches and plans demonstrating the complexity of Gaudi’s architecture and vision. This tour offers an in-depth understanding of the intricate details that go into constructing this monumental basilica, making it a must for architecture enthusiasts.

Planning a trip to Spain? Let’s see how much you really know!

2. sagrada familia and barcelona full-day tour.

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 based on 150+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best full Modernist architecture tour

Pack a punch of architectural wonders into one amazing day with the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Full-Day Tour . With this tour, you get to see Barcelona’s main sights including Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Güell and more. 

Enjoy the fantastic city views from Montjuic, site of the 1992 Olympic Games, and drive along the broad avenues of L’Eixample.

The best part of this tour is the fast track access to explore inside Gaudi’s monumental, and famously incomplete, Sagrada Familia. You can save up to two hours of waiting in line during the peak summer season. 

A very informative dive into history , culture and art. Interesting stories and observations of details with backgrounds that would be almost impossible to find without a live guide. – Anonymous ( see more reviews )

The tour also takes you to the oldest part of the city, the Barrio Gótic, where you can explore Barcelona’s history from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

Cap off your tour with a visit to the some of Barcelona’s most famous modernist architecture , by heading to Park Güell and La Pedrera. Here, your guide lets you spend as much time as you want exploring these architectural masterpieces.

This tour is truly a feast for the senses, offering you an in-depth look at Barcelona’s rich architectural heritage.

3. Private Casa Batlló and Casa Milà Tour with Tickets

⭐ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 based on 110+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Casa Batlló and Casa Milà tour 

If you’re looking for a more personalized and intimate experience, then the Private Casa Batlló and Casa Milà Tour with Tickets is the perfect fit. With this tour, you’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry and a dedicated local guide as you explore Gaudi’s iconic Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Starting your tour at Casa Batlló, your guide will show you the intricate details that make this building a real Gaudi gem. This is also where you’ll learn about Gaudi’s ingenious solutions to architectural problems, like how he managed to disperse light and air throughout the house.

The two houses are wonderful works by Gaudi. The guide was excellent, providing very clear explanations. An incredible experience ! I highly recommend it! Casa Batlló is a gem. Unique architecture. It’s so worth it! – Celina ( see more reviews )

From there, it’s on to Casa Milà, fondly referred to as “La Pedrera” (or “the stone quarry”). Its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies, and rocky exterior are sure to impress. 

And the cherry on top? A visit to the terrace for spectacular views of the city. How’s that for a grand finale?

4. Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 based on 750+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.25 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Park Güell tour

Get ready to immerse yourself in Gaudí’s vibrant and imaginative world with the Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour . This tour offers an intimate exploration of one of Gaudi’s most popular masterpieces, Park Güell.

The guided tour starts in front of the main group’s entrance, where you’ll skip the line and dive right into the spectacular landscape adorned with modernist architecture and vibrant ceramic tiles. The tour takes you through the main square, the famous Dragon Stairway, and the two pavilions.

Awesome! Enjoyed it very much and very nice tour guide. Afterwards we were allowed to go into the park and that was a lot of fun. Recommended ! – Suus ( see more reviews )

Park Güell is a world of its own, offering panoramic views of Barcelona from Carmel Hill. After the tour ends, you can stay and meander through this magical green space at your own pace, soaking up Gaudi’s fantastical vision. 

It’s absolutely a real treat for all lovers of nature and architecture alike.

5. Sagrada Familia and City Sights Bike or E-Bike Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 based on 470+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Modernist architecture bike tour 

Who said exploring Barcelona’s architecture couldn’t be an active adventure? This 3-hour Sagrada Familia and City Sights Bike or E-Bike Tour lets you take a bike (or e-bike if you prefer) to combine exercise and sightseeing in a fun, unique way.

The bikes are great! The guide was very attentive and helpful! The other attendants too! I loved the experience and recommend it !! – Salustra ( see more reviews )

Your journey starts in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, navigating through narrow medieval streets to arrive at The Born Cultural Center and the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral. Pedal through Parc de la Ciutadella, taking in its green spaces and large majestic fountain, before heading to the city’s seafront and exploring the urban projects around the Port Olímpic marina.

Next, you’ll cycle towards the heart of the city to the iconic Sagrada Familia, where you’ll marvel at Gaudi’s unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The tour concludes with a visit to the surrealistic Casa Batlló and Casa Mila, leaving you with fantastic memories – and perhaps a few extra calories burned!

6. Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló Tour

⭐ RATING : 4.9 out of 5 based on 250+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best combined Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló tour 

Next up, the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló Tour . This tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Gaudi’s world and witness his most iconic works in one go.

You’ll get to unravel Gaudi’s creative mind as you explore Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, and Park Güell before ending at the spectacular Sagrada Família.

The tour starts at the captivating Casa Batlló. In the tranquility of the morning, you’ll have a chance to explore the intricate details of this architectural masterpiece. 

I had such a wonderful time and feel like I was really able to connect with the work of Gaudi. A great tour ! – Nicole ( see more reviews )

The journey continues to Casa Milà and Casa Vicens, two of Gaudi’s other noteworthy creations. From there, you’ll head to the enchanting Park Güell, a fusion of artistic color and organic forms, where you’ll bypass the long entrance lines.

The crescendo of the tour is undoubtedly the visit to Sagrada Família. Here, you’ll spend a full hour exploring the church, then head down to the museum to see some of the architect’s original drawings, models, and calculations, and get a clear view of Gaudi’s tomb. 

This tour is truly a deep dive into the heart of Gaudi’s architectural wonders.

7. Gaudí Walking Tour with Sagrada Familia Ticket

⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 based on 60+ reviews 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Gaudi/Modernist architecture walking tour

Put on your comfy shoes and get ready for the Gaudí Walking Tour with Sagrada Familia Ticket . This tour introduces you to the genius of Antoni Gaudí while also giving you fast-track access to explore the interior of the Sagrada Familia.

It kicks off at the city’s old hospital, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, which today is the largest Art Nouveau complex in Europe. From there, you’ll walk down Gaudí’s Avenue while learning about the life of Gaudí, the history of the Sagrada Familia, and how it changed Barcelona.

Very informative, Paula knows her stuff and was very interactive with the group. Highly recommended simple, quick tour of the Sagrada – Broderick ( see more reviews )

The highlight of this tour is certainly the Sagrada Familia. Here, you can wander around the temple and appreciate the secret messages hidden in the façades and the intricate sculptural work. 

Once inside, marvel at a church like nothing you’ve seen before. With this tour, you’ll feel like you’re walking the pages of your very own book of Gaudí’s works , discovering his incredible architectural legacy as you go.

8. Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia and Park Güell Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,030+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 4 – 4.5 hours 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best combined Sagrada Familia and Park Güell tour 

If you’re wanting to experience two of Gaudi’s masterpieces in a single day, then the Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia and Park Güell Tour is the one for you! As you might guess, this tour combines two of the most iconic architectural gems designed by Antoni Gaudi in one grand adventure. 

You get to unravel the mysteries of Gaudi’s mosaics and motifs with an expert guide, who brings this iconic architect’s world to life.

The tour kicks off at the unique city park, Parc Güell. Brace yourself for the fascinating artistic displays of Gaudi’s work such as the symbolic mosaics, park benches, and the dragon of mosaic ceramic tiles that dominate the large staircase. 

My tour was amazing . My tour girl Una was great!! I loved the experience . – Wendy ( see more reviews )

As the tour continues, you’ll be swept away to the Sagrada Familia in the Eixample district. There, you will marvel at the intricate vaults towering 70 meters high and the rich ornamentations of Gaudi’s Latin cross plan.

The grand finale is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Museum, where you can dive deeper into Gaudi’s world. Here, you’ll discover original drawings, models, and learn more about the symbolism used in the construction of the church. 

This tour promises a comprehensive immersion into Gaudi’s world, so make sure your camera is fully charged!

What’s your perfect destination for your dream trip to Spain?

Want to discover a city or live your island dreams?

Embrace the food scene or step through the pages of history?

Whatever your travel style, discover the perfect Spanish city to add to your trip here!

9. Sagrada Familia 3-Hour Segway Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 based on 60+ reviews 

🏆 BEST FOR: Best Gaudi modernism architecture Segway tour

Can you imagine exploring Barcelona on a two-wheel electric Segway? Well, with the Sagrada Familia 3-Hour Segway Tour , this becomes a reality! 

You’ll get to zoom around the beautiful beaches of Barceloneta and ride along the scenic seafront promenade, taking in all the vibrant colors of the city.

Fantastic experience ! Wonderful way to see the highlights of this beautiful city. Guide was informative and entertaining! 10/10 – Kimberly ( see more reviews )

The crown jewel of the tour, though, is the majestic La Sagrada Familia. You’ll stand in awe before the incomplete masterpiece of the great Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

The tour then whisks you away to Parc de la Ciutadella, a green oasis filled with Gaudí’s creations and intriguing sculptures, a feast for the eyes!

10. Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Tower Access

⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 based on 2,210+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours

No one likes long lines when it comes to exploring monuments, especially when time is tight during a vacation. This is why the Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Tower Access is your savior! 

This tour lets you skip those time-consuming lines and delve straight into the magical world of Gaudí’s iconic monument, the Sagrada Familia.

Great information that I never would have known about the architecture! – Anonymous ( see more reviews )

While exploring the spellbinding interior, you’ll learn about the intricate history of this unfinished church, its Christian iconography, and the profound symbolism within its structure. But hold onto your hats, because the grandeur doesn’t stop there!

Your journey concludes with a visit to the Museu Gaudí, where you’ll immerse yourself in the life and legacy of the artist. Top it off with a panoramic view of Barcelona from one of the towers of the basilica – it’s an experience that will truly elevate your understanding of this historic city!

11. Fast-Track Sagrada Familia and Towers Guided Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 based on 1,960+ reviews 

Want a speedy entry into Barcelona’s most iconic building? The Fast-Track Sagrada Familia and Towers Guided Tou r is your golden ticket! 

With this tour, you can skip the long queues and dive right into the depths of Gaudí’s Modernisme masterpiece.

Fantastic tour and amazing place. We also went up the tower and that was crazy. Loved the views and taking the spiral staircase back down was trippy and fun. A must do in Barcelona. – Susan ( see more reviews )

The Sagrada Familia’s interior is a sight to behold, a seamless fusion of architecture and spirituality that’s intricately rich in symbolism. As you walk freely around the nave, you’ll listen to your guide’s enlightening commentary about Gaudí’s genius, bringing the stunning edifice to life in a way you’ve never experienced before.

The grand finale of the tour gives you access to the elevator that ascends one of the towers. Prepare yourself for breath-taking panoramic views of Barcelona – a sight you won’t forget anytime soon!

12. Sagrada Familia Tour with Optional Tower Access

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 based on 640+ reviews 

The Sagrada Familia Tour with Optional Tower Access is a must for those looking to skip lines and gain intimate insights into Antoni Gaudí’s life and work. You’ll get to step foot into the unfinished basilica, marvel at the intricate stained glass windows, and let the timeless atmosphere inspire you.

Our guide was so good. Calm and patient with the whole group and allowed us time to explore independently. We loved exploring the towers ! – Alissa  ( see more reviews )

Your expert guide will explain how Gaudí drew inspiration from various aspects of life, such as nature, to forge his unique architectural style. This tour takes you through all five floors of the cathedral, illuminating the astounding craftsmanship that’s woven into every nook and cranny of the structure.

And for those looking for a cherry on top, opt to access the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona’s amazing streets and landmarks from a bird’s eye view. This isn’t just a tour, it’s a one-way ticket to the heart of Barcelona’s architectural marvels!

13. Sagrada Familia Fast Track Guided Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 based on 360+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1 – 1.5 hours

Alright, architecture enthusiasts, buckle up for the Sagrada Familia Fast Track Guided Tour ! This tour is your golden ticket to bypass the pesky queues and dive straight into the wonders of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic work. 

A local expert will guide you through the cathedral, shedding light on its rich history and architectural grandeur.

Stunning – in awe of the size and beauty . Our guide provided us with lots of information and background that we could not have known or learned without her knowledge and passion. – Karen ( see more reviews )

You’ll kick off your tour by meeting your guide at a spot close to Sagrada Familia, giving you the chance to admire the breathtaking exterior before you venture inside. What’s more, you’ll gain comprehensive insights into the cathedral’s creation and Gaudi’s vision, offering a deeper appreciation of this architectural marvel.

This tour lets you experience the cathedral in the most detailed and enthusiastic way possible. Learn about the intricacies of Gaudí’s design, delve into the enigma of Catalan modernism, and enjoy some free time to explore the cathedral at your own pace. 

It’s the perfect adventure for anyone looking to unravel the beauty of Barcelona’s architectural prowess!

14. Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 based on 220+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

Welcome to a double dose of Gaudí’s genius on the Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour ! If you’re the type of traveler who loves blending nature with architecture, then this 4-hour guided tour is just the ticket. 

Skip-the-line entries to both Park Güell and Sagrada Familia guarantee you more time exploring and less time waiting!

We loved this tour . Very professional and knowledgeable staff. Our guide was excellent 🙂 – Aly ( see more reviews )

Your first stop will be the Sagrada Familia, where you’ll have a chance to explore the stunning basilica’s four façades and its five aisles. Here, you’ll uncover Gaudí’s initial plans for this iconic structure and get a sense of his visionary ideas. 

Then, it’s time for a quick 10-minute drive to the enchanting Park Güell. At Park Güell, the fun continues as you admire the multi-colored mosaic dragon and take a stroll through the gardens, revealing Gaudí’s sinuous motifs and unique style. 

The professional guide will ensure you don’t miss any key details, making this tour an unforgettable journey through Gaudí’s iconic works.

15. Fast Track Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia

⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 based on 120+ reviews 

Are you eager to learn more about Gaudí’s legendary La Sagrada Familia? Well, the Fast Track Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia is your express pass to do just that! 

This 1.5-hour tour bypasses the long tourist lines, offering you a more intimate encounter with this religious landmark.

We booked this tour last minute and we’re so glad we did! Sagrada Familia is a must-see if you’re in Barcelona and we got so much more out of the architecture with our wonderful guide! – Katie ( see more reviews )

You’ll start by admiring the breathtaking exteriors before the skip-the-line tickets whisk you straight into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral. Inside, prepare to marvel at the ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, and unique architectural designs as your guide unravels the stories of Antonio Gaudí and Catalan modernism.

Also on the itinerary is a visit to La Sagrada Familia Museum where you can glimpse original plaster models, design sketches, and exhibits tracing the building’s history since the 19th century. 

Once your guided tour concludes, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the mesmerizing interior, basking in the magical afternoon light filtered through the colored windows. It’s an absolute must-do when in Barcelona!

16. On the Trail of Gaudí E-Bike Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 based on 110+ reviews 

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours

Looking for something a bit different? The On the Trail of Gaudí E-Bike Tour offers a fun and environmentally-friendly way to explore Barcelona’s architectural wonders! 

This 2.5-hour tour lets you experience the city’s famed landmarks, all while enjoying a breezy ride on an electric bike. Kicking off by the Arc de Triomf, you’ll admire its stunning neo-Mudéjar style before heading to the Parc de la Ciutadella. 

The tour was wonderful. Everything was perfect . – Sebastian ( see more reviews )

Then, you’ll cruise to the colorful Born district and visit Casa Calvet, an early masterpiece by Gaudí. Your e-bike adventure continues to the modern Grácia district, where you’ll be enthralled by buildings like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

The real showstopper of this tour, however, is the final destination – the Sagrada Familia. As you approach this architectural behemoth you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece.

17. Private Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 based on 80+ reviews

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 2.5 hours

Dive deep into the iconic Sagrada Familia with the Private Guided Tour of Sagrada Familia . The highlight of this tour is experiencing the calming ambiance of the Sagrada Familia in the evening, leaving you to appreciate the stunning intricacies of Gaudi’s creation at your leisure.

Your expert guide will delve into the fascinating history of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural marvel, giving you insights into Catalan modernism. 

Guide was very friendly and informative! Enjoyed the tour! Highly recommend ! – Kassandra (see more r eviews )

The best part? You get to skip the line, saving you time to absorb the majestic beauty of one of Barcelona’s most recognizable monuments.

This intimate, in-depth tour offers a fantastic opportunity to pose your burning questions about Gaudi’s iconic work and learn as much as possible about it. It’s an enriching experience that’s perfect for architecture lovers seeking a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s treasured monument.

18. Barcelona and Sagrada Familia Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 based on 80+ reviews

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours

The Barcelona and Sagrada Familia Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup is a must for anyone seeking a comprehensive view of the city’s architectural wonders. The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup and then takes you on an intimate exploration of all the highlights, including the beautiful Old Town of Barcelona and Montjuïc Hill.

With a small group of no more than eight people, you’ll be guided by an expert through the city’s unique architecture and rich history. The tour includes a visit to Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, where you’ll skip the line and save precious time.

It was fantastic , great tour guide and we really enjoyed it – Michael ( see more reviews )

Experience the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the 1992 Olympic Village atop Montjuic Mountain, and marvel at the medieval narrow streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. 

The tour culminates in a visit to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, where you’ll be captivated by Gaudi’s incredible architectural style and the abundant religious symbolism hidden within its unique façades.

19. Gaudi’s Modernist Legacy: Small Group Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 based on 30+ reviews

⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours

For those looking to immerse themselves in the works of Gaudí and the extravagant Modernist buildings of Barcelona, the Gaudi’s Modernist Legacy: Small Group Tour is an absolute must. Led by an experienced guide, this tour takes you on a discovery of Gaudí’s masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and more.

We had a great tour and learned so much – William ( see more reviews )

This tour offers a deep dive into the visionary achievements of Antoni Gaudí, showcasing how his innovative design principles shaped the city’s urban landscape. You’ll not only explore the iconic La Sagrada Familia but also uncover the stories behind other significant Modernist buildings in Eixample.

Discover the ideals of urban planning of Cerdà and his original vision, in which each interior block had a garden. The tour offers an excellent opportunity to admire the most important Modernist works in Barcelona and understand the enduring influence of Gaudí on the city’s architectural fabric.

20. Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Guided Tour

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 based on 20+ reviews

The Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Guided Tour invites you to explore Gaudí’s first masterpiece, a building that sowed the seeds for his later works. This tour gives you a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of this celebrated architect and understand the innovative language he used in the structural, decorative, and symbolic elements of Casa Vicens.

The guided tour, led by an in-house expert, offers a comprehensive overview of the Casa Vicens, a summer house built for the Vicens family between 1883 and 1885. The building, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, offers a fascinating glimpse into Gaudí’s early work.

Very good, our guide was the most important thing in our visit. I deliver enjoyable and entertaining information . Satisfied and impressed by the Gaudi phenomenon. – Jorge ( see more reviews )

After the guided tour, you’re free to explore the building at your own pace. From the colorful tiles to the intricate ironwork, Casa Vicens is a treasure trove of design details that offers a unique insight into Gaudí’s journey as a modernist architect. 

A tour of Casa Vicens is an absolute must for architecture enthusiasts and Gaudí fans alike.

Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire thousands of visitors each month to take the road less traveled and explore Spain like a local. Having lived in Spain for some time now, Anna's made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of this stunning country - with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!

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Design an architectural tour in barcelona tailored to your group.

Are you looking for a bespoke experience? We organise customised architectural itineraries for companies, professionals, delegations, students and architecture lovers.

Depending on what you need, we focus on specific themes such as urban planning, sustainability and mobility. For example, we organise meetings with specialists and take care of all the necessary planning and management . We speak seven languages and invite you to discover Barcelona with our team of expert architects.

“ Stefanie did an excellent job of presenting complex issues in a clear and very interesting way. We were delighted with the tour. ”

Group Tours

Our selection of pre-designed architectural tours for groups.

Are you visiting Barcelona for the first time and finding it difficult to choose an architectural tour? Or perhaps you know the city well and are looking for a tour that is a little out of the ordinary?

We have designed several routes to satisfy all levels of architectural curiosity, adapting the contents so that both amateur and expert groups can enjoy our architecture tours, talks and workshops in Barcelona and Catalonia. 

Visiting the tech district, getting to know the most important sustainable projects or understanding Gaudi’s work at the hands of an expert are some of our proposals.

“Our University visited Barcelona with 30 students in Urban Planning. The lecture was a brilliant introduction to Barcelona for our students and helped them a lot in understanding the city and the places we visited during the week. The tour itself was the highlight of the excursion. Lorenzo did a great job in activating the students and is a great story teller. Looking forward to our next visit or guided tours in other cities.”

Private Walks

Direct booking tours to architectural landmarks for small groups and all architecture lovers.

Our architectural tours are designed for small groups, couples and architecture lovers who have little time in Barcelona. 

This is the short and direct booking version of our essential architecture tours. During 2.5 hours we guide you into the urban complexity of Barcelona with the help of a specialised architect who will give you his vision in an entertaining and educational way.

Barcino, the seafront or Montjuïc mountain are just a sample of all our guided tours.

“The guided tour with Lorenzo was a real highlight of our trip to Barcelona. He brought the city’s rich architectural history to life with his detailed professional knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing his passion for the city. I was particularly impressed by the way in which he engaged our two children, aged 10 and 12. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I highly recommend the tour.”

Lectures and online events

Talks, seminars and virtual tours.

An experience designed for you to enjoy the architecture and urbanism of Barcelona no matter where you are. Through on-site lectures or online sessions we show you masterpieces and thematic itineraries providing an extra value to your regular visit.

Explore the Eixample Super Blocks, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion or discover the architectural concepts in Antoni Gaudi’s work. You choose where to start.

“ Great tours for any kind of visitor or even locals. Lorenzo knows a lot of interesting stuff of the city and its architectonical details. I did a los of visits with him and our clients and even with family and children. Always a pleasure! ”

Guiding Architects Barcelona Blog

Keep up to date with the latest news on architecture and urban planning in our blog:

Barcelona: Towards the Urban and Social Integration of the Metropolis

steffi 2024-09-13T21:13:17+01:00 August 18, 2024 |

The Polycentric Conception of Barcelona Stimulates the Creation of High-Quality Architecture in the Municipalities of the Metropolitan Area.

The 2024 America’s Cup Drives the Reform of Barcelona’s Coastline

steffi 2024-06-19T09:50:00+01:00 June 19, 2024 |

With the Big Nautical Event Just Around the Corner, We Review the Evolution of the Port and Its Recent Projects.

Barcelona Architecture Weeks 2024: Don’t Miss out on Our Talks and Guided Tours!

steffi 2024-06-14T18:06:06+01:00 May 9, 2024 |

Guiding Architects Barcelona joins this year’s Setmanes d’Arquitectura with several activities open to everybody to enjoy and learn from projects that propose new ways of city-making.

Out&About EUmies Awards: Celebrating the Best of Contemporary European Architecture

steffi 2024-04-18T21:42:08+01:00 April 18, 2024 |

Discover the shortlisted projects for the 2024 EUmies Awards with Guiding Architects and join us for an exciting two-month programme of free public events.

At Guiding Architects Barcelona we are a team of architects working to convey the past, present and future of Barcelona’s architecture and urban planning, with a special emphasis on the city’s contemporary architecture .

Guiding Architects Barcelona was created in 1994 by Professor Hans Geilinger – also founder of the international association Guiding Architects – and is currently managed by architect and architectural photographer Lorenzo Kárász .

Its collaborators, who come from Barcelona and different countries around the world, combine their experience in architecture with other disciplines such as urban planning, art or teaching .

GA Barcelona is co-founder of  Guiding Architects , an international network for architecture tours which, in addition to inter-city architecture trips, offers professional excursions and tours in more than 40 locations around the world . As a team of architects with many years of local experience, our members have valuable insider knowledge and excellent contact to the local architecture scene.

Arquitectura Urbana Barcelona SL ha sido beneficiaria del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional cuyo objetivo es mejorar la competitividad de las Pymes y gracias al cual ha puesto en marcha un Plan de Marketing Digital Internacional con el objetivo de mejorar su posicionamiento online en mercados exteriores durante el año 2020. Para ello ha contado con el apoyo del Programa XPANDE DIGITAL de la Cámara de Comercio de Barcelona.

Guiding Architects Barcelona

is run by the Spanish company Arquitectura Urbana Barcelona S.L. C/Bailen, 232 bis 1D E-08037 Barcelona | Spain VAT: ES-B65599177

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Totally Spain’s Guide to Architectural Touring in Spain

Ever wanted to see Gaudi’s crazy cathedral that has been 130 years+ in the making? Or maybe Gehry’s giant titanium de-construction in the shape of an old ship is more your style. And what about Calatrava’s neo-futurist designs that defy words? Whether you’re after Modernist, modern or Moorish, Spain is a joy to visit for any fan or practitioner of architecture. We’ve been planning architectural tours of Spain since we set up Totally Spain back in 2000 and want to share our tips with you for the perfect architecture tour of Spain.

Where to Visit in Spain? One of the challenges when drawing up a shortlist of what to see in Spain is the pain of leaving out some key cities. Here’s the city ranking we like to recommend for fans of architecture:-

The one and only – Sagrada Familia by the creative madness that is Antoni Gaudi. photo credit: Barcelona 23-04-2016 (127) via photopin (license)

1 Barcelona – Gaudi & Catalan Modernisme If you had to choose one place in Spain there’s a clear winner and that city is Barcelona. The work of Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) is a huge draw in Barcelona and rightly so. You need to spend at least one full day visiting the sites designed by the Modernist master. Firstly Park Guell , which is famous for its brightly coloured tile work, Hansel and Gretel like structures and its great views over the city. Gaudi was originally commissioned to take on the project in 1883 and the Catalan architect lived here from 1906 until 1925 – his former residence is now the Gaudi Museum. Our second pick would be the curvy La Pedrera completed in 1910 and located on the Paseo de Gracia which is one of the iconic symbols of Barcelona. And if you can only see one more Gaudi creation, it has to be the Sagrada Familia , a Christian temple commissioned in 1883 that is still a construction site to this day. Gaudi worked on it fulltime from 1915 and lived on site for a few months until his untimely death in 1926. It is arguably the most famous and spectacular of Gaudí’s works.

How stunning is this gate by Gaudi? His creativity had no bounds! photo credit: Gate via photopin (license)

Those of you looking for a Gaudi-fest could spend a whole week or more as there are many other buildings such as Finca Guell (1887), Casa Vicens (1888), Palau Guell (1890), Casa Calvet (1900), Casa Battlo (1907) and Colonia Guell (1914), and if you want to really backtrack you can see one of Gaudi’s first commissions – the lampposts from 1878 in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau.

But don’t think that Barcelona’s architecture begins and ends with Gaudi.  After seeing the main sights such as the world famous Ramblas which is an entertaining avenue full of local colour and the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), where the 13th century Gothic cathedral is situated, you have quite a few more architectural sights. You should see the stunning Palau de la Musica from 1908 by the Barcelona-born architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850-1923) – one of the world’s major concert halls and an excellent example of Catalan modernism.

And if you want to appreciate the city’s skyline, we love the views from Montjuic. (We still can’t forget those iconic images of the diving pool during the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.) From Montjuic, you should check out the  Palau Nacional by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956). It was commissioned for the International Expo of 1929 and is now the home of the Museu Nacional d’Art Catalan. This Spanish Renaissance-inspired structure is well worth a visit for its colossal hall and its collection of medieval art especially its Romanesque frescoes.

Montjuic actually means Jewish Mountain – and if you’d like to know more about Jewish architecture and history in Barcelona or anywhere else in Spain – check out our detailed guide here .

And no self respecting fan of architecture can be in Barcelona without taking in the Barcelona Pavillion by the German-American architect Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969). The design dates back to the German national pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition and accommodated the reception presided over by King Alfonso XIII of Spain along with the German authorities. After the closure of the Exhibition, the Pavilion was disassembled in 1930 but it was reconstructed in 1986 and is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The former Las Arenas bullring in Barcelona is now a mall bustling with bars and restaurants! photo credit: Las Arenas via photopin (license)

Our final suggestion? The Neo-Mudejar styled Las Arenas Bullring  which had been in disuse since 1989. It was converted into a shopping mall by Richard Rogers (1933+) with the Alonso Balaguer Practice in 2011 and it’s a great place for a meal or a drink on your last night in Barcelona.

2 Madrid – Palaces, Parks & Museums Your next stop must be Madrid. Although it dates back to the 9th century it only became the capital of Spain when Phillip II moved his court from Toledo in 1561. We adore this city’s relaxed atmosphere and where better to experience this than in the city’s outdoor squares such as the Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the Plaza del Oriente. Today the squares are home to the city’s festivals, fairs, theatre performances, holy week processions, street markets and café-culture. You’ll have to close your eyes and imagine the bullfights, trials and inquisition that took place in, for example, the Plaza Mayor in the past.

This little gem nestled in Madrid’s best loved downtown park is one of our favourite parts of Retiro Park. photo credit: Palacio de Cristal via photopin (license)

One of our first recommended stops in Madrid is Retiro Park, the capital’s most popular park and a great place to absorb city life. When Phillip II moved his royal entourage to Madrid, he commissioned his architect Juan Bautista de Toledo (1515-1567) to enlarge what had previously been a retreat into a formally laid out park. It would become a centrepiece of Hapsburg life. The gardens passed from royal to public property in 1868. Make sure to seek out Velázquez Palace (1883) and our favourite, the Crystal Palace (1887), both by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco (1843-1923). Exit the park at Puerta de Alcala designed by Francesco Sabatini in 1774. Proceed to the Neo-Classical Cibeles Fountain from 1777 and take in the Palace of Telecommunications aka the Post Office (1907-1919) designed by Antonio Palacios (1874-1945) and Joaquín Otamendi (1874-1960). Hang a left for the  Prado Museum – a space dating back to 1785 that houses art from the 12th to the 19th centuries including large permanent collections by Velasquez and Goya. It was first opened to the public in 1819 and was extended in 2007 by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo (1937+). Moneo is a Pritzker Prize winner (1996) and RIBA winner (2003) also.

Close your tour of classic Madrid by visiting the Royal Palace which stands on the site of a 9th century alcazar and a former Moorish castle. The Italian architect Giovanni Battista Sacchetti (1690-1764) began the works in 1738 and the building was completed in 1764. Another Italian architect Francesco Sabatini (who designed the Puerta de Alcala) designed the southeast wing and the great staircase. With 3,418 rooms there’s something to represent every style since its completion. There is some debate as to its style – with experts veering between baroque and neo-classical styles.

About as far away from the Prado in architectural style as the work it holds within – this is the Reina Sofia contemporary art museum in Madrid. photo credit: I don’t know what to do with myself via photopin (license)

To get a taste of modern Madrid, we recommend the Reina Sofia Museum , home to one of the world’s most prized permanent collections of 20th century art including Picasso’s infamous Guernika. The former 16th century hospital that had been re-designed by Sabatini and José de Hermosillo (1715-1776), re-opened as an art museum in 1986. The conversion was masterminded by Antonio Fernández Alba (1927+), José Luis Iñiguez de Onzoño (1922+), Antonio Vázquez de Castro (1930+) and British architect Ian Ritchie (1947+). A subsequent 8,000 m2 expansion designed by French architect Jean Nouvel (1945+) was opened in 2005.

It needs to be seen to be believed – the Botanic Gardens in Madrid’s Atocha Station. photo credit: Atocha madrid via photopin (license)

If you’re interested in trains check out the nearby Atocha Train Station which was first opened in 1851 but damage from a fire required a rebuild into what you see today – the wrought iron structure. In 1992, Spanish architect Rafael Moneo completed a significant redesign and expansion which saw the wrought iron building being converted into a concourse with shops and a huge botanical garden. Yes, really, don’t take our word for it. You have to see it for yourself!

If you’re looking for a wild card – we’re sure you’ll have an opinion on Platea – the new food court that was an abandoned movie theatre in the Salamanca neighbourhood. Again – an interesting place to wind down in after a few days in Madrid.

3 Valencia – Mediterranean Markets & Sci-Fi Madness  After Barcelona and Madrid, if you can squeeze in another city break, we would factor in a trip to Valencia. Why? You get to lose yourself in the work of Santiago Calatrava (1951+). The Valencian architect’s wild and wonderful City of Arts and Sciences is every photographer’s and sci-fi fan’s dream. Words just don’t do this place justice – so we think you should experience the creations with your own eyes.

Calatrava’s futuristic forms emerging from the water in Valencia. photo credit: CC15 via photopin (license)

Stunning by day. Stunning by night. Calatrava’s creations in his native Valencia are mesmerising. photo credit: El Hemisférico, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, España, 2014-06-29, DD 60-62 HDR via photopin (license)

After you’ve blown your mind on Calatrava, you’ve lots more to explore in the city. Start at the nearby Turin Gardens which is a reclaimed space created when the river was diverted away from the city centre following the catastrophic flooding of 1957. It’s a great example of urban planning at its best and this is where you’ll the happiest cyclists, pedestrians, joggers and dog walkers this side of Amsterdam.

Valencia’s city centre is a wonderful combination of Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance and the city’s cathedral by Francisco Baldomar (1440-1480) and Pere Compte (1450-1506) alone offers influences of each of these periods. After visiting the cathedral, make for the staggeringly beautiful 15th century Gothic Silk Exchange also designed by Pere Compte. It is still used for trading today but mainly for buying and selling agricultural products.

Don’t forget to check out the new harbour area especially the Veles e Vents structure by British architect David Chipperfield (1953+) and Madrid’s Fermín Vázquez (1951+). Culture vultures and fans of archaeology will want to visit IVAM (1989) – the museum that takes a look at the 20th century art movements and features a large collection by sculptor Julio Gonzalez (Barcelona, 1876 – Paris, 1942). Don’t miss the underground room where you can see Valencia’s mediaeval city wall, which was discovered during the building works for the museum.

And although not strictly architectural, if you happen to be in Valencia in mid-March, you should stay for the Las Fallas festival where giant 3D figures made from paper, wax, wood and Styrofoam that are designed and created over the previous 12 months are burned ceremoniously from 15-19 March. Only in Spain!

How amazing is this food market? You can’t miss out on buying a few local oranges under that ceiling! photo credit: Central Market – Mercado Central, Valencia (Spain), HDR via photopin (license)

If you’re a fan of markets, you have two treats in store for you in Valencia. First is the extravagant Art Nouveau building that is the Central Market (1914-1928) which is the handiwork of Alejandro Soler March (1874-1949) and Francisco Guardia Vial (1880-1940). You’ll still find lots of stalls to explore and pick up some tasty bites so you’re advised to visit in the morning when the place is full of shoppers and produce. Afterwards move on to the Modernista-styled Colon Market from 1916. The former market is now more of a mall and is a very pleasant place to stop and have a drink. If you’re there on a Sunday around midday, you might even catch a piano recital!

4 Bilbao – The Re-Purposing of an Industrial Port  Got another night or two? We love Bilbao’s eclectic mix of buildings and styles. Famed for the Guggenheim effect, the most famous structure in this city is the Guggenheim itself – a 1997 creation by North-American architect Frank O. Gehry (1929+) that is worth spending time in. And remember to set aside lots of time for walking around outside also.

You’ve heard so much about it and the Guggenheim in Bilbao lives up to its reputation. photo credit: Bilbao, Guggenheim via photopin (license)

We love it for its distinctive titanium curves and soaring glass atrium. In addition to visiting the permanent collection inside that includes Richard Serra’s Snake, you’ll enjoy the temporary exhibitions also. And outside, we adore the Puppy and Tulip sculptures by Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois’ Spider outside brings out the kid in everyone also.

If you’d like to explore the old part of the city, we recommend walking riverside or taking the marvelous tram with funky grass-lined tracks to the Old Quarter. Keep an eye out for the ironwork and beautiful stained glass at the Santander train station across the river and the Zubi Zuri Bridge by Calatrava. First stop is the newly refurbished Mercado de la Ribera on the edge of the Old Quarter to see how the 1929 structure has been refurbished.

Explore the nearby Plaza Nueva meaning New Square that actually dates from 1821 and pick up something sweet from one of the many old pastry shops that have been in business since 1830. Pop into one of the many ambient bars in the Siete Calles for some local white wines and pintxos and then walk back along the riverbank to your hotel.

Norman Foster designed these metro entrances in Bilbao which are affectionately known as ‘Fosteritos’. photo credit: Fosterito via photopin (license)

Next day – if you have a good head for heights or like feats of engineering, take the commuter train to Portugalete to see the Puente Colgante – a remarkable Hanging Transporter Bridge built in 1893 and still in use today to cross the River Nervion. On your return to the city centre, take the funicular ride up to Artxanda that affords terrific views of the city. Go back down and check out the Fosteritos on the Gran Via which are Norman Foster’s acclaimed metro entrances. And finally you should visit Bilbao’s newest internationally designed library and cultural space – the Alhondiga (meaning wine warehouse) which was designed by Ricardo Bastida (1879-1953) in 1909 and was re-furbished by Philippe Starck (1949+) in 2010. If you really want to experience this space, we recommend you don your bathing suit and hit the water. When you get there you’ll see why.

5 More Regions or Cities? Hire a car and take in the nearby wineries in the Rioja and Rioja Alavesa regions that include works by Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) at Vina Tondonia, Calatrava at Ysios wineries, Inaki Azpiazu at Baigorri and Gehry at Marques de Riscal to name but a few. More days to spare? Then tag on a few days to Seville, Granada and Cordoba to experience Spain’s Moorish architecture including the Mosque-Cathedral, the Nasrid Complex of Palaces and the Royal Palace of Seville that was developed by Moors – plus the enchanting Andalusian courtyards bursting with floral displays. Still more time – why not head over to Lisbon ? Been there already? Take a trip to Gibraltar or Morocco …

How to Travel Around Spain’s Great Architectural Sights How you travel depends on where you’re going and how much time you have but if you are planning a trip to just Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, we recommend Spain’s high-speed train that will shuttle you to these three cities in style. If you add on Bilbao – an internal flight is the solution and you’ll fly into a Santiago Calatrava designed terminal. BTW Many of Spain’s airports are pretty flashy – we love the Richard Rogers (1933+) and Antonio Lamela (1926+) designed Terminal 4 at Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez Airport! Like the sound of Lisbon too? There are great connections from Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona & Valencia to Lisbon. Is Andalusia’s Moorish architecture calling? Then the high-speed train from Madrid plus a private driver is our top tip.

Local Knowledge is Vital Wherever you decide to visit, we will encourage you to draw on our excellent network of private expert guides including a number of architects who can give you an in-depth architectural overview. It’s true that you can visit these buildings and take the standard tours – but we know that a private tour makes the visit so much more memorable. We love the the local anecdotes and the architectural backstory that our guides offer because they are so familiar with their cities and in tune with their areas of specialism.

Urban Planning as well as Architecture Of course, it’s not as simple as seeing the sights – as amazing as they are. We like to make sure that you get under the skin of the city. See how it works. We love when our clients can branch out into a residential neighbourhood to see how its inhabitants really live. We’ll pick out a few cafés, squares, parks, tapas bars and perhaps a food market, niche museum, or some other wild card for you to see how people really engage with their locality. If you’re more comfortable doing this on your own – we’ll make it easy to do so. If you’d rather go in the company of a guide – that’s perfect too. Our guides love taking their tours off the beaten path.

Innovative Planning Got flexibility regarding your travel dates? Why not let us plan your trip to coincide with an Open House weekend in one of the city’s you visit. Take for example Madrid’s OpenHouse which runs in early October – it’s a fantastic way to see the city’s landmarks that even the city’s own residents often don’t get to enjoy. If you can’t make these dates, don’t worry – we’ll try to set up something similar – and there are other events worth considering. International Museum Day on the 18 May is a great occasion for the museums in Spain to run special events and the Museum Open Night that takes place on the same week is a great opportunity for night visits. Of course some of Spain’s big attractions open at night throughout the Summer – and we love programming client visits when the buildings are perfectly illuminated and you might find live music as well. If you are interested in a particular period of architecture – e.g. Phillip II, Modernist or 20th century conservation, we can programme the perfect trip for you. When we know where you are travelling to, we can come up with some personalised suggestions for you and your travelling party to get around whether that’s walking tours, carriage tours, cycling tours and segway tours. And we can also plan a daytrip or two if you need to get away from the asphalt. We have a number of  boutique destinations we love to recommend.

Architecturally Themed Wining & Dining Of course, all our clients receive our detailed suggestions for places to eat, relax and shop after a busy morning sightseeing. But we can take it to another level and ensure that every bite you eat is in a location of architectural interest. We can arrange special meals in landmark buildings and drinks at roof-top terrace bars with views over the city’s elegant squares. And for the more understated moments, we can book tables at interesting spots such as  Bosco de Lobos inside the Architecture College in Madrid.

The charming Bosco de Lobos restaurant at the College of Architects in Madrid.

And we can do the very same for Barcelona too – how about a meal out at the Cable Car Tower where you have 360 degree views of the city. And a drink or a bite to eat at at the restaurant where Picasso designed the menu and Dali was a regular?

In Valencia, we are suckers for a place where Hemingway hung out by the beach. Did you know he loved to write in Valencia? Many of his favourite spots are no longer in operation but there’s one which we like to visit and look at the photos. Sorolla the painter was another fan of the place and he is cited as the reason for the paella del Senyoret – apparently he didn’t like having to peel his prawns!

In Bilbao – why not eat at the private dining club that is located in a converted salt warehouse? Or check out the Michelin-starred restaurant attached to the Guggenheim?

Wherever you are, we’ll give you lots of tips and will also recommend a gastronomy tour – which is a great way to familiarise yourself with the regional food and wine and get some tips on where to eat while you are there.

Culture Replacing Something Else

As you can tell, we are very keen on visiting buildings that have been converted. We love the look of Madrid’s Matadero which is an old slaughterhouse converted into a cultural centre which you can check out in this video . But when it comes to a converted museum in Madrid, you’ll be hard pushed to beat the Reina Sofia especially the Nouvel extension – it’s so hard to imagine the site was a former hospital.

Former electrical power plant meets a vertical garden – what’s not to love about this place? photo credit: Caixa Forum via photopin (license)

For fans of art and landscaping, you’re going to love the Caixa Forum building in Madrid. This museum and cultural centre was an electrical power plant up until Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron re-designed the space. Look out for the vertical garden by French botanist Patrick Blanc right beside.

Would you like us to come up with great conversion projects in Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Lisbon for you?

Shopping in Style Why not make sure that any shopping and gift purchases are design or architecture driven – whether that’s the bottles of wine you are drinking from or the bar stool you are perched upon. Say, for example that you don’t have time to visit the Marques de Riscal winery hotel designed by Frank O. Gehry or the Zaha Hadid wine store, we can make sure you can at least get to taste the wines in a cool wine-bar in Madrid, Bilbao or Barcelona.

If you can’t shop in Zaha Hadid’s wine store, you can at least make sure to taste the wine – or pick up another bottle with a label you love! photo credit: viña tondonia – zaha hadid via photopin (license)

We can also make sure you buy your gifts from the design-led stores and can recommend some excellent design-driven places for shopping for gifts in Spain. And sometimes, we might go old-school. You know how crazy we are about Spain’s food markets. We think everybody should shop at these historic spaces to guarantee the spaces and the history continues for another generation.

Hotels of Architectural Significance in Spain For all of this to happen, you need to have some accommodation in Spain, right? We’ve been booking the best rooms in Spain’s leading hotels for 16 years so you know you can trust us to find the perfect place for you to rest your head. Fancy booking into a modern hotel suite with a view of one of Gaudi’s masterpieces? Or perhaps you’d prefer the quirkiness of a boutique hotel designed by a well-known footwear brand? What about a five-star belle-epoque former palace in Madrid? Or maybe you’d prefer a hotel where the Spanish designer Javier Mariscal has made his mark? Wherever you’d fancy, we’ve got stacks of ideas for interesting hotels.

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Barcelona Design Tours

The insider's view on Barcelona's Design and Architecture

For Travellers with Design on their Minds

ARCHITECTURE IN BARCELONA

Squares, promenades, the mediterranean; discover architecture in Barcelona on foot.

DESIGN & CRAFT IN BARCELONA

Barcelona’s shops, showrooms, and flea markets unearth special treasures for trend hunters and holiday shoppers, if you know where to look…

CUSTOM TOURS & CONSULTANCY

Barcelona Design Tours can put together a personalised experience in response to your specific requirements.

Consuming Architecture

Barcelona is renowned for its cuisine and its architecture. With Consuming Architecture we bring the two together in a feast for the senses.

Artisan Shopping

Architecture in barcelona.

Award-winning design hotels, art nouveau-era apartment buildings and 21st century skyscrapers built on a delightful network of promenades, parks and squares. From the moment you step off the plane at El Prat airport, it’s obvious that  the city is obsessed with design, architecture and style.

Barcelona Design Tours reveals the city’s long-term love affair with architecture. Our private and group tours give insight to the enduring legacy of Gaudí and   modernisme   – Barcelona’s signature architectural style – and lead you to the new urban developments, the revamped waterfront and beaches, and inner-city makeovers that make Barcelona so endlessly inspiring.

Custom tours & Consultancy

Design & craft in barcelona.

Barcelona’s modern art reads like a who’s who of the 20th Century masters Picasso, Miró, Dalí and Tapies still inspire the city today. Led by experts and curators, Barcelona Design Tours can take you inside the studios and galleries of the city’s emerging art districts, and take you to the graffiti and street art hot spots.

Barcelona’s old town is living history. This unique tour aims to tell it in a fun and original way – through its historic shops.

Though gentrification and rising rents have taken their toll, the city’s gothic quarter still has plenty of traditional retail treasures. We take you on a magical mystery tour of the area’s stone-walled squares and hidden cul-de-sacs to discover antiquarian booksellers, ancient herb shops, and art nouveau-style boutiques trading in handmade fans, candles and espadrilles.

TESTIMONIALS

As a group of 12 Project Managers and Building Surveyors, we were a tough crowd to please, but Brian and Suzanne were excellent.

Brian showed us a side of the city I never would have found on my own and gave great background on the buildings, architects, and art periods.

Took my demanding, out of town, visitors on this tour, lovely but notoriously hard to please culture snobs, who loved every minute of it, charmed by their guide and utterly seduced by the clever itinerary.

John Knowles, Managing Partner, UK

Peggy Sijswerda, journalist, USA

Jane Darroch Riley, graphic designer, Barcelona

Our Partners

Barcelona Design Tours is proud to partner with the best design hotels and niche travel companies.

Architecture in Spain: 20 Great Buildings you should visit

With almost 41 buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Spain attracts numerous visitors who wish to discover its history and experience Spanish culture throughout the year.  Spanish towns know exactly how to enchant you with their buildings, be it Cordoba, Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville . From the Alhambra in Granada to Sagrada Familia, these are the top 20 buildings of architecture in Spain you should definitely see when visiting Spain .

“Traveling outgrows its motives. It soon proves sufficient in itself. You think you are making a trip, but soon it is making you-or unmaking you.” – Nicolas Bouvier, The Way of the World.

The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao | Architecture in Spain

Frank Gehry, a well-known architect, built the Guggenheim Contemporary Art Museum. This art gallery in the heart of the Basque Country first opened its doors in 1997 and features works by well-known artists such as Richard Serra and Jeff Koons. The architecture is also stunning. The structure is constructed of stone, titanium, and glass, and it attracts visitors just as much as the art it houses. This modern landmark has helped elevate Bilbao’s standing.

CaixaForum, Madrid

This stunning architectural beauty in the centre of Spain’s capital city is unmissable. The CaixaForum in Madrid is worth seeing because of the corroded steel coating on its head. It rises tall alongside a famous vertical garden facade among locals and visitors. The cultural centre is organized into two levels: above and below ground. A covered plaza was created at the entry level to accommodate guests and passersby. The building was renovated by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron and originally housed the Medioda Electric Company before being transformed into a cultural centre . Several people halt in their tracks to admire the edifice, which stands pleasantly across from the Prado Museum.

Metropol Parasol | Architecture in Spain

The world’s largest wooden structure can be found in Seville, Andalucia. Metropol Parasol, a one-of-a-kind social space, is quickly becoming the city’s newest landmark. The building is easily identified by the flowing patterns of timber that shade Plaza de la Encarnacion.

The Metropol Parasol is a four-story structure made up of six wooden parasols. Its primary function is to protect the archaeological site while also creating an impressive mushroom lattice across the area. It also has a vantage point from which to view Seville’s old quarter and surrounding areas.

The basement features a view of the archaeology site, a marketplace, a restaurant, and a charming square. The timbers used were coated with a waterproof polyurethane to withstand the changing weather.

La Sagrada Família, Barcelona

The Sagrada Familia Basilica, located in the centre of Barcelona , is one of Gaudi’s most famous architectural achievements. The building’s construction began in 1882 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026. The Roman Catholic church of La Sagrada Familia, with its tactile, organic shape, is one of Barcelona’s most recognized sights. 

With its strong flying buttresses and twisting towers rising over the city, it is an unusual sight in its industrial context. In reality, tourism funds are being used to support the building. The recent economic upswing has enabled the monument’s construction to be funded.

Alhambra Palace | Architecture in Spain

The architectural tour of Spain would be incomplete without a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada . This well-known medieval stronghold on a hill was erected in 889 AD and renovated into a palace in 1333. The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain and one of the greatest examples of Islamic and Moorish architecture. The palace is especially lovely in the late evenings when the sunset turns the walls crimson. Many visitors come here for the spectacular views because of its strategic location above the city of Granada.

Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion

The Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion’s unique and sustainable design easily hits the sweet spot for architecture geeks all over Spain. This massive structure serves as a pedestrian bridge in Aragon’s capital. The bridge, which sits atop the Ebro River, has a dynamic shape that mimics the natural airflow of the climate.

The bridge pavilion, designed by British architect Zaha Hadid , won the Pritzker Architecture Prize for its complex spaces and strong visual characteristics. It is considered one of Spain’s most valuable architectural works because it seamlessly combines the two typologies of engineering infrastructure and architectural elements.

Salamanca University

Salamanca University in Spain has Baroque, Gothic, and Plateresque architecture. Due to its stunning design and intricate stonework, it is considered one of the most beautiful universities in the world.

The university is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in Europe , as well as, in Spain. Salamanca University was the first educational institution to be given the title La Universidad in 1254. The library is visually appealing, with an ornate facade and 160,000 books.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal | Architecture in Spain

From a distance, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal appears to be a riot of different coloured ribbons. Moving closer, the pink, gold, and silver titanium sweeping across the top of the building is breathtaking. This hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, is a tourist attraction in the Rioja region and has some of the most unique architecture in Spain.

According to the architect, the facade’s design reflects the winery’s and the region’s core elements. Pink represents Rioja, silver represents cork, and gold mesh represents the Marqués de Riscal bottles. A full-body spa, accommodations, a Vito culture museum, and a wine shop are all part of the five-star hotel. Vinos Herederos del Marques de Riscal is one of the region’s oldest wineries.

City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is one of the city’s finest architectural examples. Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela designed the futuristic architectural site , which spans 350,000 square meters. The infrastructure reflects the spirit of the twenty-first century, with an artistic social hub, science museum, cinema, aquarium, and much more. In Spain, it is a revolutionary architecture that emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly materials. The planetarium, a science museum, a botanical garden, an oceanographic museum, an art and music space, a bridge, and a covered square are among the structures.

Plaza de España | Architecture in Spain

The Plaza de España is a magnificent sight , towering over Seville’s 500-meter canal. Many visitors come to see the semi-circular brick building and the 48 alcove benches. The plaza is the most beautiful public square in Spain, as it faces the canal.

The plaza structure is a prime example of Renaissance and Neo-Moorish architecture in Spain. Everything is beautiful, especially at sunset when the walls turn reddish. The 20 period-style ceramic street lamps that surround the plaza, as well as the benches and balustrade, are in keeping with the classic architecture.

Arushi is an architect and interior designer who loves to travel and explore new places. She believes each place has its own story to tell. Her passion for history, culture and climate and how they all are related to architecture intrigues and motivates her to fulfil her goal to travel across the world.

Hot Beans – Pan Asian Bistro by KALEEK Consultants Limited

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Spanish Tour Programs

Artistic odyssey: madrid, bilbao & barcelona architecture and art tours.

• Spain , Architecture , Art & Literature , People, Culture & Traditions

Up to 4 miles miles / day

Tour overview.

Program activities, schedules and personnel may change due to local circumstances.

In such an event, we will inform you as quickly as possible.

Arrive in Madrid, Orientation & Welcome Dinner. (D)

Royal palace, lectures on spanish masters of art & 20th century spanish painting (b), prado museum, reina sofía museum (b), transfer to bilbao, burgos cathedral (b, l), panoramic bus tour, guggenheim museum, independent exploration (b), transfer to barcelona, winery visit and tasting (b, l), lecture on modernism, sagrada familia, park güell (b), dalí theatre-museum & gala's castle (b,l), gothic quarter walking tour, independent exploration, farewell dinner (b,d), end of program (b).

Overnight: Madrid

The tour coordinator will greet everyone and we will review the program schedule, emergency procedures and answer questions. After orientation, we will set out with our tour coordinator to take a walk and explore the area around the hotel. At a restaurant, we´ll enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu.

After breakfast, we will depart by private bus towards the Royal Palace, where we will meet a local expert who will lead our visit through this marvelous Palace. Although it is no longer the Royal Family’s Home, it continues to be the site of official ceremonies and state events. Built in the 18th Century, it was inspired by Bernini’s sketches for the Louvre in Paris with courtyards, galleries and a parade ground.

In the afternoon, at the hotel meeting room, a local expert will join us for a presentation on Spanish Masters of Art, in which we will learn about artists from the 17th and 18th centuries and the masterpieces of Velazquez and Goya. After a short break, we will have a second presentation where we will reach the 20th century of Picasso and Dalí.

After breakfast we will take a private bus to the Prado Museum for an expert-led visit. The Prado National Museum is one of the world’s leading galleries, with a superb collection from the 12th century to the early 19th century. Among the masterpieces are works by Bosch, El Greco, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Van Eyck, Velázquez, and many more. The Prado has become a prized destination for art lovers. 

In the afternoon, we will join a local expert for a visit to the Reina Sofia Museum. The Reina Sofia opened its doors in 1990 and is considered Madrid’s Contemporary Art Center. Its collection of more than 21,000 works includes masterpieces by Dali, Miro and Picasso among others. Its most famous piece is Picasso’s “Guernica”.

Overnight: Bilbao

Breakfast at hotel. After check-out, we will be transferred by bus to Bilbao. En route, we will stop in Burgos for an expert-led city walk, where we will visit the Gothic Cathedral, one of the most representative in the country and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we will continue to Bilbao, expecting to arrive in the late afternoon.

After checking in at the hotel and settling into our rooms, we will have an orientation walk.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a panoramic bus tour through Bilbao’s historic center and visit sites such as the Plaza Moyua, Jardines de Albia and Teatro Arriaga, among others. Afterwards, we will spend some time at the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most admired works of contemporary architecture, designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to explore the city, and our tour coordinator will be happy to offer suggestions in that respect.

Overnight: Barcelona

Breakfast at hotel. After check-out, we will be transferred by private bus to Barcelona. On our way, we will stop at a winery, where we will enjoy an expert-led visit and a wine tasting session. Then, we will have lunch at a restaurant in Logroño, capital of La Rioja region. After lunch, we will continue our journey to Barcelona.

Upon arrival, after checking in at the hotel and settling into our rooms, we will have an orientation walk.

After breakfast, a local expert will join us at the hotel for a presentation on Modernism as an Art and Architecture Movement. Then, we will depart from the hotel by private bus for a visit to two of Antoni Gaudí´s masterworks, the enormous basilica known as La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) and the exotic Parque Güell, Gaudí’s outdoor residential project.

After breakfast we will set out with a local expert for a day trip to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Upon arrival, we will visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, the world’s largest surrealist art object. Then we will depart to Púbol to have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we will continue to Gala Dalí Castle Museum-House, where we will enjoy an expert-led visit. Afterwards, we will return to Barcelona with approximate arrival in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we will meet a local expert for a walk through the Gothic Quarter and visit treasures such as Plaza Felipe Neri, the Roman Columns, and Plaza del Pi.

Then, we will have the afternoon free to pack, explore or just relax. We will gather together again later at the hotel to have our farewell dinner.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport at a designated time.

Tour Inclusions

• Bilingual Staff
• Expert Tour Coordinator during the entire program
• Local Experts for each visit
• Local Experts for each lecture
• Private ground transportation
• Entrance fees to Madrid's Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia´s Museum, Burgos Cathedral, Guggenheim Museum, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Dalí Theatre-Museum, Gala Dalí Castle-Museum House.
• Enriching Experiences: Winery visit & tasting
• 9 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 2 dinners
• Accommodation in 4* hotel at city center
• Worldwide Health Insurance for the duration of the program
• Tips are included throughout the program

Tour Pricing

Price per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $805.

For a minimum of 15 pax.

Additional Experiences

Customize your trip according to your interests by adding any of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Ría de Bilbao by Boat

National Museum of Catalan Art

Casa museu amatller, spanish civil war bomb shelter, request more info.

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Best Gaudi Tour in Barcelona (See All Famous Gaudí Buildings in 1 Day)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 8, 2024

If you are visiting Barcelona soon and are looking for the best walking tour that brings you to all the famous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona , then look no further. This article should answer all your questions and help you find the best Gaudi tour for your visit!

We recently visited Barcelona and, before our trip, we did a lot of research trying to find the very best Gaudi tour in Barcelona . After all, seeing Gaudi’s masterpieces is one of the must-do’s in Spain !

In this guide, you can read about the Gaudi architecture tour we chose and why we think that it’s the best Gaudi tour that you can do in Barcelona. Find out!

Good to know: If my enthusiasm about this Gaudi tour seems a bit exaggerated, it’s only because we truly loved it. It made our whole trip to Barcelona so much more memorable and I wish you the same unforgettable experience!

How to Choose Your Gaudi Tour in Barcelona

There are so many Gaudi tours in Barcelona ( over 140! different tours on our favorite tour booking site at the moment of writing). At first, it looks overwhelming… How do you choose?! But when you look closer, you’ll see that most of these tours aren’t really complete and it’s actually very hard to find a tour that brings you to all the famous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.

Most ‘Gaudi tours’ actually only include visiting 1 or 2 Gaudi buildings in the city. Below is an overview of the most popular Gaudi tour options like that (they include just one or two Gaudi buildings):

• Guided Tours of Sagrada Familia with Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Sagrada Familia & Park Güell
• Guided Park Güell visit
• Casa Batllo Immersive 10D Experience (self-guided immersive experience)
• Casa Milà-La Pedrera: Skip The Line Ticket (self-guided with audio guide)

If you want to take it really easy, then the above options will give you a chance to explore Gaudi buildings to the fullest.

However, if you want to make the most out of your time and see as much as possible in one day , you may want to look for a more complete Gaudi tour. One that covers more Gaudi attractions.

When doing my research, I realized that just a handful of quality tours actually visit multiple Gaudi buildings in Barcelona , beyond the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. These are the tours that I ended up looking at when trying to choose the best option for our trip. Because we wanted to see as much as possible in as short a time as possible. And out of 140+ Gaudi tours, there were just a handful of options left…

Below you can read about the Gaudi tour that we chose and what it covers. Take a look!

The Most Complete Gaudi Tour in Barcelona

The Gaudi tour that we ended up choosing features some of the very best Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. It includes Casa Batlló , Park Guell , and of course the Sagrada Familia with fast-track tickets. (Update: the pre-reserved La Sagrada Familia Tower climb is no longer included with this tour, so if you want to visit the tower, you would have to buy a separate ticket for that at the end of the tour.)

In addition, it also passes a few other architectural masterpieces of Gaudi’s Barcelona. You get to see the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and also the very first building Gaudi designed, Casa Vicens .

Further below you can read about our experience and what we saw on this complete Gaudi tour. But first, some practical information.

Where to book: If you are interested in doing the exact same Gaudi tour as we did (and that’s described below), you can check reviews and availability on GetYourGuide . This is our favorite one-stop shop for all tour and ticket bookings when we travel. If you rather book directly with the company that runs this tour and read even more details about it, take a look here . Normally, the prices should be the same on both websites and they both offer free cancelation up to 24 hrs before the tour.

Good to know: The Gaudi walking tour that we took has limited availability, especially in the low season (Nov-March). And because it’s such a small group tour, it also sells out fast. So make sure to book well in advance. To give you an idea, we did this tour at the end of October and it was fully booked more than a month in advance.

The best alternative Gaudi Barcelona tour: If you are traveling in winter and the above tour is not available (or if it’s sold out), the very best alternative tour that I found is this day tour . It includes fast-track tickets to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell entrance, and a visit to Casa Mila – La Pedrera (instead of Casa Battló).

In addition, this tour is a bit longer than the one we did and includes a walk through the Gothic Quarter in the Old Town of Barcelona. It’s also a small group tour, it has good reviews and runs the whole year-round, so it’s a very good alternative option.

What to Expect From This Barcelona Gaudi Tour – Our Experience

If you are familiar with our blog and the way we travel, you know that we don’t often book guided tours if we can avoid it. However, in Barcelona, we booked a few of them and didn’t regret it once.

Here are the main reasons why we chose this Gaudi tour :

• We wanted to see as many Gaudi buildings in Barcelona as possible in a short time without having to deal with crowds and long queues.
• It’s the most complete small-group Gaudi tour that we found and it has the best customer reviews by far.
• We loved the fact that this tour starts early in order to give you priority access to Casa Batllo before anyone else is in the building.
• We also love the fact that this tour ends inside La Sagrada Familia , giving you plenty of time to explore this incredible masterpiece at your own pace if you want to and you can then stay inside as long as you want.
• It was great to have a guide to explain the history and all the symbolism behind the architectural details. We would have never been able to appreciate the genius behind Gaudi’s work the same way without these insights from a very knowledgeable guide.
• It allowed us to see the best of Gaudi’s Barcelona buildings in just one day without having to worry about any practicalities.

Good to know: Despite this being a walking tour, the big distances such as between Casa Mila and Casa Vicens, Casa Vicens to Park Güell, and from Park Güell to La Sagrada Familia are actually covered by minibus. This makes it possible to see so much of Gaudi’s Barcelona in a short time without having to walk too much.

Therefore, this tour is suitable for anyone in a reasonable physical condition. The hardest part is coming down the stairs of the tower at La Sagrada Familia (you go up using an elevator).

Below, you can read about all the places we visited on this Gaudi tour and more details about each landmark. Take a look!

Casa Batlló

The very first place we visited on this Gaudi architecture tour in Barcelona, was Casa Batlló . This iconic building is now a  UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the must-see places in Barcelona.

With some magic powers, our guide made sure that we entered the building before anyone else did. We had it completely to ourselves for at least five minutes before other visitors started to come in. I’m not sure if they always manage to do this, but it’s a huge advantage of booking this tour over the others because it allows you to see one of the busiest places in Barcelona without the crowds.

In any case, the tour starts with Casa Batllo’s visit, so you’ll be one of the first ones inside the building either way.

Casa Batllo gets its name from a rich textile industrial who owned this house at the beginning of the 20th century. He hired Gaudi to demolish the old building and build a new one, but Gaudi managed to keep the original structure while transforming it into the real masterpiece that we see today.

The works took place between 1904 and 1906 and the result was this unique and very modernistic building that many people couldn’t really appreciate back in those days. In fact, Barcelonians jokingly called Batllo’s house ‘The Bone House’.

I’ll spare you more details and stories so as not to ruin the excitement of your visit. But I have to say that this is one of the most unique places that you can visit in Barcelona. If you visit without a guide, as a minimum, make sure to book tickets with an audio guide . Because otherwise, you’ll miss the whole context.

Casa Amatller, Casa Lleó Morera, and others

As you visit Casa Batllo, you’ll notice that it’s standing next to four other beautiful buildings: Casa Amatller , Casa Lleó Morera , Casa Mulleras , and Casa Josefina Bonet .

While these buildings aren’t Gaudi’s work, they were reformed at the same time by other prominent Barcelona architects who were competing for the urban awards by the Barcelona City Council. Spoiler alert – Gaudi didn’t win.

The most impressive buildings are Casa Amatller by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Casa Lleó Morera by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner . The latter also designed the impressive Palau de la Música Catalana , as well as Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau , and many other architectural masterpieces. You really should try to see at least a few of his buildings if you have more time in Barcelona.

I’m glad that our tour guide took the time to highlight these other buildings as well. It was great to learn about the development of Passeig de Gràcia – one of the major avenues in Barcelona.

Casa Milà

One more of the Gaudi sights in Barcelona is the famous Casa Milà . This building is also known as La Pedrera or ‘The Stone Quarry’. Built right after Casa Battlo, from 1906 to 1912, it’s considered one of Gaudi’s most iconic residential buildings. It was also the last one he designed.

Despite the fact that ours was the most complete Gaudi tour we found, we didn’t visit the inside of Casa Mila. However, since it’s located just a few minutes’ walk from Casa Battlo, we went to see the exterior of the building.

Our guide gave us some explanation while we could admire the building from the outside. But the queues here are so long that it would require a few additional hours to visit Casa Mila. It would, therefore, make it difficult to see the other Gaudi buildings on the same tour.

If you have the time, by all means, Casa Mila is definitely worth a visit as well. Just make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets (with audio guides) in advance and plan 2-3 hours to visit this building another time.

Casa Vicens

The very first house designed by Gaudi, Casa Vicens looks nothing like the other Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. If anything, it seems to have a lot of Asian influence, with a touch of Japanese influence. Casa Vicens was a complete surprise to us. We had never heard about this building or seen it mentioned in any Barcelona travel guides.

Built by Gaudi between 1883 and 1885, this was Vicens’ family summer house in the former village of Gràcia. The building has been expanded in 1925 by another architect because Gaudi was devoting all his time and attention to Sagrada Familia by that time. Amazingly enough, the original style was kept incredibly well. It’s now hard to tell that this building has been more than doubled in size 40 years after it was originally built.

Casa Vicens remained private property for over 100 years. The building has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just recently restored. It only opened to the public at the end of 2017. That’s probably the reason why it’s not as well known as the other Gaudi buildings in Barcelona…

From what I saw, none of the Gaudi architecture tours that include most other buildings visit Casa Vicens. Most of them don’t even go to see it (probably because it’s located quite far from the others). The Gaudi tour that we did doesn’t go inside either (again, it would require much more time). However, you can see the building from the outside and learn about it from your guide.

TIP: If you are visiting Casa Vicens on your own, and especially if it’s high season, make sure to also book your skip-the-line tickets in advance .

Park Güell

Probably the most-visited Gaudi attraction in Barcelona after La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is a peculiar place.

Initially, it was designed to be a private and exclusive residential area. But the rich and the powerful of pre-war Barcelona didn’t want any privacy. They wanted the whole world to see their beautiful houses! And they wanted to live in the middle of the action… So nobody bought land here.

In the end, only three houses were built in this park: that of Mr. Güell, his lawyer, and a model-house where Gaudi moved in. I find it fascinating that such a famous architect ended up living in a model house…

There are also two impressive buildings at the main entrance of Park Guell that were designed by Gaudi. They were meant to be used as Guard’s House and a waiting room for the guests.

Gaudi also designed the public spaces, a beautiful lizard fountain, a market, and the stunning gardens of Park Guell. It’s a real masterpiece that shows how much ahead of time this genius was.

The biggest part of Park Guell is open to the public and can be visited freely. However, the nicest parts of Park Guell are enclosed and require a ticket.

After our tour, I heard from one of our followers that they didn’t get to see Park Güell when they visited Barcelona. Because, apparently, you have to book tickets online several days in advance.

Good to know: Park Güell tickets seem to always sell out at least a few days upfront, so you can’t just show up at Park Güell and expect to visit it. What a shame, but at least now you know… You can either get a park entrance ticket and explore the park on your own or book a ticket that includes a guided park visit. Either way, be sure to book in advance!

I have to admit that to us, Park Guell felt a bit like a tourist trap. Countless street vendors line the pathways of the park. Between them, huge crowds of tourists, and warnings to watch out for pickpockets, it was hard to appreciate the beauty of this place.

At the same time, I’m really glad we visited it. It’s such a unique place and no visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing Gaudi’s Park Guell.

Once again, I’m glad that we came here with a guided tour. First, we would have never thought to buy tickets for a park in advance. Second, it’s so busy and overwhelming that it would have cost us lots of time just to figure out where to go… Now, we just followed the guide who safely navigated the crowds and brought us to all the best places in Guell Park.

After an introduction, we had some free time here and could explore the park without the group as well. I wish we had done that! But… we took this tour with kids and it was lunchtime… And, as you can imagine, hungry kids and sightseeing is not the best combination…

So we ended up spending our extra time queuing at a café. The good thing is that the food served inside the park turned out to be really delicious. As touristy as it looks, food quality was actually top.

TIP: If I were to do this Gaudi tour again, I’d pack something small for lunch. You can eat it while exploring the park. It would save you quite some time. Also, it would save you quite some money because the food prices here were the highest we had seen in Barcelona.

Is Park Güell worth it? To many, Park Guell is one of the nicest places in Barcelona, to others – a crowded touristy place that they couldn’t appreciate. Either way, it’s a real Gaudi masterpiece and I think that it’s definitely worth visiting. It would be a shame to come to Barcelona and not see one of its main landmarks. On the other hand, it really depends on how much time you have. For example, with just one day in Barcelona, I wouldn’t do it.

La Sagrada Familia

We kept the best for last and visited Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia at the end of our Gaudi walking tour. I think it’s also the best way to do it. This architectural masterpiece is so spectacular that you wouldn’t appreciate the other buildings the same way if you would have seen the Sagrada Familia first.

Who hasn’t seen pictures of this iconic Basilica in Barcelona? But no matter how many pictures you have seen, it will literally take your breath away! There is so much symbolism in this building, so many details, so much genius… It’s impossible to show it in pictures or to describe it in words.

If there is one place you visit in Barcelona, make it La Sagrada Familia! It’s also a place that you really should visit with a good local guide. You’ll never look at this building with the same eyes after you hear all the stories and explanations behind each and every single detail… It’s simply fascinating!

There is nothing that can prepare you for how it feels to enter Sagrada Familia and see its interior for the first time. Wow! Just wow!

We visited Sagrada Familia on a sunny autumn day when the sun was low, and the warm light falling through the colorful glass windows turned the interior of the church into a colorful kaleidoscope.

It’s like stepping into a fairytale, a dream… The most extraordinary experience that’s really impossible to portray in words…

We spent more than two hours inside La Sagrada Familia, including the tower visit. There is also a museum and you could easily spend another hour there. The good thing about this Gaudi tour is that it actually ends inside the Sagrada Familia. So you are free to stay inside the church as long as you want. Also, now that the tour no longer includes tower access, you could try and get a ticket for the tower separately and visit it after the tour.

Some facts: La Sagrada Familia is a work in progress that’s taken over 130 years already. The interior of La Sagrada Familia is practically finished and has been opened to the public over ten years ago. Whereas the exterior is still being built.

If all goes as planned, La Sagrada Familia should be finished by 2026, when Barcelona will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s passing. But even as it is now, La Sagrada Familia is a phenomenal building that has no equals. It’s worth a trip to the other side of the world, just by itself.

Good to know: The practical side of visiting La Sagrada Familia might look a bit overwhelming. The church is huge and there are several entrances and exits. There is also very strict security control. And, of course, there are huge crowds of people…

Visiting with a guide, we didn’t have to worry about any of that. The only waiting time we had was the time that it took all 15 people to pass the security control. That’s it. In less than 10 minutes, we were inside the building.

TIP: If you are planning to visit the Basilica without an organized tour (or if you book a Gaudi tour that doesn’t include entrance tickets to Sagrada Familia), make sure to get Sagrada Familia skip-the-line tickets in advance .

Here you can get priority access tickets with a guided tour . Here you can get tickets that also include tower access . It will save you a lot of time and guarantee that you can actually visit the church.

Gaudi Walking Tour in Barcelona – Conclusion

So, this was our experience with a great Barcelona Gaudi tour. It allowed us to see all the most beautiful Gaudi buildings in Barcelona in just +- 6 hours. I hope that this write-up gives you a better idea of what to expect from a Barcelona Gaudi tour. Hopefully, it will also help you choose a tour that’s the right tour for you.

Once again, for visiting any Gaudi attractions in Barcelona, I really recommend joining an organized tour with a local guide. Having a guide makes your visit much more complete because you see more, notice more, and learn so much.

The history of the city, the way of life back at the beginning of the 20th century, and many stories give all these buildings a historical context and help to put things in a very different perspective.

After this excellent tour, we also visited many other incredible buildings in Barcelona. But even with audio guides, it was not comparable to having a knowledgeable local guide.

Is the complete Gaudi tour worth it? At first, this Gaudi architecture tour that we did looks quite expensive. But when you add the ticket cost of all the attractions, it’s actually not exaggerated at all. Furthermore, you get fast-track access everywhere and save lots of time. Not even to mention the convenient minibus that quickly brings you from one place to the other…

If you were to visit all these Gaudi buildings in Barcelona on your own, there is no way you could do it all in just 6 hours… Not even in a day. So yes, to us, it was absolutely worth it! I think it’s one of the very best walking tours that you can do in Barcelona.

How to book this Gaudi tour? If you want to do the same Gaudi tour as we did as described in this article, you can check availability and book it here . If this tour isn’t available for your travel dates, the very best comparable alternative is this day tour . Either way, make sure to book it well in advance!

So, this is our experience with visiting the most famous Gaudi buildings in Barcelona with a tour. Have you been to Barcelona? Feel free to share your experience by leaving a reply below. Planning a trip and have any questions about this Gaudi tour or Gaudi attractions that we visited, don’t hesitate to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help.

READ ALSO: Barcelona Top Sights & Tourist Attractions

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Traveling to Barcelona – Tips & Tricks
• How to see the Best of Barcelona in 1 Day
• Weekend in Barcelona
• How to Visit Montserrat
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Seville in One Day
• Best Of Seville in Two Days
• Flamenco Tour in Seville
• How to See the Best of Madrid in One Day
• Madrid to Toledo Day Trip
• Bilbao – San Sebastian Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Bilbao
• Bilbao in One Day
• Tips for Visiting Gaztelugatxe

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Thursday 18th of July 2024

I am looking for an immersive Gaudí homes and notable Barcelona architecture tour. No Sagrada Familia. No Park Guell. I want to see those separately on different days, taking my time. Looking for a focus on Barcelona houses and buildings. All the tours I see are almost always combined with Sagrada Familia and/or Park Guell or and maybe 1 or 2 Gaudí homes. If anyone knows of a good tour or guide showcasing Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà, and perhaps some of the other notable Barcelona buildings mentioned, please post! Gràcies.

Hi MaryCarla, I think that there isn't much demand for tours that don't include the two main landmarks, so there is also little offer. Most people want to see La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell more than anything else. If you are looking for something so specific, your best bet might be to look for a private guide and ask for a custom itinerary. That said, I did some research and found this tour that visits Casa Vicens and Casa Mila as well as the Exaimple district. You could easily do Casa Batllo on your with their ticket that includes an audio guide) and I think it's pretty much as close as it gets to what you are looking for. Hope this helps.

Marilynn Reid

Sunday 7th of April 2024

Thank you for this very informative article/review. I am planning a trip to Spain/Portugal with a tour of the Gaudi buildings at top of my list. However, I am more interested in doing this tour by bicycle. A number of years ago I read an article about a bicycle tour to all of the buildings which the writer raved about saying it was the "best and most comprehensive tour. I have been searching on the internet for such a tour with very little success. Are you familiar with such tours and could you recommend one. Thank you so much.

Friday 19th of July 2024

Thank you! Yes, it does help to know what is and is not available. I will definitely check out that tour.

Saturday 13th of April 2024

Thank you so much for your reply! I will check out the Gaudi "bike" tours. - Marilynn Reid

Hi Marilynn, there are quite a lot of Gaudi tours by bike in Barcelona, but most of them just pass the sights without visiting any of them. The issue with visiting several sites in a day is that nowadays you need to prebook timed tickets everywhere. So something that could have been easily arranged years ago might be practically impossible to do now. That's the reason why very few Gaudi tours in Barcelona actually visit more than one or two places inside. I didn't find any bike tour that actually visits several attractions, but there are some nice tours that include a visit to one of them. By far the most complete bike tour I was able to find is this one: E-bike private tour including Park Güell. This tour ends at La Sagrada Familia, so you can get tickets for it as well (read the description for the suggested time) and make a perfect Gaudi day trip itinerary including a bike ride and a visit to two main sights (Park Güell as part of the tour and La Sagrada Familia on your own). Here you can reserve La Sagrada Familia tickets including the tower access. On GetYourGuide, you can find a big selection of bike tours, but you have to read the descriptions in detail to know what's actually included. Hope this helps.

Yimmy Seifert

Saturday 8th of July 2023

Hi thanks so much for your detailed and in depth description of your experience. I am planning to do just a Gaudi trip in September but I am worried whether this tour is suitable for me. I am a senior and use a walking stick and can’t walk too fast, I don’t want to slow down the others but you mentioned that’would be transport by minibus between the long distance areas. I can walk around for a while especially if we are stopping to look at buildings. I know its hard for you to gayge but do you think I can do this trip?

Ymmy from Australia

Hi Yimmy, it's really difficult for me to say. There are quite some stairs that you'll have to do at Casa Batllo, there is also quite some walking involved in between the attractions. For example, you walk from Casa Batllo to Casa Mila (+-half kilometer), but then it also depends on where the minibus will be able to park, so it can be more than that. After that, the minibus drops you off at Casa Vicens, but there also, it stops where traffic allows, and there might be 5-10 minutes walking involved. Also at Park Guell, you have to walk through the park (also some stairs). So only you can decide how feasible it is for you. You may enjoy it more if you visit fewer attractions on your own or take a guided tour that only visits La Sagrada Familia, so you can benefit of the explanation by the guide without having to stress about walking or slowing down anyone. Hope this helps. Enjoy Barcelona!

Tuesday 3rd of January 2023

hi! i'm planning a barcelona trip for the spring and just wanted to make sure that this tour includes a tower visit at La Sagrada Familia? i love your review of this tour but i definitely don't want to miss that experience. thanks in advance!!

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Hi Christina, when we did this Gaudi tour, it included access to the tower of La Sagrada Familia at the very end of the tour. I'm not sure if it's still the case - tours change all the time and so it's possible the itinerary has changed (I know that quite some tours had adapted their itineraries due to covid guidelines (which keep on changing too)). I'm traveling right now and have no time to check it for you, but it should all be in the description of the tour. If the description is not clear and you want to be absolutely sure, you can also just opt for the guided tour of the church that includes the tower access. That way, you are 100% sure. Hope this helps.

Update: I contacted the company that organizes this tour and indeed, they no longer include tickets to the tower. You can still visit the tower after the tour ends inside La Sagrada Familia, but you would need to get separate tickets for that.

Monday 7th of November 2022

Thank you for all the very informative information! My husband wants to see all of Gaudi's exhibits in 5 days - any suggestions for that amount of time. Also, it will just be the two of us - any recommendations on where to stay?

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

Hi Sara, one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona is around Placa de Catalunya - it's very central and you can walk to most places in the center. There is lots to do, shops, restaurants, etc.For example, Exe Plaza Catalunya is a nice choice in that area and there are many more. For the Gaudi sights, with 5 days, you should be able to see all of them (and the rest of Barcelona). If you go on your own, try to concentrate on 2-3 Gaudi sights per day and book tickets in advance! Take a look at our guide to the best places to see in Barcelona for all the info about the best sites. If you also want to see some Gaudi landmarks outside the city, check out the Gaudi Crypt in Colonia Guell. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning! PS You may also want to check our article with tips for visiting Barcelona.

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Where to See the Best of Moorish Spain

Sponsored: Travel back in time to witness the impressive design prowess of the ancient Moorish rulers.

By Kim Ayling

As the bridging country between Africa and Europe, Spain boasts a patchwork of architectural styles , from the modern to the ancient, thanks to different religious ruling powers through the centuries – but none is more impressive than the Moorish designs that dominate in the south.

To help anyone heading to Europe with the hope of witnessing this distinctive ancient style for themself, we have rounded up the best of Moorish architecture and where to see it in Spain.

What is Moorish Spain?

Before heading off on a tour of the best Moorish sites in Spain, an understanding of what is meant by ‘Moorish’ is a must. In simple terms, Moorish people were Muslims from northern Africa who conquered the Iberian Peninsula (comprised of modern-day Portugal and Spain) in the 8 th century, leading to a territory known as al-Andalus. The Moors ruled until around the 15 th century, when Islamic troops fell to Christian forces.

With Moorish rule came the advent of a new architectural style that was previously unseen in Europe. Highly intricate carvings, ornate domed ceilings, symmetrical archways and geometric mosaic tiles are the most notable characteristics of Moorish design. In a testament to the unrivaled quality of the architecture, many of the finest examples are still standing today and remain just as impressive as the day they were erected.

[See also: The Must-See Royal Sites in Spain]

Where to See Moorish Architecture in Spain

As the Moors were most prominent in southern Spain, it is here that the best examples of Moorish architecture can be seen – primarily in three major Andalusian cities: Granada, Seville, and the old al-Andalus capital of Córdoba. All are conveniently within a three-hour drive of one another. In these sun-soaked southern cities, visitors can travel back in time to witness the impressive design prowess of the Moorish rulers.

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Thanks to a careful restoration project, the Alhambra is now a beautiful homage to Moorish Spain / ©Shutterstock

As one of the most significant cities of the Moorish rule, Granada is awash with captivating architecture that harks back to the ancient era, but none more impressive than the domineering Alhambra. Overlooking the old Arabic quarter of Granada, the Alhambra palace is now designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Originally built in the 13 th – 14 th centuries, the Alhambra has seen its fair share of damage in the past few thousands of years, from Spanish ruler Charles I who destroyed a portion of the palace in the 1500s, to French forces blowing up some of its towers in the 19 th century.

However, thanks to a careful restoration project, the Alhambra is now a beautiful homage to Moorish Spain. Inside the Alhambra enclave you will find the Nasrid palaces, which are often regarded as some of the most impressive examples of Moorish design still on show today. The palaces boast the archetypal characteristics of impossibly intricate stone carvings, rainbowed mosaic patterns and ornate archways, as well as a series of original water features to ward off the heat of the Spanish sun.

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Throughout the palace gardens are shaded courtyards separated by laden fruit trees and glittering green pools /  ©Shutterstock

As a city said to have been built by Hercules himself, Seville is not short of impressive architectural beauty. Visitors interested in Moorish history should head straight to the famed Royal Alcázar of Seville, which sits in the heart of the city.

In its lifetime the building has been home to many a significant figure including Moorish king Al-Mutamid, exiled French aristocracy and, for a short period, King Philip V – the upper quarters even still act as a residence for the current royal family when they visit.

Although much of the Alcázar has been destroyed and rebuilt throughout the years, this only adds to its beauty, with ornate Moorish details such as carved archways sitting alongside classic Gothic tapestries and paneling. The result is a stunning melting pot of the cultures that have dominated Spain throughout the years.

Surrounding the palace is an oasis of lush gardens. Throughout these gardens are shaded courtyards separated by laden fruit trees and glittering green pools. Such is the beauty of these gardens that they have been used as the setting for many a film and TV show – most recognizably as the Water Gardens in the fictional city of Sunspear in Game of Thrones.

The most recognizable element of the mosque is its column-filled prayer hall, featuring a geometric display of red and white striped arches / ©Shutterstock

One of the most famous examples of Moorish architecture in Spain, or indeed the rest of the world, can be witnessed in the Andalusian city of Córdoba. The La Mezquita mosque dates back to around 784 AD when then-ruler Abd ar-Rahman I purchased an existing church to erect a new site for the local Muslim community’s Friday prayers.

The mosque’s interiors are considered a marvel, with the design influencing a number of other significant Islamic buildings. The most recognizable element of the mosque is easily its column-filled prayer hall, featuring a geometric display of red and white striped arches. Elsewhere in the impressive mosque is an exquisite arched mihrab with intricate golden detailing, that is shadowed only by the lavish mosaic dome that towers above it.

Despite its Islamic origins, La Mezquita was repurposed as a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary following the Christian conquest of the city. However, despite its religious conversion, few amendments were made to the structure or design of the majestic building – bar the addition of a cathedral inside the mosque in the 16 th century – meaning it can still be viewed in all its Moorish glory today.

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[See also: The Best Alternative City Breaks in Spain]

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Gaudi Tour with Skip-the-Line tickets to Casa Batlló

• Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
• Block of Discord
• Casa Batlló

• Explore the modernista architecture movement in Barcelona in the company of a Gaudí­ scholar, historian, or architect
• Includes skip-the-line tickets for Casa Batlló

• You want an introduction to Barcelona's most important architect, Antoni Gaudí­, and see some of his most important sites including Casa Batlló (interior) and Casa Milà (exterior)
• Please note that this tour does not include Gaudí's Parc Güell or Sagrada Familia. If you are interested in viewing these sites with us, you may enjoy our Sagrada Familia Tour , or our Full-Day Gaudí Barcelona Tour .
• If you’re traveling with children under 12, we recommend our family-oriented Gaudí Tour for Kids .
• Includes Skip-the-line tickets to Casa Batlló
• Small group tours are offered on select days
• Private tours are available daily
• If you are looking to learn more about Barcelona prior to a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning .
• This tour covers around 1.5 miles
• The interior of Casa Batlló is wheelchair-accessible, and there are also wheelchairs onsite for rental. Please contact us with any questions.  
• We will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you, and we can also discuss possible adjustments to the tour for visitors with mobility concerns
• If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best tour option for you.

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

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The Art Lover’s Tour of Spain: From Goya to El Greco

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During this 13-day art tour of Spain, you will explore the country's renowned museums and galleries, exploring an unrivaled artistic heritage and inimitability. Blur the romance of Goya with the unusual expressionism of El Greco and celebrate the thick seduction of the Golden Age before it merges old masters with influential upstarts like Picasso and Dali. Art masterclasses and art historians will guide you on this tour for art lover’s.

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Madrid – historical introduction the spanish capital.

Arrive in Madrid and the artistic indulgence cascades from townhouse walls. Pastel colors emanate from the Hapsburg Quarter; ancient messages are sculpted into balconies and doorways, while unknown paintings fill the walls of tapas taverns. You're greeted at Madrid Airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Freshen up and you're taken through the city on a walking tour, traversing the old Hapsburg and Bourbon quarters before admiring the indulgent baroque style of the Royal Palace. This flexible tour can be shortened or lengthened dependent on your mood after the flight and is a great introduction to the atmosphere of the city.

What's Included:

Madrid – A Day of Fine Art at Museo del Prado - One of the World's Greatest Galleries

Perhaps only the Louvre can rival Museo del Prado for its collection of fine art. Spanning the 12th to 19th centuries the gallery stands unrivaled in its showcase of Spanish artists and the whole morning is dedicated to the Spanish side of the museum. Velazquez welcomes you, one of his bronze statues dominating the promenade entrance and his famous Las Meninas waiting inside. An array of rooms is dedicated to the individualistic brilliance of Spain's most important Golden Age artist. Then, you roam through the imaginative romance of Goya; Museo del Prado containing the greatest collection of his work, including The Third of May . A specialist Spanish art historian accompanies you; the informative tour takes you to the heart of the canvases.

Take a break for lunch and continue the discussions about style and influence, your guide revealing the stories behind lesser-known Spanish artists that flourished under more famous tutors. Spend the afternoon exploring the greatest collection of Italian masters outside Italy and the baroque styles of Rubens and Bosch, Flemish painters who were under Spanish rule at the time. The specialist guide accompanies you all day and will tailor the afternoon towards any distinct interests you have.

Madrid – Two Exceptional Galleries in the Heart of Madrid

The canvases of Goya and Zurbaran gaze from the wall of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts: their thick swishes of color joined by other Spanish masters like Ribera and Murila. Comprehensive commentary comes from your guide, providing context and history to this less-visited collection. Spend the morning here, before indulging in the great Madrid tradition of a long lunch on the Plaza Mayor. While the Royal Academy has structure and direction, the Thyseen-Bornemisza Collection is an ode to the wealth of private collectors. Wander down the resplendent corridors of the 18th century Palacio de Villahermosa, admiring the vibrant shocks and unusual portraits contained in what was one of the world's largest private art collections (the Spanish government bought it in the 90's and made it available to the public). Its highlights span the whole of Europe over eight centuries, offering a sublime snapshot at masterful fine art.

Madrid – An Interactive Art Class and a Journey Through Modern Art

Madrid is calm in the morning light, the streets slowly coming alive with the smells of coffee and chocolate. At this time it barely feels like a capital, more like a giant village for exploring at leisure. Relax, take your time, enjoy the morning, and be guided through the Reina Sofia when you're ready. Spain's premier contemporary art gallery is an astonishing journey through famous names, taking your eye from Picasso to Miro to Dali to Tapies. Like the last two days, a specialist guide helps provide an historical context and helps tie the individual works together, culminating in Picasso's Guernica . Madrid's art scene is almost unparalleled so where better to experiment with brushstrokes? Spend the afternoon on a private art master class, taking inspiration from the Madrid galleries onto the canvas. This art class will be expertly tailored to your own interests, whether that's recreating the Spanish masters or perfecting an unusual personal inclination.

Madrid – Hidden Treasures in an Art Lover's City

The master class of Spanish art continues today with some of Madrid's lesser-known attractions. Goya's frescoes blend across the neoclassical San Antonio de la Florida, cherubs and biblical scenes covering ceilings of enchantment. This is where the artist is buried and there are perhaps no better examples of his work, the paintings curving across domes of resplendence. Continue the day at the Lazaro Galdiano Museum, another lesser-visited Madrid gallery. The museum contains the private collection of Jose Lazaro Galdiano, a man who bought everything from Iberian Celtic sculptures to medieval artistry and carved ivory. Gaze up to sublime baroque painted ceilings then look around to the collection of paintings that include El Greco, Goya's Witches' Sabbath , Bosch, Velazquez, and Zurbaran. Your guide pulls the narrative together from a very diverse collection. The afternoon is free for you to explore Madrid your at leisure, with the opportunity to visit a temporary exhibition dependent on the time of your visit.

Cuenca – Picturesque Journeys Through La Mancha

There's a final Madrid pleasure this morning, the Sorolla Museum containing the sun-dappled vibrancy and dexterity of Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida. Then you leave Madrid, winding into the La Mancha plains and stopping at the surreal timber houses of Chinchon. You're heading back in time, Madrid city giving way to medieval villages and walled towns. Arrive in Cuenca for a long Spanish lunch on the main square, the sounds of the past flickering from cobblestoned corridors. Towering above the valley, Cuenca is one of Spain's most untrammeled towns and a serene place to spend the next two nights. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, gazing down from the castle ramparts and completely slowing down the pace.

Cuenca – From the 15th to 21st Century in a Single Day

The Cuenca old town feels untouched and unchanged, women still in floral dresses and bakeries emitting idyllic morning smells. Carved wooden ceilings fill the Gothic cathedral while Plateresque portals ensure you're still exploring the 16th century. The town's small museums maintain the archaic musing, works of El Greco hanging amidst the musty smells of yesteryear. But continue the Cuenca tour and Spain's abstract modernism is discovered. The paintings of Saura and the sculptures of Chillida fill a 15th century building that practically crumbles over the gorge. This Museum of Abstract Art seems out of place given the surroundings, yet the remarkable juxtapositions find a strange harmony. Tapies, Zobel, and Munoz are also found here, amongst a rapidly developing collection of over 1,500 works.

Toledo – Gothic Resplendence and Churches Filled with Spanish Masters

Toledo's castle gleams from afar, guiding you towards a city of rich artistic treasure. The spires of a 13th century Mudejar church rise from behind the city walls, a synagogue stands beside the mausoleum of King Ferdinand, and then the monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes stands radiant with its late Gothic decoration. Arrive in Toledo in the mid-morning and spend some time slowly exploring, discovering the rich tapestry of architecture and a rich display of Spanish masters. El Greco's greatest work – the Burial of Count Orgaz - fills the Church of Santo Tome, while Spain's largest Gothic cathedral is stuffed with paintings and sculptures from Valazquez and Titian. Finish the guided tour in the mid-afternoon and enjoy some free time soaking up this fairytale old city.

Toledo - The World of El Greco

Toledo's most famous resident is the focus of today, the life and work of El Greco dotted around the city's fabulous historic buildings. Start outside the city gates, admiring his Spanish renaissance paintings that hang in the Museum of Santa Cruz and the Hospital de Tavera. El Greco, The Greek , achieved his fame when he moved to Toledo and started being commissioned for notable Renaissance churches. His dramatic style struggles to be classified, mixing expressionism with fantasy and marrying disparate ideas. This is best displayed at the El Greco House and Museum, where his early work reveals an eclectic and always evolving style. An El Greco expert is your guide, helping to gradually build a detailed picture of an artist's artist, one that inspired much 20th century expressionism and cubism. Finish the tour at the Convent of St. Domingo, where El Greco's works hang above his burial place.

Cordoba – Exploring Andalusian Architecture and Medieval Europe

A first-class train slices across the La Mancha plains towards Andalusia, endless yellow plains drifting towards the horizon, as you get ready to explore the ancient capital of Islamic Spain. There's a break from classic galleries and museums today, your guided Cordoba tour focusing on the magnificent architecture of what was once the richest city in Europe. The 13th century grand mosque delivers elegant patterns of symmetry, lines stretching around the 16th century cathedral that's built within it. Now the lavish Medina Azahara, ten centuries old yet still symbolic of Cordoba's dedication to artistry. Cordoba's old town has an Eastern exoticism that immediately inspires, the camera snapping away as a local guide provides romantic historical chronicles.

Cordoba – Roman and Arab Art in an Exotic Destination

Cordoba's art presents a narrative of the city's history, starting in the Archaeological Museum with Roman remains and a decadent collection of Arab pieces. It moves forward through the Alcazar and its Roman mosaics to the winding maze of the Jewish quarter, home to synagogues and the delightful ceiling of the Fine Arts Museum. Now the canvases of old Spanish masters join the journey, before the Museo Julio Romero de Torres brings you into a symbolist early 20th century. As always, a local art expert guides you through the day and you visit all of the city's important galleries and museums. When the afternoon sun starts to fade you enjoy another private art class, taken on the terrace of your hotel. Like in Madrid, it's a private lesson that's tailored to your interests.

Malaga – Finishing the Tour in Picasso's Birthplace

Since eying his work at the Reina Sofia, one famous Spanish artist has been notably absent from this itinerary: Pablo Picasso. Take a direct train to Malaga and you're in his birthplace. A local Picasso expert greets you at the station and you start at the house the artist was born in. A few of his belongings are on display and it helps set the scene for the Picasso Museum, home to an astonishing collection of his works. In particular, the museum reveals his early work, allowing you to chart the development of his distinct and highly influential style. After absorbing it all you take lunch at a quaint town square before visiting the final gallery of this trip: the Carmen Thyssen museum. Like this whole vacation, the gallery takes you on a journey through the styles and schools, from the old masters to the flamboyance of 19th century painters and then the surrealist tones of the next generation.

Malaga – Departure

This morning, your transfer meets you at the hotel lobby and takes you to Malaga Airport and your return flight. As you bid farewell you scour through the memories, piecing together the styles and schools that have danced across this vacation.

Trip Highlights

• Spend time in Madrid, visiting some of the world's finest galleries, including Museo del Prado and the Thyseen-Bornemisza Collection
• Be inspired by what you see and enjoy two private art classes with local painters, Spain's myriad of styles embellishing your own canvas
• Marvel at some of the most influential art in world history, including an El Greco dedicated tour of Toledo and a tour of Picasso's birthplace and hometown museum
• Enjoy both Cuenca and Toledo, stunning medieval towns that float on a blanket of old-world charm
• All art tours are conducted by specialist art historians, helping provide a context and history to the famous works that fill the walls
• Discover the artistic treasures of Andalusia and allow the journey to wander into Arab and Roman art, before picking a path to cubism and finishing the tour in Picasso's birthplace, Malaga
• Exceptional and influential works of famous Spanish artists that span the schools and styles: Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Zurbaran, Ribera, Murila, Dali, Picasso, Miro, Tapies, Sorolla, Titian, Chillida, and many more
• Explore the lesser-known artistic delights, like the Goya frescoes that cover San Antonio de la Florida or the Spanish masters that decorated the Gothic Toledo Cathedral

Detailed Description

Spain's art ripples across the centuries; a dozen styles and schools fill canvases with vibrant blurs and experimental expressionism. The names ignite the imagination, promising splendor and surrealism: Picasso, Dali, Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez. But these are just the start, the famed sons who forever influenced the world of art. Delve deeper and the country is a treasure chest of galleries and locally renowned artists, their work spreading across cathedral domes, convent walls, and world-famous museums. This art lover's tour magnificently represents the great Spanish painters, while also leading the eye through artistic niches and subtle delights. A specialist art historian guides you through every gallery and museum trip, helping to provide a rich context and history to the works. As you travel from Madrid to Malaga you piece together your own narrative of the country's art heritage and distinct style.

Madrid is one of the world's great art capitals and your base for the first five days. Visit the astonishing collections of renowned galleries like the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyseen-Bornemisza Collection. But also discover the city's lesser-known delights, like Goya's frescos in the San Antonio de la Florida and Lazaro Galdiano's collection of Velazquez and Zurbaran. For every world-famous canvas, like Picasso's Guernica , there's a local treasure that unveils artists' early work. Madrid is also where you take your first art master class, with another one being enjoyed later on in Cordoba.

Days six to nine are spent in Cuenca and Toledo, quaint medieval towns that you marvel at in the magnitude of their history. The old mixes with the new here, from a day dedicated to the ethereal work of El Greco, to the late 21st century Spanish work found in Cuenca's Museum of Abstract Art. Cathedrals and churches feature staggeringly elaborate frescos, some of the old masters' finest work found in the Gothic and Renaissance monuments of yesteryear. Like Madrid, expert local guides show you around, combining galleries and museums with evocative medieval architecture.

On day ten you travel by first-class train to Andalusia and the exotic remains of Cordoba. The buildings have a distinctively Eastern feel, grand displays of wealth that present an alternative side to Spain's historical art. The Fine Arts Museum and Museo Julio Romera de Torres feature a more classical side to Andalusia before you complete the vacation in Malaga, birthplace of Picasso. The painter's blossoming style can be read in his early work, on display at the Picasso Museum, and another specialist guide helps to unlock the hidden corners of his art.

Starting Price

$5,100  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Barcelona Uncovered

9 Best Barcelona Gaudi Tours: Must See in 2024

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Searching for a magical historical experience with a Barcelona Gaudi Tour? I’ve got you covered! Experience the famous Gaudi architecture.

Barcelona is home to some of the most remarkable and iconic architecture in the world thanks to its most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. Many visitors come to Barcelona seeking to experience Gaudi’s masterpieces firsthand .

As a local who lives in Barcelona and has visited all of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces , I have a deep appreciation for their beauty and significance in Spain’s culture. Experience Barcelona’s best attractions; from the Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s astonishingly powerful cathedral – to Park Guell with its colorful mosaic structures, the city offers an incredible variety of sights throughout its streets and districts.

My goal is always to help visitors explore and discover more than they ever thought possible while visiting this magical city! Let’s start with these best Barcelona Gaudi Tours for your next trip!

My Top 3 Picks: Best Barcelona Gaudi Tours

Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Sagrada Família

✅ 4 Gaudi stops

✅ Transportation

✅ Art historian guide

Private Tour: Barcelona Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

✅ Private Guide

✅ Transport with AC

✅ Custom itinerary

Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

✅ Fast-track access

✅ Local guide

✅ Private transport

9 Best Barcelona Gaudi Tours

1. complete gaudí tour: casa batlló, park guell & sagrada família.

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 5:30 hours | Book now

Barcelona is a city renowned for its stunning architecture, and when it comes to impressive works, you can’t beat the creations of Antoni Gaudi.

This Complete Gaudí Tour includes all of his major works throughout the city – it’s the ultimate architectural experience.

Prepare to be awestruck as you explore the iconic Casa Batllo and its neighboring Casa Mila. Step into one of the most magnificent buildings in the world – la Sagrada Familia.

This Basilica is constantly under construction – but that doesn’t stop millions of people from marveling at the intricate details and impressive design.

Take a relaxing stroll through the enchanting Park Güell, with its colorful mosaics, playful sculptures, and panoramic views over Barcelona.

And last but not least, delve into Gaudi’s lesser-known work, his first major project, which showcases his innovative style and creativity.

This tour offers an unforgettable and comprehensive experience of Gaudi’s architectural genius in Barcelona.

Guest review: “ Fabulous walking tour!!! Our guide Oliver was a very friendly, courteous and jovial guide. He gave us a wealth of information about Gaudi’s life, his works and about Barcelona during Gaudi’s time. Definitely worth the experience.” Lourdes (more reviews)

✅ Check pricing and availability

2. Private Tour: Barcelona Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 4 hours | Book now

Discover Barcelona with an expert guide on this private half-day sightseeing tour . You’ll be picked up from your hotel and have the opportunity to create the perfect customizable itinerary with your local host, Miquel.

With years of experience in the city, Miquel is sure to help you make the most of your time in Barcelona.

See all Gaudi’s creations ( UNSECO World Heritage Sites) throughout the city as you take a journey through Barcelona’s history .

Transportation (with AC – it’s hot out here in the summer months !) throughout the day is included so you can relax and enjoy your private Gaudi architecture tour without any extra worries!

I’d recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip – it’s a great way to get acclimated with the city, with the help of a local, before venturing off on your own for the rest of your stay.

Guest review: “ Miquel was a wealth of knowledge to show us all around Barcelona. Not knowing what to be sure to see, he provided the guidance and historical perspective for us.” – Brett ( read more)

3. Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

This Skip the Line Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the most iconic works of art in Barcelona.

You’ll get to fast-track your way right into the heart of two of Barcelona’s most visited attractions , so you won’t have to wait in line. It’s no surprise that these two are the most popular – they’re also two of my favorite spots in the city.

Not only that, but you’ll also be guided by an incredibly knowledgable tour guide who will bring Gaudi’s creations to life, teaching you all about their history and relevance within Barcelona.

Plus, private transportation – don’t worry about running late or getting lost. A stress-free day out is a no-brainer! Enjoy spending time in a small group as you take in the colorful sights of this incredible Gaudi tour – it’s sure to be a day you’ll never forget!

Or, you can see Sagrada from the water on a sunset cruise for a unique perspective.

Guest review: Our wonderful tour guide, Vincenze, brought the life of Gaudí, and his works to life! Vincenze made sure we were made aware of each and every aspect of the architecture and design in great detail. A pleasure! – Gerry (more reviews)

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

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 3 hours | Book now

This e-Bike Gaudí Highlights tour in Barcelona is a can't miss for sightseers that don't want to sit in a car all day. Explore some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions of the city, from the stunning Basilicas to Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and more!

As you ride your e-bike through El Born and the Gothic Quarter , you'll get to experience a unique perspective on the city. Biking through the city is one of my favorite ways to explore - you can get everywhere so much faster! Though I must admit, I'll never turn down nice stroll through Barcelona.

Feel the wind in your face as you cycle along cobblestone streets and discover beautiful architecture and sights around every corner.

Before you leave, you'll get to take in Barcelona's breathtaking skyline from Port Olimpic. This tour is perfect for families and couples looking for something fun and unique to do that will keep everyone interested all day.

Viator Barcelona Gaudi tour review: We had a blast. We kicked off our Barcelona experience with this tour and it was a great start. The bikes were easy, our guide was great (Koobie) and we covered so many areas and learned a lot of the local history." Elizabeth (more reviews)

5. Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Private Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Rating ⭐ 4.5 stars | Length 4 hours | Book now

This Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Private Tour is the perfect way to explore Barcelona with a local guide.

From La Rambla to the breathtaking Sagrada Familia , your local guide will show you all the highlights of the city, like Casa Mila and Casa Batllo Gaudi creations.

Your guide will also show you how to get around on the subway . Perfect for anyone who wants to learn their way around town. You'll be off finding the best tapas spots and wine tastings in no time.

Plus, your tour includes skip-the-line tickets to get into the Sagrada Familia quickly and easily.

This engaging tour is packed full of interesting information about Barcelona's history and culture with no long waits in line - just learning and fun!

Guest review: " What a perfect way to get a taste of the beautiful history of Barcelona. Dauphine was a great guide and teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed our time learning from her. " Stephanie (more reviews)

✅ Check pricing and availability for Sagrada, Batllo, and Casa Mila Barcelona tickets

6. Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town with Hotel Pick-up

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 8 hours | Book now

This full-day tour will take you to 14 amazing attractions , from breathtaking Sagrada Familia and Park Guell (tickets not included in the tour price) – where you can appreciate the finest work of Gaudi – to hidden gems that locals know and love.

A small group walking tour through Old Town makes it easy to learn and find your way around the city, with some local help!

It’s a great way to get the top attractions out of the way without having to worry about tickets or transportation; they will even pick you up from your hotel.

At the end of this tour, you’ll have a good understanding of Barcelona’s impressive history, culture, and beauty!

This is the perfect tour for a cooler February day!

Guest review: " Knowledgeable and friendly guide. Everywhere they take you is an experience and 100% worth it. No time is wasted and even though it’s a long day you want more by the end " Josh (more reviews)

7. Barcelona's Gaudi Houses Walking Tour - Small Group

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 3:30 hours | Book now

This bilingual Gaudi Walking Tour Barcelona will take you to some of the most impressive modernist buildings in Barcelona.

Guided by an expert on architecture , you'll take a walk through or by Casa Mila, la Pedrera and Casa Batlló and learn about their construction and significance.

Your guide will share their knowledge of Gaudi's work, how he chose the materials to build them and why he opted for these particular designs.

As you wander around each building, you'll gain a greater appreciation for the architect's genius and vision - just like those of us living here ! It's a great option for solo-female travelers looking to get a quick tour of the city before venturing off!

You'll also be taken on an enjoyable stroll around the streets of Barcelona to get a feel for the atmosphere and to learn more about its history. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Guest review: "Our guide, Jonatan, had ample arquitectural knowledge. The visit to Casa Batalló was Lille walking unto a dream; the interior is just as spectacular as the exterior. A highly recommended tour for architecture or Gaudi fans." Oscar (more reviews)

✅Gaudi Tour Barcelona: Walking Check pricing and availiabity

8. Gaudi E-Bike Tour in Barcelona : 🤑 Budget Gaudi Architecture Barcelona Tour

Rating ⭐ 5 stars | Length 2:30 hours | Book now

This Gaudi E-Bike Tour in Barcelona is the ideal tour if you are short on time. This overview of Gaudi’s genius includes all of the most important works: La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Familia.

You will also pass by arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park, two of my favorite attractions in Barcelona! Your professional guide will help you navigate the city by e-bike so that you can explore downtown Barcelona’s main monuments while taking in as many sights as you can.

Enjoy a unique experience that combines culture, history and leisure in less than three hours. PS if you're not great on a bike, you might want to avoid this tour in busy seasons like July and August . December- June is a slower time - fewer crowds and people to run into on a bike!

Guest review: Oriol was an excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. Barcelona is very busy, so you need to be aware when biking in crowds. Great architecture, great history, highly recommend. Nathan (more reviews)

9. The Glorious Gaudi Tour with Sagrada Familia Ticket (Private)

Join this amazing tour and explore the city of Barcelona through the eyes of its most famous architect - Antoni Gaudi.

The Glorious Gaudi Barcelona Tour will take you on a walk down Passeig de Gracia, where you can pass by Casa Batllo, Casa Mila - La Pedrera, and Casa de les Punxes - all iconic buildings that make Barcelona famous.

Your last stop is Sagrada Familia, which is included in the tour, as well as a taxi and ticket for onward entry.

This tour is af great way to appreciate the architectural beauty of these buildings, without spending all day touring them, with your own eyes. You'll quickly understand why Gaudi's architecture is so influential in Barcelona's culture.

Guest review: " Our tour was a very good one as we had a very great and knowledgeable guide. If you can get lined up with Jorge and have Jennifer as your driver…you will go home knowing you had the very best and a 5 star experience ." Walter (more reviews)

✅ check pricing and availability: Barcelona Gaudi tickets

Who is Antonio Gaudi?

Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect, whose unique and monumental style of design has left a timeless mark on the city of Barcelona.

His iconic works , including La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila and Batllo are instantly recognizable and have become symbols of the city. Unique to Barcelona, you'll quickly notice the architecture in other major cities like Valencia and Madrid offer entirely different influences.

His distinctive style is characterized by its organic forms and vibrant colors which give these buildings a timeless appeal.

Learning about the life and art of Gaudi is an incredible experience; it offers an insight into his complex mind and how his works have influenced Barcelona's history and culture.

Not only do his creations still stand today as beautiful monuments in Barcelona, but they also serve to remind us of the importance of creativity in architecture and design in Spain.

Best Way to See Gaudi in Barcelona

Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, and it’s no surprise that Gaudi’s works are among the most popular attractions in this vibrant city. With so much to explore in Barcelona, deciding how to make the most of your time is important.

Taking a tour with a local guide is an ideal way to learn about Gaudi's architecture and understand its history and meaning.

However, if you're on a budget or short on time, there are other options as well. Self-guided Gaudi tours and audio tours can help you see his works without the cost of a private guide or tour.

Whichever path you choose, take the time to appreciate Gaudi's masterpieces during your time in Barcelona. Avoid missing out on the most famous attractions in Spain!

Best Places to Stay for Your Gaudi Tour in Barcelona

Each of these Gaudi tours leave from different areas, but Passage de Gracia is popular, along with La Rambla (going to be busier), and Gothic Quarter. They're convenient tour meeting spots and great central locations to stay during your trip to Barcelona.

• Near La Rambla : Hotel 1898
• Passage de Gracia: Condes de Barcelona
• Gothic Quarter: Catalonia Catedral

What to Bring on Your Gaudi Tour Barcelona

• LOTS of water: Barcelona gets hot!!
• White Sneakers : the most comfortable and stylish shoes to walk or bike around the city in
• Belt bag : pickpockets are everywhere - especially the most touristy spots!

🤩 Don't miss out on the Complete Gaudí Tour and witness Barcelona's most renowned and famous architectural attractions.

FAQ: Best Gaudi Tour Barcelona

What is gaudi tour barcelona.

A Gaudi Tour Barcelona is a tour through the works of renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, known for his unique and monumental style of design. You can explore his iconic works, including La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's most famous landmark. Tours will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the life and art of Gaudi and gain insight into how his works have influenced Barcelona's history and culture.

Which Tour is best Sagrada Familia?

There are many Sagrada Familia tours - I'd recommend the guided tour of the basilica (skip the line) . This gives you fast-track access into the Sagrada Familia along with a guided tour. The basilica is jam-packed with history; touring it with a guide is a great way to break everything down and learn from a Sagrada expert!

Are tours in Barcelona worth it?

Yes - tours in Barcelona are definitely worth it. Led by local experts, they provide an invaluable insight into their home city. Tours allow you to talk to passionate locals - get advice on the best food , wine , tapas , and attractions. It's an efficient way to cover more ground and see as much of the city as possible. Whether you're looking for an introduction to Barcelona or a deeper exploration, tours offer something for everyone.

Which Gaudi building to visit in Barcelona?

If you only visit one Gaudi building in Barcelona, it should absolutely be La Sagrada Familia. However, there are many others to consider, like Park Guell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà . Each structure offers different insights into the incredible works of Antoni Gaudi.

Which Gaudí house is best to visit inside?

The best Gaudi house to see insights depends on your preferences. The rooms in Casa Batlló are unfurnished. The rooms in Casa Milà are furnished, giving it a more complete look. Casa Mila is amazing to venture into, but it's also an incredibly popular spot to view from the outside.

Which house of Gaudí is best?

Because each Gaudi house is so different and unique, it's hard to say which one is best! At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference. I'd highly recommend visiting both and deciding for yourself.

Is it worth it to go inside Casa Milà?

Yes - it is worth it to go inside Casa Mila. If for nothing else, you should venture inside Casa Mila to go to the awe-inspiring rooftop with panoramic views that will take your breath away. The rooftop in Casa Mila is one of the most photographed spots in Barcelona. So don't miss your chance to snap a photo and enjoy the views!

Final Thoughts: Best Gaudi Tours Barcelona Spain

Barcelona, in all its beauty, is a must-see for history and architecture lovers. With Gaudi tours, you can experience his most popular sights first hand while taking in the breathtaking views of Barcelona.

Whether you're visiting for a day or on a longer vacation, make sure to take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of Barcelona's best attractions and not miss out on experiencing Gaudi's work. Book your Gaudi tour today and enjoy exploring Barcelona in a unique way that will stay with you forever. Don't forget to take photos so you can share your experience with friends and family back home! With thoughtful insight into the works of Gaudi, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that no traveler should miss out on.

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• Best Photography Tours in Barcelona
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• Barcelona Tours: Food and Tapas
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Rachel is Barcelona Expat and digital nomad. After a decade of traveling around, she decided to set roots in Barcelona. She now helps tens of thousands of people travel to beaches around the world, and is ready to help you plan your trip to Barcelona. To help you experience the best of Spain and this coastal paradise.

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11 Best Barcelona E-Bike Tours for a Fun Adventure in 2024

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29 Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona by a Local

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Best Barcelona Segway Tours Around the City (2024)

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Project Description

Tours in madrid, capital, art and public space.

Madrid , the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that breathes art. Being one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe, it is an influential cultural center. The city offers a wide range of museums and cultural institutions of international prestige, among which we highlight the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum.

The architecture of Madrid is very varied. The city has an extensive repertoire of historical architecture that coexists harmoniously with modern skyscrapers and contemporary works of last generation , revealing different phases of its evolution and history . This variety means that Madrid is among the first destinations for those interested in architectural ensembles and art.

Choose from one of our tours in Madrid  ​​or request that one of our architects prepare a customized itinerary. All our guides are professional architects, who will be happy to prepare your tailor made itinerary . From Artchitectours we can organize your private tour to Madrid, ​​ study trip or incentive trip as well.

Madrid – Renovating the industry

Madrid – Unknown Museums

Madrid – Markets and architecture

Madrid – Gardens and andscape

Madrid – Matadero & Madrid Río

Madrid – Skyscrapers

Madrid – Social Housing

Madrid – Center and Museums

Comments from our clients.

Hi Marta, Thanks. I am just reading the evaluation forms of the study visit trip to Madrid we received from students so far and everyone has actually given a very good score to the Madrid Rio guided tour activity, so this was definitely very useful for our students. Next year, we will normally organize our last study visit to Madrid as our curriculum is changing. However, the guided tour of Madrid Rio Park will definitely still be scheduled next year . Perhaps we can try a tour by bicycle next year as some students mentioned this would be a good idea as it is a safe area to cycle (some students are not very familiar with cycling and were afraid to do so in the city centre of Madrid). Nadine

TOUR MADRID Will you bring our warm thanks to Concha. We spend two days with her, seeing very interesting projects, discussing the difference between DK & Spain. Both days were guided days, and very well planned. Also thanks for the recommendation of “Salvador”. Very good restaurant with traditional food and cosy rooms. Best regards.

TOUR MADRID Muy satisfechos con Maike. La experiencia fue muy positiva, la lastima es que el tiempo pasó muy rápido. La sorpresa de entrar en el Reina Sofia fue muy positiva. Creo que el hecho de poder verlo por fuera solamente, no permitiría apreciar la actuacion de Jean Nouvel. Ese fue el caso de El Prado, Todo el grupo quedo muy satisfecho con la visita…solo que las cuatro horas nos parecieron al final insuficientes 🙂 Para finalizar agradecerte tu trabajo, y saludos para Maike

TOUR MADRID Quería haberte escrito antes pero acabamos de volver de Islandia de preparar un tour. Muchas gracias por todo el esfuerzo. Daniel muy majo, profesional, muy buen inglés y nos contó muchísimas cosas. Los suecos se fueron muy contentos. Estamos super liados también con ventas, nuevos proyectos,.. espero que podamos tener otro proyecto pronto.

TOUR MADRID La visita fue estupendamente. Los estudiantes estaban muy interesados en el tema e iban haciendo preguntas. Sé que escriben un blog para sus clases, si te puede resultar interesante, puedo preguntarles si querrían compartirlo y así tenéis un feedback más directo por su parte. Me puse en contacto con las estudiantes y encantadas me enviaron el blog, podéis leerlo en el siguiente link:  https://citiesonwater2017.wordpress.com Espero que lo disfrutéis. Saludos y feliz fin de semana

TOUR MADRID – SOCIAL HOUSING Dear Fernanda, Thank you again for the organisation!  Natalie was/is amazing!!!  We can only highly recommend her for future tours. We had an intense but amazing time! I left the headphones at the reception as agreed on. We did unfortunately loose one part of one headphone set. Just send us the receipt and we will pay for the loss. Apologies! Thanks again and hear from you soon! Warm regards from Madrid.

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Madrid Architecture Tours: Walking Guide

Madrid Walking Tours, Spanish Building Guides, Architectural Walks Spain, Architects Trips

Madrid Architecture Tours

Architecture Guides Spain – Exclusive Spanish Capital Building Walks tailor made for Groups

post updated 14 May 2024

Contact e-architect for your walking guide in Spain isabelle(at)e-architect.com

Madrid Architecture Tour: Exclusive Guided Walks

Our Madrid guided tours are all tailored to suit each booking, we do not allow for bookings to be joined. Our guided tours in Spain are all exclusive to each client.

e-architect can provide a guide or guides for your next office trip, a conference, or university trip in central Spain.

Madrid Walking Tours

Madrid Architecture – Introduction

Madrid is the capital of Spain. There is a wealth of architecture in the city, from the Caixa Forum to the Hotel Puerta America.

Major historic architecture includes the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza), Palacio de Aranjuez, Royal Palace of Madrid, Royal Theater and Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande. These buildings are possible to visit on our Madrid Architecture Tours .

Significant recent buildings include the Barajas Airport by Richard Rogers Partnership with Estudio Lamela, Caixa Forum by Herzog de Meuron, Carabanchel 16 – housing by Foreign Office Architects, Madrid Architects’ Association by Gonzalo Moure, and Mirador Sanchinarro by MVRDV / Blanca Lleó Associates. We also feature the Museum ABC by Aranguren & Gallegos Arquitectos, High Council – Chambers of Commerce by Rafael de La-Hoz Arquitectos and the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art Building by Ian Ritchie Architects.

Madrid Architecture Walking Tours

Madrid Architectural Tours usually focus on an overview of the city’s architecture but our guides can do tailored trips to specific locations or looking at certain building types. e-architect can assist you with preparing a good programme ahead of your visit to Spain. We don’t provide travel to the Spanish capital but we can provide basic advice on restaurants, accommodation and travel within the city.

Recent interesting buildings completed in the Spanish capital city:

Museo del Prado building design by Gluckman Tang Architects

Visitors are usually met by our architecture guides at the starting point of their Spanish architecture walking tour, though sometimes the tour can start from the group’s hotel.

Contact our travel office to arrange your Spanish architectural tour: isabelle(at)e-architect.com / mob. +44 (0)7952 149814

New Madrid Architecture : the key buildings

Architecture Tours

e-architect also organise architecture walking tours in other Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada and Tenerife. We offer city walks in many other European cities like Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Paris. Please contact us by email if you are interested in booking a Spanish architectural city walk:

isabelle(at)e-architect.com

Architecture Walking Tours

European Building Tours

Barcelona Architecture Walking Tours – these Spanish city walks can be paired with Madrid visit

London Architecture Walking Tours

New York Architecture Walking Tours

Glasgow Walking Tours

Recent Madrid Buildings

Madrid Architecture

Madrid Architect

Madrid Architecture Guide : photos of major buildings in the Spanish capital

Madrid Buildings

Spanish Architecture

Comments / photos for the Madrid Building Tours – Spanish Architectural Walks by e-architect guides for pre-booked groups page welcome

10 Most Impressive Architecture in Spain

Spain is a boiling pot of architectural wonders that comprises centuries-old buildings, Roman bridges, Moorish castles, and elegant monuments. Tourists can witness fascinating sights from metropolitan cities to distant provinces when traveling here. The tours always include the breathtaking architecture in Spain that has been preserved and protected over the years.

Each city or region boasts many outstanding buildings. From cathedrals, universities, plazas, medieval fortresses, parks, and attractions, travelers can see a lot while visiting. Some of the most striking architecture stands still even after hundreds of years.

Aside from Antoni Gaudí’s buildings, travelers can discover more breathtaking architecture with influences from Moors, Romans, and Europeans. The strong mix of modern and classical architecture exists today, allowing visitors to appreciate the remnants of the past and futuristic structures.

After all, Spanish Architecture isn’t just about physical structures, but they’re also a means of communicating community pursuits and values. For instance, some architectural buildings demonstrate the movement of people who take their traditions in the form of temples and other related structures. Additionally, Spanish Architecture shows the influence of political history in the form of castles and palaces.

With all that said, you can explore several architectural structures as a tourist. So, if you love Architecture, Spain is the perfect place to go. Read on to get to know the ten most impressive architecture in Spain .

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Table of Contents

1. Casa Vicens

When it comes to phenomenal architecture, Barcelona is probably a great location. Antoni Gaudí’s works are scattered everywhere, gracing the coastal city with signature Gothic designs. Casa Vicens is surely a special landmark in the city, known as the first residential building designed by the late architectural prodigy.

Blinding Barcelona’s skyline with Oriental architecture, the building is unique in its own way. Unmistakable work of Gaudí, the whole building is designed with colorful ceramics and intricate details inspired by the Moors. From the paper-mâché decoration, cast iron railings, and multi-colored facade, Gaudí surely took his time pulling up this masterpiece.

It took two years to complete the building in 1885, and underwent renovations while maintaining the original structures. After 130 years of serving families in Barcelona , the owners opened the building to the public in 2017.

2. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Spain isn’t only brimming with classical architectural designs and futuristic infrastructures that are simply impressive. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an example of contemporary architecture in Spain , featuring a moving titanium design in the northern port city.

The museum is designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, who was notable for his chaotic and fragmented designs. His use of corrugated metals gives buildings an unfinished look, but nothing short of fascinating. The museum houses extraordinary art collections from the mid-twentieth century.

Guggenheim Museum is located at the city’s industrial center, along the Nervión River. It features a 32,500-square-meter stone, glass, and titanium and was funded by the Basque government.

Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!

I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!

• Booking.com  – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
• Airbnb  – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
• Skyscanner  – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
• SafetyWing  – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
• GetYourGuide  – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
• My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon)  – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
• Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon)  – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.

3. CaixaForum

The rummaging piece of architectural beauty at the heart of Spain’s capital city is absolutely a head-turner. Recognized for the rusted steel cladding on its head, the CaixaForum in Madrid is worth visiting. It stands tall together with a vertical-garden facade popular among locals and visitors.

The cultural center is divided into upper-ground and below-the-ground levels. A covered plaza was added to the entrance level to provide a space for visitors and passersby in the area. Renovated by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, the building once housed the Mediodía Electric Company until it was converted into a cultural space.

This beauty stops several people in their tracks to admire the building while it sits comfortably across the Prado Museum.

4. Alhambra Palace

The architectural tour in Spain wouldn’t be complete without the glorious Granada gem, Alhambra Palace. This famous medieval fortress nestled on a hill was built in 889 AD and was converted to a palace in 1333. It’s one of the most famous attractions in the country for its exquisite beauty and traces of Muslim influence.

The palace becomes more beautiful in the late afternoons as the sunset transforms the color of the walls to red. Because of its strategic location overlooking the city of Granada , many people come here for the magnificent views.

Alhambra’s original interior and furniture were replaced with Renaissance-style designs. Intricate stonework can be seen at the palace, on a wall in Generalife. The elements provided design and cooling purposes, especially during summer .

Moreover, there are many beautiful spots to see in Granada’s Alhambra . For instance, the 14th Century Nasrid Palaces are known to be Alhambra’s jewel. Exploring this Moorish royal palace allows tourists to witness the remains of a culture that thrived in Europe during the dark times. Another place to visit in Alhambra is the Generalife, famous for being the leisure residence of the Kings of Granda during their time.

If you want to enjoy some fantastic views of Granda, you can also check out Alcazaba, the oldest part of Alhambra. It has a large tower known as the Torre de la Vela, where you can climb to the top to see the surrounding nature .

5. Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion

The unique and sustainable design of the Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion easily hits the sweet spot for architecture geeks lurking across Spain. This enormous structure acts as a pedestrian bridge in the Aragon capital. Sitting on top of the Ebro River, the bridge has a dynamic shape that imitates the climate’s natural airflow.

Designed by British architect Zaha Hadid, the bridge pavilion won the Pritzker Architecture Prize for its complex spaces and strong visual characteristics. It’s one of the most prized architectures in Spain because it seamlessly combines the two typographies, engineering infrastructure and architectural elements.

6. Salamanca University

The University of Salamanca in Spain boasts Baroque, Gothic, and Plateresque architecture. It’s one of the most beautiful universities in the world because of its awe-inspiring design and intricate stonework.

It’s considered one of the most prestigious universities not only in Spain but also in Europe. Salamanca University was the first educational institution to receive the La Universidad title in 1254. The library is striking, with an ornate facade and 160,000 volumes. The museum is also an amazing sight, featuring grand Gothic buildings.

Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?

Remember this:  anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!

The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with  SafetyWing  was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.

I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.

Read my post about  why you should get travel insurance  for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from  SafetyWing  – they’re the best, in my opinion.

7. Hotel Marqués de Riscal

From afar, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal looks like a riot of ribbons in varying colors. Moving closer, it’s unbelievably striking, with pink, gold, and silver titanium sweeping over the building. Designed by Frank Gehry, this hotel is one of the Rioja region’s tourist spots and is among Spain’s unique architecture.

According to the architect, the facade’s design reflects the core elements of the winery and the region. The pink hues represent Rioja, silver for the cork, and gold mesh for the Marqués de Riscal bottles. The five-star hotel features a full-body spa, accommodations, vito culture museum, and a wine shop.

Vinos Herederos del Marques de Riscal is among the oldest wineries in the region. The hotel symbolizes the luxury and goodness of the Marqués de Riscal wine .

8. Metropol Parasol

The world’s largest wooden structure is in the heart of Seville , Andalucia. The unique social space called Metropol Parasol easily becomes the city’s newest landmark. With flowing patterns of timber wood shading Plaza de la Encarnacion, the building can’t be missed by passersby.

The Metropol Parasol is a four-level structure consisting of six timber parasols. Its main role is to protect the archaeological site while creating impressive mushroom lattices across the area. It also features a viewing point to see Seville’s old quarter and neighboring areas.

The basement provides a view of the archaeology site and a marketplace, along with a restaurant and quaint square. The timbers used were coated with a waterproof polyurethane to endure the changing weather.

9. City of Arts and Sciences

The locals and the rest of the world don’t only admire Valencia’s cultural complex. The infrastructures resemble the spirit of the 21st century, complete with an artistic, social hub, science museum, cinema, aquarium, and much more. It’s a revolutionary architecture in Spain featuring sustainability and eco-friendly materials.

The open-air aquarium is a renowned structure that highlights the whole museum. The City of Arts and Sciences’ first level provides a grand view of the Turia Garden, surrounded by 13,500 square meters of water. A new building was added to accommodate all events, exhibitions, and conferences.

What are my favorite travel must-haves?

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!

• Warm packable jacket  – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
• Transparent toiletry bag  – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
• Kindle Paperwhite  – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
• Powerbank  – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
• Travel Adapter  – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.

10. Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is a spectacle of grandeur, towering within Seville’s 500-meter canal. Many people come here to witness the semi-circular brick building and the 48 alcoves benches. The plaza easily becomes Spain’s most stunning public square as it faces the canal.

The building in the plaza is an example of prime architecture in Spain for the Renaissance and neo-Moorish design. Everything’s eye-catching, especially during sunset when the walls turn reddish. The 20 period-style ceramic street lamps surrounding the plaza are also in line with the classic architecture, along with the benches and balustrade.

Planning a trip to Spain? Check out these posts!

• Itinerary examples:   10-days in Spain
• How to plan a trip to Spain?   Here’s my guide on how to do it!
• When is the best places to visit Spain?   Here’s my month-by-month guide !
• How much do you need to travel to Spain?  Here’s my Spain budget guide .
• Here are two posts to help you save money:   free things  and  budget-friendly  things to do in Spain.
• Spain Points of Interests:   Surfing Spots ,  Islands to visit ,  Beaches to chill at ,  National Parks to visit ,  UNESCO Sites ,  Camping spots ,  Hiking spots ,  Diving spots ,  Romantic destinations ,  Cities to visit ,  Places to visit ,  Tourist places bucket list ,  Attractions to check out ,  Unique things to do ,  Outdoorsy activities ,  Vacation spots ,  Castle hotels to stay at ,  Must not miss things to do ,  Off the beaten path ,  Unusual things to do ,  Spain at night ,  Adventurous things to do ,  Northern Spain ,  Castles to visit ,  Towns to visit ,  Educational things to do ,  Adventure sports ,  Southern Spain , and  Beautiful hotels
• Spain by Season:  Winter ,  Spring ,  Summer , and  Autumn
• Spain by Months:   January ,  February ,  March ,  April ,  May ,  June ,  July ,  August ,  September ,  October,   November , and  December
• Spain Travel Tips:   Cheapest city to fly into ,  What to avoid in Spain ,  Things you must NOT do in Spain ,  Packing list for Spain ,  Transportation guide ,  Things to know before visiting Spain ,  Basic Spanish Phrases ,  Souvenirs to take home ,  What to do when it rains , and  Travel tips before visiting
• Unique Experiences:   Christmas in Spain ,  Christmas markets ,  Festivals in Spain ,  Road trips to take ,  Beach resorts ,  Solo traveler guide ,  Must-not-miss Points of Interest ,  Must-do experiences ,  Fun activities to do ,  Honeymoon in Spain ,  New years in Spain ,  Easter celebrations ,  Semana Santa ,  Holy Week ,  Easter procession ,  Bucket list ,  Architecture to visit ,  Parades in Spain , and  Party destinations
• Spain Culture Overview:   Tipping guide ,  Famous Food to try ,  Supermarkets to get your groceries ,  Wines to try ,  What is Spain famous for ,  Facts about Spain ,  Culture guide ,  Short history of Spain ,  Traditions to know ,  Foods to try ,  What is Semana Santa ,  Dishes to try ,  Renowned artists , and  Spanish celebrations
• Barcelona Travel Guides:   Things to do ,  Day trips , and  Gothic quarter
• Mallorca Travel Guides:  Things to do  and  Day trips
• Seville Travel Guides:   Seville Easter

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