Park Güell is split into two zones: the Monumental Zone, where Gaudí went full genius-mode, and the Forest Zone, a peaceful green escape with pine trees and postcard views. Just so you know—there’s no longer a “Free Zone.” The entire park is open to visitors, but since 2013, access to the star attractions in the Monumental Zone is ticketed to keep the crowds (and chaos) under control.
This is where Gaudí turned fantasy into stone. While you’ll spot his whimsical touch all over Barcelona, Park Güell is the one place where he pulled out all the stops, earning it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Commissioned by Eusebi Güell (yes, the park’s namesake and a textile tycoon with grand dreams), Gaudí designed the park between 1900 and 1914 as part of an ambitious residential project that never quite took off. The upside? We get to explore a surreal, color-soaked masterpiece.
Twelve of the park’s 19 hectares make up the Monumental Zone, home to its most iconic sights—think the vibrant dragon fountain, the fairy-tale gatehouses, the serpentine bench terrace overlooking the city, and Gaudí’s own residence. This is the beating heart of the park, where every corner is a photo op and every mosaic tells a story. Read on for a full guide to what you’ll see inside and how to plan your time in Park Güell’s most dazzling section.
Park Güell Tickets
Park Güell Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Combo: Park Güell + Sagrada Familia Hosted Entry Tickets
Combo: Park Güell + Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Combo: Park Güell + Casa Batlló Timed Entry Tickets
Combo (Save 15%): Park Güell Tickets + Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Combo: Park Güell + La Pedrera-Casa Milà Skip-the-Line Tickets
In October 2013, Barcelona City Council implemented a new regulation policy in order to protect, study and promote Gaudí's work, as established in UNESCO's requirements, offer a high-quality visiting experience, and allow the park to exist as a space for the community. The regulation of the Monumental Zone is meant to ensure a high level of visitor experience and safety.
So, while visitors can visit Park Güell in its entirety, the access regulation policy restricts the number of people entering the monumental area. The regulation limits the capacity to a maximum of 1400 visitors per hour, which would effectively reduce overcrowding. You have to buy tickets access this zone.
This is an area in the park that contains the most important and iconic features, including the entrance pavilion, staircase, dragon fountain and Gaudi's house.
Yes, you can visit the Monumental Zone in Park Guell. In fact, it is considered to be the real attraction within Park Guell as it houses all the iconic creations of Gaudi. However, you need to purchase tickets to be able to enter the Park Guell monumental zone.
No, the entry to the Park Guell Monumental Zone is regulated. You need to have a paid ticket to be able to enter the Monumental Zone.
The park is divided into two zones: the unrestricted, wooded area and the restricted zone that is home to the monuments and sculptures that Park Guell is famous for. The restricted zone is also referred to as the Monumental Zone.
Given that the Monumental Zone of the park has entry reserved for ticket holders with only a limited number of visitors allowed in (1400 persons each half hour), we recommend advance reservation and purchase of tickets to guarantee entry to the restricted area.
When you buy a ticket, you have access to all the places in the Park Güell Monumental Zone, including the Casa del Guarda, the Concierge's pavilion, the Dragon staircase, Austria Gardens, the Hypostyle Room, the Portico of the Washerwoman and Plaça de la Natura. However, it does not include a visit to the Gaudi House Museum, located in the open-access area of the park.
The view over Barcelona is the focal point of the Monumental zone of Park Guell.
A maximum of 1400 visitors per hour are allowed into the Monumental Zone of Park Guell.
