This was Gaudi's first major commission, and it is mind boggling in the details. We were not able…read moreto get tickets at other Gaudi locations, but I feel like this was a good choice--not crowded, manageable size, and contextual information about Gaudi's contemporaries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a self tour--honestly the voice recording was a little grating, so we had one person in the group read from the text from theirs. The information is a must because there are otherwise very few placards identifying the rooms or highlighting details. The gift shop had lots of tempting stuff, much of it made in Barcelona.

Just so you know, I hate the word "Oriental" especially if someone calls me one. I ain't a rug, OK?…read moreHowever, it's acceptable to call the architectural style Antoni Gaudi used in the design of his first house as Oriental. The building has a Persian/Moroccan flavor with the constant use of decorative tiles, illustrated ceilings, and Moorish arches. It's not my favorite Gaudi building, not by a long shot, but it's a good starter course if you have time. It's up in the quieter Gracia neighborhood away from the crowds at the other Gaudi landmarks, but it's worth the trek. The grounds are unique in integrating the interior and exterior elements into a seamless picture of nature. There's a heavy dose of exotic Asian flair (...hey, I didn't say Oriental) in the ridged framing, the shape of the eaves, and the rampant idiosyncratic decorative touches. The rooftop is relatively modest for Gaudi, but this is where he started after all. RELATED - Other Gaudi landmarks I've visited in Barcelona: La Sagrada Família: https://yelp.to/SmWjkMcPwm Casa Mila: https://yelp.to/dFi2H3DRdL Casa Batlló: https://yelp.to/9us1P766zX Parc Guell: https://yelp.to/kfG-hLKx_Z Palau Guell: https://yelp.to/L67PFQbst- RELATED - Exploring Barcelona? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/4dTEx5T

When researching popular tourist destinations in Barcelona, Casa Batlló came up on many a list. I…read morelike to take in museums and other historical structures whenever I visit a new city, so this sounded perfect. That being said, I purchased tickets for us to explore during our first full day in the city. Casa Batlló is one of several structures in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. I believe this was originally designed as a private residence, and has since become a showcase of the type of work Gaudí produced. The visits are self-guided, and once you enter you are given an audio guide that you can use throughout the house that provides information about the space you're in. The house itself is gorgeous. It's so intricately designed with different themes throughout the space. The audio guide really helped here as it told the history behind each room. I found myself snapping tons of pictures, or just standing there and taking it all in. As expected, there were a couple of gift shops, and some interactive exhibits scattered throughout the house as well. Note that not all spaces are open to all guests, it depends on the type of ticket you buy; that being said, even if you get the base ticket you will see a lot. Also, this place naturally attracts Instagrammers - be aware there are lots of people posing for the camera, Overall, Casa Batlló was an awesome experience. It was my first taste of Gaudí's influence on the city, and I would definitely return for another visit.

Strolling after our Senior Dinner and there he was behind us, one of Anthony Gaudi's whimsical…read moreperfection!

I have visited more churches/cathedrals than i can count but this was so unique. Love those huge…read moregothic churches but they are dark inside. This was stunningly and lots of light. The colored rays from the stained glass was breathtaking and like nothing I've even seen. I hear it changes at different times of day. The outside can be seem from miles away due the the size but once right there the details are so interesting. We signed up for guardi excursion and they got us in quicker as the lines are ridiculous. But they limited our time. I would have stayed much longer. Its nearly finished after all these year and one of the reasons I chose Spain as a travel destination. If you are in Barcelona definitely dont miss visiting here. No matter your relationship with religion this is a work of art. Stunning even though crowded. as with most things the pictures just cant do it justice. I feel so blessed to have been able to finally see it in person. I don't know that Spain and Portugal are places we would return but this was on top of our list for Spain. Designed by Antoni Gaudi construction was began in 1882 and not funded by Vatican or government so depends of ticket and donations. Plus construction was slowed by need to acquire adjacent properties that were anxious to sell. crazy it took over 140 yrs. So its a rare mixture of new and old. Be very aware tickets sell our weeks ahead. This was an added excursion with our go ahead tour. If i were to return to Barcelona I'd def visit all the Gaudi locations again.

This was more than I expected it to be. Our tour was amazing! If you can, book a tour. Our guide…read morewas very passionate and knowledgeable about the basilica. Initially, I thought I knew what we were getting into but quickly found out I had no clue. On top of this being an immense building project, it is also filled with symbolism. Everything in the cathedral has a declarative and deliberate purpose, nothing is random. Also, there is a fantastically assembled museum under the church. Don't miss out on this amazing experience. Enjoy!

If you are an architecture buff like my husband and I, consider a visit to Antoni Gaudi's Casa…read moreMila, aka La Pedrera. We did the nighttime tour on the first night of our honeymoon and it was spectacular. A great start to our trip and a truly architecturally magical evening we will never forget. From the light show on the truly unique rooftop facades to ending in the courtyard with a glass of cava.

This house has easy online ticket purchase and plenty of open hours. The view from the roof is…read moreawesome, and the architectural models upstairs are fascinating. I'm honestly not the biggest fan of Gaudi so I don't find this house to be a must-see in Spain for travelers, especially for €25 entry.

Worth a stop. I am a fan of arches. We happened here as walking around the town. I don't know the…read morehistory of the arch nor did I care our tour gave us so much history I was glad you just walk around and explore on my own . Don't know if it was somehow trying to copy the arch in Paris either way it was cool . There's a very interesting part very close by with fountains and parakeets and all kinds of cool stuff so if you come to the arch definitely check out that Park beside the zoo . This was Popular location lots of people ... tourists and street performers. Popular photo spot.

Very cool landmark - not as grand as the one in Paris, but way easier to get a good photo without a…read moremillion people in the background. The red brick design gives it a unique vibe, and it's a nice walk around the area. Heads up: watch out for the photo scammers. They'll snap your pic, print it on a fake "newspaper," and then try to get you to buy it or "donate." Just say no and keep moving. Great quick stop if you're nearby -- and perfect if you're headed to Parc de la Ciutadella right after.

The Cathedral of Barcelona, which is also called the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia,…read morewas built in the Gothic style from 1298 to the 15th century. It is an active church that provides masses, confessions, and other sacraments. It also provides tours for 16 euros and up (as of the time of this review). I understand that some people think that a church should be free to enter, but I also understand that many tourists are not practicing Catholics and that the church needs to bring in revenue to pay its bills. My tour guide took my husband and me to the exterior of this church and explained its architecture and history. We did not pay for an interior tour. It is a lovely church to see.

The cathedral was beautiful and the rooftop views were simply stunning. Definitely worth a visit…read morewhen visiting Barcelona.

Architect Salvador Valeri i Pupurull created this unique modernisme style building 1909 to 1911,…read moreobviously influenced by Gaudi. The building is topped by a turret in the shape of a harlequin's hat clad in green glazed ceramic. It's asymmetrical so take a little time to see both facades. front and back. Overlooks Avinguda Diagonal.

Tan típica arquitectura de Barcelona (Gaudí), vale la pena pasar por aquí…read more So typical architecture in Barcelona (Gaudí), is worth walking by this one.

Stun-ning. No other word for this hidden gem of an architectural site that was once a hospital when…read moredesigners cared about the aesthetics of a hospital and not solely function. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. The campus alone is one example after another of exquisite brickwork, mosaics, color, and Catalan ingenuity. If you loved Casa Battlo and Parc Guell, and you didn't know about this heritage site, do yourself a favor and swing in for even half-an-hour to buzz through and photograph the exquisite buildings collected herein. 10 min walk from Sagrada Familia. Mamma mia. Jaw dropping inside and out. How wise of Spain to recognize -- and preserve, and share -- this breathtakingly artful site.

Beautiful architecture in the exterior and interior of the building. The pictures do not do this…read moreplace justice. I was amazed by the amount of detail in the architecture, the ceilings and moldings. This sight is a must for anyone who enjoys architectural art.

El Gat de Botero - The famous statue of a fat cat in the middle of Barcelona. He's a chonky cat…read morewith the confidence of a Roman emperor and the physique of some shapes. You will take a photo. You will then look around, realize five other people are doing the same thing, and quietly question your tourist level. Botero said: make it thicc. And Barcelona said: bet.

Great big cat in the middle of rambla del raval, a pedestrian parkway. It's a nice stroll through…read moreoutdoor cafes and a small kids playground. It's a bit of whimsy.