Güell Palace (Palau Güell)
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08001
Located just moments from the bustle of Las Ramblas, Güell Palace—also known as Palau Güell—is one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest masterpieces. Designed as a private residence for wealthy industrialist Eusebi Güell, it showcases a darker, more experimental take on Gaudí’s signature style. Inside, visitors can discover surreal chimneys, stained glass, and ingenious plays of light and space. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for architecture lovers.
The Basics
Built in the 1880s, the 7-story Palau Güell is an early example of art nouveau and modernism adapted for domestic use. The imposing facade features two parabolic arches with wrought iron grille, and has Arabic, Byzantine, and Mudejar forms throughout. Note the impressive central hall, covered by a dome with star-pricked ceiling, and don’t miss the roof and its 20 colorful chimneys.
Explore Palau Güell on your own or on a guided tour. Visits to Palau Güell can be combined with sightseeing tours covering other masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí, including Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà, or other Barcelona neighborhoods such as the Barri Gòtic, El Born, and Barceloneta. Or visit on a hop-on hop-off bus to explore the city at your leisure.
Things to Know Before You Go
Palau Güell is a must-see for architecture and Gaudí fans.
Guided tours and audio guides are available.
Large bags must be placed in lockers.
The use of flash, tripods, or selfie sticks is not permitted.
The rooftop closes when it is raining.
Parts of Palau Güell are accessible to wheelchairs, but the roof, the mezzanine, and the southern terrace are not.
How to Get There
Palau Güell is located just west of Las Ramblas and is easily reachable by foot from most of Barcelona’s tourist center. By public transportation, take the metro (L3) to Liceu or bus 14, 59, 91, or 120.
When to Get There
Palau Güell is open daily, except for Mondays, December 25 and 26, January 1, and the third week of January. It’s best to book ahead or arrive early to avoid disappointment, as only 185 people are allowed inside at any one time. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of each month.
Gaudí and Ceramics
The 20 chimneys on the roof of Palau Güell are all covered with ceramic mosaics. Palau Güell is the first place where Gaudí usedtrencadís, broken shards of ceramic, to form decorative mosaics, which went on to become one of the characteristic features of his architecture.
Ways to explore
Many travelers visit Güell Palace as part of a guided tour—a great way to gain insight into the mansion’s history and Gaudí’s architectural vision. The site is often included on broader city tours that also feature landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. These itineraries may span several neighborhoods, including the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Barceloneta. Güell Palace can also be visited independently through hop-on hop-off bus routes, or private experiences that include extras such as local tapas tastings or skip-the-line entry.
Accessibility
Güell Palace is mostly wheelchair-accessible with accessible lifts and restrooms, and offers adapted tours for those with reduced mobility. The site also loans wheelchairs. Audio and video guides are available for those with visual or hearing impairments.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Small bag, contactless payment method
What to wear
Comfortable footwear, layered clothing
Not allowed
Extendable selfie sticks, outside food and drinks, bikes, electric scooters
Amenities
Shop, baby-changing restrooms, baby carrier loan service
Address
Güell Palace is located in Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood. It’s easy to get to on foot from La Rambla, but many visitors come by metro or bus, as there are stops close by.
Driving
Traffic in central Barcelona can be congested and busy, and on top of this, street parking is limited. It’s far better to travel by public transportation if you can.
Public transportation
If traveling by public transportation, it’s best to take Metro line #3 to Liceu, which is close to Güell Palace. Buses V13, #59, #91, and #120 also stop in the near vicinity.
Best times to visit
If you can come in the morning, close to opening time, it’s a good way to avoid the peak afternoon crowds.
Best days to visit
The palace is typically closed on Mondays and busy on the weekends, so it’s advisable to come Tuesdays through Thursdays for a quieter experience.
Best months to visit
Summer can be busy in Barcelona, so come in May or September to avoid the masses while still enjoying beautiful weather.
Special events
In the summer, Güell Palace often hosts special evening events on the rooftop with live music and refreshments.
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