Visit Park Guell with kids

During our stay in Barcelona with our Miss Voyageuse, Parc Güell was one of the visits we were looking forward to. When we visited it a few years ago, the entire park was accessible free of charge. Since then, however, due to the growing number of visitors, part of the park – the monumental and most spectacular area – has been subject to a booking fee.

This emblematic park, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, is a place for strolling, an artistic exploration and a life-size playground. In this article, I’ll be sharing our experience, our advice (my photos from the time!) and those of a travelling mum who visited this ticketed park during the last April holidays, so that you can make the most of your future visit to Parc Güell with your family.

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A little history to understand the site

Parc Güell was originally intended as an upmarket residential development, commissioned by the industrialist Eusebi Güell from Gaudí in the early 20th century. Of the 60 houses planned, only two were built. The project failed, but Gaudí gradually transformed the area into an immense public park with astonishing architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is one of Barcelona’s most visited sites.

A walk through nature and fantasy: the monumental zone (paying section)

As soon as you enter the monumental zone, if you are paying, you are plunged into the colourful and whimsical world of Gaudí. The children were immediately enchanted by the undulating shapes, bright mosaics and staircases that look like something out of a fairytale.

This is the most famous part, and the one you probably have in mind when you think of Parc Güell. It has a limited number of visitors and requires a time-slot ticket.

You’ll find :

The famous dragon staircase

This staircase with several landings is famous for its mosaic-covered salamander (called el drac): children love it and often remember nothing else! The staircases were already packed when we visited! Come several times to see this salamander from all sides. Beware: in 2025, it is due to be renovated.

The Hypostyle Hall

A large room supported by 86 giant columns, with ceilings decorated with ceramics, ideal for children to play hide-and-seek and find the columns that are leaning.

Plaça de la Nature or Greek Theatre

A large esplanade with an undulating bench covered in mosaics, perfect for taking a break overlooking the city, this is the place to be in Parc Guell with your family. Below, you can admire the famous staircase and its dragon, as well as some of Gaudi’s beautiful monuments.
Just be careful not to let children stand on the benches, lest they topple over!

The guardians’ houses

At the main entrance, these houses look like gingerbread houses and seem to have come straight out of a children’s fairytale. I have to admit that it’s easier to see them from the Parc Guell esplanade with your family, as you’re less overwhelmed by the crowds at the entrance.

The Gaudi House Museum

This is a model of the houses that were to be built in the park. This was Gaudi’s residence. It now houses furniture and sculptures by the artist.

The 3 viaducts

A place to take a more leisurely stroll, along a more or less well-developed path that stimulates the senses.

Entrances to the pay area:

• Carrer d’Olot main entrance (the best known, in front of the caretakers’ houses).
• Sant Josep de la Muntanya entrance, accessible by escalators (more practical if you are bringing children).
• Carretera del Carmel entrance, on the upper part of the park (less frequented, with access to the viewpoint before entering the pay area).

The free areas of Parc Güell for the whole family

What many people don’t know is that a large part of the park is open to the public! These less touristy areas are ideal for strolling around, enjoying nature or organising a picnic as you would in an ordinary park.

• The wooded paths and footpaths that cross the upper part of the park.
• The viaducts and stone bridges: great for photographing and fun for children.
• The Creueta del Coll viewpoint, one of the best views of Barcelona, accessible without a ticket.

However, there are few or no works by Gaudi here!

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Our tips for visiting Parc Güell with children

Book in advance

Admission to the monumental area is charged and places are limited by time slot. I therefore advise you to book your tickets online a few days in advance, especially during the school holidays.

Choose your schedule carefully

Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the light is softer, it’s cooler and there are slightly fewer people. We visited at 9am and it was perfect.

Bring a light pushchair or baby carrier

The park is on a slope, with lots of steps. A compact pushchair can fit on the main paths, but a baby carrier is often more practical.

Think about snacks and water

There are few snack areas in the park. It’s best to pack a water bottle and a snack, especially if you’re exploring the free areas where there’s space for picnics.

Take the time to get lost

The children loved exploring the narrow paths, archways and viaducts. Plan some free time to simply wander around without following a specific route.

Relaxation areas and playgrounds

After strolling along the sloping paths and admiring Gaudí’s works, you need a break! The good news is that Parc Güell has a number of areas that are perfect for relaxing or letting the kids play.

• Play area on the Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya: located near the secondary entrance of the same name (the one with the escalators), this small area is ideal for taking a break before or after visiting the monumental area. There are swings, a slide and some shade.
• Relaxation area near the Mirador Joan Sales: at the top of the park, near the Carretera del Carmel entrance, this shaded area offers superb views over the city. No play area here, just benches and a peaceful setting for a picnic or snack.

Picnic area in the upper woodland: as you explore the paths in the free areas of the park, you’ll sometimes come across quiet clearings with stone benches, ideal for an impromptu break in the heart of nature.

These areas allow you to take a break from the pace of the visit, especially with little ones, while prolonging the pleasure of being at the heart of this unique park.

Our travelling mum, who helped me update this article, used the free app to download before your visit. It lets you escape the crowds. It’s called Park Güell (or ‘Parc Güell Official’), and it’s really handy for families. The app shows you in real time which areas of the park are most accessible, especially if you have a pushchair or have difficulty walking. It also provides information on the different entrances, the easiest routes and a few explanations of Gaudí’s works. It’s a handy way to find your way around without having to carry around a paper map!

Practical info

• Address: Carrer d’Olot, 08024 Barcelona
• Times: generally from 9am to 6.30pm (or later in summer)
• Duration of visit to Parc Guell: 2 to 4 hours – allow 1 hour 30 minutes for the monumental zone
• Prices for the monumental zone: approx. €18/adult – free under 7 – reduced rates for children/students/large families – Tickets here – If you want to optimise your budget, look into Barcelona Passes or combined tickets, which allow you to take advantage of small discounts.
• How to get there :
  • Metro Lesseps (line 3) + 15 min walk up the hill
  • Bus 24 or V19: ideal with children, drops you off near the Carretera del Carmel entrance
  • Escalators via the Passatge de Sant Josep de la Muntanya
• Baby and children’s equipment recommended: pushchair for the walkways, but not practical for the stairs in the monumental area – baby carrier more practical

My family’s opinion of Parc Guell

There’s no doubt that you’ll find a huge crowd here! However, as a wild person, I’d advise you to go. Yes, it’s worth paying to go to Parc Güell with children, if you take your time. Plan to picnic in the play areas, take a leisurely stroll along all the paths, return to the monumental area several times… In short, enjoy the moment. In short, make the most of the moment!
For children, Parc Guell will surely be one of their best memories if they have time to visit and have fun.