No matter where you turn in Barcelona, it seems that there’s something amazing to see: Gothic cathedrals, picturesque gardens, ornate fountains, Catalan architecture–this list just goes on! But despite the fantastic variety, there are a few experiences that stand out above the rest. So today, I’m going to share some information about one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks: Casa Batllo.
This beautiful structure, built by the famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi, has captured the hearts of many tourists from all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the colorful exterior one of the most photographed places in Barcelona, but the mesmerizing interior architecture is sure to get your imagination fired up!
So if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, Casa Batllo is an absolute must-see! But with there are quite a few things to consider before you visit–including the best times to avoid crowds, which ticket to choose, and whether this particular stop will even pique your interest. That’s why I’ve put together this quick guide to help you make the most of your visit! So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s delve into the world of Casa Batllo!
History and Architecture
Casa Batllo’s story begins in the 1870s . At this time, Passeig de Gracia had already established itself as the main street of the city’s premiere neighborhood, and every wealthy family wanted a home there. This continued throughout the end of the century, and by the time Casa Batllo was sold in 1903, the street was even primed for automobiles!
The house was bought by Josep Batllo, a successful businessman who wanted his home to outshine all the others on Passeig de Gracia. (At the time, several other houses along the block were receiving major makeovers by other premiere architects, and they are now collectively known as the Block of Discord.) So he hired the famous architect Antoni Gaudi and gave him full creative license to transform the building. And Gaudi did not hold back!
He transformed the building from top to bottom, giving the façade its rainbow hues, changing the dimensions of the interior rooms, and increasing the overall functionality of the home. He really was a designer ahead of his time.
Casa Batllo was opened to the public in 1995 by its new owners (the Bernat family) and has since been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, the building is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive, undulating façade, which gives the impression that the building is alive and in motion. The use of colorful, intricate mosaics and ornate, wrought iron balconies further add to Casa Batllo’s charm. Inside, the building is equally impressive, with Gaudi’s masterful use of space and light creating a truly unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Things to do in Casa Batllo
Enjoy the Architecture
The main reason that most people visit Casa Batllo is to see the architecture. But this isn’t any old architectural tour–it’s like stepping into another dimension where everything is a little bit magical.
Gaudi’s imagination ran wild when he designed Casa Batllo, with conch-inspired spirals on the ceilings, irregular doors and windows, a mushroom-shaped fireplace, and even a roof that looks like a dragon’s spine! One of my favorite parts was the main stairwell, which filters light throughout the entirety of the house. Gaudi took inspiration from the blue light patterns in the ocean and reversed the color scheme so that light was evenly distributed from top to bottom.
Guests will get to explore Casa Batllo from the ground up (and then back down the other side), learning the history of the house and the rooms as they go. Along the way, you’ll see living rooms and bedrooms, the back garden, spaces for the servants, a fascinating attic space, and more.
Depending on your ticket, you will also have the opportunity to explore the main living quarters of the Batllo family on one of the upper floors. The large room is furnished to give you a glimpse of their daily life.
Snap a Pic on the Balcony
In the attic, also known as the Dragon’s Belly due to its rib-like arches, you’ll have the opportunity to have your photo taken on a balcony with the house’s colorful façade in the background! It only costs 10 euros and makes for a fun souvenir.
Relax on the Rooftop
On the Dragon Terrace, visitors can look out over Barcelona from the rooftop and get a close-up view of the “Dragon’s Spine.” You’ll also be able to see Gaudi’s unusual chimney designs, which are located on the roof’s four corners. There are a number of tables and a small rooftop bar up here, as well, if you want to sit and enjoy the view on a nice day.
Immerse Yourself in Creative Experiences
Casa Batllo has a couple of fun art installations that you’ll be able to enjoy around the house as well. In one of the upstairs rooms, there is currently a display of dozens of large, bubble-like balloons lit with blue lights to create an aquatic effect. At one end of this room, there’s a screen that shows a model of Casa Mila. The screen slowly fills up with colorful bubbles that eventually create a tidal wave that washes over the house and leaves it blank.
As you finish your tour of Casa Batllo, you’ll also get treated to a mesmerizing art exhibition by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. It’s created with layered rows of tiny silver chains that guide you down to Casa Batllo’s basement. These hang above your head and along the sides of the stairwells, creating beautiful patterns all along the way.
The final thing you’ll do is take a brief trip into Gaudi’s brain. The Gaudi Cube is “the first real 360º experience in the world” and is designed to fully immerse you in what Gaudi’s mind may have “looked” like if we could actually see it. It’s a super-cool finale!
Shop for Souvenirs
As you exit, you’ll have a chance to shop at Simbolic Casa Batllo. This souvenir shop features many items specific to Casa Batllo. But you’ll also find plenty of other pieces themed after Gaudi’s other works or simply inspired by the things he created. It’s a great place to grab something to remember Casa Batllo by!
Which Casa Batllo Tour is Right for You?
Casa Batllo has a number of different tours and tour levels available to fit your time frames and interests.
During the warmer months, you can come in the evening for their Magic Nights events. These include evening tours of the house with an audio guide, plus a concert on the roof!
If you want to avoid the crowds (and yes, it does get crowded), you can opt for a “Be the first to visit” ticket. These start at 45 euros, but they include audio guides, and the chance to take better photos without other people.
Finally, there’s the General Tickets, which have 3 different levels of access. These start at just 29 euros per person, but the more you pay, the more you can see. Access for these starts at 9 am, and I do recommend that you arrive early because the lines get very long, very fast.
Here’s a breakdown of what each ticket includes (with premium day pricing):
We opted for the Gold ticket through Viator, and I’m really glad we did. We were able to walk right past the line and enter without a wait. I also really enjoyed the Gaudi Dome and the Original Concierge Room, which added more color and background to the tour.
The Batllo’s private residence was also a fun stop, and the virtual reality table added so much to the tour! These tablets not only have audio guides, but you can use them to interact with each room. When you hold the tablets up to certain parts of the house, they’ll trigger animations, add furniture, or provide deeper insights into design elements.
So at the bare minimum, I recommend the Silver ticket. But for just 2 euros more, the Fast Pass access alone is well worth the price difference.
And no matter what tour you choose, kids under 12 are free, which makes this a lot more affordable for families with kids!
Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Visit at Casa Batllo
- Arrive as early in the day as possible to avoid the crowds. If you can’t do the 8 am entry, aim for 9 at the latest.
- Buy a ticket that includes a fast pass to skip the line for later entry dates.
- Buy your ticket online to avoid the 4 euro box-office fee.
- Make sure your cameras or phone are fully charged because you’ll want to take lots of pictures!
- Take your time–don’t let other people rush you. If you have an audio guide, go slow and enjoy all the extra insights in each room.
- Wear good walking shoes. You’ll be going up(and down) multiple flights of stairs and walking on some smooth floors, so you want comfort and a good grip.
- If you’re arriving via public transport, take the Metro to Passeig de Gracia station. You’ll only be a five-minute walk from Casa Batllo!
- You’ll get your best picture of the central light shaft from the top–not in the middle or bottom!
Closing Thoughts on Casa Batllo
You can choose from a lot of Gaudi’s creations in Barcelona, but Casa Batllo is undoubtedly one of the best. If you’re curious how it compares to Casa Mila (another one of his famous residential projects), you can read this post where I explain what it’s about and how it differs from Casa Batllo.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this stunning home, and it only took about an hour and a half of our day! It left us plenty of time to explore more of the city’s best landmarks, like La Sagrada Familia and the Barcelona Cathedral–both of which I highly recommend!
My favorite parts were definitely the fascinating light shaft and the front room overlooking Passeig de Gracia. I also thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality tablet and the “hidden extras” it provided.
Be sure to check out my other Barcelona posts for more information on visiting this gorgeous city! And feel free to drop questions or comments in the section below.
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