Guided visits: in the footsteps of Gaudí and Catalan art nouveau
The art nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a considerable impact on Barcelona, contributing to the city’s inimitable charm. Whether you live in the city or you’re discovering it for the first time, there’s always something new to discover and admire.
We tested two guided visits which give a good overview of Barcelona’s characteristic art nouveau architecture (“Catalan modernism”):
- The visit organised by the tourist information office
- An in-depth visit with José (our favourite guide), which is more flexible in terms of times and rhythm.
Discovering Gaudí and Catalan art nouveau: visits organised by the tourist information office
Great value for money
The tourist information office in Barcelona organises a whole range of 2-hour guided visits for a very reasonable price, one of which is devoted to Catalan art nouveau.
The aim of the tour is to explore the emergence of modernism. Entry to sites is not included in the price, but you can understand a lot just from the exteriors!
The tour guide also hands out tickets to the museum of modernism which customers are free to visit in their own time.
Useful information
- €16 per person (€14.40 if you book here)
- Groups of up to 20 people
- An audiophone system means that everyone will be able to hear the guide, even if they’re not at the front of the group
- Visits in English are available all year round (with other languages offered from April to October).
Discovering Gaudí and Catalan art nouveau with José, a friendly and professional local guide
The second version of the tour is headed up by José, an expert guide registered with the Generalitat de Catalunya. José’s varied, pleasant and expertly-selected itinerary helps visitors to (re)discover a number of Barcelona’s art nouveau treasures.
- The tour starts in Plaça Catalunya, with a little historical and geographical background.
- Next stop: Barcelona’s most celebrated modernist café, Els 4 gats (The 4 Cats). No time to stop for a drink, though, even if you reeeeeally want to!
- On to the astounding Palau de la Música, the work of Lluis Domenech i Montaner, a contemporary of Gaudì with his own far-fetched ideas.
- Next, onto the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, which celebrates the work of the Catalan painter, via a number of other modernist buildings and shops.
- The tour continues onto part of the Passeig de Gràcia, site of some of the most spectacular examples of modernist architecture: the casa Lleó i Morera, the casa Amatller and Gaudì’s Casa Batlló .
- The visit ends at la Pedrera, another of Gaudì’s houses, located around 100 metres further up the same avenue.
Advantages:
- In-depth 3 hour visit
- Flexible rhythm
- Suitable for diabled visitors
- Small groups (no more than 10 people)
- Friendly, approachable guide
Useful information
The tour lasts around 3 hours, and takes place entirely outside: the price doesn’t include entry into any of the buildings.
- It costs €195 for a group of 1-6 people. If you’re travelling in a group of 7 or more, contact us – special group rates can be arranged.
