Day 2 – In the Footsteps of Gaudí

Barcelona’s name is almost inseparable from the work of Antoni Gaudí. The architect’s genius has shaped the city’s skyline, and luckily, his masterpieces can be spotted throughout the streets of Barcelona. On this day, we set out to follow in Gaudí’s footsteps: armed with our pre-booked tickets, we explored two of his true masterpieces, the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, before admiring the striking facades of Casa Milà and Casa Batlló from the outside.

Sagrada Família – The Breathtaking Basilica

After a quick breakfast at a charming little bakery near our apartment, we headed straight to one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, the Sagrada Família, just a three-minute walk from our accommodation. We had already purchased our tickets online (Sagrada Familia) – something we highly recommend, as the queues at the site can be enormous. Thanks to this, we were inside shortly after 9 AM, stepping into this awe-inspiring basilica before the crowds arrived.

The entrance fee is relatively high, but the interior’s mesmerizing beauty makes it absolutely worth it. Since the basilica gets packed with tourists as the day progresses, we opted for the earliest available time slot, which turned out to be a fantastic decision—early in the morning, the atmosphere was still serene, allowing us to fully appreciate the breathtaking interior.

We chose the standard admission ticket, which does not include tower access, but if you’d like to enjoy panoramic views from one of the basilica’s towers, it’s worth selecting a ticket that includes this option. Visitors can ascend one of two towers: from the Nativity Tower, you get a view of the city and the distant mountains, while the Passion Tower, positioned higher, offers a better vantage point of the sea. The ascent can be done via elevator or stairs.

The Sagrada Família is not just Barcelona’s emblem but also one of the most extraordinary churches in the world. Antoni Gaudí began its construction in 1882 and worked on it until his death in 1926. The construction has continued ever since, with the original completion date set for 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s passing. However, due to delays caused by the global pandemic, the new estimated completion date has been pushed to 2032. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was consecrated as a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Often described as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, the basilica features no straight lines—every element is curved, mimicking nature’s organic forms. Gaudí believed in the inherent beauty of materials and the role of colors and textures in conveying architectural messages. The tallest of the basilica’s 18 towers, the Jesus Tower, will reach 172.5 meters upon completion, making it the tallest church tower in the world. Gaudí intentionally designed it not to surpass the height of Montjuïc Hill, as he believed no human creation should exceed the work of God.

Inside, the basilica is pure magic: massive columns stretch towards the ceiling like towering tree canopies, while the sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows creates a mesmerizing, almost mystical atmosphere. Even our little one was captivated, watching the morning light dance across the walls—this was truly an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Practical Tips:

• Book your tickets in advance! On-site queues can be hours long.
• Download the official Sagrada Família app! It includes a free audio guide that provides insightful details about the basilica’s design and history as you explore.
• Family-friendly facilities such as baby-changing stations and clean restrooms are available.
• Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller. The basilica’s interior is easier to navigate this way.
• Be prepared for strict security checks. No food, drinks, or potentially hazardous items are allowed inside.
• There’s no luggage storage, but a temporary locker is available for those visiting the towers.

After our visit, we took some time to admire the intricate carvings and impressive entrance doors before heading to our next destination – Park Güell.

Park Güell – A Colorful Gaudí Garden in Barcelona

Our tickets for Park Güell were booked for 11:30 AM. This world-famous park is located a bit further from the city center, but it’s easily accessible by metro, bus, or even on foot. We decided to walk, as our little one had just fallen asleep in the stroller – perfect timing to align nap time with our stroll to the park.

Note: Some streets are so steep that they have outdoor escalators running all day! We took turns pushing the stroller – it was definitely a workout.

Tickets & Practical Info

Currently, an adult ticket costs €18, and it’s highly recommended to book in advance online, as the park has a daily visitor limit. You can reserve your spot on the official website: https://parkguell.barcelona/en.

Important to know: You can enter the park up to 30 minutes after your ticketed time, but once inside, you can stay as long as you like. However, re-entry is not allowed once you leave.

Gaudí’s Enchanting World

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell was built between 1900 and 1914. Originally intended as a luxury residential complex, today it stands as one of the most fascinating open-air masterpieces in the world.

Gaudí’s signature artistic touch is everywhere: undulating walkways, twisted structures, vividly colored mosaic benches, and playful, nature-inspired shapes—it truly feels like stepping into a fairy tale! Absolutely mesmerizing.

We climbed to the top of the park, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the sea unfolded before us. Time flew by effortlessly—we explored the park in about 1.5 to 2 hours, but it would be easy to spend half a day here.

Gaudí himself lived here for a time in one of the villas, which now functions as a museum. If you want to dive deeper into his genius, it’s worth a visit.

By this time, the park had become quite crowded, which is worth mentioning as a downside. But of course, it’s no surprise—who wouldn’t want to see this world-famous place? As I stepped up to the iconic mosaic lizard near the entrance, I quickly realized that capturing a photo without other visitors in the frame was simply impossible. The lively buzz around it was constant. This vibrant, tile-adorned salamander is one of the park’s most recognizable symbols and a frequent star on postcards.

If you love unique architecture, vibrant colors, and playful designs, Park Güell is a must-see in Barcelona!

Useful Tips for Families with Young Kids

Stroller or baby carrier? The park has uneven paths and some steep areas, so a carrier might be more practical.
Sun protection: Sunscreen and hats are a must—there’s very little shade.

Back to the City – More of Gaudí’s Masterpieces

On our way back, we headed toward two more of Gaudí’s famous buildings, but by this point, we were getting quite hungry.

We found a great quick stop in the L’Eixample district: Baribar Istanbul Döner and Kebab. It’s not the trendiest restaurant, but it was the perfect choice for us—spacious, comfortable, and baby-friendly. The restroom was clean and equipped with a changing table, which was a big plus. The food was generous and delicious, the prices were great, and the service was exceptionally friendly. The owner constantly checked in to see if we were happy with our meal—such a warm welcome!

After refueling, we continued on our way. Our little one fell asleep in the stroller again, so we had a peaceful stroll towards Casa Milà and Casa Batlló.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) & Casa Batlló

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a breathtaking residential building designed by Gaudí for a wealthy family. With organic, flowing shapes and intricate wrought-iron balconies, it looks like something straight out of a fantasy. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while it’s open for interior visits, we chose to admire it from the outside on this trip.

Similarly, Casa Batlló was commissioned by another wealthy client. Its wavy, colorful façade, mosaic decorations, and dragon-scale-like rooftop make it one of Gaudí’s most fascinating creations. Instead of visiting inside, we opted for a relaxing break at a café right across the street. This gave us the perfect view of the building, while we sipped on a delicious coffee and refreshing drinks.

Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most elegant boulevard, isn’t just about luxury boutiques and five-star hotels—it’s lined with stunning palaces that create a unique, upscale atmosphere.

A Perfect End to the Day

As evening approached, we made our way back to our accommodation. We had experienced so many incredible sights in one day that it was hard to take it all in.

For dinner, we kept it simple: we grabbed fresh ingredients from the store across the street and made a light meal at our apartment. Excited for another day of adventure, we couldn’t wait to see what Barcelona had in store for us next.

Stay tuned for Day 3!