Included in our ticket for the Sagrada Familia was access to the Gaudi Museum, which is located in Parc Guell, in what was Gaudi’s own home. We had a 10 journey public transport ticket, for €10. The ticket is very handy as when you enter the metro or bus you scan the reader to record your journey. The big benefit is that you only need buy one ticket for two people. You just put it through the machine twice to record the two passengers.
We took the Metro from Passage De Gracia to Lesseps and then walked to the park. We would not recommend this journey. Not only is finding the platform difficult involving a long walk, including along a long corridor but the walk from Lesseps starts off level but then climbs steeply up to the park. As we climbed the hill we could see ahead of us two set of stairs. Thankfully these turned out to be escalators. However, the initial climb was hard work. Just before you reach the escalator on your right is a hospital with an A&E department. Presumably built here to catch all those suffering heart attacks. Immediately opposite is a lovely church, ideal for conducting the funerals of those the hospital couldn’t save!
Much better to take the 24 bus which drops you off at the park gates. The bus takes longer and is busy, however, it is by far the most practical way to get there. The bus route takes you from Passeig de Gracia, near the metro station. Passeig de Gracia is the road that leaves the right hand side of Placa Catylunia, with Las Ramblas behind you.
The park was originally intended to be an exclusive development of houses designed by Gaudi, however only his house was completed. There are various buildings set in the park which can be visited by purchasing an extra ticket. Like the Sagrada Familla it is best to have a pre booked timed ticket as the wait in the afternoon meant we were unable to see these.
With the pre booked ticket you happily spend a very pleasant afternoon absorbing some of the best examples of Gaudi’s work. The grounds themselves are lovely, with sloping viaducts creating footpaths. Under the arches musicians give impromptu concerts, adding to your enjoyment of the park.
On the return journey you can get off the 24 bus at La Pedrera, which you may have spotted on the outward journey. On some of the tourist maps La Padrera is shown as Casa Mila, as it was originally designed as the home of Pere Mila. Again pre-booked tickets are advisable.
Having been unable to visit all of Parc Guell or La Padrera, we are likely to visit these on our next trip. We will look at a day and night ticket for La Padrera, visiting in the morning, then taking the 24 bus to the park and return to experience La Padrera in the dark.
