The 5 Best Barcelona Park Guell Admission Tickets & Tours [2024 Reviews]

See this UNESCO World Heritage Site while you're visiting Barcelona.

Barcelona is undoubtedly filled with distinctive architecture, rich history, and artistic attractions. However, one stop that you simply can’t miss is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Park Güell. One of the most historically significant to Barcelona, it’s a testament to the legendary Antoni Gaudi’s creative genius.

Perfectly melding art, nature, and history, you’ll find symbolic elements inspired by the world around us. If that catches your interest, we’ve carefully-curated the 5 best Barcelona Park Güell tours out there! Let’s get started!

Best Barcelona Park Guell Admission Tickets & Tours

Barcelona: Park Güell Admission Ticket Barcelona: Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line AccessBarcelona: Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour
editors choice
Departure:Entrance of Park GüellEntrance of Park GüellEntrance to Park Güell
Start:Various optionsVariesVaries
Duration:Varies75 minutes75 minutes
Includes:Park admission, admission to the Casa del Guarda, free audio guide app, booking feeSkip-the-line tickets to Park Güell, walking tour, guide from the Barcelona Tourism AuthorityGeneral admission ticket, skip-the-line access in Park Güell, official guide

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Quick Answer: The 5 Best Barcelona Park Guell Admission Tickets & Tours For 2024

  1. Barcelona: Park Güell Admission Ticket
  2. Barcelona: Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
  3. Barcelona: Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour
  4. Barcelona: Park Güell Fast-Track Guided Tour
  5. Barcelona Combo Tour: Park Güell & La Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour

Best Barcelona Park Guell Admission Tickets & Tours Reviews

#1 Barcelona: Park Güell Admission Ticket

Tour Highlights:

  • Departure: Entrance of Park Güell
  • Departure Time: Various options
  • Duration: Varies
  • Includes: Park admission, admission to the Casa del Guarda, free audio guide app, booking fee
Kicking things off, we have one of the most popular tours of its kind: the Barcelona: Park Güell Admission Ticket Tour. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great sanctuary to explore and relax. Instantly be transported into a whimsical wonderland, without having to worry about if there are tickets available.

Barcelona is undoubtedly known for its incredible architecture and rich history, namely, the influence of Gaudí and his opulent style of art. Park Güell is the perfect example of his eccentric, fantasy-like beauty that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. That’s only one of the reasons why nature-lovers, art-aficionados, history buffs, and everyone in between make an effort to stop here at least once.

It’s important to note that the park can become easily overwhelmed with visitors, as it is one of the city’s most popular attractions. If you’d like to visit, this tour is a much smoother way to do so, as your entrance ticket is covered. You get to discover the unique park at your own pace, without feeling rushed or like you missed out on anything.

There’s no specific start or end time, making this option very convenient for those with a packed schedule. Just know that when you book, you will have to enter in a tentative start time!

Inside, you’ll have access to a guided audio tour which was surprisingly comprehensive. Explore the vibrant mosaic art which adorns every corner of this park, making sure to see The Dragon Stairway with its famous salamander! Take a leisurely stroll through the Austria Gardens, which is a verdant oasis that provides a welcome escape from the urban chaos.

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#2 Barcelona: Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Tour Highlights:

  • Departure: Entrance of Park Güell
  • Departure Time: Varies
  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Includes: Skip-the-line tickets to Park Güell, walking tour, guide from the Barcelona Tourism Authority
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the genius of Antoni Gaudí while avoiding the mind-numbing lines, a walking a tour of Park Güell is your golden ticket. With an expert guide leading the way and priority access to this magnificent garden complex, it’s no wonder the Barcelona: Park Güell Tour with Skip-the-Line Access is so popular.

The biggest difference between this tour and the first one, is the tour, itself. Instead of just an audio tour with an app, you’ll have a local guide who is incredibly knowledgeable on all thigns “Park Güell”. In addition, you get skip-the-line access here so you don’t have to waste time waiting around to go inside.

Head up Carmel Hill with your guide, and prepare to be met by a visual feast that transcends time. Gaudí’s distinct style is characterized by colorful mosaic tiles and intricate designs to create perhaps the most whimsical park in all of Europe. I loved learning about Gaudí as a person, architect, and other famous works of his, along with his cultural relevance to Barcelona.

We also learned about Ildefons Cerdà, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for the modernist movement that Gaudí’s designs would one day exemplify. Our tour guide was so friendly and knew so much, it made for a very smooth and educational experience that is a million times better than going it without a guide.

If you’re short on time in Barcelona and would really like to fit in as much as possible, this is a great option as you won’t have to deal with lines. Not only that, but it’s a favorite among me and my family and I consider it a must-see!

Pro tip: if you’re going during the spring or summer season, try to go earlier in the day. This is to both avoid crowds and the heat, as it can get pretty intense after 11 or so.

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#3 Barcelona: Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Departure: Entrance to Park Güell
  • Departure Time: Varies
  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Includes: General admission ticket, skip-the-line access in Park Güell, official guide
I’ve had a lot of people ask me over the years whether it’s worth it to stop by Park Güell. To that, I have to say it’s more than worth it if you’re at all interested in the history of Barcelona, Gaudí, or architecture. Heck, even if you’d just like to get away from the metropolitan chaos for a bit, the Barcelona: Park Güell Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour is a fantastic option.

Antoni Gaudí is one of the most renowned architects of all time, and this magical park is a testament to his brilliance. However, it’s not just the architecture itself that makes Park Güell so special. The park’s strategic viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, offering a unique perspective you won’t be able to get anywhere else.

Meet up with your guide at the entrance, learning all about the UNESCO World Heritage Site, its rich history, and cultural importance. As this is a small group tour, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the crowd. Rather, this is an intimate experience with a guide who is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and take your personal interests into account.

While this tranquil escape is great for literally anyone, I highly recommend this tour if you’re a creative in any way. The artistic wonders and natural landscapes are so inspiring, and are sure to make you appreciate the relentless spirit of human creativity even more so. Whether you’re going with a partner or with the entire family, there’s really something for everyone here.

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100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience


#4 Barcelona: Park Güell Fast-Track Guided Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Departure: Un Parc Per Gaudir
  • Departure Time: Varies
  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Includes: Fast-track access to Park Güell, pro guide, guided tour, live bilingual commentary in English and/or Spanish
Are you on a budget but would still like to see Park Güell in a more enriching, in-depth way? Then look no further than the Barcelona: Park Güell Fast-Track Guided Tour that will take you past the lines and straight into this enchanting world created by both Gaudí and Mother Nature. Lasting 75 minutes with various start times available, it works even for the busiest of schedules!

Honestly, the guide made this experience that much more worth it, offering insight into every corner of the park. You can opt for either a shared group or private tour, whichever works best for you and your party. Either way, though, you can expect an unforgettable journey through this magnificent architect’s visionary mind.

This excursion kicks off at Carrer d’Olot, where you’ll walk up to the entrance with your guide and anticipate the wonders within. If you’re like me, you’ll immediately be drawn in to the intricate mosaic tiles and the salamander statue, known as “El Drac” by locals. Of course, there are countless motifs hidden throughout and no matter how many times you come, there will always be something new you notice.

Take a leisurely stroll with your group and learn all about this UNESCO site, or take a seat at one of the many benches and appreciate the ingenuity of humanity. If you ask me, I say take some time to soak in the grandeur of the Sala Hipóstila, which is a Doric Temple exemplifying Gaudí’s architectural genius. Keep ascending, though, as one of the most magnificent views of the city awaits you.

Once you get to the highest point, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking vistas of Barcelona below. The columns perfectly frame the scene, attesting to the wonderful way nature and art can be one-and-the-same.

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#5 Barcelona Combo Tour: Park Güell & La Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Departure: Entrance to Park Güell
  • Departure Time: Varies
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Includes: Skip-the-line entry to Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia, transport by private bus between locations, professional tour guide
We couldn’t forget one of the most beloved tours in Barcelona, which is a bit different from the others we’ve covered so far. This is the perfect way to fully appreciate the work of Antoni Gaudí, from the most grandiose to the most intricate artistry in the city. The Barcelona Combo Tour: Park Güell & La Sagrada Familia Tickets and Tour is one of the most magnificent ways to spend an afternoon, so what are you waiting for?

The tour begins by meeting with your guide and the rest of your group at the entrance to Park Güell, where you’ll receive your skip-the-line tickets and head right inside! Stepping into this vibrant wonderland is simply unparalleled, with both manmade and natural beauty all around. Indulge in the wonders of the human imagination as your guide offers interesting anecdotes and historical accounts, which kept even our kids entertained (perhaps a feat greater than even Gaudí’s work).

After taking time to enjoy this kaleidoscope of colors, you’ll then head to his pièce de résistance: La Sagrada Familia. If you haven’t already come across it during your time in Barcelona, you’ll be simply blown away! This architectural masterpiece is still under construction after more than a century, and is truly a testament to ambition and a clear creative vision.

While the exterior is absolutely magical (and seemingly never-ending in details), the interior of the basilica is just as impressive. The soaring columns, stained glass windows, and intricacy feels unreal. Along the entire way, our guide provided historical accounts and first-hand stories that made it much more enriching than anything we could’ve received in a classroom.

If you’re going to any tour in Barcelona, make sure to consider this one.

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Spain Travel Guide

During its long and fascinating history, Spain has done more to shape the modern world than any other country. Though nobody today would condone the actions of the Conquistadors in America, Spain did form the first major global empire and forever change the world map.

EuropeSpain The Best Sailing Cruises From Barcelona, Spain

From Santa Cruz de Nuca in British Columbia down to Santiago de Chile in the far south, Spain left its footprint across the whole of the Americas. Yet the nation itself is relatively small, with a population or only 47 million, not all even identifying as Spanish or speaking Spanish.

Spain is in fact a divided nation. The northeastern autonomous community of Catalonia contains 8 million people who identify as Catalan not Spanish. As recently as 2017, this region attempted to become fully independent from Spanish rule. This region contains Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, as well as much of Spain’s industry.

When visiting Spain, most people head first for three cities. In the north, Barcelona is the cultural and historical capital and the most popular destination. In the south, Granada is a focal point, featuring the ancient Moorish palace of the Alhambra. And in the center, you will find the capital city — Madrid. There are other wonderful places to visit in this diverse and culturally rich nation, notably Seville and Salamanca, but those three cities are by far the most interesting.

Traveling in the time of COVID

Like many destinations, some tours and visitor attractions in Spain have adopted special precautionary measures during the pandemic.

Face masks are mandatory in some locations, notably in enclosed public areas such as travel hubs and shopping malls. You are expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter buildings.

It is in your own interest to keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You are expected to keep your distance inside boats, coaches, train compartments, and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, Spain welcomes visitors and visas are not required for US citizens. However, with the exception of children aged 12 and under, every person arriving in Spain must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate (NEAR, LAMP, TMA, or PCR — NOT an antigen test) or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entry using a vaccine authorised by the WHO or the European Medicines Agency. This certificate must be time stamped within 72 hours.

You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the Spanish government’s Spain Travel Health portal. During these relatively uncertain times, it is wise to also consult the US Department of State website for current travel advisories.

Airports & Entry

You can enter Spain by sea, land, or air. What works best depends upon where you’re coming from. However, if you are traveling more than a hundred miles, it is best to fly. It is cheapest and most efficient to arrive by airplane.

Spain boasts 47 airports, and most of them handle international flights. This is because there are so many popular tourist destinations, including many of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea that are popular clubbing spots for youths from across the whole of Europe.

When planning a journey to Spain, it is important to decide what cities you most want to see before flying and to compare ticket prices carefully. Because of the different airlines serving different airports, you will find an astonishingly broad range of prices.

It’s difficult to generalize due to competition between the airlines, but typically it’s much cheaper to fly into the two busiest airports in Spain: Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat. Direct flights to Granada, Seville, and Salamanca tend to be much more expensive.

Planning Tips

Spain is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, which is why it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Here are a few specific tips to help you get the most out of your vacation.

If you have tips of your own about this beautiful country, please share them with other readers in the comments below.

Tip #1: Travel there for less

It is both easiest and most cost effective to enter Spain through one of the two most popular international airports — Madrid and Barcelona. Because they are such popular destinations, don’t just book a ticket with your favorite airline. Instead, shop around. To get the best flight times and cheapest rates, aim to book 3 months in advance.

Time of year is a major factor in flight prices. During the long summer vacation and Easter, flights cost much more due to the high demand. Planning your vacation outside of these two high seasons will save you a lot of money in flights and hotel rooms.

#2. Enjoy free tours

Though you will want to enjoy some tours that aren’t free, such as a Mediterranean boat cruise, you will find free walking tours in some cities such as Barcelona. For example, Free Walking Tours Barcelona offers a free 2.5 hour walking tour of the historic city center along streets laid out by Roman planners 2,000 years ago and lined with breathtaking Medieval buildings.

The expert guide will entertain you with information about the local history and culture as well as anecdotes about the many famous articles who have lived in Barcelona, such as Picasso and Gaudi. While not free, consider a scooter or segway tour of the Barcelona. Especially good for those who can’t walk far.

#3. Eat for less

If you’re staying in Barcelona, ask about the menú del día at local restaurants. This is a set price, 3-course meal with a drink offered weekday lunchtimes and occasionally on weekends. You can enjoy a complete traditional meal for as little as €15. Typically, the menú del día is not advertised, so you must ask.

There is also a menú del noche during the evening. This costs more than the lunchtime meal but still works out much cheaper than selecting dishes from the expensive menus found in tourist traps.

#4. Pay less for museums

Across Spain, many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. In Barcelona, this is the evening of the first Sunday. Time your vacation to coincide with the first Sunday and head for the most expensive museum you want to visit on that day.

#5. Book Ahead

There are many tours you can enjoy around major tourist attractions in Spain that provide you with transport and an expert guide and work out costing less than taking public transport and paying an entrance fee. However, you must book in advance to avoid possible disappointment because these tours are understandably often fully booked weeks ahead of time. This is especially important with the more popular tours like hot air balloon rides or helicopter tours of the city.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Spanish cuisine is strongly influenced by its rich history. You can find traces of Roman, Arabic, and Mediterranean dishes as well as imports from its former colonies. Specific traditional dishes vary around the country depending upon geographical position. Even more fun is a Barcelona winery tour. Explore the city while tasting wine! It doesn’t get any better than that.

Mediterranean

Spanish regions along the Mediterranean coast obviously feature seafood on their menus alongside signature local dishes. Typically, these dishes involve copious use of the olive oil so popular in Mediterranean countries. In Andalusia, the most southerly region, the local specialty is cold soups like gazpacho, with crushed cucumber, onion, pepper, tomato, and garlic. Calamares a la Romana is popular, but it is not for the squeamish. This is battered, deep-fried squid served with lemon and salt.

Rice-based dishes are popular along the coast, especially seafood paellas. The most famous paella is found in Valencia, though this features chicken and rabbit meat. In Catalonia, arros negre is popular.

Atlantic

Spicy fish or vegetable-based stews are popular along the Atlantic coast, such as fabada Asturiana, marmitako, and caldo Gallego. Chorizo is also popular. This spicy sausage is slightly sweet and utilizes lots of garlic. Sometimes it seems that each town and village boasts its own special chorizo recipe that is claimed to be better than all the others, such as the renowned chorizo Riojano. Fabada Asturiana is a white-bean stew from Asturias that makes ample use of the local chorizo variety.

Inland

Because historically food transportation was difficult and the central region imported much of its food from the coastal areas, the central regions are known for preserved foods, like Spanish ham and Manchego cheese. Inland, thick, spicy stews are also popular, like cocido madrileño. The most famous Spanish ham is jamon Iberico made from Black Iberian pigs and featuring a distinctive rich, savory taste.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Spain is famous world-wide for its fiestas, and its Balearic Islands are at the heart of the modern nightclubbing scene. For this reason, many travellers come to Spain specially to experience its vibrant nightlife. The island of Ibiza is renowned as Europe’s party capital, but the major cities each offer their own brand of exciting evening entertainments. Madrid’s nights are reputed to be never-ending.

A typical Spanish evening out begins with a visit to the small restaurants and bars for tapas to line the stomach. This transitions into bar hopping before hitting the huge international nightclubs found in all major cities. Due to relaxed licensing laws, these clubs and bars remain open until the early morning hours.

When staying in any Spanish city, it’s a good idea to gain some local insights from your hotel’s staff or tourist guides. The central streets and plazas are typically lined with bars that offer an eclectic mix of music and that are designed for people with different tastes. Rather than waste your time pushing through the crowds to then listen to music that isn’t your style, tell a local what you like and follow their directions. You can be certain that there is a live music venue that will cater to your tastes.

According to popular opinion, the three top nightlife spots in Spain are Ibiza, Madrid, and Barcelona. Ibiza, of course, caters to the young crowd with its mega clubs and all-night beach parties. Madrid is renowned for the huge variety of nightlife it offers where everyone is guaranteed to find a scene they enjoy. Barcelona’s nightlife is noted for its spectacular displays and wild abandon. But the nightlife isn’t limited to just these three locations since music and fiestas run in the Spanish blood. You can find a selection of lively bars and clubs in any Spanish town or city.

If you’re looking for an upscale experience, Marbella is the place to go. That’s where you’ll find the more exquisite cocktail bars and the difficult-to-enter clubs filled with the wealthy folks and celebrities. If it’s a pub craw you prefer, Malaga is famous for having the most bars per square foot in Europe. Granada is noted for its student vibe, Valenicia for its boho chic bars, and Bilbao for its funky nightspots. But if you want a truly exclusive Spanish experience, head for Seville. That’s where you can watch or maybe join in with traditional flamenco dancers.

Getting Around

It’s easy to get around Spain by airplane, train, coach, or hire a car. In fact, you’re spoiled because Spain’s transport network is so good.

Air

Unlike many other countries, domestic flights are relatively frequent and affordable throughout Spain. Trains are typically cheaper, but you can often find air tickets for less than the same train journey, so it’s always worth checking both options before booking. However, if you fly, you do have the extra hassle of transferring from the airport to the city center while the main train stations are typically in the heart of the cities. As a general rule, if you’re traveling from one side of the country to the other, take a plane. If you’re traveling between neighboring cities, take a train.

Train

Spain also boasts Europe’s most extensive high-speed railway network. Spanish trains regularly reach speeds of up to 190 mph! Check comparison websites before booking any train tickets because you can sometimes pay much less if you travel on a different train or sometimes by flying.

Coach & car

Because the trains are so efficient and there are also lots of domestic air flights, it’s not a great option to go by coach or to hire a vehicle. If you have lots of time and a tight budget, long-distance coaches can be much cheaper than the trains or planes.

Driving your own car gives you much more flexibility than you could ever get from a train. You will be able to visit and explore remote rural locations other tourists never see. However, you will find that your long-distance journeys take a lot longer by car or coach when compared with the high-speed train. Sadly, even if you hire a Ferrari, you won’t be allowed to drive along the Spanish roads at 190 mph.

Accommodations

Hotels vary across Spain depending upon where you’re staying. In Barcelona and Madrid, prepare to pay higher prices, especially during Easter and summer. Across the rest of the country, you can find rooms in a hostal for as little as €50 per night and in better hotels for around €100. Note that each city and region has its own high season due to special fiestas and local events, so it’s a good idea to research the specific towns you want to visit.

Booking in advance is highly advisable, especially during Easter and summer. Otherwise, you may not get the hotel you want or even the kind of room you prefer. You typically get the best deals in Spain by booking online. There are 5 general types of accommodation to choose from.

Paradores

The high-class hotels are called paradores. These boutique hotels are often converted castles or other historic buildings. For example, the Parador de Siguenza is a castle that dates back to Roman times, and the 15th-century Parador de Santiago de Compostela is said to be the world’s oldest hotel.

Hotels and hostals

In Spain, normal hotels are classed as either hotels or hostals. A hotel offers a full range of services but a hostal is a budget hotel with fewer services equivalent to a 1-star hotel. A standard hotel should be 3-stars, and a paradore is 5-stars.

Guesthouses

Bed and breakfasts are common around Spain. These are typically either fondas, which have a restaurant attached, or pensiones, which are budget guesthouses. If you’re an adventurer traveling by the seat of your pants, watch out for signs saying “B&B”, “Habitaciones”, or “Camas”.

Villas and apartments

Vacation properties are popular in Spain. If you’re traveling as part of a large family group, you’ll find a villa a cost-effective form of accommodation. However, they are typically rented by the week or longer, so not as flexible as a hotel or guesthouse.

Campsites

If you’re headed for the great outdoors, you’ll be delighted to learn that Spain is awash with affordable campsites that typically charge around €6 per person per night. However, research in advance because campgrounds near the most popular natural or cultural attractions charge significantly more.

Weather

Interestingly, Spain’s climate can be divided along the same lines as its cuisine. The three main zones are the Atlantic, the interior, and the Mediterranean.

Along the Atlantic coastline, the ocean ensures that the summers remain relatively cool and the winters mild. In the deep interior, the climate is semi-arid. Along the Mediterranean coast, the summers are dry and hot while the winters are mild. This is the best time for a sunset sailing cruise and enjoy the sights from the water!

If you’re interested in hiking and sightseeing, the temperatures are mildest in spring and in the fall. July and August see the highest temperatures which are great for sunbathing but a little too hot for admiring architecture or hiking through the wilderness. You can expect temperatures over 860F during the day and remaining over 700F at night. The coolest months are January and February, which see a lot of rain in the north.

A common mistake is to visit mountainous regions in the winter without taking proper winter clothing. While these high regions are baking hot in summer, those picturesque mountain villages are often dusted in snow during January and February.

Attractions

Spain is rich in history and culture, so there are lots of things to do and see around the country. Unless you’re most interested in the nightlife, the three top spots to visit are Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a city rich in culture and art. A great place to start is La Rambla — a pedestrianized street where you’ll find human statures, street performers, Bouqueria Market, museums, and other attractions including the 197-foot high Columbus Monument. Don’t miss the Magic Fountain of Montjuic which features half-hourly music and light shows during the summer months and weekends. When the fountain is in action, its water sprays are lit in different colors and dance to the music.

If you are interested in modern art, you’ll be in Heaven. The Picasso Museum is renowned for its unique collection of Picasso memorabilia from his school workbooks right through to his final masterpieces. But the most obvious evidence of Barcelona’s fixation with modern art is Park Guell, which is filled with Gaudi’s unique sculptures and buildings.

But Gaudi’s greatest accomplishment is unarguably the Sagrada Familia. This strangely designed basilica has become Barcelona’s most famous landmark, and it isn’t even finished yet. Gaudi laid out the plans and began the work, but the basilica will not be completed until around 2026.

If soccer is more your style, you’ll want to visit the world-famous Barcelona FC Museum. There you can learn all about the training and lifestyle of the world’s highest paid soccer players. A tour of the museum includes a visit to the players’ changing rooms and a walk through the tunnel onto the pitch itself.

History lovers should ride the Montjuic Cable Car to get scenic views of the city as they rise up to Montjuic Castle. This 17th-century fortress offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and a fascinating armour museum.

And your kids will love Tibidabo Amusement Park. This is one of the world’s oldest parks — much older than Disney World or Universal Studios. Some of the rides there are genuine antiques, and the suspended airplane ride is considered an iconic symbol of the city. Don’t miss the historic automation collection in the park.

Madrid

Madrid boasts a fine collection of historic buildings and the kind of internationally renowned museums you’d expect to find in any major capital city. The most iconic structure is the Palacio Real.

The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is the official palace of the King of Spain. Boasting 3,000 rooms and an amazing art collection, this is a fantastic place to learn about the glamor and luxury of a European royal family. During a visit, you’ll see a sweeping main staircase, the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Apothecary.

Granada

Granada is reputed to be the most beautiful city in the world. However, most visitors head straight for the Alhambra. This Moorish fortress and palace is one of the world’s best examples of early Islamic architecture. Its breathtaking vistas, marble fountains, and unique mosaics are beyond compare. The palace began life as a Roman fort before the Moors invaded and made it their own. The Moorish fort was built in 889 and transformed into a much larger palace complex in 1333.

Visitors from the US will be particularly interested in visiting the throne room. This is where Christopher Columbus came to propose his voyage to the west to find a new trade route to India. If Queen Isabella had said no to his ambitious plans, the US and all the other American nations might not exist today.

Salamanca

If you want to explore beyond these three major tourist cities, head west to Salamanca to experience one of the world’s oldest universities. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is the third oldest university in the world founded in 1218. Arguably, it is really the world’s oldest university because it was the first officially granted university status by the Vatican, which was then the major power broker in Europe.

If you’ve ever seen Harvard or Oxford, you’ll know what kind of buildings to expect. However, here they have a more flamboyant Catholic touch, with more ornate details and bright colors. The main university library is a must-see attraction.

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