Casa Batlló — Attraction in Barcelona

Net experience: ONE LONG, CRAMPED QUEUE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE until you exit through the gift shop

This is my favorite of Gaudí's work; I've been 5 times. Today is my second time this year (I did the night version in August—AVOID! And the early morning one in October, better, but still not as good as it was pre-Covid). Now I can say it WAS my favorite.

It makes me sad to see how they've microtransactioned this lovely house: e.g., the dragon roof used to be included in the price, now you have to get the more expensive add-ons to go up. I'm lucky to have gotten the Spanish resident discount but I'm not likely to recommend it to family and friends anymore.

Net recommendations to enjoy somewhat: early morning is better, the crowd is thinner. there also seemed to be a shorter queue outside at ~6-8PM in the off-season but not sure if that's consistently the case (I passed by on a Thursday) if you've never seen the house before, it's well worth it to get the roof add-on (the Batlló's master bedroom is nice too) go in the off-season. AVOID JULY-AUGUST the nighttime light projections in the central well look great, CAVEAT the night crowd is massive so you're really just in ONE LONG QUEUE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

Cons the additions of the circular light projection room in the basement and the 3D AI room are not great (they are obviously just means of crowd control), you can just walk away from them especially if you're epileptic or sensitive to sensory overload. the night concert is ok guess but you don't really get to see the beauty of the architecture, and the choice seating for it is microtransactioned as well sad that nobody lives here anymore and that the "conservation" board destroyed part of the old apartments to build stairs that are supposedly for accessibility and extra egress for safety, but it looks nowhere near compliant to safety and accessibility rules: the edge of the steps are not high-visibility, there are no handrails (only glass sheets as some form of banister), the elevators are not immediately visible for accessibility nor are there easy-access doors to each level. plus it's boring like they ran out of steam, especially after the other crowd-control holding areas of the ONE LONG QUEUE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE had interesting things to look at they allow in too much people per time slot, that it seems UNSAFE from a fire prevention standpoint, not to mention it detracts you from the experience they capitalist Disney-fied the place with a "princess balcony photo opportunity", and the ONE LONG QUEUE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE feels like you're in a Disneyland line with no thrill of a ride, just you being herded through the intestine of the dragon and shat out through TWO gift shops

LASTLY, they say they support the neurodivergent and autistic. I am diagnosed autistic and frankly this was a nightmare with the big crowds and the vomit-inducing AI room, not to mention the poor ethics of using AI "art" in a building that is the height of human creativity. You're better off enjoying Gaudí's other works that actually celebrate the art and didn't turn it into a pure profit...

I've always considered Casa Batlló to be one of the crown jewels of Barcelona's famed Passeig de Gràcia. Antoni Gaudí’s genius is undeniable; it’s a fantastical, skeletal, almost living building that stops you in your tracks. I’ve recommended it countless times over the years, but after my visit this August, I’m finding it very hard to continue doing so. The magic of the architecture is still there, but the experience of seeing it has been completely compromised.

​Our visit started poorly before we even stepped inside. We’d done the sensible thing and bought tickets online for a specific time slot, hoping to avoid the worst of the queues. Unfortunately, that made little difference. We were still directed into a "one in, one out" line that snaked down the pavement, where we waited for nearly 20 minutes in the blistering August heat. There was no shade, no water, and frankly, no organisation for the queuing situation, which created a sense of frustration before the tour had even begun.

​Once inside, the relief of escaping the sun was short-lived. The house was massively overcrowded. It felt less like a museum visit and more like being stuck in a human traffic jam. In every room, from the main salon with its magnificent windows overlooking the street to the famous light well designed to look like the depths of the sea, you struggle to properly take in and experience the Gaudi architecture in all its glory. It was a constant shuffle, with people bumping into you, making it impossible to stand back and appreciate the incredible details or get a clean photograph. To make matters worse, the air conditioning couldn't cope with the number of people, and it was so hot and stuffy inside that it became genuinely uncomfortable.

​Amidst the chaos, there are still glimmers of brilliance. You can't help but marvel at Gaudí’s absolute creativity, from the mushroom-shaped fireplace to the undulating ceilings. It is, without a doubt, a truly magnificent piece of architectural history. I also have to commend the staff, who, despite the difficult conditions, remained very helpful and pleasant throughout.

​Ultimately, however, the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the negatives. The standout feature of my visit was, unfortunately, the feeling that the overcrowding has completely ruined the experience. This is unlikely to be solved, as everyone wants to visit Gaudí’s various projects, and therefore the money will keep coming in. There feels like no incentive for the management to limit numbers and make it a more pleasant visit for those who pay the steep ticket price.

​My recommendation? Admire the incredible facade from the outside for free. If you are determined to go inside, perhaps try the very first slot of the day in the deep off-season. But for the price they charge, I cannot in good conscience recommend a visit during peak times. There are other, less crowded Gaudí sites where you can truly appreciate his work without feeling like you’re on a...

Casa Batlló Review

Casa Batlló is one of Barcelona’s most stunning architectural gems, designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. Located on Passeig de Gràcia, this masterpiece is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in modernist architecture, vibrant design, and Catalan culture.

Price

Tickets are priced around €35-45 for the general admission (Blue and Silver passes), while the premium Gold Pass costs €45-50. The Gold Pass is worth considering if you want skip-the-line access and exclusive perks like a photo souvenir. Discounts are available for students, children, and seniors. It may seem a bit pricey, but the experience is well worth it for Gaudí enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

Time to Visit

Casa Batlló is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 8:15 PM, with the last entry at 7:15 PM. Visiting takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how thoroughly you explore and enjoy the interactive features. To avoid crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the evening.

History

Built in 1904-1906, Casa Batlló was a renovation project commissioned by Josep Batlló, a wealthy textile industrialist. Gaudí transformed the building into an architectural marvel, drawing inspiration from nature, folklore, and marine life. The façade is striking with its dragon-like scales, colorful mosaics, and undulating lines. Inside, the details are equally breathtaking, with organic shapes, flowing light, and a creative use of space. The rooftop, with its iconic dragon’s back design, is a highlight not to be missed. Casa Batlló is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Gaudí’s genius.

Recommendations Before Visiting Book Tickets in Advance: Casa Batlló is one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, so securing tickets online can save you time and ensure availability. Choose the Right Ticket: Opt for the Gold Pass if you want a VIP experience or the immersive augmented reality guide, which adds depth to the tour. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The tour involves stairs and walking around the house and rooftop. Visit Early or Late: Avoid peak hours to enjoy the house more peacefully. Bring Headphones: The audio guide provided is excellent, but if you have your own headphones, it might be more comfortable. Take Photos Respectfully: Photography is allowed, but some areas may be crowded, so be considerate of others.

Final Thoughts

Casa Batlló is more than a building; it’s a vibrant work of art that immerses you in Gaudí’s creative genius. From the intricate façade to the magical interior, every detail tells a story. The combination of history, design, and modern interactive features makes it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for anyone...