Park Guell

Park Guell is only a few metro stops away from the city centre, but travellers visiting this peaceful space will immediately feel a world away from the madness of Las Ramblas et al. Commissioned by Eusebi Guell, Gaudi designed this park to be a tranquil retreat for Barcelona's chattering classes in the manner of El Retiro Park in Madrid. Unlike Retiro however Park Guell is not set on the flat, but on a dry and dusty hill. However the master architect used that to his advantage designing sweeping steps, grand viewing terraces and landscaping the park with tropical plants. The most memorable features of Park Guell include the reptilian-esque colonnades, the colourful mosaics and the tiled dragon that guards the threshold. Vallcarca is the nearest metro station, although arrive by Lesseps to see the grand entrance.

Don't be fooled by the film VIcki Cristina Barcelona... you won't be able to get near the mosaic dragon statue which is mysteriously quiet during the film scene. A great park but don't expect to be alone.

A must-see. Even if you're not the biggest Gaudi fan in the world, this place has much more to offer than just his architecture. It's great for a getaway, picnic, people watching, (many intriguing characters) or a simple walk. If you need to get lost somewhere away from the urban jungle, that's one of those places you can make your own for a while. But remember - respect cactus!

Gaudi! You'll either love him or hate him, but you can't deny it's pretty interesting. Guell park is a fun place to get lost for a few hours, recreate scenes from "The Spanish Apartment" and enjoy the outlandish and daring designs of Antonio Gaudi. A must-see in any Barcelona stop-off.