Casa Vicens, located in the charming Gràcia district, is Antoni Gaudí’s very first architectural work in Barcelona. Originally designed and built for Manuel Vicens i Montaner, the house showcases Gaudí’s early style, which stands out from his later creations. After undergoing extensive renovation, Casa Vicens opened to the public for the first time in November 2017. It’s a must-visit spot to appreciate Gaudí’s initial vision and unique early design.
| Casa Vicens | Tickets, opening hours & public transport |
|---|---|
| Tickets | Tickets €18 Book here with discount Youth aged 11 to 17, students and seniors (65+): €16 Book here with discount Kids under 11 can enter for free (make sure you book a ticket) Reserve online now |
| Address | Carrer de les Carolines 24 (Gràcia) |
| public transportation / subway | Metro: Fontana (L3) |
| Opening hours | April till October Every day: 10 am till 8 pm November till March Monday: 10 am till 5 pm Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am till 7 pm Closed on December 25th, January 6th and January 8th till 17th |
Table of contents
In Brief: What is Casa Vicens, and why should you visit this highlight?
Casa Vicens was the first major project of famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Open to the public only since 2017, it’s one of Barcelona’s lesser-known, less crowded attractions.
This site is a must-see for those who have already experienced Barcelona’s more famous Gaudí landmarks or for visitors looking to explore hidden gems beyond the usual tourist paths. Plus, you can book with a 10% discount through my website!
Casa Vicens is absolutely worth visiting. Gaudí’s style here is still very distinct from his later work, showcasing a strong Eastern influence. Another unique aspect is the staff interaction: they’re ready to answer any questions you may have, adding to a personalized experience.
Casa Vicens in Photos
Visit Casa Vicens
You won’t find long lines outside Casa Vicens. In coordination with the local community, the museum has set a limit on the number of visitors allowed inside at any one time to help keep tourism in the area manageable.
If you have pre-booked your ticket, you’ll enter to the right of the house through an iron gate. From there, you’re free to explore the site as part of a group of up to 20 people admitted every 20 minutes, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the details, relax on a bench, and take your time with photos.
Don’t forget to bring headphones or earbuds, as your ticket includes an audio guide in Dutch, ensuring you won’t miss a thing about this stunning building.
If you prefer a more interactive experience, you can join an English-language guided tour for an additional €3 per person. This option is perfect for those who enjoy engaging with guides and allows you to ask questions along the way.
Tickets, Tours & Guided Visits at Casa Vicens
Standard Ticket
Planning to visit Casa Vicens? Book your tickets in advance through our partner, Getyourguide. For children under 11, entry is free. Seniors (65+) and students pay €18 per ticket, while adult tickets are €20 each.
While tickets are available at the door, we recommend booking online, as time slots often sell out. Plus, you’ll save €2.50 by purchasing ahead.
Guided Tour
You can also choose to visit Casa Vicens with a guided tour. The tour costs €21.00 and is led by a bilingual guide (English and Spanish). Children aged 11 and under can join for free, while those aged 11 to 17, students, and seniors over 65 can purchase tickets for €19.00.
Book here
Combination Ticket: Casa Vicens + Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Planning to visit both Casa Vicens and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)? This combination ticket is a great way to see the contrasts between these two key works by Gaudí, while saving money. You can book quickly and securely here.
Book here
Combination Ticket: Casa Vicens + Casa Batlló + Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
To get a comprehensive look at Gaudí’s architectural evolution, this combination ticket includes Casa Vicens, his first major work, along with his more famous masterpieces, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Book here and enjoy a discounted price for all three attractions.
Book here
Practical information
Ticket Prices
- Adults: €20.50 at the door, €20 here.
- Youths 11–17, students, and seniors (65+): €18,50 at the door, €18 here.
- Children under 11: Free.
Opening Hours
- April to October: Daily, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- November to March: Monday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Closed on December 25, January 6, and from January 8 to January 17.
Timed Entry Casa Vicens operates with timed entry, so you’ll need to choose your visit time when booking. Please be on time and have your tickets ready on your phone or printed out.
Getting to Casa Vicens
- Metro: Take line L3 (green line) to Fontana station. Walk uphill along Carrer Gran de Gràcia, then take the first left onto Carrer de les Carolines. Casa Vicens will be on your right.
- Bus: Several lines stop nearby along Gran de Gràcia, including 22, 24, 27, 32, 87, 92, 114, and V17.
- Walking: You can walk from the city center, but it’s uphill and takes some time. Plan accordingly if you choose this option.
- Cycling: Biking from the center is feasible, especially with a bike with gears or an electric bike to handle the incline.
What to See and Do at Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens may not be Gaudí’s largest work, but it offers plenty to see and experience.
Garden and Patio From the garden, you’ll enjoy an up-close view of Casa Vicens’s vibrant, colorful exterior. A small café by Hofmann Patisserie is set to open at the back patio, perfect for visitors seeking a bite to eat.
Interior Inside, visitors can explore the ground, first, and second floors. The top floor houses a model of the house and an audiovisual display about Casa Vicens. On the lower floors, various rooms have been restored to their original condition.
Rooftop The rooftop terrace, open to the public, offers views of the Gràcia district along with close-ups of the charming turrets.
History and Architecture of Casa Vicens
In 1878, barely out of architecture school, Antoni Gaudí was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner to design a summer home in the village of Vila de Gràcia, just outside Barcelona. Although Gaudí had no prior experience with residential design, he set to work five years later when Vicens secured funding. By 1883, the Vicens family was able to move into Gaudí’s architectural debut.
Visitors familiar with Gaudí’s later works in Barcelona will notice the absence of his signature flowing lines and rounded forms, as well as the mosaic trencadís style. It’s clear that Gaudí was already experimenting, searching for a unique architectural identity. This striking building, standing out amid traditional homes, captures attention with its eclectic decoration and distinctive Jugendstil-style ironwork.
Gaudí incorporated the beloved tiles of Vicens i Montaner throughout the building. Instead of the typical checkerboard layout, he used vibrantly colored tiles painted with flowers inspired by the marigolds growing on-site.
For the iron gates surrounding the house, the architect drew inspiration from the dwarf palms growing in the garden, which are still visible today. A café exclusively for visitors, run by the well-known pastry chef Hofmann, is set to open at the back of the garden in January, where guests can enjoy a delightful pastry along with their drink!
In the basement, you’ll find the museum shop filled with beautiful reference books and souvenirs.
The first two floors are designed in a Spanish style, but as you look further up, you’ll feel transported to the Arab world. Some of the most stunning rooms include the smoking room, where the men of the house gathered, and the tocador, or ladies’ parlor.
Colors, intricate details, and mosaics: it’s unmistakably Gaudí. Among our favorite rooms is the smoking room, which reflects how the Catalan master architect took inspiration for his first Barcelona house from nature, a place where he spent much of his childhood. Gaudí, who suffered from childhood rheumatism, would often hike the nearby mountains and forests. The upper levels, in particular, are said to be inspired by countries like India and Japan.
When Casa Vicens was completed in 1888, it left a strong impression on the people of Barcelona, who were far more enthusiastic about it than they were years later when Gaudí introduced Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia. The “Pedrera,” now one of Gaudí’s most celebrated works, took some getting used to for the public.
Casa Vicens has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Personal tips
Like Casa Vicens, the Mercado de la Llibertat was also completed in 1888. This lively fresh market, located a short walk away at Plaça de la Llibertat 27, is one of Barcelona’s many vibrant markets. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a drink or shop for fresh produce for lunch or dinner.
Nearby, Carrer d’Asturias is lined with unique shops, such as Olokuti, which has a tea garden at the back. This street is ideal for starting your stroll through this charming district. Combining a visit to Casa Vicens with a walk around the Gràcia neighborhood is highly recommended; Gràcia radiates local life with its car-free squares, bars, and small boutiques.
Read more about: Gaudí and Catalan Modernism
