Barcelona, a city alive with Gaudí’s artistic legacy, offers visitors an abundance of the architect’s works. Among these, Casa Batlló and Casa Vicens are two standout gems that showcase the evolution of his genius.
Yet, for many travelers, the challenge lies in deciding which to prioritize, especially with limited time to explore.
This article dives into each masterpiece’s unique features, styles, and experiences, helping you make an informed choice.
Quick Overview
Casa Batlló is the better choice for tourists due to its mature representation of Gaudí’s iconic style, featuring the famous dragon-like roof, bone-shaped facade, etc.
Its engaging, interactive experiences, including VR technology, offer a deeper connection to Gaudí’s work. At the same time, its central location on Passeig de Gràcia makes visiting more convenient, especially for those on tight schedules.
In contrast, Casa Vicens, though historically significant as Gaudí’s first major work, reflects an earlier, less developed style and requires additional travel time, making Casa Batlló a more impactful and accessible option.
| Features | Casa Vicens | Casa Batlló |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 9.30 am to 8 pm | 9.30 am to 6.30 pm |
| Last Entry | 6.45 pm | 5.30 pm |
| Duration of Visit | 75 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Location | Gràcia | Passeig de Gràcia |
| Best Time to Visit | 9.30 am | Before 11 am |
| Cost of Tickets | From €18 | From €35 |
| Purchase | Buy Tickets | Buy Tickets |
Here we explain why Casa Batllo is the better choice in a little more detail:
Casa Batlló represents Gaudí’s mature style
Casa Batlló embodies Gaudí’s iconic, nature-inspired style. Something that’s instantly recognizable as “Gaudí” and is what most visitors expect to see when they visit his works.
While historically significant as his first major work, Casa Vicens represents his earlier, more eclectic period and might not have the same “wow” factor for a first-time visitor.
Casa Batlló is more engaging for modern visitors
The interactive audio guide and virtual reality experiences at Casa Batlló offer a more immersive experience for today’s travelers.
The VR technology can help visitors understand Gaudí’s inspirations and design choices in a way that static displays cannot.
Casa Vicens has audio guides in 15 languages but relies more on traditional museum displays.
Casa Batlló is centrally located
Located on Passeig de Gràcia, a major street with metro and bus connections, Casa Batlló can easily be combined with other nearby attractions.
Casa Vicens, situated in the Gràcia neighborhood, requires a separate journey, adding extra time to your schedule.
Casa Batlló: The ideal Gaudí Experience
Casa Batlló is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Barcelona.
Built between 1904 and 1906, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing Gaudi’s naturalist phase with its unique, organic forms, inspired by nature and the Mediterranean Sea.
The building’s facade, with its bone-like balconies and undulating, reptile-like roof, has earned it the nickname “The House of Bones”.
These elements, along with the colorful mosaics, make Casa Batlló an instantly recognizable and captivating Barcelona landmark.
The inside of Casa Batllo is as fascinating as its exterior. Once inside, you’ll find a stunning courtyard filled with natural light, a grand staircase, sculpted fireplaces, and intricate wrought-iron railings.
Some tourists find Casa Batlló’s interior, with its “shades of blue,” better than the interior patio of Casa Vicens, which is described as “plainer.”
Every Casa Batlló ticket includes a SmartGuide, an innovative way to enhance your visit. These advanced devices combine an audio guide with augmented reality technology, bringing the house to life as you explore.
Hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Last entry: 5:30 pm
Best time to visit: Before 11 am
Duration of Visit: 90 minutes
Official website: Casabatllo.es
Casa Batlló attracts over a million visitors annually, so you must book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot. The Standard Ticket is the most popular choice, favored by nine out of ten visitors. For those seeking an exclusive experience, the Premium Ticket offers a VIP touch. The “Be The First” Ticket allows you to explore Casa Batlló in a serene, crowd-free setting before regular hours.
Casa Vicens: Gaudí’s Early Style
Completed in 1888, Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first major project and marked the beginning of his illustrious career.
Casa Vicens stands out for its eclectic design, blending elements of Islamic art, Gothic revival, and Art Nouveau.
The house is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate details, and the integration of natural elements, reflecting Gaudí’s philosophy of incorporating nature into his designs.
Casa Vicens’ attic contains a permanent exhibit with “models, videos, charts, and furniture, providing a comprehensive insight into Gaudí’s work,” a feature that Casa Batlló does not offer.
Did You Know? Casa Vicens was one of the first buildings in Barcelona to have electricity, hot water, and a central heating system, highlighting Gaudí’s forward-thinking approach.
Hours: 9.30 am to 8 pm (from Nov to Mar, it closes at 6 pm)
Last entry: 6.45 pm
Best time to visit: 9.30 am
Duration of visit: 75 minutes
Official Website: Casavicens.org
Even though Casa Vicens is less popular than Casa Batllo, it still attracts 600,000 visitors annually, leading to ticket counter queues. Most visitors opt for the basic entry ticket, and die-hard Gaudi fans go for the 1-hour long guided tour.
Why not visit both of them?
If you have the time and money, we suggest you explore both Casa Batlló and Casa Vicens – they are just 2 kms (1.2 miles) apart.
Visiting both the Gaudi houses allows you to appreciate the full spectrum of the architectural genius.
By experiencing his early eclecticism and later, more mature naturalist style, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of his architectural evolution.
Casa Batlló offers a more interactive and engaging experience with its SmartGuide, while Casa Vicens provides a more historical experience.
In fact, Casa Vicens’ attic houses a permanent exhibition that provides comprehensive insights into Gaudí’s work, including models, videos, charts, and furniture.
Check out the 3 Houses of Gaudí Pass, which gets you access to Casa Batllo, Casa Vicens, and Casa Mila.
