10 smart tips for avoiding the crowds in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its beauty and culture attract millions of visitors each year, especially in the summer. But don’t let that put you off. If you’re wondering how to avoid crowds in Barcelona, you’re in the right place.

This guide will take you to Barcelona’s quieter spots, like the peaceful Montjuïc Hill and the lesser-known Güell Palace — the exciting edges of the city locals love. You’ll also find insider tips to beat the crowds at Barcelona’s top landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà.

1. Skip the morning rush at Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia, a world-famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, is far less crowded in the afternoon and even more spectacular. As the sun lowers in the hours before sunset, the stained-glass windows put on a real show.

Insider tip

If you plan to climb one of the Sagrada Familia’s towers, choose the west-facing Passion Tower rather than the east facade’s Nativity Tower for breathtaking sunset views over the city.

Address

Carrer de Mallorca, 401, L'Eixample, 08013 Barcelona

Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sunday, 10:30 AM–8:00 PM

These are peak season opening hours (April-September). It closes earlier in the low season.

2. Escape the crowds at Montjuïc Hill

A local favorite, Montjuïc Hill, is a great option for travelers looking for uncrowded places in Barcelona. It has panoramic views, gardens, and a host of underrated museums, like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Fundació Joan Miró. Head to the top and discover Montjuïc Castle, an old military fortress you can explore for a small fee.

Insider tip

Skip the busy funicular and cable car lines and reach the summit on foot. The walk begins at the Espanya metro stop and takes 30–45 minutes, depending on your pace.

3. Be first through the door at Casa Milà

Architect Gaudí’s Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) is one of the most iconic modernist buildings in Barcelona. An early-access sunrise tour lets you explore its unique Warrior Rooftop and artistic interiors inspired by nature before doors open to the public.

Address

Pg. de Gràcia, 92, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona

Opening hours

Summer: 9:00 AM-8:30 PM every day

Winter: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM every day

4. Find peace at Gaudí’s lesser-known Güell Palace

Just off La Rambla, Barcelona’s main walking street, Güell Palace (Palau Güell) is a hidden gem with far fewer visitors than its neighbours. One of the earlier Gaudí masterpieces in Barcelona, it was designed as a luxury palace for industrialist Eusebi Güell.

Insider tip

Güell Palace has a darker, more gothic style than colorful landmarks like Park Güell or Casa Batlló. Make sure to visit the rooftop, where the fairy-tale chimneys hint at the unique style Gaudí would go on to embrace later in his career.

Address

Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona

Opening hours

Summer: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM every day

Winter: 10:00 AM-5:30 PM every day

5. Go backstage at the Palace of Catalan Music

The Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana) is a stunning modernist concert hall and one of the top uncrowded places in Barcelona for architecture lovers. Tour the exceptional interiors to find beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate mosaics, and a grand stage where legends from Enrique Granados to Ella Fitzgerald have performed.

Insider tip

More than just a historical gem, the palace is still an active concert hall with performances almost daily. Check the concert program to experience one.

Address

Palau de la Música, 4-6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

Opening hours

9:00 AM-3:30 PM every day

6. Visit Park Güell without the crowds

Park Güell is Gaudí’s famous park in Barcelona with colorful mosaics, unique architecture, and great views across the city. Being a popular first stop for tour groups, the morning rush is brutal. Swap it for a late afternoon arrival to spend less time weaving between crowds and more time uncovering secret viewpoints.

Insider tip

Only the Monumental Zone of Park Güell has a fee to enter, the rest is free to roam. To avoid the crowds that accumulate at Carrer d’Olot’s main gate, take the escalator at Passage de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

Address

Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona

Opening hours

9:30 AM-8:00 PM every day

7. Have Casa Batlló (almost) all to yourself

Enjoy a rare chance to admire this colorful house designed by Gaudí without the crowds by booking Casa Batlló’s “Be the First” morning tour. You’ll get full access to all areas, including the Noble Floor, the rooftop with its iconic dragon-back tiles, and the Gaudí Cube, an immersive light room filled with 1,000 screens.

Insider tip

Set a reminder to book the 8:00 AM time slot as soon as tickets are released — about six months in advance. This is the earliest entry time and ideal for snapping crowd-free photos, especially on the rooftop terrace, which is even more picturesque in the morning light.

Address

Pg. de Gràcia, 43, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona

Opening hours

9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day (morning tour from 8:00 AM)

8. Visit Gaudí’s earlier work

Casa Batlló may get all the fame, but Casa Vicens — the first house Gaudí designed — is one of Barcelona’s best hidden gems. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and offers a glimpse into his early design years. Tour the house yourself with an audio guide or book a small group tour to explore with an expert.

Insider tip

Casa Vicens is in the quieter Gràcia neighborhood. After your visit, stroll through Plaça de la Vila and discover some of Barcelona’s top tapas spots.

Address

Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona

Opening hours

9:30 AM-6:00 PM every day (open until 8:00 PM April to October)

9. Discover an Art Nouveau masterpiece at Sant Pau

Believe it or not, there’s more to Barcelona than Gaudí. Just a 10-minute stroll from the Sagrada Familia, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is a World Heritage-listed Art Nouveau gem by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Once a hospital, it’s now open for visitors to explore its peaceful gardens, colourful domes, and beautifully detailed pavilions.

Address

Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025 Barcelona

Opening hours

9:30 AM-6:30 PM every day

10. Lose yourself in Parc del Laberint d’Horta

One of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a peaceful 18th-century garden on the city’s outskirts. While best known for its hedge maze, explore the gardens to discover stunning walking trails, fountains, and statues. And get lost on purpose in its elaborate maze.

Best time to go

While Parc del Laberint d’Horta rarely gets crowded, the best time to visit is weekdays after 2:00 PM when most school groups have left — you might have the maze all to yourself.

Address

Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Horta-Guinardó, 08035 Barcelona

Opening hours

10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day