Casa Batlló Vs Casa Milà Comparison - Gaudí Houses Compared

UPDATED JULY 2024By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Interior of Casa Batlló

Gaudí masterpieces don’t come much more spectacular than Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, eye-popping architectural stars of Barcelona’s fashionable Eixample district. Designed and completed by Gaudí in the early 20th Century, these near-neighbors should be considered bucket listers for aficionados of the maestro’s work. Though, frankly, they’re pretty much essential viewing for anyone who possesses a) even a passing interest in unusual architectural design and/or b) an Instagram account. We took a closer look at these iconic Gaudí houses in our Casa Batlló Vs Casa Milà comparison. Scroll for the lowdown…

Antoni Gaudí: a (Very) Short History

Skull mask balconies on the Casa Batllo facade

Born in rural Catalonia in 1852, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet rose from humble beginnings to become the chief exponent of Catalan Modernisme, popularizing an architectural style that’s near-impossible to categorize but is always distinctly, inimitably Gaudí. His calling cards included geometrical forms, neo-Gothic flair, colorful mosaic tiling and structures influenced by his deep love of nature – think bones, tree trunks, butterfly wings, and so on. The majority of Gaudí’s buildings – 12 in all – can be found in Barcelona, and are among the most-visited attractions in town. We’re talking the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Vicens and two of his most flamboyant confections: the UNESCO-listed Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, all of which are included with a Barcelona pass from Go City. Find out more about the pass and how to get yours here.

Casa Batlló: The Lowdown

Casa Batllo's distinctive bone-like carapace

Name: Casa Batlló is named for textile magnate Josep Batlló, who commissioned Gaudí’s building redesign in 1904. It’s known locally as the casa dels ossos (house of bones), for reasons which will become apparent…

Vital Statistics: Completed in 1906, it took 99 years before Casa Batlló was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It’s located on the stylish Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona’s Eixample district, and is one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcoming around a million visitors every year. 

Casa Batlló in Brief: Casa Batlló is a pure flight of fantasy, with a hallucinatory exterior that will appeal to everybody from high-art aficionados to fans of Game of Thrones. Considered one of Gaudí’s crowning glories, it’s truly a sight to behold. The striking dragon-crest roof fairly shimmers with blue-and-green ‘dragon scale’ tiles. Glass, stone and ceramic mosaic gives the facade a textured, rough-hewn look, while the skeletal carapace and creepy skull-mask balconies on the lower levels are what earned Casa Batlló its ‘house of bones’ nickname. Things are no less bonkers inside, where the staircase is designed to resemble a spine and the entrance hall feels  a bit like being in an underwater cave, complete with tortoise-shell skylights.

On the roof terrace at Casa Batllo

Three Highlights of Casa Batlló:

  • The Noble Floor. The former residence of the Batlló family features a gently undulating ceiling, mushroom-shaped fireplace and huge gallery which protrudes far over the Passeig de Gràcia.
  • Roof Terrace. Ogle fairytale mosaiced chimneys and get close-up views of the dragon’s scaly back.
  • Indoor Garden. This highly decorative terrace, with colorfully tiled floor and flowerpots is a tiny oasis in the heart of Barcelona.

Casa Milà: The Lowdown

Casa Mila aka La Pedrera

Name: Casa Milà is more commonly known locally as La Pedrera, aka ‘the quarry’, thanks to its unusual rough-hewn facade.

Vital Statistics: The last house Gaudí worked on before applying himself full-time to the Sagrada Família, Casa Milá was built between 1906 and 1912, and designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. No more or less popular than its near-neighbor Casa Batlló, La Pedrera also attracts around a million annual visitors.

Casa Milá in Brief: La Pedrera was pretty controversial when it was first built. And by controversial we mean the locals hated it. Hence the somewhat unfair nickname. History has of course been much kinder to Gaudí’s legacy and this Barcelona icon is now widely accepted to be one of the finest examples of Catalan Modernisme, all sinuous limestone curves, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and soaring mosaic-clad chimneys. Great paintings, tapestries and frescoes adorn the eye-popping interiors; rooms are also kitted out with curvaceous furnishings by Gaudí himself, each designed to slot seamlessly into the building’s flowing waves and curves.

The roof terrace at La Pedrera

Three Highlights of Casa Milá:

  • Roof Terrace: a total of 28 extraordinary warrior-like stone chimneys stand sentinel on the Casa Milá rooftop, vying for attention against some fairly spectacular 360-degree views of the city skyline.
  • The Whale Attic. Come over all Jonah as you enter what appears to be the belly of a leviathan, thanks to 270 arches representing a whale’s ribcage. If that’s not enough, there’s also a quite excellent Gaudí exhibition to explore up here.
  • Courtyards don’t come much trippier than La Pedrera’s Flower Courtyard and Butterfly Courtyard, in which you can expect fantastical shapes and colors, complemented by beautiful blooms and great Ballard-esque insects that are quite at odds with the far more sober exterior.

Casa Batlló Vs Casa Milà Comparison: Which is Best?

Warrior-like chimneys at La Pedrera

Who could possibly pick a favorite from these two extraordinary Gaudí Houses? Both Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are like nothing you’ve seen before, each with its own set of architectural quirks and fantastic visual spectacles. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to visit just one or the other. Not only are these dreamlike townhouses just a few minutes’ walk from each other; both are included with a Barcelona pass from Go City. The pass is ideal if you’re planning to see a number of top attractions on your vacation, and includes entry to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, plus other Gaudí masterpieces including Casa Vicens and tours of the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. It also gives you access to many more Barcelona tours, activities and attractions, like the Picasso Museum and Barcelona Zoo, and could save you up to 50% on regular prices. Find out more about the pass and get yours here.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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day trip from barcelona
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Day Trips from Barcelona

It can be easy to stay in our comfort zone - it's warm, reassuring, and predictable. But sometimes, it's great to break out of that bubble and explore the world outside. For instance, you book a vacation to an amazing and exotic new place. You go exploring and discover new foods and culture. But after a few days, you might feel like you've seen the things you want to see. You may have checked every box on the itinerary. What do you do then? Well, you break out of that bubble and take your explorations further afield! Even a city as beautiful as Barcelona has some must-see places outside its walls. So hop on a train, slide into your slickest automobile, or put your hiking boots on for a serious jog. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Barcelona! Featuring: Girona Ruins of Empuries Montserrat Costa Brava Andorra Girona Just an hour outside of Barcelona, you'll find Girona. In fact, you might already recognize parts of it, as it was the location of 'King's Landing' in the Game of Thrones TV show! Appropriately, it's an interesting mix of medieval and modern architecture. One unmissable highlight is Girona's old town, where you can explore cobbled streets and ancient surroundings frozen in time. Beyond it is Girona's Cathedral, which was built back in the 11th Century, though not much of the original stonework remains. Since it towers over the city, it will be tough to miss! Inside, you'll be treated to stunning baroque facades, ancient artifacts, and timeless artwork. When you're done, make sure to see the Banys Arabs, or Arab Baths, for another slice of medieval life. And if that isn't enough history for one day, there are a few museums that chronicle the town's history, both good and bad. Then, once you've thoroughly explored, you'll find plenty of lovely restaurants to eat and drink, including the world-famous and rather pricey El Celler de Can Roca. How to get to Girona From Station Barcelona, in the heart of the city, rains run throughout the day and take between 70-80 minutes. Alternatively, it's a 30-minute drive. Ruins of Empuries Just a little further than Girona you'll find something amazing. Empuries was an ancient city founded by Greek travelers over 2000 years ago! Later the Romans set up shop, but by the Middle Ages, it was a ghost town. This is likely because it was a difficult place to defend and, as such, was a constant target of pirates. For the next 1700-odd years, nature swallowed it up. But in 1908, it was rediscovered by archeologists. In fact, they haven't finished uncovering the city's secrets yet, over a century later! Don't let that stop you. The Ruins of Empuries is still a fascinating place to visit. A literal trip back through time, you'll see mosaics and architecture from millennia ago, before entering the ancient amphitheatre. Imagine the plays and talks that would have taken place back then. Then, visit the site's museum for some sweet spoon-fed knowledge. Definitely one of the most fascinating day trips you can make from Barcelona! How to get to the Ruins of Empuries Hop in your favorite four-wheeled machine, ideally a car, and you'll make it in an hour. Alternatively, you can get a bus or train to Girona, and a connecting bus will get you straight there. Montserrat North of Barcelona is stunning Montserrat, or Serrated Mountain, a beautiful mountain range near the Catalan capital. And believe us, its jagged peaks are quite a sight! Its tallest peak, Sant Jeroni, stands tall at over 4000ft. But really, the reason you'll want to go there is the Santa Marie de Monserrat, a Benedictine Abbey nestled atop one of the peaks. It dates all the way back to medieval times, but is still in use to this day. While trying not to bother the monks, you'll be able to explore the abbey's church in all its splendor. Gaze up at the Dome of the Altar and you'll see stunning restored artwork depicting angels and other Christian iconography. Everywhere you look, you'll see beauty. Then, if you want to do a deep dive into the abbey's history, head to the on-site museum and fill your brain with delicious information. If you'd like to fill your stomach too, there's also a restaurant, cafe, and even a hotel if you're feeling sleepy! How to get to Montserrat Montserrat is about an hour's drive from the city center. Or, at just over two hours, trains are another option. If you want to travel up to the peaks in style, you can take the Aeri de Montserrat, a cable car that'll take you from the foot of the mountains all the way up! At 4000ft, the views are one of a kind. And best of all, it will also take you to the Abbey! Costa Brava Want to get out of the city to chill out and stretch out? Then Costa Brava might be the most perfect of all the day trips from Barcelona! Featuring three beaches that stretch out over 4000ft of beautiful golden sand, it's the perfect excuse to get out of the city! Each of the three beaches has its own unique vibe, so choose wisely. Llevant is the busiest, so expect plenty of sunbathers and party people similar to Barceloneta. If you're looking for a quieter time to max out your relaxing, check out Caldetes. Fewer people, fewer problems. Or, if you want to get your blood pumping with some sweet watersports, check out Dunes, where you can try your hand at scuba diving and windsurfing, among others. Once you're done lounging, you can head into Santa Susanna. It's a historic seaside town with a plethora of seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes. It was built back in the 1400s, so expect a good mix of old and new architecture to explore! How to get to Costa Brava You can make the journey to Costa Brava by car, which will take you just under 2 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel by train, you're looking at just over 3.5 hours. It's a bit further away than some of the others on this list, but it's definitely one of the best day trips from Barcelona that you won't want to miss! Andorra And finally, we end this list with another state entirely. And that state is the Principality of Andorra! Replete with its own flag and coat of arms, this microstate is situated northwest of Girona. There, you'll find Europe's highest capital city, Andorra La Vella, sitting at a mighty 4000ft! Nestled in the picturesque Pyrenees, you'll find churches, chapels, and medieval architecture. There's also duty-free shopping, something most cities can't boast about! It becomes a popular skiing destination in winter. That's, presumably, because it's so high up. Or, if you prefer using your feet, there's hiking trails, and UNESCO protected spaces to explore. How to get to Andorra Andorra is a solid 3.5-hour drive from Barcelona. Surprisingly, the train takes the exact same time. So, pick your poison! And that's our list of the best day trips from Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
spring in barcelona
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Things to do in Barcelona in Spring

Every year it's the same, but it's still a joy to behold. One day you wake up after months of cold and gloom. You thrust open the curtains, and a familiar feeling washes over you. Light blinds your eyes, yet a warm glow welcomes your skin, like a hug from a long-lost friend. Suddenly, everything feels better. Flowers begin to bloom, and you know it's all uphill from here. That's right sun guzzlers, it's springtime! Time to ditch the heavy coats, winter boots, and snowplow, and get out your best light jackets and tees. And where better to spend your spring vacation than in Barcelona! There's so much to see in the city, and with the temperatures already climbing, it's the perfect time to visit! But what to do when you arrive? Well, here's our guide for things to do in Barcelona in Spring! Featuring: Go for a drink Beaches City Tours Semana Santa Music Festivals Go for a drink Let's kick things off with the nectar of the gods. Beer lovers, rejoice; Barcelona has one hell of a beer festival just for you. Head to the city in March, and you'll find a bounty of over 400 beers on offer. Over the course of two days, you'll be able to sample beers from all over the world. It's only €10 to enter, providing you your own tasting glass and two chips. After that, you're free to wander the halls and stalls, getting a taster of each refreshing beer poured right into your glass. Each taster is worth one chip, and each chip is worth €1. Buy more chips, sample more beers. It doesn't get much better than that! Or, if you'd rather see where the golden god is created, why not take a tour of the Estrella Brewery? See where the delicious brand began, learn more about how it's brewed, and, at the end, sample one of four Estrella beers! How utterly delightful. Beaches 'But wait', I hear you cry. 'It's not even summer, why would I want to go to the beach?'. Well, there are many reasons why going to Barcelona's beaches might be even better in spring. Firstly, the weather. Temperatures tend to hit around 60-70°F, so you won't be sweltering. After months of hiding in your warm cave, it might be best to gradually introduce your body to the tanning process. Secondly, many people simply won't head to the beaches unless it is summer. So, more space for you, which is always ideal. Thirdly, Barcelona has some pretty incredible and diverse beaches! Whether you're looking to party, relax, or something in between, a beach near the city will suit you like a sandy glove. And, finally, you'll be by the beautiful sea. So you'll be able to sample tasty seafood and try some watersports too, though perhaps not right after one another. City tours Of course, with so much to see and so little time to see it, you might want to take a more curated approach. Never fear; Barcelona has you covered. There are a ton of tours to take, whether on foot or otherwise. You could take a walking tour that explores the many architectural endeavors of the late great Gaudi. Or, if Gaudi isn't for you, check out the other tours that show you different sides of the city. Want to give the old legs a rest? Why not try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour? A handy guide well-versed in the history of the city and its hotspot can give you all the goss on Barcelona's going on. Prefer your travels on the seven seas? Try a boat cruise. Riders will see stunning sights like Villa Olimpica, Castell de Montjuic, and Nova Bocana, all from the sea. Alternatively, test your mettle on a bike tour if you want to keep your restless legs busy. Whichever mode of transport you choose, you'll be breathing in that sweet spring air while exploring every nook and cranny in Barcelona! Semana Santa – Holy Week Let's switch gears to something a little more spiritual. Spring in Barcelona also means it's time for Semana Santa. Also known as the Holy Week to you English speakers, Semana Santa is one of Spain's most important holidays. A week of celebrations featuring processions, parades, and much more, all in the name of the big man upstairs. Think of it like Easter, but with a bit more fanfare. Expect plenty of delicious food and drink along with the aforementioned parades. And if you want to get in on the tradition, see if you can get yourself las Monas de Pascua, or Easter Monkeys. They're a sweet, delicious treat people often give to their loved ones. But, you're alone, just get one for yourself. You've earned it. Music festivals And, finally, if you want to add a little grove to your vacation, you're in luck. Barcelona has some music festivals that take place during the warm spring months. There's the Primavera Sound Festival, a five-day bonanza of various music genres. Taking place at the seaside Parc del Forum, you'll have the chance to see music from rockers, poppers, rappers, and other artists. So, no matter your taste, there's an eclectic mix that's sure to suit you. Previous acts include Blur, Lorde, and Kendrick Lamar. It doesn't get much more eclectic than that! Or, give Sonar a go. An experimental mix of visual art, design, and electronic music, Sonar is a meal for the mind and the body. With workshops, talks, and exhibitions during the day, and thumping beats by night, there's nothing quite like Sonar. Previous acts include Gorillaz, Bjork, and Grace Jones, so another eclectic festival! It's definitely one to check out if you're heading over in Spring. And that's our list of all the best things to do in Barcelona in Spring! It's definitely one of the best times of year to visit the city, with a perfect mix of pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and plenty to see and do! So go on, book those tickets and thank us later.
Dom Bewley
Barcelona in March
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Barcelona in March

As Barcelona waves goodbye to winter and beckons in the spring, the city begins to enjoy the best of all worlds – Sunny days and mild temperatures, a bustling atmosphere without too many crowds, and a whole host of events to keep spirits high. Choosing to visit Barcelona in March may prove a rewarding decision no matter your travel style. Many would consider the spring period the best time to take a trip to the Catalan capital. Take this chance to explore everything the city has to offer without battling constant crowds and jump into one of the many local festivities and events.   Tourism in March Spring offers the city of Barcelona a delightful grace period in which tourism rates begin to rise gradually without taking over the city as can be expected in the summer months. With temperatures averaging between the low-40s and high-50s, you can bet on mild but sunny days and cool but pleasant evenings. While it may not be the best time for a dip in the Mediterranean, and while you’ll likely need to pack a jacket or two, March offers the ideal opportunity to explore everything that Barcelona has to offer. In booking your trip, you’ll find yourself blessed by lower airfares, cheaper hotels and pretty much your pick of the litter for accommodation. But the biggest benefit of visiting Barcelona in March will be the opportunity to see just about anything you want without any of the summertime hassle. You shouldn’t have to fight huge crowds to get into your choice of attractions, and booking should often be available for the same day. This would be the perfect opportunity to explore the Sagrada Familia without having to wade through the tourists. Or wander around Park Güell during one of its quietest and most tranquil times. Or visit Barcelona Zoo without all of the summer break kids taking up the best viewing spots. Your trip will truly be your own in spring.   Sant Medir Early in March, locals to the old town of Gràcia take to the streets to observe the Sant Medir parade and all of the festivities it brings with it. The event is most well-known for the many candies, toffees and treats thrown to onlookers by those within the procession of horses, floats and lorries. Following in the footsteps of a local baker who began the annual procession in the 19th Century after miraculously recovering from illness, the celebration has since become known locally as the dolça festa, the ‘sweet festival’ for the many treats gifted to the enthused observers. If you happen to be visiting within the first week of March and feel like embracing your inner child, be sure to make your way to the parade with a spare bag in hand ready to join the many expectant kids to catch all the candy you can!   Barcelona-Sitges International Vintage Car Rally The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. This is truly one for the vintage vehicle buffs. For over half a century now, Barcelona has been witness every March to an enthused procession of nostalgic and bygone automobile models. For two days, the city’s coastal routes of Barcelona and Sitges growl with the sound of hundreds of these beasts for onlookers to revel at. The rally has become a staple for vintage car enthusiasts the world over, with many flocking to the city each year for the event. As such, the streets surrounding the rally route often like to capitalize on this increased custom with various events, live music, merchant stalls, wine tasting sessions and workshops.   Barcelona Marathon Having indulged in the many food-based festivities of the fall and winter seasons, many locals and visitors start training for the Barcelona Marathon. The 26-mile route takes runners on an athletic tour past some of the city’s most iconic monuments. Beginning at the foot of Montjuïc, the course loops around the inner districts of the city, past the likes of Camp Nou in the west and Parc del Fòrum in the east, before looping back around via the coast. If running is your thing, why not train up for a few months before your trip for a unique way to explore the city?   Barcelona Beer Festival Barcelona in March is also typically host to the Barcelona Beer festival, which has grown rapidly since its inception in 2012 to host around 30,000 attendees each year. The festival brings together more than a thousand accredited professionals to celebrate and share their love of brewing beer. Offering many hundreds of variations of beer and a whole host of different activities, beer lovers both local to and visiting Barcelona can truly revel in their shared beverage passions. The event also offers a range of shows and live music for attendees to enjoy. Why not go grab yourself a beer or three during your springtime visit?   St. Patrick’s Day While St. Patrick’s may not be a strictly Catalan or even a Spanish event, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t embraced by those who want to celebrate. There’s always sure to be a sizable group of expats and tourists gathering at their nearest Irish Pub to sink a few pints of Guinness. Among the most popular venues are Flaherty’s, the George Payne and the Wild Rover.   Wrapping Up Springtime is often overlooked by many as an ideal time to visit Barcelona. While it may not offer the same warm days and perfect swimming weather as summer, it compensates handsomely by allowing you to see Barcelona in a more quiet and authentic state. Alongside the benefits of lower tourism rates, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe and even participate in many of the region’s most hotly anticipated events of the year. Whether you’re looking for a genuine cultural experience or simply a relaxing trip to the heart of Catalonia, visiting Barcelona in March will almost certainly pay dividends.
Robert Heaney

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