Casa Batlló Vs Casa Milà Comparison - Gaudí Houses Compared

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
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.

Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Save money on Barcelona attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

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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A modern tram driving through the streets of Barcelona
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Getting Around Barcelona

The city of Barcelona as a whole is humungous. With a footprint of almost 40 square miles, the heart of Catalonia serves as the fifth most populous city in Europe, close behind Paris, Madrid and Milan. Add to that the fact that the city sees roughly 20 times its population visit each year With millions of annual tourists all trying to see everything that Barcelona has to offer in an often fairly short time span, an efficient and reliable transport system is vital. Fortunately, the city has a plethora of fantastic transport solutions to make getting around Barcelona a breeze. Metro & FGC For the most part, getting around Barcelona is as simple as hopping on one of the city’s eight metro and four railway lines. Easily identified and often referred to by their respective colors, each line typically connects the city center with a separate suburb. While these lines may be operated by two different services, namely TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) and FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) they effectively offer one collective transport system. You’ll find metro stops dotted all over the city for your convenience, connecting you to just about anywhere you want to go. Whether it be as central as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell or as far out as the airport, there’s just about always a station on hand to get you from A to B in a flash. Operating Times* Monday – Thursday: 5AM – Midnight Friday: 5AM – 2AM Saturday: Continuous Service Sunday and Public Holidays: 5AM – Midnight Trams The Barcelona tram system is the overground counterpart to the metro’s underground service. While the metro serves to transport you around the city center and central suburbs, the tram offers two major lines to take you to the city’s major shopping areas and residential zones. Operating Times* Monday – Thursday: 5AM – Midnight Friday – Saturday: 5AM – 2AM Sunday and Public Holidays: 5AM – Midnight Buses Should the metro, railway and tram systems not be quite sufficient for your trip, the city’s fleet of over 1000 buses should be able to pick up the slack. One of the most environmentally friendly in Europe, the Barcelona bus system offers a plethora of routes to help you get around. Operating times will differ according to the route, but the vast majority of services will suit the schedule of most tourists. You can expect most routes to begin operating somewhere between 5AM and 8AM and end between 10PM and 11PM. Alternatively, you could also take a Bus Turístic for a more scenic journey around the city. This hop-on, hop-off service offers three different routes to show you the best sights that Barcelona has to offer alongside audio commentary of their history in 16 different languages. Montjuïc Funicular & Cable Car Montjuïc Mountain is home to many of Barcelona’s best attractions, and it’s likely you’ll want to fit it into your itinerary. The Montjuïc Funicular is integrated into the Paral.lel metro station, accessible from the L2 (Purple) and L3 (Green) lines. From there, the funicular will take you straight up to the foot of the hill. At that point, you’ll immediately find yourself at the Montjuïc Cable Car which, alongside offering you spectacular panoramic views of the city, will then take you to the top of the mountain by the Castell de Montjuïc. Alternatively, you can also take a walk through Parc de Montjuïc yourself and make your own way up the mountain. Operating Times* January – February: 11AM – 6PM March – May: 11AM – 6:30PM June - September: 11AM – 7PM October: 11AM – 6:30PM November – December: 11AM – 6:30PM Tickets and Passes Public transport throughout Barcelona all works on one integrated ticketing system. Tickets can be bought either online or from any station, which you should then validate as you take your chosen method of transport. You then have 1 hour and 15 minutes from the point of validation to make any further connections. Aside from single-journey tickets, there are multiple different passes you can purchase depending on your travel style, how long you’re staying for and how often to plan to use public transport. Some of the most common passes include: T-Casual Card: 10 individual journeys T-Usual Card: Unlimited journeys for 30 days T-Familiar Card: 8 individual journeys for 30 days (multi-user) T-Grup Card: 70 journeys for 30 days (multi-user) T-Jove Card: Unlimited journeys for under-25s for 90 days T-16 Card: Unlimited free travel for under-16s Taxis If you’re looking for a more direct transfer, Barcelona has a vast fleet of taxis ready to get you where you need to be. Easily noticeable by their yellow and black design, taxis in Barcelona operate much like in any other destination. Taxis with their green rooftop lights illuminated can be flagged down at the side of the road, or you can simply call up your preferred firm to make a specific booking. Note that journeys to or from the airport, transport hubs or cruise terminals will incur supplementary charges, as will late-night callouts. E-Vehicles & Rentals As with many major cities in Europe, vehicles such as electric scooters and e-bikes are becoming more and more popular as a means for getting around Barcelona. You can often find branded vehicles at various charging points or parking spots around the city, which you can typically rent via its proprietary app. Many vehicle rental stores also offer electric vehicles alongside their usual range of rentals that you can choose to borrow for a period of time. Terms and rates will vary depending on the provider, but many typically offer hourly, daily and weekly rates. Be sure to read up on local laws and restrictions pertaining to the use of electric scooters and e-bikes before you choose to rent one of these vehicles for yourself. The rules for their use may change over time and may differ significantly from other destinations. * Subject to change. Exact operating times may differ on specific days. We recommend you always check the official times with the service providers.
Robert Heaney
5 days in barcelona
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5 Days in Barcelona

Itineraries aren't for everyone. We get that, you get that. But, if you're spending 5 days in Barcelona, you might be overwhelmed with choice paralysis. Simply put, there's an awful lot to see and do - how do you fit it all in? This is how. So, unburden your petrified limbs and read on. These are our recommendations for how to spend your 5 days in Barcelona! Day 1 Kick-off your Barcelona adventure with an authentic bang by visiting the older parts of the city. It's a great place to do some fresh food shopping if you're cooking for yourself, and there's plenty to see besides the markets.   The Gothic Quarter is one of the most beautiful parts of the city, dripping with Medieval architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. First, stop off for some breakfast if you haven't eaten already. There are plenty of brilliant local cafes in the area, so let your nose guide you to the most alluring aroma. Then, make sure to visit Barcelona Cathedral. If you get there before 12 pm, entry is free, so make the most of your morning and squeeze some pennies while you're at it! Then, an absolute must-visit is Boqueria Market. Here, you can pick up mounds of fresh produce for all your culinary needs, or simply sample some freshly made tapas. If you want a deep dive into this historical area, you could join a walking tour of the area, learn all about it, and find out which local haunts your guide recommends.   Then, end the afternoon with a trip to the famed Picasso Museum, where you can explore the life, times, and works of the painter. Then, either retire for the day or, if you want a little nightlife fun, stay in the area as the Gothic Quarter has some great hidden bars and pubs for you to discover! Day 2 It's day 2 of your 5 days in Barcelona! No vacation to the Catalan capital worth its salt can miss the great Gaudí's work. The famed architect left his stamp all over Barcelona, and today's the day you see it all. Most of his buildings are in Gracia, so that's our next destination.   Fancy breakfast in the park? Why not picnic at Park Güell? Designed by none other than Gaudí, it's one of the city's best green spaces. Then, when you're refueled, take a tour of the park and see all his masterworks up close. One down, plenty to go. Next, head to Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. Arguably one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks, it's a feast for the eyes. Inside, it's like being transported to another world, with undulating facades and mesmerizing stain glass worthy of more than a few pictures.   Have a late lunch at one of the many delightful restaurants in Gracia, and then move on to the magnificent Casa Battló. Look around, get your snaps, and then end the day at La Pedrera. There, you did it! All of Gaudí's greatest hits in a single day! Pat yourself on the back and get some sleep; we're traveling out of town tomorrow. Day 3 You're at the midway point now, but you've still got plenty to do. So, wake up early, prepare your own breakfast or get something from the hotel's breakfast bar. Today, you're heading to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range just outside the city.   You could drive or take the train, but if you want to avoid the hassle, book a bus tour from the city center and let someone else take care of the journey! They'll drive you all the way there, giving you ample opportunity to take photos while in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you get there, you can spend your day exploring. Besides the fantastic views, an absolute must-visit is the Benedictine monastery. Called the Santa Maria de Montserrat, it's one of the holiest places in Catalonia, attracting many believers from far and wide. You're free to tour the site and admire the 1000-year-old architecture. Then, stop by the local museum to learn about the mountain's history and see timeless artifacts with your own two eyes.   Stop for lunch at Mirador Restaurant, then head to the Stairway to Heaven, a religious sculpture that's worthy of more than a few photos. There are other sights here, like the Santa Cova Chapel and Sant Miquel's Cross, but by this point, you might be all mountained out. If so, make sure you take the cable car down to the bottom of the mountain and make your way home. Day 4 Wake up and prep for another day of outdoor fun, this time in the city itself. Get fed, then head to Ciutadella Park. There's lots to see here, so take to take your pick! If you need some exotic animals in your life, wander over to Barcelona Zoo and see them up close. There are 2000 of the cute critters, so you may be some time.   Then, get your camera ready to snap the famous Cascada fountain, and be sure to stop off at Spain's very own Arc de Triomf. Or, if you want to get a little wild, hop on a Segway and take a tour of the park's highlights. Even newbies can get involved thanks to a short lesson in handling and operation from your guide. Then, zoom off and learn all about the park's history.   Then when the park is fully explored, head to Barceloneta Beach and soak up some rays. You can spend the rest of the day here if you desire, thanks to the myriad bars, restaurants, and watersports on offer. Then, when the sun has set, head home, get some rest, and prepare for your final day. Day 5 For your final day, head to El Poble-Sec and prepare to ascend a mountain. Kind of. Get some food in, and head out. We're spending your final day in Montjuïc Park.   The park itself is magnificent, but the real showstopper is Montjuïc Mountain. If you don't fancy a walk, hop in a cable car and admire some of the best views in the city as you ascend. Then, when you're done, explore Montjuïc Castle - an old military facility - and the surrounding gardens for some great picture opportunities. Then, head back down the cable car and grab some lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Next, learn more about Barcelona and Catalonia's history at the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. You'll find tons of artifacts that date back to pre-humanity times all the way to the present.   And finally, end your visit at Poble Espanyol, an awe-inspiring look into snapshots of the city's past thanks to faithful recreations of neighborhoods, markets, and streets from throughout time. And that's your 5 days in Barcelona done!
Dom Bewley
Plaça d'Espanya lit up in the evening
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3 Days in Barcelona

While a city with such a huge footprint as Barcelona may be intimidating at first glance, it’s more than possible to experience the highlights on a short whirlwind visit. Whether you’re hoping to take a weekend city break or simply to briefly pass through, 3 days in Barcelona gives you plenty of time to see the sights and sample the local cuisine. With our suggested itinerary below, you’re guaranteed to see a great deal of what the Catalan capital has to offer. Our itinerary includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping. Feel free to take our suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use our recommended timings to help you decide how best to organize out your trip. Day 1 – Sightseeing What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away. Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day. Recommended visit: 1h – 2h Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance. Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30 Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally right through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue. Recommended visit: 45m Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry. Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30 Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings ooze eccentric design both inside and out. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s most central point and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street. Recommended visit : 30m – 2h Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go. Recommended visit: 45m Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with some fresh Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines? Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 2 – History & Culture Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, history and music are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick. Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since its opening in 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself. Recommended visit: 1h – 3h Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses a number of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything its historic streets have to offer. Some popular attractions within the Gothic Quarter include Barcelona Cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès and the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. Recommended visit: 3h – 5h Museu Picasso – This museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of Pablo Picasso's artworks, housing over 4,000 of the renowned painter's famous pieces Recommended visit: 2h Carrer de Sant Domenec del Call – Replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés, this street at the heart of the Gothic quarter is a perfect rest stop to draw your day to a close. Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 3 – Montjuïc Day three of our itinerary will take you up Montjuïc, a prominent hill by the Barcelona harbor overlooking much of the city. The surrounding park is rich with popular attractions and cultural sites, such that it would be difficult to visit them all in just one day. We’ve listed some of the most noteworthy sites atop and around Montjuïc. Feel free to pick and choose those which seem most worthwhile for your own visit. Montjuïc Castle – On the peak of the hill sits Montjuïc Castle, a former military fortress dating back to the 17th Century. Offering both insights into the region’s history and stellar views over the entire city, you can ride the cable car up here to start your day or set it as your end destination and make the climb yourself. Recommended visit: 1h30 Museu d'Art de Catalunya – Housed within the impressive halls of the Palau Nacional, this museum exhibits one thousand years of visual art pieces from throughout the Catalonia region. Recommended visit: 2h Fundació Joan Miró – This modern art museum honors the works of local contemporary artist Joan Miró, offering rich insights into both his art and his life, alongside those of comparable artists of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Recommended visit: 1h30 Olympic Ring – Host to the 1992 Olympic Games, this park now serves as a monument to the event and to Barcelona sports as a whole. Sporting fans can also spend some time at the on-site Olympic and Sports Museum. Recommended visit: 2h Poble Espanyol – Translated literally as the ‘Spanish Village’, this open-air architectural museum is made up of replica buildings from across the country and serves to emulate a genuine Spanish town. Complete with charming traditional stores, restaurants and cafés, the Poble Espanyol aims to provide you with a near-authentic experience of traditional Spanish life. Recommended visit: 2h Las Arenas de Barcelona – Built into a former bullfighting arena, this commercial center offers an impressive selection of stores and restaurants, along with 360-degree views of Barcelona from the rooftop. Recommended visit: 2h30 Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – Located at the base of Montjuïc, the Magic Fountain is most renowned for its spectacular light shows in the evening. See out your tour of Barcelona’s highlights in style by catching one of its famed displays for yourself. Recommended visit: As long as you want Getting Around Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.
Robert Heaney

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