Getting to Casa Milà
You’ll find Casa Milà at the top end of Passeig de Gràcia, on the corner of Carrer de Provença. Unless you’re already shopping (or window-shopping!) along the glitzy boulevard, you’ll likely need to use Barcelona’s efficient public transport system to reach it.
Run by TMB, it includes trams, a metro and bus services. Diagonal metro station is less than 200 metres from Casa Milà, with journey times on line 3 (green) from Liceu station (on La Rambla) taking around 5 minutes. Trains are very regular and run between the following times:
- Monday to Thursday: 05:00 to midnight
- Friday: 05:00 to 02:00
- Saturday: 05:00 to midnight
- Sunday: nonstop
Metro tickets can be bought at any station using the machines or on the TMB website or app. You can use the same tickets or travel pass on any TMB service, allowing you to easily mix and match between buses, trams and the metro throughout your stay. A good option is a T-Casual pass, which costs €11.35 and lets you take a total of 10 journeys.
What to see at Casa Milà
Casa Milà was the last private residence designed by Gaudí, making it an extra unique space to visit. It took approximately six years to build and is jam-packed with incredible architecture, from an unconventional limestone façade to stunningly mosaiced interiors.
Here’s what to expect on a trip to Casa Milà:
The Façade
It’d be pretty hard to miss Casa Milà when strolling along Passeig de Gràcia! That’s down to its epic façade that looks eerily like a stone quarry. So much so, in fact, that it’s earnt the nickname La Pedrera which means ‘quarry’ in Spanish.
Gaudí designed the entire structure out of limestone, giving it a natural aesthetic. Undulating shapes, dark metal railings and careful shadowing in the window frames add to its appearance. Overall, Casa Milà has one of the most extended – and unusual – façades on the street that you won’t be able to resist stopping to admire.
The Rooftop Terrace
Peeking out the top of Casa Milà’s magnificent façade is its equally as impressive rooftop. The terrace is accessible during tours, a truly remarkable space!.
As well as noticing that almost every surface of the rooftop has a curved edge, you’ll also spot 28 chimneys poking up into the Barcelona sky. The rooftop’s chimneys are not just functional but also beautiful, statue-like pieces of art.
There are also six staircases to climb, some of which are covered in a mosaic technique that uses old bits of tile and glass to create gorgeous, light-reflecting patterns. Casa Milà’s rooftop really is a highlight of any visit, plus you’ll get to soak up some spectacular vistas of the city’s skyline!
Espai Gaudí
If you want to swot up on your Gaudí knowledge, this museum is ideal. It’s lodged inside the building’s epic attic space, famed for its 270 supporting arches. The effect of these archways is said to make you feel like you’re walking through the skeleton of a giant whale!
As well as the room’s unusual architecture, you’ll have lots of excellent exhibits to explore. Admire detailed models of other important Gaudí buildings across the city and watch films of their creation.
The Pedrera Apartments
For a glimpse of what life would have been like for the wealthy Milà family when they first moved into the building, visit the Pedrera Apartment. It’s on the fourth floor of Casa Milà, laid out as was over a century ago, from the furnishings and fittings right down to the toys in the kids’ bedrooms.
Next door is another apartment that now serves as a mini cinema room showing a short film about life in Barcelona between 1905 and 1929.
The Courtyards
Casa Milà was initially split into two apartment blocks with a shared courtyard. When viewed from above, these spaces are positioned in a smooth figure of eight.
Both courtyards are wonderfully decorated with bright murals featuring fantastic images of flowers, plants and mythological creatures. Light filters through the top of the enclosures from the roof terrace, bouncing off the windows and colourful décor.
The Courtyards are easily one of the most photogenic and striking features of Casa Milà, so take your time soaking up their beauty!
Casa Milà history and facts
Gaudí’s Casa Milà was built over six years and is regarded as one of his principal masterpieces in Barcelona. Here’s a little bit more about the building’s history.
The newlywed’s new home
Casa Milà was both built and owned by the Milà family. Pere and Roser married in 1905 and originally bought a detached home on Passeig de Gràcia. They decided to knock this down and create a new apartment building where they would live on one floor and rent the others out.
Gaudí’s masterpiece
Shortly after the Milàs purchased the property on Passeig de Gràcia, they approached Antoni Gaudí to transform it into the structure it is today. He came up with an innovative design suited to modern-day living and reflected the natural world around them.
Hiccups with the design
Building work began in 1906 and took six years to complete. Unfortunately, this period wasn’t without its difficulties.
Gaudí changed the design several times and went over budget quite early in the project. There were clashes with the local council, too, as Gaudí didn’t want to follow some of their strict building codes!
Luckily, Casa Milà was declared a monument to nature and became immune to many of the city’s building laws. This honour cost the Milà family around 100,000 pesetas (a pretty hefty sum for the time!). They later tried to take Gaudí to court over the extra fees. Gaudí won the case, and the Milàs had to mortgage their new home to pay his fees.
Living in Casa Milà
As well as the Milà family, Casa Milà was home to various tenants over the years. These varied from an Egyptian prince to a wealthy Spanish family involved in the thriving textile industry.
The ground floor became shops in 1929, including a tailor that remained for eight decades.
Restoration
Casa Milà stayed in the Milà family until 1946 when a widowed Roser decided to sell it to a real estate company. She lived in her apartment until she died in 1964, after which the building largely fell to ruin. Fast forward 20 years, and it was deservedly declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 1996, Casa Milà was finally restored and opened up for public tours. It’s now run by the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation and used as a museum to showcase both Gaudí’s work and highlight the history and culture of the city during the past 100 years.
Restaurants, bars and shops in Casa Milà
Want to dine inside this incredible building? There’s a range of amenities inside Casa Milà that’ll help make your visit a bit more special.
El Cafè de la Pedrera
This stylish bistro is the only dining venue in Casa Milà and a great spot to stop for lunch before or after exploring the building.
Sitting at one of El Cafè de la Pedrera’s tables gives you a chance to admire Gaudí’s love of curved shapes. Whether that’s in the window alcoves, the massive supporting columns or the wavy cornice on the ceiling.
The food won’t disappoint, either. The restaurant specialises in classic Spanish bites, although you’ll also see several Mediterranean dishes inspired by the changing seasons.
El Cafè de la Pedrera is on the mezzanine level of Casa Milà and accessed through the main entrance to the building. The restaurant also has a sun-soaked terrace directly on Passeig de Gràcia if you’d rather eat outside.
Les botigues de La Pedrera
Gaudí fans will love popping into this shop after their tour of Casa Milà! It’s located close to the building entrance, selling a range of art-inspired souvenirs relating to both Gaudí and his many architectural wonders.
Pick up mini replicas of Casa Milà’s chimneys or inject a bit of Gaudí into your own home with some exquisite interior items. Find doorknobs and kitchenware inspired by artefacts found in Casa Milà.
The shop additionally stocks many books about architecture, plus items specifically for kids. Why not teach little ones about the works of Antoni Gaudí with a puzzle of the Sagrada Familia?
Torrons Vicens Traditional Desserts
Sweet tooth? This confectionery shop on the ground floor of Casa Milà is not to be missed! Stroll through doors framed by archways of limestone, and get ready to tempt your tastebuds with all kinds of Spanish desserts and treats.
Torrons Vicens Traditional Desserts sells a wide range of delicious delicacies, from handcrafted chocolates to turron, a classic Spanish sweet similar to nougat. It’s an ideal place to pick up a gift for someone or treat yourself.
Casa Milà opening times and ticket prices
Do you like the sound of spending a few hours soaking up the beautiful sights inside Casa Milà? This Barcelona attraction is open throughout the week:
- Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 18:30
- Night tours: everyday 07:00 to 22:00
Casa Milà is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. To avoid the crowds, try going first in the morning or between 14:00 and 16:00 during the traditional Spanish siesta time.
Ticket Prices
Casa Milà tickets vary depending on the experience you’re after. You can purchase them online or in-person at the ticket office. Here are the five different types of tickets you can buy through the official website:
- La Pedrera Essential
General admission: €25
Children (7 to 12): €12.50
Children (under 7): Free
Concessions: €19
- The Unseen Pedrera (guided tour)
General admission: €28
Children (7 to 12): €14
Children (under 7): Free
- La Pedrera Night Experience
General admission: €35
Children (7 to 12): €17.50
Children (under 7): Free
- La Pedrera Premium (skip the line)
General admission: €32
Children (7-12): €12.50
Children (under 7): Free
- La Pedrera Essential & Night Experience
General admission: €45
Children (7-12): €22.50
Children (under 7): Free
Travelling to Barcelona by train?
You can travel by train to Barcelona from most cities in Spain due to the extensive rail network operated by Renfe. Some of the most popular routes include Madrid to Barcelona (2h 30m), Malaga to Barcelona (5h 32m) and Seville to Barcelona (5h 32m).
Looking for more information about travelling to Barcelona by train? Check out our expert guide to trains to Barcelona.