How I Snagged a Free Ticket to Palau Güell (and You Can Too!)
Exploring Gaudí’s Hidden Gem for Free During Barcelona’s Santa Eulàlia Festival
There are few things more satisfying than getting something amazing for free—especially in a city like Barcelona, where culture, history, and architecture often come with a hefty price tag. This year, I managed to visit Palau Güell, one of Gaudí’s early masterpieces, without spending a single euro. The secret? Santa Eulàlia Festivities, Barcelona’s winter festival, when dozens of museums and cultural sites open their doors for free.
Santa Eulàlia is one of Barcelona’s two patron saints, and every February, the city honours her with a festival full of parades, traditional dances, and—most importantly for budget-conscious culture lovers—free museum access. Over 50 cultural sites participated, including big names like the Sagrada Família (which gave away 8,500 free tickets) and hidden gems like Palau Güell.
As soon as I saw Palau Güell on the list, I knew I had to go. This lesser-known Gaudí work isn’t as swamped with tourists as La Pedrera or Casa Batlló, but it’s just as fascinating.
Unlike some other venues that let visitors walk in, Palau Güell requires an online reservation. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about free events in Barcelona, it’s that they disappear fast. So, armed with my laptop and a cup of coffee, I set a reminder for when reservations opened and was ready to click the moment they went live.
Sure enough, within minutes, slots were filling up, but I managed to grab one for February 12th, the last day of the festival. Ticket secured, I smugly closed my laptop, knowing I had just saved twelve euros—which in Barcelona translates to a solid tapas meal.
Walking into Palau Güell, I immediately realized why it’s a must-visit. Unlike Gaudí’s later works, which explode with colour and organic shapes, this mansion felt moody and gothic. It had been designed for Eusebi Güell, Gaudí’s patron, and from the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the weight of aristocratic grandeur.
The parabolic arches created an almost cathedral-like effect, while the intricate woodwork and stained glass made every corner worth admiring. Unfortunately, since it was raining today, the famous rooftop was closed, which was a disappointment. I had been looking forward to seeing the sculpted chimneys up close, but I suppose that’s an excuse to return another time.
I took some photos during my visit, but I’ll post more soon, along with a full article about Palau Güell, on TravelEssayist.com. If you want to see more and read my in-depth take on this fascinating place, sign up today here!
If you ever find yourself in Barcelona in February, Santa Eulàlia Festival is the perfect time to explore the city’s cultural gems for free. Whether it’s the Sagrada Família, Palau Güell, or a hidden museum you’ve never heard of, something is thrilling about skipping the ticket line and experiencing the city’s history without spending a dime.
And if Palau Güell is on the list again, I’d recommend setting that reminder. Not every day you get to step into a Gaudí masterpiece—for free.
At what time do the tickets appear? At midnight or 10 am on the day when the free booking starts?
Great spot! Lovely images.