How to visit Palau de la Musica in Barcelona
The Palau de la Música in Barcelona is considered the most modernist building in the world. It is one of the great jewels of the city and is a must-see on your trip to Barcelona.
Palau de la música de Barcelona| © Valdimiro Ragazzini (Valdy)
The Palau de la Música in Barcelona is a modernist building from the early twentieth century. It is a music auditorium of outstanding architectural beauty, with imposing stained glass windows and a play of lights that leave anyone speechless. His visit is essential for anyone who plans to travel to Barcelona, as it is one of the great treasures of the Catalan capital.
In this article I clarify all the doubts you may have regarding your visit, such as ticket prices offered, the different types of tickets, the best places to eat near the Palau or the great treasures it houses.
Barcelona Palau de la Musica Tickets
The most comfortable option to visit the Palau de la Música
The perfect option to discover all the rooms and the impressive stained glass windows and works of art inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These tickets for the Palau de la Música of Barcelona include a tour of the different areas of the building, such as the Lluis Millet Hall, the Petit Palau or the Concert Hall. The entire visit will be supported by an audio guide, through which you will learn all the interesting facts about the Palau.
In addition, the ticket allows access without queues, so you will not have to waste time waiting to enter. This is an ideal experience if you are a lover of architecture, music and art.
Recommended if... you want to know in depth one of the main tourist attractions of Barcelona.
How much do tickets to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona cost?
Tickets to the Palau de la Música of Barcelona are available from 17 euros, price variable depending on the time of year and the conditions of each visitor. The tickets are with access without queues, so you will not have to wait to enter this imposing building declared World Heritage Site by Unesco.
In addition, the tickets that I propose also include an audio guide with which you can learn the facts of interest of the works that you are seeing and the architectural features of the building. The tickets are valid for the different rooms that make up the Palau de la Música de Barcelona: the Orfeó Catalá Rehearsal Hall, the Lluís Millet Hall and the Concert Hall.
How to get tickets for the Palau de la Música de Barcelona
You can get tickets for the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, online and securely through official websites such as Hellotickets. From the website of the Palau you will not be able to buy tickets, as it does not offer the possibility to buy tickets online.
Thus, my personal recommendation is to buy tickets when you have clear the days you are going to spend in Barcelona and your travel itinerary. This way, you will be sure to be able to enter this architectural marvel. Plus, you won't waste your valuable sightseeing time waiting in line.
Are tickets to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona included in any of the city's tourist passes?
In addition to the two tours that I have proposed, you also have the possibility to book the Barcelona Card Express. This is a discount card with which you can get offers on tickets to the main monuments and attractions of Barcelona. It also includes free access to transport and tourist sites of great importance.
As if that were not enough, when you get the Barcelona Card Express, you have promotions in some restaurants. As you can see, this is a highly recommended option, since for a very low price you will reduce the cost of your trip.
Among the places with free access included in this card are the Born Cultural Center, the Fundació Joan Miró, the Entològic Museum and the Botanical Garden of Barcelona. On the other hand, some of the monuments with discount are the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, the Barcelona Port Tour and, of course, the Palau de la Música de Barcelona.
Other options
In addition to being able to buy tickets for the Palau de la Música de Barcelona individually, there are also tourist passes that include a visit to this building. One of the best is the tour of the old town and the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This tour lasts two hours and is done in small groups of about 12 people.
The tour is done on foot and along the way you will discover the main sights of the city, such as Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Cathedral of Barcelona or the fountain of the Three Graces.
Also highly recommended is the personalized private tour. In this tour, you will choose the itinerary, the duration and the schedule of the route. This can have a duration from 2 to 6 hours. It is completely private, making the entire journey and the corresponding visits by the hand of a local guide. The expert will tell you the main curiosities of each monument, as well as its historical importance.
Are there special tickets for children?
Yes, the Palau de la Música in Barcelona has special tickets for children. So, this is a great advantage if you are traveling with the whole family. The latter is great, as the entrance to the Palau de la Música is one of the best things to do with children in Barcelona. Children from 0 to 9 years old have free access to the Palau. If the children are older than this age, they will have to pay the price set for adults, which is approximately 17 euros.
Confirmation, as with adult tickets, is immediate. On the other hand, cancellation is free of charge, if it is made at least 24 hours before the day set for the visit. I have to clarify that the price I mention includes all charges and taxes.
Are there guided tours of the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, and is it worth it?
Yes, there are guided tours of the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. First of all, there are tickets that include an audio guide. In this way, you can learn about the different curiosities of this place, as well as its history. All this at your own pace and time and enjoying total independence.
In case you prefer a local guide, I recommend a private guided tour. As it is personalized, you can mark as one of your visits the Palau de la Música, as well as other places of interest that catch your attention during your trip to Barcelona.
How to get to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
There are different options to get to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona. It all depends on where you are staying or where you are. If possible, I recommend that you make your way there on foot. Walking is how you really get to know the cities, as you can discover curious streets and stores and soak up the way of life of its people.
In case you can not or do not find it easy to go on foot, you can choose to hire a tourist bus. This type of transport runs through the most touristic areas of the city, making different stops. They also include an audio guide and offer total flexibility.
Beyond this, it is also recommended that you have the Hola Barcelona transport card, with which you can save money on public transport in the city.
Routes to get to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
To get to the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, you can take a bus. In this case, the line you should take will depend on your place of origin. The lines with destination to the Palau are the V15, the V17 or the 45. If you are lucky, you will be able to go directly. In the worst case, you will have to walk or combine two different lines.
In addition to the above option, you can also go to the Palau de la Música by Metro. The corresponding stop is Urquinaona station. Finally, it is convenient to know that the place has a private parking, the SABA parking. So, if you go by car, you will have no problems when it comes to parking.
Main works not to be missed at the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
The Palau de la Música in Barcelona is considered the most modernist building in the world. Its construction dates back to the early 20th century and is the work of architect Luis Domenech. This makes the Palau's architecture itself its great attraction. Therefore, it is recommended that you make the visit with a support to help you understand each of the elements that make up the building.
Beyond the modernist architectural character of the building, it has different areas of great interest. The first of these is the Concert Hall, full of music-themed sculptures. Here you will find the famous skylight designed by Antoni Rigalt i Blanch.
The second stop is the Sala Petit Palau, where different cultural events are organized. This is followed by the Orfeó Catalá Rehearsal Hall, under which is the first stone laid in the construction of the Palau. Finally, the visit should end with a visit to the Lluís Millet Hall, which highlights the columns and the ceiling lamp.
How much time do you need to visit the Palau de la Música in Barcelona?
The time it will take you to visit the Palau de la Música is entirely up to you. The duration of the visit is very variable, as it can be more or less time depending on the speed at which you go. You may want to stop to admire each of the architectural elements that make up the Palau, such as its ceilings or stained glass windows. However, it is also possible that you can go through the rooms just taking a quick look at each of them.
As for the guided tour, this usually lasts about an hour. The visits are 50 minutes long. Taking into account that different explanations are given, this would be the average time it should take you to see the Palau de la Música.
Opening hours of the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
The opening hours of the Palau de la Música in Barcelona are from 9 am to 3:30 pm. In July and August, the closing time is delayed until 6 pm. On the other hand, the place is open from Monday to Sunday; that is, every day of the week.
Thus, you can visit it at any time of your trip, which gives you great freedom, since there are other places of tourist interest that close their doors some days of the week. However, you should keep in mind that in the evenings, except in summer, the Palau remains closed.
Tips for visiting the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
If you want to visit the Palau de la Música in Barcelona and make the most of your visit, you should follow certain tips. The first of them is to avoid peak visiting hours, as it is always better to visit places of interest when there are few people. At those times when there are too many visitors, it is difficult to see the different elements clearly.
Therefore, you will have to dodge heads to see what you are interested in. The peak time to visit the Palau de la Música is usually at 13:00. My personal recommendation is that you visit it first thing in the morning.
On the other hand, if you are not an expert in art and architecture, I think it is necessary to take a guided tour. The ideal option, if you want freedom and independence, is the audio guide. Finally, if you want to crown the visit, I recommend the On Top visit, which includes access to the terrace, where you can have a coffee.
This is the store of the Palau de la Música of Barcelona
The Palau store is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm. On holidays and weekends, the opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm. The store has all kinds of decorative objects inspired by the architectural elements of the Palau. It also has a collection of classical music CDs, highlighting those of the Palau's own choirs.
In addition to the above, the Palau store houses a selection of books perfect for book lovers. The themes of these are: modernist architecture, music and, finally, books on the curiosities and history of the building. Finally, the store includes a section for the youngest members of the family, with products aimed at nurturing them musically speaking.
Where to eat near the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
The Palau de la Música in Barcelona is located in the famous Ribera neighborhood, also known as El Born. In addition to the Palau itself, this area of the city is also home to other places of great tourist interest, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Museu Picasso or the Palau Dalmases. Therefore, it is a very busy area where you will find a multitude of establishments.
So, you will have no problem finding a place to eat near the Palau de la Música. However, since it is a very touristy area, there are establishments that are best avoided. In them the price is usually higher than average and the quality of the food is not excellent. If you want to taste the real Catalan gastronomy, there are very good options near the Palau.
Best bars and restaurants near the Palau de la Música in Barcelona
One of the most typical places in the area is the Santa Caterina market, located less than 5 minutes walk from the Palau. In this place, in addition to food stalls typical of a food market, there are restaurants where you can taste dishes made with fresh seasonal products. The market itself is worth seeing, as it reflects the architectural style of the period.
A little further from the Palau, just over a 10-minute walk away, is La Paradeta Born. It is a very typical restaurant of the district and specializes in seafood. Its dishes are prepared with fresh quality ingredients, so if you love the taste of the sea, it is highly recommended. Very close to this establishment is the Vaso de Oro Brewery, where you can have a cold beer accompanied by a tapa. Among the specialties of the bar, is the sirloin with foie gras and Jabugo sausage.