Hotels near Casa Vicens

Before Sagrada Família, there was Casa Vicens. Antoni Gaudí designed it between 1883 and 1885 as a summer house for the stockbroker Manuel Vicens, and it was his first major commission. The facade is covered in green-and-white tiles decorated with yellow marigolds, mixed with red brick and Moorish-style turrets. Inside are painted ceilings, a smoking room with a carved honeycomb vault and a palm-leaf iron gate.

The house joined the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Gaudí's works in 2005 and opened as a museum in 2017. It is far quieter than the better-known Gaudí sites, especially in December, and tickets cost around €20. The surrounding Gràcia district, with its small squares and independent shops, is good for a slow afternoon walk.

Pro Tip: Visit in the late morning, when sunlight brightens the tiled facade, then walk about 15 minutes down to Passeig de Gràcia for the evening lights.