parc guell

Depends on if you want a tour or explore on your own. Only you know the answer.

I don't think a tour is necessary. We just booked tickets and used the Rick Steves guidebook a bit.

As I recall the tour was not that much more money. It was brief, helped us see some highlights, get our bearing. Then we went back and revisited the places which interested us.

I guess it depends on your style and how long you will spend on site. In April 2012, we walked through the Park from the top to the bottom using the RS guidebook. My wife likes to talk to people. So when she saw a group of school kids, as a teacher, she talked to their teacher as they made drawings. It was hot and I wouldn't have rewalked uphill within the Park.

The tiles on the benches at the main plaza were being cleaned, so only a small part was open to the public. A tour may give you more access.

Actually, I don't think a guided tour gives you any special access; to my knowledge these days with the regular ticket, you can visit the same spaces you'd visit on a guided tour.