Park Guell vs. La Pedrera vs. Casa Batllo vs. Palau Guell

Unless you have a special interest in Gaudi, as opposed to just being interested in Modernista architecture and design, I think seeing La Pedrera and Casa Batllo are enough Gaudi sights for a short visit. Instead of adding more Gaudi sights, I'd add sights by other Modernista architects - and your number one priority should be seeing the Palace of Catalan Music, by Domenech i Montaner. Learn more, and buy advance tickets, from their website here: http://www.palaumusica.cat/en/a-barcelona-mustsee-sight_151243

It does depend greatly on your overall interest in architecture and Gaudi's work. Parc Guell is nice but I would have it lower on the list of priorities. You do now have to have pre-timed tickets to visit the main area. It is also quite remote and takes time or a taxi to get to. If you have limited time, it would eat into that quite a bit.

I assume you will also visit Sagrada Familia. When you do, consider walking there from the center and just enjoying the Modernista architecture in the Eixample. Or visit the Palau Guell while in the Gothic Quarter.

We're in Barcelona right now - doing your entire list, as we love Gaudi architecture. We also went to the City History museum today. I highly recommend it. Check out the website - it's really an amazing place to tour - there's an entire city beneath the city and it's open for touring, well-signed in English and there was almost NO ONE there with us today.

Jeff,
Take a pass on the Parc and focus upon using the time to explore other options (this is guidance I just gave to my brother-in-law who is making his first journey to Barcelona in October). The recommendation to visit the City Museum is well advised and provides an illuminating background to the historical foundations of Barcelona.
I strongly advise folks to visit the Palau of Academy of Music where you have two options: take the tour and enjoy fascinating views while enjoying an air conditioned environment or attend a concert and add a wonderful memory of being a "local".
The best guidance I can provide is to extend the opportunity to create memories of your travels by adopting to the Spanish culture of the late night time clock. Ignore your USA trained tummy habits and eat, stroll and explore local life using time values of the Spanish!

Jeff,

I had the same dilemma as you last summer when I was there. You can see most of the "pay only" portion of the Park Guell from the free part of the park. Yes, it's more interesting close up I'm sure but I didn't feel like paying 18 Euros (if my memory serves me) for something I could see from over the wall. I enjoyed the Palau Guell and definitely would recommend the Palau de la Musica Catalana. It's a must see!! Just my two cents!!

for info, ticket is 8€... and I'm afraid "over the wall" you can only have a glimpse :))

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Yes, we are also going to Sagrada Familia, which is another reason we started second-guessing Park Guell. Plus we have also heard great things from a friend about doing the underground tour, as mentioned on the thread here too.

If you enjoy architecture, you might want to consider Sant Pau, a former hospital that is being restored - it's almost finished. It is a wonderful example of Modernista architecture and is the world's largest Art Nouveau site. It is a 15 minute walk from Sagrada Familia. I would choose it over Parc Guell, especially if you are going to La Pedrera and SF.

Excellent suggestion by KAS... here you have a video for a glimpse. And, Sant Pau is a stone throw away from Sagrada Família, literally, a 10' walk (well, I walk faster than KAS, lol!)