Avenida Gaudí: Walk from Sagrada Família to Sant Pau

About Avenida Gaudí

Avenida Gaudí was originally laid out in 1927 as part of an urban reform plan to prepare Barcelona for the 1929 International Exhibition. However, the concept dates back to a 1907 urbanisation proposal by French architect Léon Jaussely, who envisioned a diagonal avenue offering a direct visual axis between La Sagrada Família and the newly constructed Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau.

The street was initially named Avenida General Primo de Rivera, after the Spanish dictator who ruled from 1923 to 1930. It was renamed Avenida Gaudí in 1962, honoring the famed architect whose masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, anchors the southern end of the avenue.

In 1985, Avenida Gaudí underwent a major transformation to become a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. As part of this renovation, six ornate modernist lampposts were installed along the first three blocks. Originally crafted in 1909 by Pere Falqués, with stone bases by Alfons Jujol and ironwork by Manuel Ballarín i Lancuentra, these lampposts were relocated from Plaça del Cinc d’Oros after being removed for obstructing traffic. Their elegant curves and floral motifs echo the surrounding Catalan Modernist architecture.

Architecture & Design Highlights

Avenida Gaudí’s diagonal layout breaks the rigid Eixample grid, creating a unique urban perspective that frames two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: La Sagrada Família and Recinte Modernista Sant Pau. The avenue’s design blends historic charm with modern functionality, featuring outdoor cafés, tree-lined walkways, and iconic lampposts that make it one of the most photogenic streets in Barcelona.

Image Gallery For Avenida Gaudí

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Best Photo Spots on Avenida Gaudí

Looking north: Capture the full façade of Hospital de Sant Pau framed by trees and modernist lampposts — especially striking in the morning light.
Looking south: From the oval fountain near Carrer de Castillejos, you’ll get a perfectly centered view of La Sagrada Família rising at the end of the avenue. This spot is ideal for wide-angle shots and symmetrical compositions.
Golden hour: The lampposts cast long shadows and the buildings glow — perfect for street photography and architectural detail shots.

Where to Eat on Avenida Gaudí

Avenida Gaudí is lined with restaurants offering outdoor terraces, making it a great place to relax between visits to Sant Pau and La Sagrada Família. Here are my picks:

Arrosseria Gaudí: Traditional rice and paella dishes
Aladdín Restaurante: Lebanese cuisine with vegetarian options
Sagrada Tapas: Spanish snacks, beer, and casual dining
Madre Taberna Moderna: Mediterranean fusion with a modern twist

Restaurant Aladdin Arrosseria Gaudi Sagrada Tapas Madre Taberna Moderna

What to take with you for Avenida Gaudí

Wear comfortable shoes when exploring Barcelona — many of the city’s most beautiful areas, like the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc, and Avenida Gaudí, are best discovered on foot. Expect a mix of cobblestones, tiled sidewalks, and long pedestrian boulevards. Lightweight trainers or cushioned walking shoes will make a big difference over a full day of sightseeing.

Avenida Gaudí

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE

Getting to Avenida Gaudí

Address: Avenida de Gaudí S/N, Barcelona, 08025

Avenida Gaudí is easily accessible via the Sant Pau | Dos de Maig metro station on the Blue Line (L5) and the Sagrada Família metro station, which serves both the Blue (L5) and Purple (L2) lines. The avenue forms a scenic pedestrian link between two of Barcelona’s most iconic modernist landmarks: La Sagrada Família and Recinte Modernista Sant Pau.

For public transport, use a T-Casual ticket for 10 single journeys or opt for the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited travel across metro, bus, tram, and train networks — ideal for multi-day visitors.