How to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Insider tips from Spain travel destination specialists
Originally published 17 February 2025.
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team.
Sagrada Familia exterior
Where is the Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia is located in the Eixample neighborhood in the city of Barcelona, Spain which is in the Catalonia region.
It is the not only the #1 most popular attraction in Barcelona, but it is the most visited monument in all of Spain (the Alhambra in Granada is #2). Therefore understanding how to visit the Sagrada Familia is so important!
What is the Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia literally means “holy family” or “sacred family” in both the Catalan and Spanish languages. It was designed by the most famous architect of the modernista movement, Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in the late 1800s and Sagrada Familia still remains unfinished to this day.
There are often misconceptions that Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s cathedral, but this is not correct. Barcelona’s beautiful gothic style cathedral is located in the Ciutat Vella, or old city. Instead, Sagrada Familia is a basilica. In fact, it was not consecrated by the Vatican until 2010, and to this day, the Vatican only considers it to be a “minor” basilica. Though anyone who has seen Sagrada Familia would probably agree that there is nothing “minor” about it.
In fact, it is quite eleborate, with so many little twists and details.
Sagrada Familia is Gaudí’s greatest example of his unique style of Modernista architecture style. It showcases his whimsical play of color, shape, light, and shadow.
Unfortunately Gaudí did not live to see his masterpiece completed. And as of the time of publishing this post, it still remains unfinished. The targeted date for the completion of the tallest tower is 2026. It is going to be even more of a quest to get tickets then, so plan way ahead!
Sagrada Familia is on the list of Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage sites along with several other works of Gaudí.
Being so popular, it is important to know how to plan your visit to Sagrada Familia visit.
To make the most out of your time on the inside and outside of Sagrada Familia, it is important to understand how to visit the the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain and to plan ahead before you go.
And of course, we would love to help plan your dream trip to Spain and help you figure out which way of visiting Sagrada Familia is right for you.
How to visit the Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia is not just another basilica. Its intricate details are worth discovering, and we think it is important to devote time to visiting the interior and the exterior. Don’t rush it. Plan to spend a few hours at Sagrada Familia so you can fully appreciate Gaudí’s vision.
The other important thing to understand about the Sagrada Familia is that ticketing and entry protocols change from time to time. So it is important to always get the latest official up-to-date information. That is just another reason why we always recommend using a professional travel advisor who specializes in Spain to help you plan your trip.
Below are some of our top Sagrada Familia planning tips for how to visit this amazing basiclica in Barcelona, Spain. But remember: any of this can change at any time!
Where to buy Sagrada Familia tickets?
Detail of some of the doors at the Sagrada Familia
The first step in knowing how to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain is to understand the ticketing system and purchasing tickets well in advance.
Unless you are doing a tour that includes entry tickets to Sagrada Familia (see below), you will need to purchase tickets online. There are no ticket sales at the door anymore. We highly recommend that you use the official website to purchase your tickets.
You will be given options to purchase a ticket with a tour (or just the audio guide), or to add on a visit to one of the towers. Keep reading on. We will explain it all.
Tickets can and do sell out, so buy them far in advance, especially if you are going during high-season.
Entries are timed, so be sure to choose a date and time that works for you.
Should I take a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia?
To tour or not to tour?
This is one of the questions we get the most. The answer is that it really depends on you.
First of all, it is important to understand the different kinds of guided tours.
The tour that you can buy directly on the Sagrada Familia’s website is a large group tour with headphones connecting you to your guide’s microphone. It is not a small group or private tour, and you will not be able to determine the speed or the flow or ask questions. Therefore this is not the guided tour that we recommend.
For Sagrada Familia, we recommend either a small group, or even better, a private tour. These types of tours offer more flexibility and a chance to ask questions, which is one of the main purposes of doing a tour. You can find a guide on websites such as Get Your Guide, but you really will want to be sure to read the details of the tour and reviews carefully. We have specific handpicked recommendations of guides and guiding companies which are reserved exclusively for clients. Another reason to book one of our Spain travel planning services.
And in many cases, we like to recommend full on Gaudí tours, which include the Sagrada Familia and some of his other monuments such as Parc Güell and Casa Batlló (amongst others) which also require planning and logistical legwork. A Gaudí day is a perfect way to spend a day in Barcelona!
These types of tours are great for history and architecture buffs, and those who want in-depth information, stories, interaction, and historical facts.
On the other hand, if you are looking to just soak it up at your own pace, taking a plethora of photos along the way (and maybe read a bit about the history before or after your visit?) Then you probably should not do a guided tour.
So whether to book a guided tour or not 100% depends on your interests and travel style.
How is the audio guide for Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia’s organ
If you buy a ticket on the Sagrada Familia’s official website without a guided tour, you will get access to an audio guide. (Note: you will need to download the Sagrada Familia app before your visit. They send you instructions when you purchase your ticket.)
Though the audioguide gets mixed reviews, our team does find it quite comprehensive. You can choose from a few different audio guides, all downloadable in the app. There is an “express” version for those who just want some of the most general information. And there is also a longer version. The towers have audio guides too.
Don’t forget to bring your headphones to listen to the audio guide!
And be sure you have Sagrada Famila’s app downloaded to your phone before you arrive.
What time of day should I visit Sagrada Familia?
Light, stained glass, shapes, and the ceiling. Take your time here, there is so much to see!
This is one of the biggest Sagrada Familia debates (the other is coming up in the next section).
Many will say that golden hour, just before sunset is the best time of the day to visit Sagrada Familia. That is when the reds and oranges, on the west side, really glow.
But our founder Karen, really prefers the morning hours, when the early morning sun illuminates the blues and greens on the eastern side. Mornings are often less crowded too.
The fact is, it is hard to go wrong. As long as you understand how to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, you will be mesmerized by Gaudí’s unique play with light and shadows.
Should I include a tower visit in my Sagrada Familia ticket?
View from the Passion Tower
When you purchase your Sagrada Familia tickets on the official site, you will be given the option to add a visit to go up into one of the two towers: the Passion or the Nativity.
There are a few important things to know before making this decision.
First off, unlike many cathedrals’ bell towers here in Spain, you actually take an elevator to the top. You do not need to climb hundreds of steps. However… the only way down is to walk down. The spiral staircase at the end can be a bit precarious. If you are uncomfortable or unable to go down many steps, the tower visit is not for you. Also if you are claustrophobic, it is probably not a good idea to visit a tower. The entire visit can be a bit cramped.
Children under the age of six are not permitted to visit a tower, so if you are traveling with a little one, keep this in mind.
As far as the views from the top go, they are good, but they are not the 360 views that other bell towers often have. You follow a series of walkways and pathways. Yes, there are some nice views of Barcelona, but even better you get to see some of the details of the Sagrada Familia up close.
Now the question is, which tower to choose. This is the other biggest Sagrada Familia debate. Again, there is no right or wrong answer here. The Passion offers views toward the Mediterranean Sea and the Nativity offers views towards the mountains. The Passion generally has a better view. But if you are a Gaudí purist, you will need to know that the Nativity Facade is the only one actually designed by Gaudí himself.
Finally, if it matters, the Passion tower is a little taller than the Nativity tower.
So once you weigh all these pros and cons, you can decide which tower visit you’d prefer. Unfortunately you can’t buy a ticket that includes both. And on certain days or entry slots, you won’t be able to choose. But that is okay as they both offer a fantastic experience.
Tower entries are timed separately. But the good thing is, after your tower visit, you can stay in the main part of the basilica and visit any parts you missed before your trip up the tower.
So knowing all of that, you can decide if you wish to visit one of the towers (and which one to visit). Our team does recommend adding a tower for a unique perspective of the basilica if you are able to.
How can I get to the Sagrada Familia?
Early morning light.
Sagrada Familia is right in the city of Barcelona in the large Eixample neighborhood.
Therefore there are many ways to get there:
Walk. Barcelona is an extremely walkable city, and walking through the city always helps you find little gems that you might miss.
Bike. Barcelona has a bike sharing scheme. You can also rent a bike, but be sure to lock it up well.
Public transportation. Barcelona has some of the best public transportation in all of Spain. Numerous bus lines stop near the Sagrada Familia. And the closest metro stop is… you guessed it… Sagrada Familia on Line 2.
Taxi. Official Barcelona taxis are yellow and black and are usually not prohibitively expensive. Credit cards are accepted, and taxi drivers use the meter. Rideshare such as Bolt, Cabify, and (sometimes) Uber are also possible, but we recommend official Barcelona taxis over over these services.
Drive. NOT RECOMMENDED. Parking is expensive and can be difficult, even in underground parking lots. Barcelona has many regulations about cars and traffic including low emissions zone. Really, we never recommend driving in the city!
Looking for other tips about getting around Spain? Check out our comprehensive guide to getting around Spain!
How NOT to visit the Sagrada Familia: don’t make these mistakes!
Spiral staircase going down from the Passion Tower
Now you know how to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, but here are some key tips about what not to do! Don’t make these Spain travel mistakes!
Not buying your tickets in advance. Really, they can and will sell out. It is very difficult to get tickets on the day of. And there is no longer a ticket office on site of the Sagrada Familia, so you absolutely need to purchase tickets online.
Missing your timed entry. There is very little grace given, as entries are timed to control the flow and number of visitors. Be on time.
Forgetting to download the app. This is where the audio guide is housed. And your tickets can be found there too. Download the app and log in!
Adding a tower visit if you are physically unable to, claustrophobic, or are traveling with someone under the age of six. Again, it is an elevator up, but your only way down is walking. The staircase is dark, narrow, and at times, precarious. (Part of the spiral staircase you will need to walk down is pictured above.)
Rushing the Sagrada Familia. As you can now understand, the Sagrada Familia is complex with so many intricate details. Don’t try to rush through it. Instead take your time with it. And on your Sagrada Familia day, don’t schedule a lot of other tightly packed activities. The Sagrada Familla should be your focus for the day.
Not knowing the current information. As we said, the ins and outs of the Sagrada Familia can change at any time. That is why, working with a Spain destination specialist is the way to go when planning your day there! It is important to know the current information.
Need more help planning your trip to Sagrada Familia, Barcelona and Spain?
Spain Less Traveled founder, Karen Rosenblum, in front of Sagrada Familia
As you can see, visiting Sagrada Familia requires advanced planning, but it is worth it! There are several other Barcelona monuments that require planning and strategizing too. Let us help you customize your dream Spain trip based on your unique interests and timeframe, making sure you don’t miss out on Sagrada Familia and all of the other amazing things Barcelona has to offer.
We offer several levels of Spain traveling planning services. Spain Less Traveled can work with all different types of travelers and travel planners, from those who want our full support throughout the entire travel planning process to those who simply need to talk with a Spain destination specialist to assist with specific aspects of travel planning.
We’d love to help you plan your unique trip to Spain too!
Sagrada Familia details
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