Sagrada Familia: Visit Guide to Gaudi’s Barcelona Basilica

Sagrada Familia Church is a UNESCO Heritage Site, the most visited church in Europe behind the Vatican, and Spain’s biggest tourist attraction by numbers.

Yup, La Sagrada Família just might be the most beautiful church ever – and it’s not even finished yet!

Let’s figure out how to visit Sagrada Familia like it’s not our first time around the block.

La Sagrada Familia Tickets

In the post-COVID world it is now mandatory to buy your tickets online.

If you appreciate what we do here (we’ve put thousands of hours into this free resource + answer hundreds of questions a month) we’d really appreciate you booking Sagrada Familia tickets using our links ✌️

Sagrada Familia English Guided Tours

This is the best option for first time visitors.

You get a 90 minute Sagrada Familia tour with an entertaining flesh and blood guide who knows this Antoni Gaudí church inside out.

English Sagrada Familia tour times are daily at 11:15 am and 1:30 pm.

Guided Tour	Online Price
Adults	€48.00
Minors (11-16)	€46.00
Kids (0-10)	free

🧐  |  Curious yet? Read hundreds of Sagrada Familia English tour reviews now.

Sagrada Familia Fast Track Entrance + Audio Guide

In the event you can’t find a good time for the Sagrada Familia guided tour the independent audio guide is the next best bet.

With this basic, cheapest ticket you’ll get explanations of the architecture and history in English.

This basic Sagrada Familia ticket allows you to really take the time to educate yourself. You’re free to stay as long as you want.

Audio guide ticket entrance slots run every 15 minutes from 9:00 am (last entrance 30 minutes before closing time) until closing.

Entrance + Audioguide	Online Price	Ticket Window Price
Adults	€33.80	Not possible
Under 30 + Students	€31.20	Not possible
Seniors (65+)	€27.30	Not possible
Kids (0-10)	free	Not possible
Disabled + Companion	€7.00	Not possible

Tip: kill two birds with one stone getting La Sagrada Familia tickets and saving 20% tons of other things to do in Barcelona using the city’s top discount pass: the Barcelona Pass.

*Barcelona visitors with a disability above 65% have the right to an accompanied companion at the same price. There is also a sign language video guide. To book this ticket write 24+ hours in advance to [email protected]

Looking to book group tickets for 10+ guests? You’ll need to do so using the Sagrada Familia group ticket form.

Related: Is Sagrada Familia Worth it to Go Inside?

Sagrada Familia General Admission + Audio Guide + Tower Tour

For those looking for a great view of the city you may consider climbing one of the main towers at Sagrada Familia church for an additional cost. Due to crowds you can only climb one of the towers (more info in the towers section).

There are better views in the city for free but the claustrophobic stairs do have their charm.

Entrance times can be selected every 15 minutes from 9:00 am until closing depending on availability. Your Sagrada Familia tower tour will be timed with this entrance.

You’re free to stay as long as you want after the towers.

Fast Track Entrance + Audio guide + Towers	Online Price	Ticket Window Price
Adults	€46.80	Not possible
Under 30 + Students	€44.20	Not possible
Seniors (65+)	€40.30	Not possible
Kids (0-10)	free	Not possible
Disabled + Companion	free	Not possible

FYI: the Sagrada Familia visit with audio guide and towers is not recommended for visitors with disabilities due to the stairs. Also, children under 6 are not admitted to the towers.

Sagrada and Park Guell Combo Tickets

Most tourists visit these 2 top attractions on the same day due to their proximity.

If you’re looking to get both of them done with the same ticket there is the famous Gaudi Bundle offered by long time partner Tiqets.

The ticket includes:

• Skip the line access at La Sagrada Família with official interior audio guide.
• Skip the line access at Park Güell with app self-guided tour audio guide.
• Barcelona city audio guide with in depth info on 100+ city sights

The Gaudi Bundle prices are as follows:

• Adults: €59.00
• Young adults (13-29): €55.00 
• Youth (11-12): €51.00 
• Senior (65+): €47.00 
• Kids (7-10): €14.00 
• Kids (0-6): free.

IMPORTANT: When booking you’ll simply be asked for a visit date and then a drop down menu will allow you to select visit times for Sagrada and Park Guell.

Sagrada Familia Tour in English

I always recommend spending a bit more and opting for an extended English guided tour offered exclusively by legendary tour operator Tiqets for only €48.00.

At 90 minutes it is almost double the length of the official La Sagrada Familia tour.

You also skip Sagrada Familia lines VIP-style and don’t have to wait to get in.

What’s Included in the Sagrada Familia English Tour

These Sagrada Familia guided tour tickets are with accredited and enthusiastic guides who are experts on Antoni Gaudi and his cathedral.

This is an exclusive service not found anywhere else and in my opinion is the best Sagrada Familia tour on the market. Feel free to check out Sagrada Familia tour reviews yourself – there’s a 97% 5-star rating.

You can choose between morning or afternoon tours. It runs seven days a week.

The tour is also smaller and more personal than the normal tour (which routinely caps out at 40 people) – the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and funny and you’ll be an expert in no time!

A friend of mine told me once that “without the tour it’s just some walls, columns, and statues” and after taking it myself I’m inclined to agree.

My Sagrada Familia Tour Experience

When you book you’ll get an confirmation email with meeting details (in front of the KFC outside) and there you simply have to get your name checked off the guide’s list with your confirmation number.

Before you go in for the tour it’s a thorough explanation of Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia’s history, and some interesting notes about the neighbourhood of Eixample.

Then they kit you up.

You’ll get a mini radio transmitter with earphones (yours to keep! useful for the Bus Turistic after) so you’ll never lose the guide’s voice. Once you’re in they’ll go into every nook and cranny of the Nativity Facade.

I just loved it when my guide brought things to life that I had passed by the first time without giving a second thought. Look at the bottom of the pillars for the Gaudi’s turtles – one of the earth’s oldest animals and a symbol of old world knowledge.

Yes, La Sagrada Familia church is being held up by wisdom!

From here, it’s on to inside with a beautiful explanation of the stained glass vision of Antoni Gaudí, the role the sun’s place in the sky plays in it, and info about the floor plan, stairwells, services, and pretty much everything else.

The tour ends on the Passion Façade with ominous stories surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the symbolism of the falling stones, and a revealed secret of Josep Subirach’s magic number square.

My favourite bit? Being pointing out where we can see the face of Antoni Gaudí hidden in plain sight among the characters immortalized in the façade sculptures – it’s based on a photo you can see in the museum downstairs.

Again, having been once before without a guide I can say the difference in understanding was day and night. What really impressed me was the way my guide handled questions from the group with ease and passion.

How to Purchase Sagrada Familia Guided Tour in English Tickets

If the Sagrada Familia tour that I took sounds good simply click the button below and you’ll have all the information you need plus the purchase links:

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Sagrada Familia Tower Visits

Note (01/13/2023): The Sagrada Familia towers are finally back open after COVID-related closures!

When buying tickets for La Sagrada Familia you’ll be given the option to upgrade to climb the stairs of one of its towers. Keep in mind though that due to crowds you’ll only be able to select one tower.

Which tower is the best?

The difference between the two towers is their height: the Nativity Facade is 55 meters (180 feet) tall while the Passion Facade is 75 meters (246 feet) tall.

For this reason I’d recommend choosing the Passion Tower as the view is slightly better.

Are Sagrada Familia Towers Worth it?

In both towers you go up by elevator and go down by stairs. For this reason visitors with mobility issues and children under 6 cannot be accepted.

It’s also not a great choice for claustrophobics as the stairwell is cramped.

The €7.00 price tag to climb the stairs also isn’t great value compared to other superior, cheaper views in the city. There are insane panoramic views at Park Guell and Turo de la Rovira that I’d recommend first.

In summer you’d also be more comfortable heading to a Barcelona’s best roof terraces like Hotel Grand Central or Hotel Pulitzer (usually open to non-guests after 8:00 pm).

Also, to ensure visitor safety the towers may be closed in bad weather. The hassle of having to get a refund may complicate your trip (if you need one contact [email protected]) – but you should receive it within 30 days.

My advice? Save the money for a roof terrace cocktail or get a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia.

If you do however get a La Sagrada Familia tower tour ticket please ensure that you head for the towers at the time indicated on your ticket. It should be the first thing you do once inside.

If you show up later you may not be given access if the usher is in a bad mood!

Sagrada Familia Opening Hours 2023

Again, as of January 2023 tickets are only available online so it is mandatory to book a time slot in advance online that allows you at least one hour to visit the church, during the following hours:

• Monday to Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Bookable time slots are every 15 minutes (:00, :15, :30, :45).

On December 25th and 26th and January 1st and 6th opening hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

How to Get to La Sagrada Família

You’ll find La Sagrada Familia church at the top of the trendy Eixample district at 42 Calle Marina.

It is served by the Sagrada Familia stop of the Barcelona metro system stop (purple line L2 and blue line L5).

The area is served by buses 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, B24, and V19.

You can also get to there using the Bus Turistic (blue line, Sagrada Familia stop).

If you’re having trouble getting there make sure you drop me a line in the comments below with your apartment or hostel address and I’ll be sure to help you find the quickest route.

Coming from another attraction? Here’s a quick list of directions I’ve made out for you:

• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Barcelona Airport
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Casa Batllo
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Placa de Catalunya
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Placa de Espanya
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Park Guell
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from Camp Nou
• How to get to Sagrada Familia from the Barcelona Cathedral

La Sagrada Familia Access Points

Once you’ve bought your La Sagrada Família tickets online head straight to the main visitor access point at the Nativity Façade on Calle Marina (indicated on metro exits) – don’t bother with the lines on the other side.

If you haven’t bought your tickets online and want to line up (not recommended) you’ll find the ticket windows at the Passion Façade on Calle Sardenya.

Visitors with disabilities and their companions should go to the Group Visitors Centre on Calle Marina.

Paella

Get a paella tasting menu at the legendary Bodega Joan!

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Where to Eat Near La Sagrada Familia

The best tapas restaurants near Sagrada Família offer the perfect opportunity to try one Spain’s most famous dishes – jamon (Serrano ham/prosciutto).

At just two minutes’ walk you’ll get to Enrique Tomas at Carrer Marina 261. Here you’ll be able to taste different types of ham including the very prestigious jamon ellota.

If you’re looking for local restaurants near Sagrada Familia then you should check out La Paradeta at 18 Passatge de Simó. Pick fresh Med fish from a market style counter and let the cooks do their magic! I recommend the Blanc Pescador wine.

Also, if you’re looking for a cheap restaurants near Sagrada Familia with tasty Spanish tapas classics and cask-stored vermouth then take the 5 minute walk to Celler Del Vermut at 239 Carrer de Lepant.

Visiting early? One of my best places to eat breakfast near Sagrada Familia will do the trick.

Finally, there are also great Italian restaurants and sushi restaurants near the basilica, if you’re looking to mix it up.

For more information check out my list of best restaurants in Barcelona.

Related: How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

Sagrada Familia Mass Times

Basilica Masses

Currently it is only possible for tourists to attend the International Masses on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am.

Entrance is at the Nativity Façade (Carrer de la Marina) from 8:30 am until capacity is reached, so it’s recommended to get there as early as possible. The mass lasts about an hour.

The dress code is ‘dignified’.

Related: How Long Does it Take to Visit Sagrada Familia?

Crypt Masses

Those interested in celebrating mass at the Crypt can so for free without booking at the following times:

• Weekdays TBA
• Saturday TBA
• Sundays and holidays TBA

Keep in mind regular Sunday masses are celebrated in the crypt and not the cathedral itself. In the end the Sagrada Familia crypt opening hours are those above – it’s closed at all other times.

If you’re looking to go to Sagrada Familia mass keep in mind there is standard Barcelona church dress code: women must cover their shoulders and have dresses cut off no higher than the knee.

Keep in mind you cannot take photos at either mass.

Extraordinary Masses

Throughout 2023 you’ll hopefully also be able to attend some of Sagrada Familia church’s masses held for special occasions like beatifications, Christmas mass, family masses etc.

You can solicit and invite and see the events calendar here.

Sagrada Familia Dress Code

Even though this Barcelona church is highly respected it’s not necessary to cover up completely.

However please following the dress code rules:

• Tops must cover the shoulders.
• No really low necklines or see through clothing.
• Shorts and skirts must go down to the knee.
• No beachwear, swimsuits, or flip flops.
• Don’t enter with promotional/political/antagonizing clothing.

The dress code at La Sagrada Família is not negotiable: please follow it to avoid problems!

Tips for Visiting La Sagrada Família

Showing up without tickets for Sagrada Familia and buying at the window means waiting in lines.

After 30+ minutes of queuing you’ll be booking a time slot that is crowd dependent so a 4:00 pm arrival could mean a 6:45 pm entrance.

To avoid the hassle buy your Sagrada Familia tickets online.

Some other visiting tips?

• Buy your Sagrada Familia fast track tickets in advance online because time slots tend to sell out (even low season)
• Go before 10 am for the best shot avoiding crowds.
• Set aside at least 90 minutes for the visit.
• Get there well in advance of your time slot as they can be sticklers.
• Check my post on things to do after visiting Sagrada Familia to plan your next move.
• The more natural light the better (sunset is great, nights should be avoided).
• Print out your Sagrada Familia tickets if you can as smartphone copies are hard to scan in the sun.
• Sit in the pews for at least 15 minutes to see the colours change as the sun moves.
• Keep an eye out for Barcelona pickpockets.
• If you need to go to the bathroom go to the Mcdonald’s outside beforehand!
• Avoid weekends if possible, the crowds are a nightmare!
• You can grab a perfect selfie angle on the escalator at the Calle Marina metro exit.
• iPhone users: change to the ‘chrome’ photo setting to really capture the colours of light.
• You may seriously want to stretch your neck as you’ll spend a lot of time looking up.
• Consider seeing the Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau (just 15 minutes away).
• Can’t decide a day? Check the Barcelona weather forecast and opt for the sunniest day.

Related: Best Time to Visit Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Família Church History

This epic creation started after a bookseller’s 1872 trip Italy. It was there that he saw a comparatively uninspiring minor basilica called the Basilica della Santa Casa.

After this spark of inspiration construction began in Barcelona in 1882. The ball got rolling under Francisco de Paula del Villar as a standard Gothic revival church.

He resigned in 1883.

Cue the arrival of the real architect: Antoni Gaudi. It’s here that radical project changes begin. The church takes on a decidedly modernist look with nature as its inspiration.

Antoni Gaudi would die in 1926 with the basilica only 20% complete.

Construction is later suspended during the Spanish Civil War and Antoni Gaudi’s plans are burned by Anarchists. After the war the construction is resumed by Gaudi’s contemporaries.

Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church in 2010.

What to See at La Sagrada Família Basilica

The Sagrada Familia Exterior

The outside of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is pure impact – only a madman would envision this.

Calling for 18 spires representing the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, and Jesus Christ – the latter will rise to 172.5 meters above street level, one meter shorter than the highest point in the municipality of Barcelona: Montjuic.

Why?

Head architect Antoni Gaudi believed that his creation shouldn’t surpass one of God.

Recently, in December 2021 the Tower of the Virgin Mary was finally topped off with a placement of a massive, illuminated star – the first tower inaugurated since 1976. At 137 meters it’s the highest tower currently completed.

The Nativity Façade

The Nativity Façade (shown above) serves as the church’s current main entrance – for the time being.

The walls recount the birth of Christ interspersed with vibrant, colourful scenes of nature.

It was constructed between 1894 and 1930, making it the the oldest Sagrada Familia façade – believe it or not, it’s actually the only portion of Sagrada Familia that Gaudi saw fully completed during his life.

It’s here we feel the energy of new life.

The Passion Façade

The opposite side is the Passion Façade, made in a cold and simplistic cubist style (which Antoni Gaudí designed on purpose since he despised cubism), with a wall of virtually colourless sculptures and bone-like columns depicting the downfall and eventual death of Jesus.

Gaudi designed this portion after an illness brought him almost to death’s door.

The construction actually only began in 1954, with the four towers being erected in a post-war boom economy.

It’s here we confront the cruel face of death.

Still under construction is the future main entrance at the Glory Façade (running along Carrer de Mallorca) which will depict scenes of heaven and hell and touch on the theme of the Resurrection and ascension to god.

🧐  |  Curious yet? Read over 25,000 Sagrada Familia reviews from all around the world.

Inside La Sagrada Familia

The interior is like stepping into the heart of a rainbow: the colour beaming in through the stained glass windows is other-worldly.

The light coming in from the Nativity Façade sparkles with ocean blues and forest greens while the Passion façade glows red and yellow. You’ll be able to tell the time of the day (blue/green in morning and red/yellow in afternoon) by which colours dominate.

The columns supporting the building were built to mirror trees and branches, each spanning various geometric forms. A simple example is a square base progressing to an octagon, passing to a sixteen-sided form and ending up in a circle.

None of the interior surfaces are flat and the level of detail to the ornamentation is something to behold.

Toward the front you’ll also be able to peek down into a small chapel (the only one constantly in use) and see Antoni Gaudi’s tomb in the floor decorated with a series of burning candles.

Sagrada Familia Completion Date

So far we’ve seen a completion of the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, the interior, and 8 towers.

So when will the Sagrada Familia be finished then? Don’t quote me on this but the city has an anticipated completion date of 2026 – so book your flight soon to get a good price!

Yes, almost 100 years after Gaudi’s death they’re still hard at work on the Glory Façade, and 10 additional towers including the tallest (172 meters/564 feet) and most spectacular that will be dedicated to Jesus Christ.

Can you believe it? Even though it’s still under construction, La Sagrada Familia is still the biggest tourist attraction in all of Spain with more than 3.2 million visitors a year.

La Sagrada Familia FAQ

Can I buy La Sagrada Familia tickets on the day?

Traditionally yes, though from 2022 onward it is now only possible to buy tickets online.

Have Sagrada Familia tickets sold out at any point?

It is not uncommon for Sagrada Familia tickets to sell out over holidays and weekends and at any time during high season: for this reason and the one listed above it is recommended to reserve online in advance.

Is the Sagrada Familia audio guide available in English?

Yes.

Do I have to print my tickets for Sagrada Familia beforehand?

No, you can show them on your smartphone.

If I buy Sagrada Familia tickets online what entrance do I use?

Those with tickets enter on Carrer de la Marina (the Nativity Facade).

What happens if I show up later than the time indicated on my ticket?

Don’t show up late. They’re big sticklers here and you’ll only have a ten minute margin to enter.

How long does the tour last?

About an hour and a half.

When is the best time to visit Sagrada Familia?

The best time to visit to avoid crowds is during the opening time slots at 9:00 am. This is especially true early in the week between Monday and Wednesday.

It it worth it to do the tower tour?

To be honest it’s not going to be a can’t-miss attraction: the prices go up considerably and you’re going to get a better view at other locations like Park Guell anyway.

Guided tour or tower tour?

I always suggest paying the extra €2.50 and getting yourself an informative and entertaining guide that will give you the key to unlock this amazing building.

Can I take the tower tour without the audio guide?

No.

How tall is the Sagrada Familia?

At the moment the tallest part of Barcelona’s famous church is 115 meters (377 feet).

The church will eventually rise to 172.5 meters tall (565 feet) – one meter lower than the tallest point in the city: Montjuic.

What’s the ticket with the “CASA MUSEO GAUDÍ” option?

This ticket gives you the opportunity to visit an old house of Antoni Gaudí (now a museum) found on the site of Park Guell. CAREFUL: this doesn’t refer to entrance for the monumental portion of Park Guell, which must be paid separately.

Is it worth it to go inside La Sagrada Familia?

Only seeing the outside of the church is preventing you from seeing half the genius.

The light play and stained glass of the inside is worth the price of ticket alone, not to mention Gaudi’s tomb and the ability to learn so much more with guided tours, audio guides etc.

See the inside.

Can I take photos inside?

Yes.

When is Sagrada Familia lit up?

From Monday to Thursday between 8:00 pm and 12:00 am.

Can I take some cool photos at night?

It’s best to take night photos while it is lit up but regardless you’ll be able to get some decent shots even when the lights are not on.

How do I get to Sagrada Familia from Park Güell?

Take bus V19 from 170 meters outside the park exit (Ramiro de Maeztu – C N Catalunya) and get off at the Pg. de Sant Joan – Còrsega stop, then from there it’s a 13 minute walk.

I outline this fully in my post on how to get to Sagrada Familia from Park Guell.

How do I get to Park Guell from Sagrada Familia?

This common route only takes about 30 minutes if done properly.

I would walk down Calle Provença to the Verdaguer metro station. From here you can take the yellow line of the metro up to Alfons X station.

It’s from here that you can grab the free shuttle included with your ticket.

The shuttle drops you off right at the gates.

Does the Bus Turistic stop at the Sagrada Familia?

Yes, the blue Bus Turistic line has a stop at the basilica.

How do I get to Sagrada Familia from the cruise port?

I do not recommend a €25.00-€30.00 (one way) Barcelona taxi from the Barcelona cruise port.

Instead you should be taking the shuttle from your dock to the Columbus Statue and then grabbing the metro at the station Drassanes.

From here it’s only a few stops and will cost €2.20 (return).

What will Sagrada Familia look like when completed?

To see what the finished product will look like check out this video animation.

How many façades of Sagrada Familia are there?

There are three monumental façades: the Passion Façade, the Nativity Façade, and the Glory Façade (still under construction, not open to the public).

What does Sagrada Familia mean?

Sagrada Familia means ‘holy family’ in Spanish.

Why is Sagrada Família unfinished?

According to the master architect Antoni Gaudí there was no need for a completion date. His response to such questions was simply ‘my client (god) is not in a hurry’.

It is also a question of quality. The current ‘slow architecture’ model has allowed the basilica to be influenced by the skills and craft of many generations of talented architects.

That said, there are the obvious budget constraints.

How much does it cost to build La Sagrada Familia?

There is no definitive answer on how much money has been spent so far but the current budget estimates are €25 million per year.

What is Sagrada Familia made out of?

The bell towers of the Nativity Façade (built during Gaudi’s time) are made from sandstone taken from nearby Montjuic. The quarry there has since shut down, so for consistency it can only be taken from demolished buildings.

The other towers are largely made up of granite of a similar colour and resistance.

The main nave and vaults are made from reinforced concrete.

Which metro to Sagrada Familia?

You can reach Sagrada Familia using the purple or blue lines of the metro at the Sagrada Familia stop. There is also the option to take the yellow line to Verdaguer – from here it’s a short 7-8 minute walk.

Is Sagrada Família free?

Unfortunately no. As it is a work in progress which relies on ‘donations’ (tickets) to complete it you must book tickets in advance.

How much are Sagrada Familia tickets?

General admission tickets start at €33.80 if bought in advance online. From there the prices increase to €48.00 for a guided tour in English.

How far in advance can I buy Sagrada Familia tickets?

General admission tickets can be bought up to two months (60 days) in advance. It is recommended to buy tickets at least two weeks in advance in low season) or 30-60 days in advance in high season.

Which Sagrada Familia tour is best?

The best price-quality ratio Sagrada Familia tour runs at 90 minutes (longer than the traditional one) and is offered by TGI City Tours.

Can you tell me when to buy Sagrada Familia tickets?

Tickets can be bought up to 60 days in advance and should be bought as early as possible to avoid disappointment, especially in high season (April-Sept, Easter, Christmas).

Visiting La Sagrada Família?

Write me with any questions you didn’t get answered here.

Also, this article aside know that any question you have about your Barcelona holiday will be answered in the comments within 24 hours, guaranteed.

And don’t be afraid to join the La Sagrada Família discussion by first liking the Barcelona Hacks Facebook page and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.

Anything goes!