La Sagrada Familia Tour
La Sagrada Familia, architect Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, although unfinished, is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. Adorning the skyline of the city of Barcelona, it is the city’s most famous monument, combining Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in such a breath-taking way.
For its origins, foundation, and purpose, the Sagrada Familia Basilica is a one-of-a-kind temple visited by more than 4 million people every year from all around the world.
In this article, we answer some of the frequently asked questions about the monument and share Sagrada Familia tips to help you make the most of your Sagrada Familia tour.
The number of Sagrada Familia tickets is limited, and they have set entry times, to avoid overcrowding during peak times. The disadvantage is that ticket lines might be exceedingly long. To avoid waiting in queues, book your tickets online, which are available up to two months ahead of time in an attempt to reduce lines.
You can also save time and money by getting the Go Barcelona Pass, which includes skip-the-line ticket access to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell as well as discounts at other major Barcelona attractions.
Gaudi’s use of light is one of the most stunning aspects of the Sagrada Familia. The naves of the church are illuminated by huge stained-glass windows when sunlight strikes the windows directly in the mid-morning and late afternoon, the effect is mesmerizing. These are the most optimal times to fully admire and soak in the impact of Gaudi’s vision. If you want panoramic views of the city, consider visiting the Sagrada Familia towers.
The Sagrada Familia tower tickets include an audio-guided tour and allow you to see areas of the church that aren’t visible from the ground level, as well as ongoing construction development.
If you do decide to visit the towers, then the Nativity Façade is the most recommended as these are the oldest and only towers in the Sagrada Familia that Antoni Gaudi worked on. The Nativity Façade’s towers contain a tiny bridge that allows for better views of the city and a closer look at the elements of the façade.
The audio guide is certainly worth the extra money if this is your first visit to the Sagrada Familia. It’s intriguing and educational, and, it discusses and interprets Gaudi’s design and concept as well as the building’s history.
You can also book a Sagrada Familia private tour with expert guides to tell you about the basilica and answer all of your questions (multilingual guides are also available).
Sagrada Familia tickets can be purchased up to two months in advance online, although it is recommended to purchase your tickets at least 5 days ahead of time to ensure that you can book your tickets for your favored time slot. Because most tours arrive in the morning, there is usually more availability in the afternoon.
The Sagrada Familia basic ticket is the most affordable option. You can visit the basilica and the museum with this ticket, but it does not include an audio-guided tour or a tour of the towers.
Only the last two hours before the Sagrada Familia closes are available for the basic ticket. You’ll have to book a guided tour or purchase separate Sagrada Familia tickets if you want to see the Basilica earlier in the day or visit the towers.
Yes, if it’s available, once inside, you may be able to purchase an audio guide or pay to visit the Basilica’s towers.
If you’re flexible and don’t mind visiting the Sagrada Familia at a specific time, you may typically buy sagrada familia tickets online up to 24 hours ahead of time or even on the day of the visit.
It is still worth it to view the Sagrada Familia from the outside, even if you do not enter. The little parks on either side of the basilica provide excellent photo opportunities for your album.
The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most well-known attraction, and admission is included in several popular tourist passes such as:
Pass – It includes admission to the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, as well as a trip on the Barcelona Port Cable Car and a bus ticket for easy transport around the city, along with a 10% discount at popular sites.
Barcelona Pass – One of the options available with the Go Barcelona Pass is a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia.
Gaudi Bundle – This pass includes skip-the-line access and audio guides to both the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Yes, the Sagrada Familia is wheelchair accessible. The wheelchair-accessible entrance is located in front of the Passion Façade, where a ramp is placed that leads up to the nave entrance. There is also a ramp leading down to the basilica’s little museum in the basement.
Because of the small flight of stairs leading to the elevator, the towers are not accessible to people with disabilities.
The metro station of Sagrada Familia is wheelchair accessible. All of Barcelona’s public buses have wheelchair ramps, making travel easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities.
The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic church that holds mass on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. The ceremony lasts around an hour and is offered in a variety of languages.
There are a limited number of spots available, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to attend mass, arrive before 8:30 a.m. for Sunday services and at 7:30 p.m. for Saturday services at the door in front of the Nativity Façade.
The Sagrada Familia opens its doors at 9 a.m. every day, but closing times may vary according to the seasons.
Closing Times:
to November – 6 pm
26th December, 1st & 6th Jan – 2 pm
7 pm
to September – 8 pm
7 pm
Regular masses used to be celebrated in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia. Now, on Saturdays and Sundays, since 2019, International Mass has been held in the nave.
Since the Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church, it's important to dress modestly for your Sagrada Familia tour. Avoid clothes that show too much skin.
Don’t wear tight shorts, swimwear, festival outfits, promotional clothes, strapless tops, or flip-flops. The best options are pants or skirts that go past your mid-thigh and tops that cover your shoulders. If you're wearing a sleeveless top or dress, bring a jacket or shawl to cover up before entering the basilica.
There are many restaurants around the Sagrada Familia, offering something for everyone.
No matter how you choose to spend your day on the Sagrada Familia tour, the most important thing is to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you explore on your own or with a tour guide, experiencing this magnificent monument for the first time is unmatched.