Practical guide to visiting Barcelona’s Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is an iconic symbol of Barcelona. Construction of this monumental church began in 1882, and Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece remains unfinished. Due to its immense popularity, it’s important to order your tickets in advance if you wish to visit the Sagrada Família.

Sagrada FamíliaTickets, opening hours & public transportation
TicketsTickets €33,80 Book online now
Children and adults aged 11 – 29 years €31.20 Book online now
Children under 10 get in for free (just make sure you order a ticket) Book online now
AddressCarrer de Mallorca 401 (Eixample Dreta)
Public transportation / subwayMetro: Sagrada Familia (L2/L5)
Hop-on Hop-off bus
Opening hoursNov-Feb: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun: 10:30am-6:00pm
March & Oct: Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm, Sun: 10:30am-7:00pm
April-Sept: Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 10:30-20:00 a.m.
25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 6 Jan: 9.00-14.00.

Table of contents

What is the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família (literally: “The Holy Family”) is Antoni Gaudí’s world famous church in the Eixample neighborhood in Barcelona and the most visited monument in Barcelona. People from all over the world come to admire the basilica, some because of its architecture, others for religious reasons. Both outside and inside, this basilica with its unique shapes and structures is completely different from any other church in the world. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half for the church itself, and if you want to go into one of the towers, about 1,5 hours.

Definitely buy your tickets in advance, because a spontaneous visit is no longer possible nowadays, it is simply too crowded.

Tickets & guided tours Sagrada Família

Tickets for the Sagrada Família are only sold online. We advise you to book on time because popular time slots are often not available anymore and depending on the time of the year last minute you may not be able to see the famous church from the inside at all.

1. Standard ticket with audioguide
The standard ticket allows you to see the outside of the church much closer, and it is precisely the details of the church that are so interesting. But of course it’s all about the amazing inside: very different from any other church you’ve ever seen. The vaults, the pillars, the statues and the fantastic light through the stained glass windows. The ticket includes an audio guide.

  • Secure payment
  • Change or cancel up to 48 hours before your visit
  • Booking and customer service in English

2. Standard ticket with audio guide and towers
Optionally, you can also book tickets including a visit to the towers. The towers are definitely an architectural masterpiece and of course you get a great view as well. This ticket also includes the audio guide.. Access to the tower will be exactly 1 hour after your selected time to access the Basilica. For safety reasons, only children over 6 can visit the towers and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Secure payment
  • Change or cancel up to 48 hours before your visit
  • Booking and customer service in English

3. Tour with an English-speaking guide
You can also choose to visit the Sagrada Família with a guide. This way, you’ll gain deeper insights into the history, architecture, and Gaudí’s life. A Sagrada Família tour typically the entrance ticket in the price.

FAQs – Sagrada Familia

Can you just walk into the Sagrada Família?

No, you need to buy a ticket online to visit the Sagrada Família. Tickets are often sold out in advance, so make sure you book them on time.

How to get to the Sagrada Família?


The easiest way is to take the metro to the Sagrada Família station. Both the blue line (L5) and the purple line (L2) stop here.

Does the Hop-on Hop-off bus stop at the Sagrada Família?


The Hop-on Hop-off bus also stops at the Sagrada Família.

How much time do you need to visit the Sagrada Família?


To fully appreciate the Sagrada Família, you should plan to spend around 75-90 minutes exploring the basilica itself. If you decide to include a visit to the towers, your total visit will take approximately 90-105 minutes.

What are the clothing guidelines for visiting the Sagrada Família?


Hats and caps are not allowed, except for those worn for health reasons or religious beliefs. As a Catholic Church, attire must reflect respect for the faith. Shoulders must be covered, and short tops, see-through clothing, short pants, shorts, bare backs, bare midriffs, and flip-flops are not permitted. Please bring or wear appropriate clothing, as none will be provided on-site. Clothing designed to attract attention, including festive attire (whether religious or not), is not allowed.

Is the Sagrada Família wheelchair accessible?


Yes, the Sagrada Família is wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair users cannot visit the towers. Visitors with disabilities of more than 65% can visit the church for free and do not have to queue. The Sagrada Família is perfectly accessible by public transportation for wheelchair users. All buses and metros have access plates and special seats for wheelchair users.

Are you allowed to bring a bag/backpack inside the Sagrada Familia?


If you visit the towers of the Sagrada Família, you are required to store your backpack in a locker. You will need coins to use the lockers, so make sure you have some loose coins in your pocket.

Can I get to the Sagrada Família by bicycle or walking from the city center?


You can easily cycle to the Sagrada Família from the city center in about 20-25 minutes, with several bike racks available around the church and a bike path running along Carrer de Provença. Alternatively, you can walk from Plaça Catalunya, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes, passing through the beautiful Passeig de Gràcia.

Can children enter the Sagrada Família for free?


Children under the age of 10 can enter the Sagrada Família for free they do need a ticket. Children under 6 are not allowed to go up the towers and anyone under 18 can only go up the towers accompanied by an adult. We recommend booking tickets in advance.

How does the time slot for my Sagrada Familia tickets work?


Please note that the Sagrada Família works with fixed visiting hours (time slot). That means you need to decide in advance (when you book your tickets) what time you want to visit the church. Then make sure to be at the entrance on time as well. Tickets are only valid for the time chosen. If you arrive late, you won’t be able to enter. You are allowed to go inside from 15 minutes before until 15 minutes after your visiting time.

What is the best time to visit the Sagrada Família?

The best time to visit depends on your schedule and availability, as some time slots can sell out well in advance, especially during peak season. The light inside the basilica varies by time of day and season: cooler colors (blue and green) are prominent in the morning, while warmer tones (yellow and orange) dominate in the afternoon. In winter, it can be dark towards closing time, making the stained glass less visible. However, the basilica is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a romantic view.

Which Sagrada Família tower is the best to visit?


You have a choice between the towers at the nativity façade (west) and the towers at the passion façade (east). From the first towers you look out on the east of the city and from the last you look towards the center. Both towers are worth it. At the Passion façade, the highest point is a bit higher and this tower is recommendable if you want to enjoy the sunset. The nativity façade on the other hand has a longer bridge. Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit both towers with the same entrance ticket.

My personal tips

  • Don’t forget going to the little parks on both sides of the Sagrada Familia to see the church from a distance and take some beautiful pictures.
  • A visit to the Sagrada Família combines with a visit to other modernista highlights such as the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista or de Passeig de Gràcia with Casa Milà (La Pedrera)Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller.
  • From the Hotel Ayre Roselló or Hotel Majestic roof terraces you have a great view on the Sagrada Familia.

Also read: 20X things to do on a first visit to Barcelona

What to see and do at the Sagrada Família

If you don’t have tickets to the Sagrada Família, you can still explore its exterior. The church is surrounded by green areas (parks) on either side, offering excellent views of the basilica. From these gardens and the street, we can admire all three façades and the completed towers.

Façades of the Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is designed in the shape of a Latin cross, with a central nave and a three-aisled transept. Each of its three façades represents a different aspect of Christ’s life and can be admired from the outside. However, purchasing an entrance ticket provides access to more detailed views inside the basilica.

Nativity Facade

The Nativity facade, crafted by Gaudí himself, is located along Carrer de la Marina, which is also the entrance in case you have tickets. This façade is distinguished by its darker color and elaborate decorations. It depicts the birth of Christ, featuring numerous Biblical figures and significant elements of nature, which is a recurring theme in Gaudí’s work. This façade is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After Gaudí’s death, Japanese designer Etsuro Sotoo, the current chief sculptor, continued working on its sculptures.

Façade geboorte, gebouw, beelden, ramen, mensen

The facade of the Nativity, completed by Gaudí.

Passion Facade

After Gaudí’s death in 1926, progress on the Sagrada Família stalled, and a fire in the crypt in 1936 destroyed many original designs. When the project resumed in the 1950s, new architects created a modern interpretation of Gaudí’s vision, sparking controversy among his admirers. The Passion façade, designed by architect Josep María Subirachs, was first adorned with statues in 1987. Unlike the Nativity facade, it features a more austere and minimalistic style, highlighting the suffering of Christ.

Glory Facade

The Glory facade, situated on Carrer de Mallorca, is still under construction and will be the most significant according to Gaudí’s design. It represents death, heaven, and the glory of God, and is intended to serve as the main entrance to the basilica. Gaudí’s plans for this facade involve the removal of two city blocks, which has significant implications for local residents.

Inside the Sagrada Família

With a ticket to the Sagrada Família, we can explore its stunning interior, which was completed in 2010. A visit to the church is truly worthwhile.

The interior is illuminated by the stained-glass windows, which cast a mesmerizing array of colors throughout the day—blue, yellow, greenish, red-orange, and more. But the light is just one of the many extraordinary features. The grand columns, designed by Gaudí, reach skyward and create a forest-like canopy that was revolutionary and unique at the time.

Throughout the interior, we’ll encounter an array of natural elements, including animals, flowers, and plants. Be sure to look upwards to fully appreciate the architectural marvel.

Additionally, the impressive organ boasts 1,492 pipes, adding to the grandeur of the space.

Binnenkant gebouw, kleur, palen, ramen, hoog

On the Façade of Glory side, we can admire a striking five-meter-high bronze door. This door features the Lord’s Prayer inscribed in Catalan, with the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread” displayed in numerous languages.

Sagrada Família Museum

Located in the basement of the basilica, the Sagrada Família Museum offers a deep dive into Gaudí’s history, his architectural vision, and the ongoing progress of the basilica. We can view old images and documents, and peek into the workshop where decorative elements are crafted. Admission to the museum is included with our entrance ticket.

Crypt

Also situated in the basement, the crypt was Gaudí’s residence during his final years. Here, he slept and kept a model of his vision for the Sagrada Família. Gaudí is buried in the crypt, which, like the Nativity Façade, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The central altar features an altarpiece by sculptor Josep Llimona, and there are four chapels dedicated to the Virgin of El Carmen (where Gaudí’s tomb is located), Christ, the Virgin of Montserrat, and Christ on the Cross (where the tomb of Josep María Bocabella, the founder of the Sagrada Família, is found). The crypt’s floor is adorned with a Roman mosaic depicting wheat and vines.

Towers

The towers represent the twelve apostles, with four bell towers on each façade. Additionally, there are four towers dedicated to the evangelists, and a central tower under construction to symbolize Christ among the evangelists. Another tower will be dedicated to Mary.

The shortest tower reaches 90 meters, while the tallest will eventually rise 172.5 meters, making it the highest religious structure in Europe and the tallest building in Barcelona. A quirky detail: Gaudí limited the tallest tower to 172.5 meters to avoid surpassing Montjuïc Hill, which he considered a divine creation. Montjuïc was thought to be around 173 meters high, though its actual highest point is 180 meters.

We can also visit one of the towers during our visit. Ascending is possible by elevator, but descending requires using the stairs. There is an additional fee for tower access, so be sure to book this option when reserving your ticket.

Which tower should I choose?

You can choose between two towers: one on the Nativity Façade and one on the Passion Façade. The Nativity Façade tower offers views of the eastern part of the city, while the Passion Façade tower provides a perspective toward the city center. Both towers are worth visiting; however, the Passion Façade tower reaches a slightly higher point, while the Nativity Façade tower features a longer bridge. Note that it is not possible to visit both towers with a single entrance ticket.

For safety reasons, individuals with limited mobility or vision, as well as children under six years old, are not permitted to access the towers. Children up to 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

If adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or rain, affect the tower elevators, access may be temporarily restricted. In such cases, a refund will be provided.

Spiral

In the Sagrada Família, there are no interior walls. From the tower, you’ll have a stunning view of the spiral staircase winding down. It’s a breathtaking sight, but make sure to hold on tightly!

Sagrada Família Schools

Gaudí envisioned the Sagrada Família as the heart of a community, complete with workshops and schools. As part of this vision, a school building (Escoles de la Sagrada Família) was constructed on the site in 1908-1909 to educate the children of the workers. Gaudí intended for this building to be demolished once the space was needed for the church’s expansion.

Famous architects like Le Corbusier and Santiago Calatrava have drawn inspiration from the undulating forms of this school building.

Your entrance ticket includes access to this annex. You can also view the building from the outside; it is located to the right when facing the Passion Façade.

Photography

You can take as many photos as you want during your visit to Gaudí’s temple. Photography is allowed basically everywhere, except during ceremonies or during a mass.

Sagrada Família by Season

Sagrada Família in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to travel to Barcelona, including to visit the Sagrada Família. There are fewer tourists during this period (except around Easter and in May). Even so, it is still convenient for us to order tickets online before we go, especially around Easter.

Sagrada Família in Summer

In the summer months, the Sagrada Família is open 2 hours longer. Keep in mind that most tourists come during the summer, making these the busiest months with longer wait times. Therefore, it is convenient for us to buy tickets in advance.

Sagrada Família in Autumn

Autumn is a good time to visit Barcelona. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, which is perfect for visiting the Sagrada Família and other sights.

Sagrada Família in Winter

We recommend visiting the basilica early in the day during winter. This is because it gets dark quickly, and we might see less of the stained glass windows. At night, however, the church is beautifully lit, providing a picturesque view. A big advantage is that it is usually less crowded in winter. After visiting the Sagrada Família, we can head to the Christmas market Fira de Nadal, where we will have a great view of the nativity scene of the basilica.

Attending a mass at the Sagrada Família

For those interested in attending a Eucharist at the Sagrada Família, there are several options available. Holy Masses are held either in the crypt under the church or at the main altar inside the church.

Mass schedule Sagrada Família crypt

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. (Spanish) and 8:15 p.m.
  • All days prior to a holiday: 7:30 p.m.
  • Sundays and holidays:
    • 9:00 a.m. (Spanish)
    • 10:30 a.m.
    • 11:45 a.m. (Spanish)
    • 1:00 p.m.
    • 6:30 p.m. (winter only)
    • 8:15 p.m. (Spanish)

Unless otherwise noted, Mass takes place in Catalan.

International Mass Sagrada Família Great Altar

On Sundays, special international Eucharistic services are held at the Sagrada Família’s Great Altar. These services are free to attend and are conducted partly in French, English, and Italian. After the service, you have the opportunity to explore the Sagrada Família for free.

  • Seating: 700 seats and 2,000 standing places are available.
  • Arrival: Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, as seating is limited and fills up quickly.

Mass lasts about an hour and a half. During Mass, please behave respectfully, consider your choice of clothing, and refrain from taking numerous photos.

Visit the Sagrada Família for free

Admiring Gaudí’s masterpiece from the outside costs absolutely nothing, but you do pay for the interior. Still, there are opportunities to visit the basilica for free.

During and After the International Mass on Sunday Morning

Every Sunday morning, the Sagrada Família holds a special international Mass at the Great Altar. This service is conducted partly in French, English, and Italian. Attending this Mass is free of charge, and after the service, you have the opportunity to explore the basilica without purchasing an entrance ticket.

During La Mercè Celebrations

Around the city celebrations in honor of La Mercè, often held around September 24th, the Sagrada Família usually provides free tickets for several days. This is a great chance to visit the basilica without any cost, but tickets are limited and tend to be in high demand, so planning ahead is crucial.

History and architecture of the Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família (full name: Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família), considered the masterpiece of modernista architect Antoni Gaudí, is still under construction after more than 135 years. The church is expected to be completed in 2032.

Timeline of the Sagrada Família

1882: The construction of the Sagrada Família begins. Francisco de Paula del Villar, an old acquaintance from Gaudí’s student days, puts the design on paper, and the first stone is laid.

1886: Antoni Gaudí is appointed architect. He initially estimates that he will need about 10 years to complete the project.

1910: Gaudí begins working exclusively on the Sagrada Família. At one point, he becomes so committed to the project that he moves into the construction site studio.

1926: Gaudí is hit by a tram and dies three days later in the hospital, marking a provisional end to his life’s work.

1936: A fire in the crypt destroys all existing designs.

1954: The decision is made to revive the project, and construction resumes.

1987: The facade of the Passion, the “modern” side, is completed, and the first statue by Subirachs is placed.

2010: The interior work is completed. Pope Benedict XVI consecrates the site as a basilica, with tens of thousands of people in attendance.

2020-2021: The pandemic hits the Sagrada Família hard. With the project funded by tourist visits, construction halts for months due to lack of income.

2026: The Sagrada Família was initially slated for completion, but this goal is no longer attainable.

2032: The new projected completion date for the Sagrada Família is set for 2032, marking 150 years since the first stone was laid.

Why is the Sagrada Família tstil unfinished?

The Sagrada Família remains incomplete, partly due to the project’s immense scale. Once finished, it will be the largest church building in the world, reflecting Gaudí’s grand vision. However, Gaudí’s working methods also contributed to the lengthy construction. He frequently modified the design, particularly the characteristic towers, which were originally planned to be three times higher. His intricate work on the Nativity façade, filled with biblical scenes and natural elements, also took considerable time.

Funding has been a significant obstacle. The church was intended to be a penitential church, funded solely by alms, as per its creator Bocabella. Gathering sufficient donations was challenging, especially during World War I, leading Gaudí to personally collect money door-to-door.

When questioned about the prolonged construction, Gaudí would say, “My God is in no hurry.”

Entry fee

In the 1980s, the church committee introduced an entrance fee, which significantly accelerated construction. By 2010, the interior of the church was completed. However, the exterior and the towers are still under construction, with around a hundred sculptors working daily, except Sundays, to continue Gaudí’s vision.

Originally, the goal was to finish the Sagrada Família by 2026, marking 100 years since Gaudí’s death. However, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted these plans, making it clear that this deadline will not be met.

Man met baard, zwart-wit foto

Who was Antoni Gaudí?

Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most renowned architect, is the leading figure of Catalan Modernism, a regional variant of Jugendstil and Art Nouveau. For the last sixteen years of his life, after completing his work on Casa Milà (commonly known as La Pedrera or “The Quarry”), Gaudí dedicated himself exclusively to the Sagrada Família. Over time, he transformed from a flamboyant young man into a reclusive figure, known for his humble attire and deep Catholic faith.

Inspired by ancient Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals, Gaudí diverged from the original neo-Gothic design of his predecessor. Instead, he aimed to convey the teachings of the four evangelists through his unique architectural vision. A model of his ambitious temple was always present by his bedside.

In 1926, Gaudí was tragically struck by a tram and died in the hospital three days later. His death marked a temporary halt to his monumental work. A well-known quote by Gaudí reflects his dedication: “Mis grandes amigos están muertos; no tengo familia, ni clientes, ni fortuna, ni nada. Así puedo entregarme totalmente al Templo.” Translated to English, it means, “My good friends are dead; I have no family, no clients, no fortune, nothing. Thus I can give myself completely to the temple”—referring to the Sagrada Família.

Fun Fact: Gaudí’s likeness appears twice in the Sagrada Família: once as the face of Joseph on the Nativity Façade and again in the Passion Façade, where Veronica holds the face of Jesus on a piece of cloth.

Other famous buildings by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona :

Magic square

Vierkant, getallen, vakjes, oud

One of the intriguing features of the Sagrada Família is the magic square designed by Josep María Subirachs, who was responsible for the Passion façade. This 4×4 grid is more than just a decorative element; it holds symbolic significance.

The magic square consists of 16 squares, with the unique property that the sum of the numbers in each row, column, and diagonal always equals 33. This number is significant for two reasons: it represents the age of Christ at his death, and it is also associated with the number of degrees in the Order of Freemasons.

The inclusion of this magic square reflects Gaudí’s and Subirachs’ fascination with symbolism and the deeper meanings embedded in the architecture of the Sagrada Família.

Restaurants near the Sagrada Família

  • Buenas Migas: focaccias, salads, smoothies and homemade icetea, pastries, super tasty coffee with fresh milk, extensive tea menu and organic yogurt with everything in it
  • La Paradeta: for the real fish lovers! Expect about €25 per person for a table full of seafood. Closed on Mondays and between 4pm-8pm.
  • Xurrería Sagrada Família: old-fashioned churros with chocolate sauce (they have a tiny terrace, so you have to get a little lucky!).
  • Vermutería La Nonna Delia, carrer Padilla 305. This is the place to go for fresh pasta, empanadas and other homemade dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
  • Casa Angela: Mediterranean, European, Spanish and Catalan dishes. With a seat on the terrace, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Gaudi’s masterpiece. Also, sitting here in the evening is very cozy!
  • Gaudí Bakery: a place with delicious cakes, sandwiches and coffee. You can go to Gaudí’s bakery for breakfast, lunch or brunch. This bakery is about a 10-minute walk from the Sagrada Familia.

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My name is Annebeth, I’m originally from The Netherlands and I have been home in Barcelona for 22 years. As an online guide, journalist, author of many travel guides about the city and co-owner of bicycle tour company El Ciclo, Barcelona is my great inspiration and I am happy to share everything I know (and learn) with you. You will also find personal tips and recommendations so you can experience that authentic, local and unique Barcelona feeling once you’re here.