Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia
Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic churches in the world and an essential stop for anyone traveling to Barcelona. This monumental masterpiece by Gaudí attracts millions of visitors each year. It stands as one of the key symbols of both Barcelona and Spain, drawing crowds from around the globe. If you’re planning to visit the Sagrada Família soon, it’s wise to organize your trip ahead of time to avoid disappointment and make the bets out of your visit.
Prices and opening hours
The Sagrada Familia has various options and ticket prices, listed below:
- Basic Ticket: €26
- Guided Tour: €30
- Guided Tour with Tower Access: €40
- Self-Guided Visit with Tower Access: €36
Note: Prices are per person. Disabled individuals and their companions only pay for additional services; general entrance to the Basilica is free for these groups.
Opening Hours:
November to February:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
March and October:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
April to September:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Special Dates (December 25th and 26th, January 1st and 6th): 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Practical information
The Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited sights in Spain and Europe. We recommend that you book your tickets well in advance to make sure that you’ll be able to see the church from the inside. You can book a self-guided tour or a guided tour here.
If you want to beat the crowds we recommend you to book a ticket with a time-slot early in the morning. Between 11.00h and 16.00h it can get very busy in and around the church, which may cause some disturbance. Barcelona isn’t a very big city, which means you can easily combine a visit to the Sagrada Familia with some of the other main sights such as the Hospital de Sant Pau (hidden gem!), Casa Battló and a visit to the famous shopping street Passeig de Gracia.
The city is very easy to navigate by public transport and getting from one sight to the other won’t take more than 20-30 minutes. If you’re feeling up to it, the city is very walkable as well and it’s easy to navigate thanks to the square blocks that make up the city. Find out more on how to get to the Sagrada Familia in the next section.
How to get there
Metro
There are 2 metro lines that serve the Sagrada Familia: the purple line (L2) and the blue line (L5). Take one of these to the stop called “Sagrada Familia”, when you exit the station you will find yourself either at the front or the back of the church. Either way, you can’t miss it.
Taxi
Taxis are everywhere and relatively cheap in Barcelona. You can easily hail one on of the black and yellow cars on the street. The green light on the roof means the taxi is available. You can also choose to download one of the many transportation apps that serve the city: Freenow, Uber, Bolt and Cabify are all good options and can sometimes even be a cheaper option than a regular taxi. If you do use a regular taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter to avoid being scammed.
Hop-on hop-off bus
The hop-on hop-off bus companies also stop right in front of the Sagrada Familia.
By car
Coming by car? Parking can be a bit of a challenge in Barcelona, however there are several good parking garages close to the Sagrada Familia. I usually park at one of these:
– Parking BSM Mercat Sagrada Família
– Parking Sagrada Familia
– Pàrquing NN València street
Keep in mind that parking garages are usually quite small in Barcelona and the spaces can be tight. If you’re driving an electric vehicle you can go to the first garage (BSM Mercat) as this is the only option as far as I know that has several spots where you can charge your car.
History of the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is considered one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring architectural marvels in the world. It attracts millions of visitors each year and is the highlight of many travelers Barcelona trip.
Where it started
The journey of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 when construction commenced under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. Initially envisioned as a neo-Gothic church, the project took a transformative turn in 1883 when Antoni Gaudí, a young and visionary architect, took over. Gaudí reimagined the design entirely, infusing it with his distinctive modernist style and deep religious devotion.
Gaudí envisioned the basilica as a “Bible in stone,” where every element would tell a story. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and naturalistic motifs were designed to reflect both divine inspiration and the harmony of nature.
Gaudi’s dedication
For over 40 years, Gaudí devoted himself to the Sagrada Familia, with the last 15 years of his life focused exclusively on the project. Tragically, in 1926, Gaudí was struck by a tram and passed away, leaving the basilica incomplete. His remains are interred in the crypt of the church, a testament to his unwavering commitment
Gaudí envisioned the basilica as a “Bible in stone,” where every element would tell a story. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and naturalistic motifs were designed to reflect both divine inspiration and the harmony of nature.
Construction continued after Gaudí’s death, but progress was slow due to limited funds and the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Much of Gaudí’s original plans and models were destroyed during the conflict, forcing subsequent architects to interpret his vision.
In the late 20th century, advances in technology, including computer-aided design, accelerated the construction process. By 2010, the interior of the basilica was completed and consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI, marking a major milestone in its history.
The Sagrada Familia today
Today, the Sagrada Familia remains a work in progress, with an anticipated completion date of 2026 to coincide with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. When finished, it will feature 18 spires, representing the Twelve Apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four Evangelists, and Jesus Christ. Each facade—the Nativity, Passion, and Glory—captures a distinct aspect of Christ’s life and message.
Gaudí envisioned the basilica as a “Bible in stone,” where every element would tell a story. Its towering spires, intricate facades, and naturalistic motifs were designed to reflect both divine inspiration and the harmony of nature.
Attend a mass
Those interested in attending a mass at the Sagrada Família have several options. The Holy Masses are held either in the crypt beneath the church or at the grand altar inside the main church.
Crypt
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM and 8:15 PM
Days before holidays: 7:30 PM
Sundays and holidays: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:00 PM, 6:30 PM (winter only), and 8:15 PM.
The masses are usually in Catalan, however some are also in Spanish. At the time of writing, there are no masses offered completely in English.
Grand altar
On Sundays, special international Eucharistic celebrations take place at the grand altar of the Sagrada Família. These services are free to attend and are partly conducted in French, English, and Italian. As a bonus, attendees have the opportunity to explore the Sagrada Família for free after the service.
There are 700 seats and 2,000 standing spaces available for the international Mass. Arrive early, as space is limited and fills up quickly. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing a good spot. The service lasts about 90 minutes. Please be mindful of your attire, officially short pants or skirts are not allowed and your shoulders should be covered. It seems that nowadays these rules aren’t strictly enforced, better safe than sorry is our advice.
What to do in the area
The immediate area around the Sagrada Familia is mostly filled with big chain restaurants, tourist traps and souvenir shops. If you walk a bit further you’ll find a nice, quiet and mostly residential area with plenty of local restaurants, bars and shops.
Whatever you do, do not stop and eat in the bars or restaurants that offer a direct view of the church, as these will most likely be (with a few exceptions) of poor quality and will charge inflated prices. Watch out especially for the places where you see people drinking a big jar of beer or a huge cocktail. These places are infamous for charging ridiculous prices for drinks. Whenever in doubt, it’s a good idea to check the Google ratings of a place.
Restaurants
Whether you’re looking to grab a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, there’s a lot of great options near the Sagrada Familia. Here’s a few of our favourites:
La Bendita – one of the few places in Barcelona that serves Paella and other rices in individual portions. Their prices are very fair and the service is good. Try their house wine!
Carrer de Sardenya, 321, L’Eixample, 08025 Barcelona
Sagrades Tannines – this hidden restaurant and bar is very popular among locals and offers a great choice of tapas, vermouths and local wines. It’s also a great place to go for just a drink (or two).
Ptge. de Simó, 20, L’Eixample, 08025 Barcelona
Pizzeria Ottantotto – not Spanish, but still a great choice for lunch or dinner. The Neapolitan pizza is one of the best in the city and the prices are very reasonable.
Passatge d’Utset, 2, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
Bicos – this Galician restaurant is a good option if you’re looking for a fancy dinner. The menu offers a lot of different sharing plates and good options for both seafood, fish and meat lovers.
Av. Diagonal, 287, bajo, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
Casi Cheli – cosy restaurant with both tapas and bigger dishes, about 10 minutes walking from the church. The menu is big and offers a lot of options, also for vegans and vegetarians. Tip: you can make a reservation online via Google Maps.
Carrer de Roger de Flor, 226, L’Eixample, 08025 Barcelona