Sagrada Família

The basics

While the Sagrada Familia looms large over Barcelona—it’s visible from many parts of the city—the cathedral should be seen up close and from within to truly be appreciated. Visitors can tour the interior on their own, on a guided tour, or with an audio guide. It’s also possible to take an elevator up one of the towers for sweeping views over the city.

Just about every sightseeing tour in Barcelona includes a stop here, as do hop-on hop-off bus tours, which also stop at Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Catalunya Square (Plaça de Catalunya). It’s possible to combine a Sagrada Familia tour with a half-day trip to the nearby abbey on Montserrat Mountain or the medieval city of Girona.

Things to know before you go

• This site is a must-see for first-time visitors.

• Sagrada Familia ticket lines can get long, so it’s a good idea to book in advance and consider skip-the-line admission.

• Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited on the basilica grounds.

• While photography is permitted, the use of a tripod is not without prior permission.

• Much of the basilica and museum are wheelchair-accessible, but the towers are not.

How to get there

The Sagrada Familia is centrally located near the Sagrada Familia metro stop on lines 2 and 5. It’s also easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. The main entrance sits along Carrer Marina in front of the basilica’s nativity facade.

When to get there

The Sagrada Familia is open throughout the year but can be extremely busy in summer, so a skip-the-line ticket is recommended. The facade looks markedly different when illuminated at night than it does during the day, so plan for at least a short visit during both periods. Note that the basilica holds an international mass each Sunday morning in several languages; entrance is free, but space is limited.

Visiting the Sagrada Familia Museum

The basement beneath the passion façade houses a museum covering the temple's construction through drawings, photographs, and plaster models. Entry to the museum is included in basilica admission, and visitors can see the working modeling studio where Gaudi’s restored maquettes are reproduced to aid in the structure’s ongoing construction.

Is entrance to Sagrada Familia free?

No. Entrance to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is not free, although children under 11, Sunday morning worshippers, and people with disabilities and their companions enjoy free entry. Even though La Sagrada Familia is a place of worship, tickets cost as much as for other similar world-class attractions (think upwards of €21 per person).

Is there a dress code for La Sagrada Familia?

Yes. La Sagrada Familia is a place of worship, and respectful dress is important. The dress code mandates no see-through clothing and no swimwear, while trousers and skirts must cover the legs to mid-thigh. Celebratory clothing and promotional gear are also banned—leave the Halloween costumes and bachelorette outfits behind.

Do you need reservations to visit the Sagrada Familia?

No, you don’t need reservations to visit the Sagrada Familia and can buy tickets using the QR codes around the basilica. But time slots are allocated and you may find no tickets available if you arrive without a reservation on weekends or during peak season. Most travelers book tickets in advance.

What time of day is best to visit the Sagrada Familia?

As Barcelona’s star attraction, the Sagrada Familia draws travelers from around the globe year-round. However, the crowds tend to be thinnest on weekdays: Aim to arrive around 9am, when the site has just opened, to beat the group tours. Be aware of crowd-heavy public holidays, including school vacations.

Is it worth buying tickets for the Sagrada Familia?

Yes. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s signature attraction and an absolute must-see, and buying a timed ticket in advance guarantees you entry with minimal wait time. Having a fixed time slot also lets you plan your trip ahead of time and book other tours and attractions around your visit.

Is the Sagrada Familia entrance free on Sundays?

Yes, but only if you are going to Mass. The Sagrada Familia opens free on Sunday mornings for locals and visitors who wish to attend the 9am international Mass, and there are some other religious celebrations by invitation over the year. Travelers who want to explore should buy tickets for after Mass.

Ways to explore

While the Sagrada Família looms large over Barcelona—it’s visible from many parts of the city—the cathedral should be seen up close and from within to truly be appreciated. Visitors can tour the interior on their own, on a guided tour or with an audio guide. Just about every sightseeing tour in Barcelona includes a stop here, as do hop-on hop-off bus tours, which also stop at Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Catalunya Square (Plaça de Catalunya). It’s possible to combine a Sagrada Família tour with a half-day trip to the nearby abbey on Montserrat Mountain or the medieval city of Girona.

Plan to spend at least 90 minutes admiring the spectacular cathedral. Add another 30 minutes to visit the dramatic towers that pierce the sky above the cathedral.  An elevator takes visitors up for views over the city, but you’ll have to climb the winding steps back down.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, but the towers are not. Wheelchairs are available at entrance B.

Age limits

None for the cathedral, minimum 6 for the tower

What to pack

Camera, easy-to-open bag for the security check at the entrance, wrap to cover bare shoulders

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothing that reaches mid-thigh, sun hat and sunglasses if visiting the tower

Not allowed

Food and beverages, swimwear, transparent clothing, shorts or skirts that do not reach mid-thigh, shirts that leave shoulders bare

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guide, lockers for the tower visit

Address

Sagrada Família is centrally located in the heart of Barcelona near two metro lines. It’s also easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the old town. The main entrance sits along Carrer Marina in front of the basilica’s nativity facade.

Driving

Driving and parking in Barcelona is not for the faint of heart. Instead, use the city’s convenient metro system, call a taxi, or walk from central hotels and sights. Some private Sagrada Família tours also include transport from city hotels.

Public transportation

Sagrada Família is easy to reach by public transportation from virtually anywhere in Barcelona. Take Metro L2 and L5 to the Sagrada Família stop, or bus routes 19, 33, 34, D50, H10, and B24 to the busy square surrounding the cathedral.

Best times to visit

Check the sunset time for the date of your visit and plan to be inside the cathedral about 2-3 hours in advance to catch the magical afternoon light shining through the western stained glass windows.

Best days to visit

The church is always very busy, but crowds reach their peak on weekends and holidays. Aim for an afternoon visit on a weekday for a slightly less packed cathedral experience.

Best months to visit

Barcelona is torrid in July and August, and the cathedral is not air-conditioned, so it can be uncomfortably hot inside by the afternoon. Avoid the worst of the heat by visiting in the cooler months between October and April.

Special events

In addition to services for the major religious holidays, Sagrada Família often hosts live classical music concerts, kid-friendly workshops, and other special programs. Check the cathedral website for upcoming events and performances.