Insider’s Guide to Visiting the Sagrada Familia

A trip to Barcelona would be incomplete without visiting its most iconic (though unfinished) masterpiece!

The Sagrada Familia is often at the top of any list you’ll find about things to do in Barcelona, and for good reason. From the glittering stained glass windows to the towering columns and arches to the intricate details in the architecture, every aspect of this incredible church will take your breath away. However, even the most impressive sites can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead! This guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia will help you make the most of your time at one of Barcelona’s top monuments.

Buying Tickets

First things first: before visiting the Sagrada Familia, you need tickets! Luckily, you have a few options when it comes to securing your spot. We strongly recommend buying tickets online in advance before you visit. This will ensure you get in, help you avoid waiting in long lines, and even save you money!

If you’re more flexible, you can also simply wait to buy tickets the day of your visit. Just be aware that lines can get quite long, and capacity is limited so you’re not guaranteed a spot.

How to Get There

The next step in visiting the Sagrada Familia: navigating your way through Barcelona in order to arrive! The famous church is tucked away in a corner of the Eixample district not far from Gracia. If you don’t want to walk, you can easily get there on public transportation. Metro lines 2 and 5 both stop at the Sagrada Familia station. There are also quite a few local buses that pass by on their routes.

Once you arrive, you can access the general entrance along Carrer de la Marina. If you still need to buy tickets, you can do so at the ticket office on the opposite side of the building (along Carrer de Sardenya).

Important Highlights When Visiting the Sagrada Familia

Just about everywhere you look inside the Sagrada Familia is impressive! However, knowing exactly what you’re looking at can make the experience much more fulfilling.

First of all, you’ve probably noticed that the church is still under construction (and has been for more than 130 years)! This obviously creates quite a bit of difference in the colors and styles used throughout the church. The contrasted coloring of the stone used in the front and the back of the building is quite noticeable. Try to spot differences in the architecture between the old and new parts, too! 

For truly breathtaking views of the city, climb up one of the four towers via a combination of elevators and winding staircases. The hike up is quite steep and narrow, but once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views that look like something off of a postcard.

Go below ground and check out the Gaudi Museum in the basement of the Sagrada Familia. This unique and fascinating museum gives more context and a closer look into the iconic architect’s life and work.