Sagrada Familia

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.