If you had planned to visit the Basilica, you will be automatically reimbursed to the same account as the card from which the purchase was made. If you purchased your ticket through a reseller, please contact the appropriate customer service.
Satisfy your curiosity about the monument-symbol of Barcelona, find out about the schedules and the different tour options, as well as the easiest way to get there or buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia.
Yes, the most famous church in Barcelona will be the most beautiful you have ever seen.
It's a shame that so many tourists go blind ...
There are so many options of Sagrada Familia tickets that this can be confusing so be prepared with this visitor guide updated for 2020!
Sagrada Familia: what to expect?
The facade
The exterior of the Sagrada Familia is purely moving, only a madman could imagine it.
The 18 Towers, projected, representing the twelve apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four evangelists and Jesus Christ, the latter will amount to Meters 172,5, which is one meter less than the highest point in the city of Barcelona: Montjuic.
Why? The architect Antoni Gaudi believed that his creation should not surpass God's.
One of three main facades, the oldest and the only one that Gaudí saw before his death is the Nativity facade. It serves as the current main entrance to the church. The walls feature the birth of Christ interspersed with vibrant and colorful scenes from nature.
This is where we feel the energy of new life.
The opposite side is the facade of the Passion (above), made in a cold and simplistic cubist style (designed on purpose by Gaudí because he despised cubism), with a wall of practically colorless carvings and bone columns representing the fall and eventual death of Jesus.
This is where we meet the cruel face of death.
The future main entrance to the facade of glory, still under construction, will feature scenes from heaven and hell and will address the theme of the resurrection and ascension of God.
Interior
La Sagrada Familia from the inside is like entering the heart of a arco iris: the color that shines through Stained Glass it's from another world.
The light from the Nativity facade shines blue ocean and green forest while the facade of the Passion is red and yellow. You can determine the time of day (blue / green in the morning and red / yellow in the afternoon) according to the colors that dominate.
The columns that support the building were built to represent trees and branches, each with different geometric shapes. A simple example is a square base that progresses to an octagon, changes to a sixteen-sided shape, and ends in a circle.
None of the interior surfaces is flat and the Level of detail the ornamentation is something to see.
Go ahead, you can also take a look at a small chapel (the only one in constant use) and see Gaudi's tomb on the floor decorated with a series of burning candles.
Sagrada Familia tickets and prices
You can buy them at the counters, but you will end up waiting 30-90 minutes in line. And that's just so you have access during a specific time interval which could be later in time.
Must buy your tickets online. This is by far the way the simplest and the cheapest to get tickets to the Sagrada Familia. I have put purchase links in the blue buttons below.
Note that the purchase on the site costs between € 3,00 and € 6,00 more. If necessary, I will show in my tables the prices of the tickets on the site, as well as the prices of the tickets online.
If you can speak Spanish, Catalan or English you can buy your tickets on the official website of the Sagrada Familia. If this is not the case, we provide links to our TicketBar for employees. In this case, a management fee is applied, due to the Sagrada Familia's exclusivity policies for third-party retailers.
Even with this ticket you Skip the line and you can show the ticket from your cell phone.
Guided tours in French
This is the best option that I recommend especially to new visitors.
You get a 90 minute tour of the Sagrada Familia with an entertaining live guide who knows this Gaudí church from the inside out.
If there is a monument in the world that deserves in-depth explanations for the richness of its details, this is it. And when you add all that up, it's a Great value in relation to the audio guide and tours of the towers.
General admission
IMPORTANT: with general admission, You can only visit the Sagrada Familia during the last two hours of the day (from 16 to 00 hours depending on the season).
General admission tickets are just one way to enter the building and theexplore by yourself. Note that there are very few explanatory signs, etc.
If you just want absorb images without explanation, this is the ticket for you.
With your basic ticket you can add the option of " Sagrada Familia APP " for 4.00€ more and thus benefit fromofficial audio guide of the Sagrada Familia on your phone! Please note that it is not available for children under the age of 11. This option is only valid on the official website.
Tip: kill two birds with one stone buying your tickets for the Sagrada Familia and save 20% at other major attractions in Barcelona using the best discounted tourist pass in the city: the Barcelona City Pass.
The Sagrada Familia schedules can be booked every hour, at 15:30 ,:45 and: XNUMX.
For information: with these tickets, the time slots indicated are only entry times. You are free to stay as long as you want.
General input + audio guide
In case you cannot find a good time for the guided tour, independent audio guide it is the second best option. With this ticket you will get explanations about the architecture and history of the Sagrada Familia. in French.
This ticket allows you to really take the time (and even rewind and play) to educate yourself. Again, you can stay as long as you like (the times shown are only valid for your entry).
General admission + audio guide + access to the tour
For those who seek a magnificent view of the cityYou may consider climbing one of the towers of the Sagrada Familia church for an additional cost. Due to the crowds, only one of the towers can be climbed (more information in the towers section).
There are better views of the city for free, but the claustrophobic stairs have their charm.
For information: the visit of the Sagrada Familia with audio guide and access to a tower is not recommended for people with reduced mobility due to the stairs. Also, children under the age of 6 cannot enter the towers.
Gaudí Pack: Sagrada Família + Parc Guell with audio guide
If during your stay in Barcelona you plan to visit Gaudí's Sagrada Familia but also Parc Güell, I advise you to take into account the purchase of the Gaudí package (Gaudí Bundle) offered by our partner TicketBar.
The package includes:
- Skip the line at the Sagrada Familia.
- Skip the line at Parc Güell.
- Official audio guide in French at the Sagrada Familia.
- Audio guide in French for the exterior visit of the Sagrada Familia through an application on your phone.
- Audio guide in French in Parc Güell through an application on your phone.
- Audio guide of the city of Barcelona.
The cost of each package is as follows:
- Adults: 44.50€
- Children (11-18): 38.00€
- Youth (7-10): 9.00€
- Between 0 and 6 years: free
IMPORTANT: Once your reservation is made, you will receive an email in which you can indicate your availability to visit the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.
Guided tour of the Sagrada Familia in French
I always recommend spending a little more and opting for an extended guided tour in French offered exclusively by the legendary tour operator. Ticketbar for only € 44,50.
For 90 minutes, it's almost double the duration of the standard tour of the Sagrada Familia.
You also avoid queues as a VIP and you don't have to wait to get in.
What you will get
These tickets for the Sagrada Familia are with accredited and enthusiastic guides Who experts of Antoni Gaudi and his cathedral. This is an exclusive service that cannot be found anywhere else and in my opinion it is the best Sagrada Familia tour on the market.
You can choose between guided tours morning or afternoon. It operates seven days a week.
The visit is also smaller and more personal Than the classic tour (which is generally limited to 40 people), the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and fun, and you'll be an expert on the Sagrada Familia in no time!
A friend once told me that “without the guided tour it's just walls, columns and statues” and after doing it myself, I usually agree.
How to buy a ticket for the guided tour of the Sagrada Familia
If the tour of the Sagrada Familia that I have done makes you feel like it, just click on the button below and you will have all the information you need as well as the links to buy:
Your tickets will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase.
Visit of a tower of the Sagrada Familia
When buying your tickets for the Sagrada Familia, you will have the option of climbing the stairs of one of its towers. Please note that due to crowds, you will only be able to select one tower.
Which tower of the Sagrada Familia to visit?
The difference between the two towers is their height: the Nativity facade QUOTE 55 meters high, while the facade of the Passion QUOTE 75 meters.
For this reason, I recommend choosing Passion Tower as the view is a bit better.
Inconveniences
In the two towers, you take the elevator and go down the stairs. For this reason, visitors with reduced mobility and children under 6 years old are not accepted.
It is also not a good option for the claustrophobic as the stairwell is narrow.
The € 7,00 price to climb the stairs is also not very cheap compared to other higher and cheaper views of the city. There are some crazy panoramic views at Park Güell and Turo de la Rovira that I recommend.
In summer, you'll also feel more comfortable heading to a free rooftop terrace at a hotel like the Grand Central Hotel or the 4-star Hotel Pulitzer (usually open to uninvited guests after 20pm).
In addition, to ensure the safety of visitors, the towers may be closed in bad weather. The inconvenience of having to obtain a refund can complicate your trip (if you need a contact [email protected]), but you must receive it within 30 days.
My advice ? Save money for a cocktail on the rooftop terrace or a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia.
Holy Family Hour
- From November to February: from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- In March and October: from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- April to September: from 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Special hours in 2020
Opening hours and days may change from time to time for special events.
- December 25 and 26, January 1 and 6: from 9 am to 14 pm
- 28 January: close at 18 pm
- 1er marte: 10:30 a.m. a 14 p.m.
- March 27: close at 16 pm
- March 28: close at 14 pm
- April 5 opening at 15 pm
- April 9 close at 17 pm
- April 10 close at 15 pm
- April 11 close at 16 pm
- 24 may: close at 14 pm
- 15 August opening at 10:30 am.
- September 12 and 13: close at 13 pm
- Open days (in September, dates to be defined): closing at 14pm.
- September 24, November 1, December 8: opening at 10:30 am.
- December 12: close at 14 pm
- December 24: 10:30 a.m. a 16 p.m.
How to get to the Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia church is located at the top of the modern Eixample district, at 42 Calle Marina.
La Sagrada Familia is served by the Sagrada Familia metro stop (purple line L2 and blue line L5).
The area is served by buses 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24.
You can also get to the Sagrada Familia using the Tourist Bus (blue line, Sagrada Familia stop).
If you have trouble getting to the Sagrada Familia, feel free to message me in the comments below with the address of your apartment or hostel and I will help you find the easiest way. Quick.
Access points
If you bought your Sagrada Familia tickets online, go directly to the main visitor access point on the side of the Nativity facade of the Marina Street (signposted at the subway exits), don't worry about the queues on the other side.
If you have not bought your tickets online and want to queue (not recommended), you will find the ticket offices on the side of the Pasión de la Pasión façade. Sardinia street.
Visitors with reduced mobility and their companion should go to the Group Visitor Center on Calle Marina.
Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia
Arriving at the Sagrada Família without a ticket and buying it there means queuing.
After more than 30 minutes of waiting, you will reserve a time that is dependent on the crowds, so a 16pm arrival could mean a 18:45 pm entry To avoid the hassle, buy your tickets for the Sagrada Familia online.
Any other visiting tips?
- Get there before 10am for a better tour avoiding the crowds.
- Reserve at least 90 minutes for the visit.
- Get there well before their schedule as they can be aggressive.
- The more natural light the better (sunset is beautiful, nights should be avoided).
- Print your tickets if you can, as smartphone tickets can be difficult to scan in the sun.
- Beware of pickpockets.
- If you need to go to the bathroom, go to McDonald's outside first!
- Avoid weekends if possible, crowds are a nightmare!
- On the escalator, at the Calle Marina subway exit, you can take a perfect angle for selfies.
- IPhone users: switch to the "chrome" photo setting to really capture colors in light.
- You may really want to stretch your neck because you will be spending a lot of time looking up.
- Can't decide one day? Check the weather forecast and look for the sunniest day.
Mass in the Sagrada Familia
Masses in the Basilica
It is possible to attend the international Fair Every Saturday night, Sunday morning, night before and morning of celebrations at the Sagrada Familia.
The morning mass starts at 9 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) and afternoon mass starts at 20 p.m. (doors open at 19:30 p.m.), they are open to all , although there are a limited number of places. The celebration takes place in several languages, including French.
The entrance is on Calle de Marina and you have to dress decently.
International masses are held also on January 1 and 6, 15 August, September 24, November 1, December 8 and 25.
Masses in the crypt
Those interested in celebrating mass in the crypt of the Sagrada Familia can do so for free and without reservation at the following times:
- During the week at 9:00 a.m. (Spanish) and at 20:00 p.m. (Catalan).
- Saturday at 9:00 am (Spanish).
- Sundays and holidays at 10:30 a.m. (Catalan), 11:45 a.m. (Spanish), 13:00 p.m. (Catalan), 18:30 p.m. (Catalan) and 20:00 p.m. (Spanish).
Remember that regular Sunday Masses are celebrated in the crypt and not in the cathedral itself. It turns out that the opening hours of the Sagrada Familia crypt are the same as the previous one, the rest of the hours are closed.
If you are looking to attend mass, be aware that there is a standard church dress code: women must cover the shoulders and their dresses must be no higher than the knee.
Note that photographs cannot be taken during masses.
Exceptional Masses
Throughout 2020, you will also be able to attend certain Masses at the Church of the Holy Family for special occasions such as beatifications, Christmas Mass, family Masses, etc.
This can only be done by requesting an invitation through the Sagrada Familia website.
- March 1 at 18 pm: Messe «Being the Cross».
- April 5 at noon: Palm mass.
- April 9 at noon: Mass on Holy Thursday.
- April 10 at 18 pm: Mass on Good Friday.
- April 11 at noon: Vigilante Pascale.
- May 24 at 17 pm: Masses of priestly ordination.
- August 15 at 9 am: Mass of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
- September 24 at 9 am: Mass of Our Lady of Mercy.
- October 24 (time to be confirmed): Mass of Beatification.
- November 1 at 9 am: Toussaint.
- December 8 at 9 a.m.: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
- December 24 at 17:30 p.m. and 21:XNUMX p.m. Christmas Masses.
Find the full mass schedule here.
Brief history of the Sagrada Familia
- Inspired by a bookseller's trip to the Vatican in 1872.
- Construction began in 1882 as a standard neo-Gothic church.
- Antoni Gaudi was appointed director architect in 1884 and made radical changes.
- Gaudí died in 1926 and the basilica was only 20% complete.
- The constructions suspended during the civil war and Gaudí's plans are burned by the anarchists.
- After the war, Gaudí's contemporaries took over the construction.
- Consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
- The final phase of construction began in 2015.
Finish date
So far we have seen the completion of the Nativity façade, the Passion façade, the interior and the 8 towers.
When will the Sagrada Familia be finished? Don't quote me, but the city has an end date. scheduled for 2026So book your flight quickly to get a good price?
They are still working on the Façade de la Gloire and 10 additional towers, the highest (172 meters) and the most spectacular that will be dedicated to Jesus Christ.
It's amazing isn't it? Although it is still under construction, the Sagrada Familia is still the biggest tourist attraction in Spain with more than 3,2 million visitors a year.
So please, I'll say it one more time, be sure to book your tickets in advance!
Where to eat in the Sagrada Família neighborhood?
If you are in line for the Sagrada Familia or if you have visited it before and your stomach is crying with hunger, this could be the perfect opportunity to taste one of the most famous dishes in Spain: ham (Jamón Serrano).
Just two minutes walk you will find: Enrique Tomas, Carrer Marina 261. Here you can taste different types of ham, including the very prestigious acorn. The service is fast, the place is very clean and the coffee is quality.
If you spend 10 euros or more and mention that you are a friend of VisitBarcelona, they will offer you a coffee! Not bad, especially considering that I would lose 5 euros at Starbucks around the corner.
You will also have the opportunity to pick up a vacuum packed ham souvenir to take home (EU only).
Seafood lovers should visit La Paradeta in Passatge de Simó 18. Grab fresh fish from a market-style counter and let the cooks work their magic! I recommend the Blanc Pescador wine.
If you're looking for a cheap neighborhood bar with delicious classic Spanish tapas and oak barrel vermouth, walk 5 minutes to Celler Del Vermut on Carrer de Lepant 239.
Another place is Café Parc Belmont on Carrer de Lepant 256. This cool café, off the beaten path, is famous for its hearty salads with homemade dressings. Up the ante by adding some meat for a combo and you get the cheap lunch perfect.
For a high-quality breakfast, brunch or dinner with a modern Spanish twist just 200 meters from the Sagrada Familia, head to the Singular Restaurant, Carrer Sardenya 321.
For more information, check out my list of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Frequently asked questions about the Sagrada Familia
Is the audio guide service available in French?
Yes.
Is it mandatory to print the ticket received by email?
No, you can display it directly on your smartphone.
If I have already purchased my ticket online, where should I go?
The entrance for visitors who already have their ticket is in Carrer Marina (side facade of the Nativity).
What happens if I am late at the time indicated on the ticket?
Do not be late, they are rather fussy at the entrance, you will have a margin of 10 minutes in the entrance time.
How long is the visit to the Sagrada Familia?
About an hour and a half.
Are the towers worth visiting?
Honestly, I don't think it is essential to climb the towers, the price goes up enormously without really changing the experience. You will have a much better view of the city from Parc Guëll or the bunkers, for example.
Can I visit the towers without bringing the audio guide?
No.
How tall is the Sagrada Familia?
Currently the highest point reaches 115 meters, the final expected height is 172 meters.
What is the ticket with the option "CASA MUSEO GAUDÍ"?
This option includes a visit to a house-museum where Gaudí lived, in the middle of Parc Güell. PLEASE NOTE: we are not talking about the monumental (paid) part of the park here!
Is it possible to take photos inside the Sagrada Familia?
Yes.
Is it possible to take beautiful night photos?
The facade of the Nativity is illuminated in the afternoon, but not at night.
Do I have to cover myself for the visit to the Sagrada Familia?
Although this church in Barcelona is highly respected, it is not necessary to cover your shoulders and legs, but use your common sense.
Is it possible to modify / cancel / request a refund of my reservation?
In theory, yes, just send an e-mail to: [email protected] (official website) or [email protected] (Ticketbar).
I encountered a problem during my reservation, what should I do?
Email [email protected] (official website) or [email protected] (Ticketbar).
How to get to the Sagrada Familia?
With the purple line L2 or blue L5, Sagrada Familia station.
How to get to the Sagrada Familia from Parc Güell?
Take the V19 bus from the park exit (next to Ctra. Del Carmel) and get off at the Pg. De Sant Joan - Pl. Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer stop, then you are a 10-minute walk away.
Does the Tourist Bus stop at the Sagrada Familia?
Yes, the blue line of the Tourist Bus stops at the basilica.
What metro to take to go to the Sagrada Familia?
You can get to the Sagrada Familia using the purple or blue metro lines at the Sagrada Familia stop. You can also take the yellow line to Verdaguer; from there it is a 7-8 minute walk.
Is the Sagrada Familia free?
Unfortunately not. Since this is an ongoing project that relies on “donations” (tickets) to complete, you must purchase a ticket to enter.
How much are the tickets to the Sagrada Familia?
General admission tickets start at € 20,00 if you buy them in advance online. From there, prices increase to € 26,00 (with audio guide) and € 33,00 (audio guide + guided tours).
What is the best guided visit to the Sagrada Familia?
The Sagrada Familia tour with the best value for money is 90 minutes (longer than the traditional tour) and is offered by TGI City Tours.
When to buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia?
Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance and must be purchased as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, especially in high season (April-September, Easter, Christmas).
Contact me in the comments
If you have your tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia and have already seen it in person, tell me: did it live up to your expectations? ?
Any questions you have about your Barcelona vacation will be answered in the comments below, so don't hesitate! Be sure to also check out my complete guide to Barcelona.
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion about Barcelona attractions on my new Facebook group called “For City Lovers”. Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
