Sagrada Família in Barcelona: is it worth a visit?

March 13, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Visit your Barcelona? Then the Sagrada Familia should not be missed! This iconic basilica is the highlight of your city break to Barcelona. Discover all the tips for an unforgettable visit!

The Sagrada The Sagrada Família: Barcelona's unfinished masterpiece:

The Sagrada Família is an impressive basilica in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. This masterpiece, dedicated to the Holy Family, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

What makes the Sagrada Família extra special is that construction is still unfinished. Construction began in 1882, but was delayed by the Spanish Civil War, among other reasons. Originally, the basilica was supposed to be finished in 2026, but the corona pandemic delayed the project again.

Fortunately, construction is again in full swing, and someday this iconic structure will be completed. Until then, it is a must-see during your city break to Barcelona!

What to see at the De Sagrada Família

Wondering what to see at The Sagrada Família in barcelona? Below we describe the main attractions of this iconic structure!

1. The Three Facades of the Sagrada Família: The Story of Jesus in Stone

The Sagrada Família consists of three impressive facades, each depicting an important moment in the life of Jesus.

The Nativity Facade shows the birth of Jesus and is already completed. The Passion Facade, depicting his suffering and death, is also finished. The third facade, the Glory Facade, is still being built and will be the main entrance to the basilica. This side will symbolize life after death and will have seven doors, each dedicated to a sacrament.

Thus, with its three facades, the basilica tells the full story of Jesus in a unique and impressive way.

2. Sightseeing inside the Sagrada Família

The inside of the Sagrada Família is breathtaking and absolutely worth visiting. The entrance fee also contributes to the continued construction of this masterpiece.

Upon entering, you are immediately enchanted by the magical play of light from the stained-glass windows. The colorful reflections dance across the imposing pillars, which Gaudí designed as tree trunks with branches. This gives the feeling of standing in a radiant forest.

At the heart of the basilica is the central altar, built above the crypt and surrounded by seven chapels. Throughout the interior you can see Gaudí’s love of nature reflected, giving the Sagrada Família a unique and almost magical appearance.

3.The Towers of the Sagrada Família

When the Sagrada Família is completed, the basilica will have 18 towers. Some of these are already finished, but construction continues. Currently, eight towers have been completed, divided between the Nativity façade and the Passion façade. Each façade will eventually have four bell towers, connected by bridges.

In 2016, construction began on the central towers, which consist of six towers: four dedicated to the evangelists, one to Mary and the tallest – the Tower of Jesus. This tower will be 170 meters high and symbolize Jesus, surrounded by the four evangelists. Gaudí deliberately chose this height so that the basilica remains lower than Montjuïc Mountain, out of respect for nature and its creator. Atop the tower will be an illuminated cross, which will be visible from all over Barcelona.

Which tower of the Sagrada Família can you climb?

When you book your ticket, you can choose between two towers: the one on the Nativity Facade or the one on the Passion Facade. Both offer stunning views of Barcelona, but you can only choose one during your visit.

To get to the top, you can take the elevator or climb the stairs with 504 steps. The elevator takes you up in a few seconds, after which you still have to descend a short distance by the stairs. From the viewpoint, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the orange rooftops and the hills in the distance.

Keep in mind that the space upstairs is narrow and can get crowded quickly. Want to enjoy the view quietly? Then go up as early in the day as possible!

4.Crypt & Museum

Below the Sagrada Família is a museum that is included with your entrance ticket. Here you will discover all about the history and construction of the basilica.

In addition, in the basement is a crypt with seven chapels, where architect Antoni Gaudí himself is buried. This space is not freely accessible, but can be visited only during church services, daily at 9:00 and 20:15.

Will the Sagrada Família ever be completely finished?

Although construction continues to progress, it remains uncertain whether the basilica will be completed entirely according to Gaudí’s original plan. For example, a large plaza with a bridge was planned, but this would mean demolishing surrounding buildings. What the final finish will look like, the future will tell!

What is the best time to visit the Sagrada Família?

Want to avoid the crowds and make the most of the basilica’s beautiful light? Then visit the Sagrada Família early in the morning as soon as the doors open at 9:00 a.m. (Sundays from 10:30 a.m.). It can also be quieter later in the day.

Autumn and winter are generally less crowded than high season. Want to attend a mass? Then be sure to arrive at least 2 hours in advance to secure a spot.

Can you visit the Sagrada Família for free?

A regular visit to the Sagrada Família is not free – you need a ticket to see the inside of the basilica. Still want to go in for free? You can if you attend a mass on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. There are limited seats, so arrive on time!

Tickets to the Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is undoubtedly Barcelona’s most popular landmark – and for good reason! Visitors from all over the world come especially to admire this architectural masterpiece.

But beware: buying tickets on the spot is no longer possible! To avoid long queues, it is therefore smart to book your tickets online in advance. That way you are guaranteed access and can enjoy this impressive structure without stress.

Where is the Sagrada Família located in Barcelona?

The Sagrada Família is located at Carrer de Mallorca 401 in Barcelona’s l’Eixample neighborhood, at Carrer de Mallorca 401. This central location makes it easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

What are the opening hours of the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família is open daily, but times vary by season:

November – February: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sunday from 10:30 am)
March & October: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sunday from 10:30 am)
April – September: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Sunday from 10:30 am)

Please note that opening hours may sometimes change, for example on holidays or special events.

How do you get to the Sagrada Família?

The Sagrada Família is easily accessible by both metro and bus. The basilica even has its own metro stop: Sagrada Família.

1. Metro: Take the purple line (L2) or the blue line (L5).
2.Bus: Lines 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24 stop at the basilica.
3.Hop On Hop Off bus: A convenient option for visiting multiple sights, including the Sagrada Família.

These means of transportation will get you to this world-famous masterpiece by Gaudí quickly and easily!

Our experience with the Sagrada Família

During our trips to Barcelona, we have visited the Sagrada Família several times, and each time it remains an impressive experience. As soon as you step inside, it feels like the church comes alive. The sunlight plays with the colors of the stained glass windows and illuminates the walls like a painting in motion.

We recommend going early in the morning or at sunset. At these times, the light creates a magical spectacle that you don’t want to miss. A visit to the Sagrada Família is absolutely worthwhile and an unforgettable experience!

Helpful tips for your visit to the Sagrada Família

1. Watch out for pickpockets

Barcelona is known for its pickpockets, especially in crowded places like the Sagrada Família. Keep your valuables close to you, carry only what you need and keep important items safe. Carrying a backpack on your stomach or using an anti-theft bag won’t hurt!

2. Arrive early or late in the day

Want to avoid the crowds and experience the most beautiful light? Then visit the basilica right at opening time or just before closing time. During these times you will not only have fewer tourists around you, but also perfect soft sunlight for beautiful photos!

3. Book your tickets on time

The Sagrada Família is hugely popular, and tickets for the best times sell out quickly. Book several months in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure your visit

Affordable deals for your city break to Barcelona

Are you planning a city trip to Barcelona Barcelona and want to admire the Sagrada Família? Then take advantage of the best deals below and make the most of your trip!