Top of every Barcelona itinerary, regardless of your religious following, should be a trip to the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. This Gaudi ‘builder of God’ sculpture, eccentrically designed with sprawling internal tree-like structures and dreamy stain glass windows is a must-see in Barcelona. Avoid making the most common mistakes by reading our guide on things to do know before you visit La Sagrada Familia.
1. Where is Sagrada Familia?
La Sagrada Familia is located at Carrer de Mallorca (401) in Barcelona which is a 40-minute walk from the tourist street, La Rambla and the popular Gothic Quarter.
It does, however, keep good company with many of Barcelona’s top attractions within walking distance.
For example:
- Casa Mila is a 20-minute walk away
- Casa Batlló is a 25-minute walk away
- Park Güell is a 25-minute walk away
Even closer is the lesser-known Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Carrer de Sant Quintí, 89) which is only 11 minutes walk from Sagarda Familia.
2. How to Get to the Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família is best reached by foot, taking in the Barcelona streets along the way.I found we discovered so much more on foot.
If you prefer to use the public transport system, there are three options.
1. Barcelona Metro
The first option is the very easy to use Barcelona Metro. L2 and L5 lines both offer stops close to Sagrada Família. If you are spending some time in Barcelona I recommend you buy the ten stops ticket for 10 euro.
You can purchase this at the metro ticket machines which have an English option. You need your ticket to walk through the barriers.
The lines and the stops they cover are very well documented at each station and on the metro too.
If you don’t walk as much as us and plan to use the public transport system frequently then the metro is a good way to get around.
2. Bus
A variety of buses – 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50 (fast), 51, B20, B24. The stop is València – Lepant. From here, you are about 4 minutes walk away.
3. Tourist Bus
Most of the top attractions in Barcelona are featured as part of the hop-on/off bus pass including Sagrada Família.
3. La Sagrada Familia is Open All Year Round
The Church can be enjoyed all year, which is great for those visiting in low seasons to beat the crowds and the heat.
It’s even open on Christmas Day, which is an attractive option for Christians visiting in December.
However, the La Sagrada Familia opening times change with the seasons.
- November through February: 9 am to 6 pm
- March and October: 9 am to 7 pm
- April through September: 9 am to 8 pm
- 25/26 December, 1/6 January: 9 am to 2 pm
4. If you Must Purchase on Arrival…
You can buy an entry ticket at the Basilica but you must buy your ticket 30 minutes before closing or you won’t be granted entry.
Pre-booking allows you to choose your preferred time slot, there are various places you can buy tickets online. Just Google and something will come up.
In peak season the tickets can sell out days in advance so when you plan your trip don’t delay booking tickets or you may miss out.
5. Skip the Line at Sagrada Familia
The first mistake visitors make when visiting the Sagrada Familia is not buying a ticket before they arrive. The second mistake is not opting for a ‘skip the line’ ticket so time is sucked up waiting in line.
6. Audio Tours Are Available
Not only are audio tours available, but they are also recommended.Even group tours use audio devices so they don’t have to shout at the group visitors.Learn about the history, Nativity and Passion Facades, the bell towers and Gaudi as a religious architect, as shown through the Sagrada Familia. You will be in awe of the detail, narrative and variety of materials used. 
8. “Works of Antoni Gaudí” and UNESCO World Heritage
Many may already know this but La Sagrada Familia was built, in part, by the architect Antoni Gaudi.I say ‘in part’ because the design isn’t actually finished yet, more than a century after his death.It started in 1882 (Gaudi took over in 1883) and is hoped to be completed by 2026.Sagrada Família was Gaudi’s last project, which he had been working on for the previous twelve years. His tragic death, by a tram, happened in 1926.Gaudi is responsible for a variety of landmarks in and near Barcelona, some of which are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Site stamp.Gaudi’s other work worth visiting includes:
Parque Güell
Save time and book online, choosing your own time, before you go. You’ll get an e-ticket sent to your inbox which you just show to the ticket guys .
Casa Mila and Casa Mila and Batlló are very close to each other on Passeig de Gràcia which is a long street with fancy shops. At Christmas, this street has incredible hanging lights on the road.
Gaudi’s designs are so prominent because he was not restrained by rules, unlike many other architects during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
9. La Sagrada Familia is not a Cathedral
10. Go Early or Go Late
This tour starts later in the day to accommodate the light. Just remember to take your outside photos before you go in.
11. Photography
It’s actually pretty difficult to get decent shots of the Sagrada with it being a building site and freaking huge!
For individual/couple/group shots there’s a handy cement block across the road from the building. However, expect lines to wait for this.
12. Sagrada Familia in Winter
