The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and the world. In this guide you will find everything you need to buy your tickets, choose the best type of visit and plan your day in Barcelona.
Why book Sagrada Familia tickets in advance
The Sagrada Familia receives millions of visitors every year. Tickets are time-slotted and capacity is limited, so in peak season and on weekends they sell out days or even weeks in advance. Buying your tickets online not only guarantees entry on your chosen day but usually lets you skip the ticket office queue and often at a better price than at the monument itself.
Booking online also lets you compare options: basic visit, with towers, with guide or audio guide, and choose what best fits your time and budget. We recommend fixing your date and time before organising the rest of your trip so you don't miss out.
What Sagrada Familia tickets include
Depending on the type of ticket you choose, your entry may include only access to the interior of the church or also the ascent to one of the towers (Nativity or Passion), an audio guide in several languages or a guided tour. Standard access already lets you walk the central nave, transept, apse and chapels and enjoy the light through the stained glass and the height of the columns. If it's your first time, the basic ticket is often enough; if you want views over Barcelona and more historical and symbolic context, options with a tower and/or guide are highly recommended.
Ticket types and recommended experiences
The most common options are: simple entry (interior access in a time slot), entry with tower (interior plus lift to one tower), entry with audio guide and guided group tour. There are also combos with other Gaudí sites (Casa Batlló, Park Güell) or with transport. To avoid queues and have flexibility, many visitors book through platforms that offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before; that way you can change the day if your plans change.
How to get to the Sagrada Familia
The basilica is in Barcelona's Eixample district, well served by metro (L2 and L5, Sagrada Familia station), bus and on foot from the centre. It's best to arrive a few minutes before your slot so you don't miss your turn. There are cafés and shops nearby; inside there are ticket desks and security checks. If you have a large backpack, note that there may be restrictions; check the official or your ticket provider's website before you go.
Practical tips for your visit
Wear comfortable shoes: although the interior route isn't very long, you'll want to stop and look at every detail. Light changes a lot with the time of day: in the morning it lights the Nativity facade more, and in the afternoon the Passion facade. If you can, choose a slot when the sun comes through the stained glass on the side that interests you most. Respect silence and staff instructions; it's a place of worship and conservation. Finally, if you go up the towers, note that there are stairs and that children under 6 are not allowed in the lift.
Prices and opening hours
Sagrada Familia prices and hours can vary by season and ongoing works. On our Sagrada Familia ticket price page you'll find an updated summary of rates and discounts (seniors, youth, etc.). In the Sagrada Familia schedule section we detail opening days and times and any restrictions for events or maintenance. Checking both before booking will help you choose the best time for your visit.
Booking tickets safely
Whenever you buy Sagrada Familia tickets, make sure you do so through official channels or recognised providers that work with the monument. Check that the ticket includes the date, time and type of visit you want, and keep the confirmation email and ticket (on your phone or printed) for the day of your visit. With these steps you can enjoy the Basilica de la Sagrada Família with peace of mind.
Brief history of the Sagrada Familia
The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia was started in 1882 under the initial direction of Francisco de Paula del Villar. A year later Antoni Gaudí took over the project and transformed it completely, devoting the rest of his life to it. The basilica combines natural forms, Christian symbolism and innovative construction techniques; the towers, facades and interior reflect his vision of a "forest" of columns and light. Gaudí died in 1926 leaving models and plans that have allowed the work to continue to this day. Construction is still ongoing and the central towers are expected to be completed in the coming years.
Facades and towers: what not to miss
The Sagrada Familia has three main facades: the Nativity (east-facing, dedicated to the birth of Jesus and richly decorated), the Passion (west-facing, more austere and dramatic) and the Glory (under construction, will be the main one). Going up one of the towers lets you see the stone, spiral stairs and city views up close. If you can only go up one, the Nativity tower is often preferred for its ornamentation; the Passion tower offers a different perspective and is often less crowded.
Accessibility and visiting with children
The interior of the church is wheelchair accessible; the towers are not, due to the building's layout. If you're visiting with children, the interior is usually manageable; for the towers you must respect the minimum age and ability to climb stairs. There are audio guides and materials adapted so that younger visitors can discover Gaudí's history and symbolism in an engaging way.
Events and masses at the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is an active Catholic church. Masses and other liturgical events are held; during these times there may be restrictions on movement or noise for visitors. If you want to attend mass, check the schedule on the official website. If you're only visiting as a tourist, avoid worship times if you want a calmer atmosphere to enjoy the space.
Booking your Sagrada Familia tickets in Barcelona in advance is the first step to an unforgettable visit to the Basilica de la Sagrada Família. Use the links in this guide to see availability, prices and up-to-date options and plan your visit with all the information you need.