When people think of Barcelona, one landmark immediately comes to mind: the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família. This basilica isn’t just a symbol of the city; it’s a masterpiece of engineering, and creativity, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. With its towering spires and intricate details, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Sagrada Família

Even though it’s still under construction, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in the world—and for good reason. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sagrada Família.


About Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s most ambitious project, and it has been under construction since 1882. The basilica is a stunning mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with intricate details inspired by nature. Every inch of the structure tells a story—whether it’s the Nativity and Passion façades or the towering spires that seem to touch the sky.

Sagrada Familia
the intricate details of the exterior

Gaudí’s vision for the basilica was to create something that felt alive and deeply connected to the natural world, and you’ll see that in every design element. From the way light filters through the stained glass windows to the tree-like columns inside, it’s clear this wasn’t just architecture for him—it was art.

One fascinating detail I learned from the audio guide is that Gaudí intentionally designed the basilica to be incredibly tall, but not so tall that it would overshadow God's work. He believed that while the architecture should inspire awe, it should never surpass the grandeur of the natural world. 

Sagrada Familia
the basilica stands at 172m

To ensure this, Gaudí made the basilica exactly 1 meter shorter than Montjuïc, a nearby hill. This thoughtful detail really stuck with me and added a deeper layer of meaning to the entire experience, highlighting Gaudí’s respect for nature and his humility in the face of divine creation.

How to Get to Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is located in the Eixample district and is very accessible by public transport. The easiest way to get there is by taking the metro Line 2 (purple) or Line 5 (blue) lines to Sagrada Família station. The basilica is just steps away from the exit.

Sagrada Familia
ceiling details

Several bus lines, including 19, 33, 34, and D50, also stop near the basilica. If you’re staying nearby, the area is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly. I recommend using Google Maps or any navigation app to figure out the most convenient route based on where you’re staying.

What to Expect at Sagrada Família

Walking into Sagrada Família is like stepping into another world. As someone who loves architecture, I was completely in awe of every detail. The tall, branching columns made me feel like I was standing in a forest, and the sheer scale of it all left me speechless.

My favorite was the light streaming through the colorful stained glass windows. It created an almost magical glow inside the church. 

Sagrada Familia
this moment felt almost unreal

Even though the basilica isn’t finished, it’s still one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever visited. Every corner has something worth marveling at, and it’s clear that every detail was meticulously thought out.

One of the best parts of the visit is the free audio guide, which you can access by scanning a QR code. It’s very informative and gives you a deeper understanding of Gaudí’s vision and the history behind the basilica. A tip: bring your own earphones for a better experience.

Sagrada Familia
every detail and every carving tells a story

Also, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot. The entry process is smooth, but the crowds can get overwhelming. And trust me, this is one of those places where you want to take your time soaking it all in.

Where to Get Tickets to Sagrada Família

Tickets to Sagrada Família sell out fast, sometimes even a week in advance, especially during peak tourist season. I highly recommend booking your tickets as early as possible to secure your preferred time slot.

Sagrada Familia
more of the interiors

You can purchase tickets directly from the official Sagrada Família website, but if you’re looking for a more flexible option, Klook is a great alternative. They often have skip-the-line tickets and guided tour packages that can save you time and hassle.

I personally chose a skip-the-line ticket since it was more affordable than a guided tour. Plus, with the free audio guide available, I felt it provided all the important information and stories about the basilica that I needed. I opted for a 3pm time slot because I wanted to experience the basilica during golden hour, when the sunlight streams through the windows and creates a truly magical atmosphere inside.

Sagrada Familia


This was hands-down one of the highlights of my trip to Barcelona. If you’re on the fence about visiting, let me just say—don’t miss it. It’s an experience you won’t forget.