Experience the best Sagrada Família tours
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Tour the basilica with a local Barcelona guide
The magnificent Sagrada Família is the icon of Barcelona, an architectural work in progress famous for its beauty. Our guide will introduce you to Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece on each of these Sagrada Família tours. Learn about the basilica’s history, symbolism, and more. You can even upgrade for an exclusive view of Barcelona from inside one of the Sagrada Família towers.
Our Sagrada Família tour options
Sagrada Família Tour With Tower Upgrade
A tour of the outside and interior, including an optional tower visitHighlights:
- Sagrada Família ticket for entry
- Guided visit to the basilica
- Optional upgrade for tower access
Sagrada Família and Park Güell Tour
A convenient half-day tour with comfortable transportation includedHighlights:
- Sagrada Família ticket for entry
- Park Güell ticket for entry
- Transportation between attractions
- Guided visits to both attractions
Welcome to the world’s best Sagrada tours
Expert guides to inform and delight
Go with a local who can share insider tips and stories to make your visit more immersive.
Make the most of your time
We handle the tickets and logistics so you can just relax and enjoy the experience.
Worry-free flexible booking
Travel plans sometimes change. Our tours have a generous 24-hour cancellation policy.
Must-see features of the Sagrada Família
On your Sagrada Família tour, there are many features you’ll want to look out for. Luckily, your knowledgeable guide will point these out to you and explain their significance.
Starting on the outside, you’ll be amazed by the three ...
On your Sagrada Família tour, there are many features you’ll want to look out for. Luckily, your knowledgeable guide will point these out to you and explain their significance.
Starting on the outside, you’ll be amazed by the three façades that tell a different part of Jesus Christ’s story: his birth in the Nativity façade, his death and resurrection in the Passion façade, and his ascension into heaven in the Glory façade. Gaudí was a very religious man who fit many biblical details into the exterior design. In the Nativity façade, pay attention to the three porticos that represent a different theological virtue and are dedicated to each member of the Holy Family:
- Faith, dedicated to Mary
- Hope, dedicated to Joseph
- Charity, dedicated to Christ
Other notable elements are the box-like statues in the Passion façade — perhaps meant to convey how agonizing the crucifixion was — and the vibrant colors of the Glory façade.
Towering over the church are 18 spires that each symbolize different biblical figures. Twelve of the towers represent Jesus’s Apostles, four are dedicated to the Evangelists, and the final two honor the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The Jesus Tower is still being constructed, however, and its completion will make Sagrada Família the world’s tallest church at around 565 feet.
When you tour the Sagrada Família, you’ll realize that there’s no other structure like it, especially once you step inside and see how nature inspired Gaudí. From the tree-like columns to the absence of straight lines (there are no straight lines in nature!), everything is designed to make you feel a spiritual connection. While Gaudí’s vision is still unfinished, it somehow makes this Barcelona landmark even more impressive to behold.
What to expect from our Sagrada Família tours
There are plenty of Sagrada Família tours in Barcelona to choose from, but not all of them are led by local guides who can break down Gaudí’s symbolism in a way that’s easy to understand. Your guided Sagrada Família tour covers the biblical significance of each façade, the ...
There are plenty of Sagrada Família tours in Barcelona to choose from, but not all of them are led by local guides who can break down Gaudí’s symbolism in a way that’s easy to understand. Your guided Sagrada Família tour covers the biblical significance of each façade, the symbolism of the colorful stained glass, Gaudí’s inspiration for the church’s “forest of stone” foundation, and the museum that gives you a glimpse into Gaudí’s office. Upgrade your tour ticket for tower access, which gives you stunning panoramic views of Barcelona.
Not only will your guide explain the history of this stunning work-in-progress, but they’ll also point out the best photo opportunities along the way. You’ll want to capture the details of the ornate façades, the way the light floods the church through the colorful windows at different times of the day, and even the central Jesus spire that’s still under construction — the cranes towering over Sagrada Família, believe it or not, are part of its appeal.
Whether Sagrada Família is the first or last stop on your visit to Barcelona, your tour guide will help you understand the man behind (and buried inside) the basilica and his influence on the city’s architecture.
Visitor tips
Remember: The Sagrada Família is a place of worship, so be respectful of its rules and dress code. You cannot enter the church with bare shoulders, pants and skirts must go past the knee, and please don’t wear any low-cut or see-through clothing. Also keep in mind that no large ...
Remember: The Sagrada Família is a place of worship, so be respectful of its rules and dress code. You cannot enter the church with bare shoulders, pants and skirts must go past the knee, and please don’t wear any low-cut or see-through clothing. Also keep in mind that no large bags are allowed inside, and you’ll have to go through an airport-style security screening before entering.
The best way to get to Sagrada Família is by the L2 and L5 metro lines, or the 19, 33, 34, D50, H10, and B24 bus routes. Some tours, like our Sagrada Família and Park Güell combo tour, include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about making your Sagrada Família tour time.
Except for the towers, all of Sagrada Família is accessible to people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Entrance B on Carrer de la Marina is where these visitors can enter with official proof of their disability. Wheelchairs can also be requested at this entrance or reserved ahead of time.
If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit for a weekday. If your aim is to capture the best light through the stained glass windows in your photos, the best time to go depends on the vibe you’re looking for:
- In the morning, you’ll get beautiful yellow light.
- In the afternoon, the light is more blue.
- At dusk, there’s a warm mix of golden hues.
After your tour, be sure to ask your guide for other attractions you should see in Barcelona. While it’s not nearby, many people pair their visit to the Sagrada Família with Gaudí’s Park Guëll or any of his other houses like Casa Batlló.
Tip: If you want to learn about Barcelona architects beyond Gaudí, our architectural walking tour is perfect for you!
Sagrada Família tour reviews
FAQs about the Sagrada Família
Sagrada Família questions
Should you tour the Sagrada Família in Barcelona?
The Sagrada Família may be the most popular attraction in Barcelona and is a must for anyone visiting the city. Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece is a mesmerizing blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.
Even if you just tour outside the basilica, its soaring spires and intricate facades are an impressive sight, especially when you learn about the symbols hidden within them. Inside, the intricate interior is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors as light filters through the stained glass windows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage, any traveler to Barcelona should make time to tour the Sagrada Família.
Why is the Sagrada Família so famous?
The Sagrada Família is renowned for being one of the most daring architectural projects the world has ever known. With this building, Antoni Gaudí wanted to throw minimalism out the window and embrace the beauty of the abundance of life, making it a design that you can gaze at endlessly and still be left with more to find.
It’s also the longest running construction project to date — over 140 years and counting — adding to its fame. With its marvelous architecture both within and without, its famous creator, and its many contributors over the decades, the Sagrada Família has become one of the great wonders of the modern world.
When will the Sagrada Família be finished?
The expected completion date of the Sagrada Família remains one of the most tantalizing mysteries in the world of architecture. Since its construction began in 1882 under the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has seen multiple interruptions, including the Spanish Civil War and various funding challenges.
Some experts have estimated that the Sagrada Família could be finished sometime between 2026 and 2032, but predicting an exact date remains a challenge due to the intricacy of Gaudí’s original plans, ongoing funding efforts, and the commitment to preserving his artistic vision. For now, it’s a fascinating building to see as a work in progress!
Why is it called the Sagrada Família?
The name “Sagrada Família” translates to “Holy Family” in English, and it holds profound significance in the context of this extraordinary basilica in Barcelona. The name was chosen to honor the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a fundamental concept in Christianity. Antoni Gaudí, the brilliant architect behind this masterpiece, was deeply religious and wanted the Sagrada Família to serve as a tribute to the Holy Family and as a place of worship.
Gaudí believed that a place of worship should be a reflection of the divine, and his design for the Sagrada Família was intended to embody this spiritual essence. The basilica’s architecture, with its awe-inspiring grandeur and intricate details, is meant to convey the sacred nature of the Holy Family and the Christian faith, making it a place of both architectural and spiritual significance. The name serves as a constant reminder of the basilica’s purpose and the values it represents, making it a beacon of faith and a testament to human ingenuity.
What is included in a typical Sagrada Família tour?
Typical Sagrada Família tour tickets include a professional guide, timed entry tickets, a guided tour outside and inside the basilica, and an educational overview of its construction. A Sagrada Família tour with tower access usually requires an upgrade.
Are there any age restrictions for tower access?
Children must be at least 6 years old to access the towers, and all visitors age 6-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What should I wear when visiting the Sagrada Família?
Sagrada Família is a place of worship, so you should dress respectfully. Shorts and skirts above the knee, sleeveless shirts, and swimwear aren’t allowed. Please remove any hats before entering the basilica.
How long do Sagrada Família tours usually last?
Sagrada Família tours last anywhere from 1.5-3 hours, but you’re welcome to stay longer after your tour.
General tour questions
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund. What’s great about Sagrada Família is that you’ll be safe from the rain indoors for most of the tour.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
Is the tour time confirmed?
Your tour is confirmed at the moment of the booking, but due to limited ticket availability, the time may change. Our staff will be in contact with you after the reservation to confirm the time.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
Is this tour accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
The church is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. A limited number of wheelchairs are also available upon request at entrance B on Carrer de la Marina.
Are gratuities included?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.