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La Sagrada Familia

  • Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Last updated: 06 February, 2024

Gaudí spent his last years obsessing over the Sagrada Família, this ornate, turreted cathedral with its iconic turrets like melting candles.

Although only the Birth Façade and crypt were completed before he died, and nearly all the plans were lost during the Spanish Civil War, the foundation that owns it has decided to carry on building it according to Gaudi’s surviving drawings.

Funded by ticket admissions, it’s already, even critics admit, the most spectacular church of the 21st century. But it’s quite a labour of love – it’s slated to be finished by 2026.

Logistics

Price from: £23
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

For most of the year, you must book well in advance to get in. Don’t just turn up, or think you can book the day before. Take the metro to the Sagrada Familia stop on L2 or L5. There are 50-minute guided tours in English two or three times daily (check the website for timings – the meeting point is at the entrance). There are also audio guides available at any time. Book date- and time-stamped tickets online via Ticketmaster and print them out at home to breeze through the pre-booked entrance.

It’s probably not for you if you suffer from vertigo, but the views from the church’s Passion and Birth Façade towers are extraordinary. Buy the basilica and towers combined ticket when purchasing online.

When to do it

The cathedral is open year-round, and always busy – go early or late in the day for the best chance of avoiding the crowds and tour groups. Allow around two hours to see the building. Also, return after dark to see the cathedral lit up – a sight to behold (and blissfully crowd-free).

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Barcelona

Visit the most important landmark in the city of Barcelona. Admire Gaudi’s mastery and make sure not to miss out on the rich symbolism of his works. Learn about the history and significance of Sagrada Familia by the hand of your local guide. Discover how nature influenced and inspired Gaudí on his planning. Find out why Sagrada Familia is a must-see landmark in Barcelona!

Price €56

Min age 0

Rating 4.26 / 5 [7076 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Barcelona

Experience the best of Barcelona on this full-day, small group tour of maximum 16 people for a more personalized and relaxed exploration. Enjoy round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off for your convenience as you embark on a memorable 8-hour journey through the city’s top attractions. Wander through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, rich in history and charm. Then, take a trip to Montjuïc Hill, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean coastline. Tour the Passeig de Gracia, an elegant boulevard that hosts a wealth of modernist architecture like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí. Marvel at the crown jewel of Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s iconic cathedral with a skip-the-line access. Finish your day at Park Güell, wonder at its vibrant mosaics and panoramic city views with skip-the-line access. This tour is the perfect introduction to Barcelona’s architectural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Price €100

Min age 0

Rating 4.81 / 5 [7054 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Barcelona

SMALL GROUP TOUR (between 10 and 16 people per tour guide). Enjoy priority access and visit two of the most relevant masterworks of Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia (1882-still under construction) and the Park Güell (1900-1914) in a small group guided tour to ensure a more intimate experience with your guide. In both places, you will learn the history of the temple and the park, the details of its architecture and about the ideas that the famous architect shaped on them. This tour will introduce you closer to the personality of Gaudi, the person he was, and what the times were like when he lived in Barcelona at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

Price €109

Min age 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [4647 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Barcelona

Explore the beauty of Barcelona on this Best of Barcelona Tour, which offers a comprehensive view of this exquisite Catalan city, including a visit to La Sagrada Familia. Perfect for first-time visitors, the tour will show you the city’s most iconic sights and allow you to discover some of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access at La Sagrada Familia, so you can avoid the long queues at this popular attraction. You’ll also visit the hill of Montjuïc and the Gothic Quarter. On this small-group tour, you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Price €69

Min age 0

Rating 4.64 / 5 [2579 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Barcelona

Embark on an architectural adventure with our guided tour of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. During the 1 hour 15-minute tour, exclusively guided in your selected language, you will witness the architectural wonders that make the Sagrada Familia a masterpiece. Discover the hidden secrets in every corner, from its imposing facades to the amazing interior columns that mimic giant trees. Our expert guide, deeply passionate about the history and symbolism of Gaudí, will reveal the stories behind the stunning stained glass windows, bathing the space in a kaleidoscope of colors, and show you how nature inspired every element of this temple. With the comfort of personal headphones, you will be able to immerse yourself in each explanation while delighting in observing and capturing the essence of this modernist jewel. With exclusive skip-the-line access, step into the fantasy world that Gaudí created. An experience that is not just a visit, but a journey through limitless creativity and ingenuity.

Price €52

Min age 0

Rating 4.60 / 5 [1626 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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