Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 2023-2024

Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece is being incarnated by modern architectors and paralelly visited by millions of admirers

Best time: October–March (all year round)

Sagrada Familia is the true icon of Barcelona dominating the city landscape. The masterpiece visioned by Antoni Gaudí combines the features of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. It's part of the 'Works of Antoni Gaudí' UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The construction started back in 1882 and was planned to be completed by 1900. However, neither Gaudí, nor his successors haven't seen the finished basilica. The construction of this architectural masterpiece continues in present days. In the meanwhile, the church is the most popular tourist attraction in Barcelona and Spain and annually receives over 4 million visitors.

Sagrada Familia is open to visitors all year round, but the opening hours vary throughout the seasons. April to September have the most extended hours—from 9 am to 8 pm. For March and October it's 9 am to 7 pm, and November through February operating hours are shortened to 9 am and 6 pm. On Christian holidays, it's open till 2 pm only.

Anyway, the best time to visit the glorious basilica is when it's flooded with sunlight, which is best from mid-morning to mid-to-late afternoon. The sun strikes right into stained-glass windows creating stunning colour effects in the naves.

The best hours naturally see the peak crowding at Sagrada Familia. But if you choose to go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds, you'll miss light and colours, which is not the best option. Therefore, we recommend visiting in the off-season from October to March, when it's relatively less crowded. Also, buying your ticket online in advance or booking a guided tour will reduce your queuing time and make your experience more enjoyable.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Sagrada Familia?

If you're planning to tour Sagrada Familia, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon when the stained-glass windows are illuminated by sunlight. Between October and March, fewer tourists visit Barcelona, making it an ideal time to go. This period offers fewer crowds, which means you'll have ample time to take exceptional photos without tourists in the background.

What are the operating hours of Sagrada Familia?

Sagrada Familia is open all year round, but the opening hours change depending on the season. From March to October, the basilica is open from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. It's open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m from November through February. In April-September(from Christian holidays), the durations are extended to 9 a.m till 8 p.m. Make sure to check the timings before you visit and note that during Christian holidays, the basilica stays open only till 2 pm.

How long does it take to explore Sagrada Familia?

To explore Sagrada Familia entirely, set aside one to two hours of your time. The time you'll need largely depends on the season and time you visit. Plan ahead by booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues, ensuring you have enough time to experience the basilica to the fullest. Guided tours provide excellent insights into the basilica's history and architecture, making it a great option for visitors who want a more in-depth experience.

Where can I buy tickets for Sagrada Familia?

To get tickets for Sagrada Familia, you can purchase them in person at the basilica or online via the official website. Online bookings allow you to choose your preferred date and time and avoid the long queues. With the official website, you have multiple options, including guided tours to ensure you skip the lines and spend more time exploring this iconic site.

How can I avoid the crowds at Sagrada Familia?

As one of the most popular tourist sites in Spain, Sagrada Familia is usually crowded. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. October to March is the off-season when there are fewer tourists. Consider booking tickets ahead or opting for guided tours to beat the queues and ensure you have a pleasant time exploring this iconic landmark.