9 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting La Sagrada Familia

Planning a trip to Barcelona? La Sagrada Familia should undoubtedly be on your must-see list.

This iconic basilica, designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But before you head over, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your visit.

Here are 9 common mistakes tourists make when visiting La Sagrada Familia—and how to avoid them.

1. Not Purchasing Tickets in Advance

By far, the biggest mistake you can make is not buying your tickets ahead of time. La Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular monuments in Spain, drawing in millions of visitors each year.

Tickets almost always sell out and must be purchased online, at least 2 weeks in advance. You can’t simply show up and buy your tickets on the spot.

And if you’re interested in doing any of the guided tours or tower visits (as opposed to simply the audio guide), I’d recommend purchasing your tickets several weeks in advance.

Of course, last-minute tickets are available on 3rd party sites such as Viator or GetYourGuide, but these will cost you a lot more than if you had bought them directly from the official website.

2. Only Seeing the Exterior

Yes, the exterior of La Sagrada Familia is stunning and definitely worth admiring. But nowadays, the site is barricaded and you can really only snap pictures of it from across the street.

To truly experience the grandeur of this architectural gem, I’d highly recommend paying to go inside.

The interior is just as breathtaking, if not more so, with its towering columns and intricate stained glass windows that create a kaleidoscope of colors.

You’ll also be able to get closer to both the Nativity and Passion facades, which are filled with intricate details and symbolism that can best be appreciated up close.

3. Not Booking on the Official Website

There are numerous third-party websites selling tickets to La Sagrada Familia, but not all of them are reputable. Some of them look very similar but charge much higher prices for the same tickets.

For example, look-a-like websites like www.sagradafamiliatickets.org, are selling tickets for more than double the price!

To ensure you are getting the best deal and avoiding any potential scams, always book directly from the official website (https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets).

Tip: Reputable sites like Viator or GetYourGuide are typically fine to use, but only as a last resort if the official website is sold out, or if you’re looking for a more premium experience.

4. Not Dressing Appropriately

La Sagrada Familia is a place of worship, and as such, there is a dress code that must be abided by.

Tourists often overlook this and are turned away at the entrance for wearing inappropriate clothing.

When visiting the basilica, make sure to dress appropriately by ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid wearing hats inside.

If you’re visiting Barcelona in the summer, a light scarf can be handy to cover your shoulders while you’re inside.

5. Not Bringing Headphones for the Audio Guide

If you opt for the basic entrance ticket, an audio-guided tour is included.

However, how it works is that you must download the Sagrada Familia app on your phone, and play the audio guide through the app.

Headphones are not included, so you’ll want to be sure to bring your own headphones to get the best experience.

Otherwise, you’ll have to hold your phone up to your ear the entire time, which can make it difficult to hear in a loud and busy place.

6. Skipping the Towers

There are two towers that can be visited at La Sagrada Familia, the Nativity Tower and the Passion Tower.

These tower visits offer incredible views of Barcelona and a unique perspective on Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece.

But many tourists skip this option thinking it’s not worth the extra cost. However, I’d highly recommend opting for the tower visit if you really want the full experience.

7. Visiting at the Wrong Time of Day

La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous churches in Barcelona and is almost always busy.

But there are some times of day that are better to visit due to the natural light shining through the stained glass windows.

I’d recommend trying to visit from 4-5pm when the sun is casting a beautiful light inside.

You’ll also be able to get some good pictures of the interior columns cast in a warm glow.

8. Not Downloading the App Ahead of Time

As mentioned, the Sagrada Familia app is required for the audio guide, as well as to download your entry tickets.

Make sure to download the app and add your tickets before arriving at the site to avoid any potential issues with Wi-Fi or mobile data connections.

It will ensure a smoother entry process and allow you to fully enjoy your visit.

9. Not Arriving Early Enough

Another common mistake tourists make when visiting La Sagrada Familia is not arriving early enough of their scheduled entry time.

Once you arrive, you have to go through security and metal detectors, which can take some time depending on the crowds.

To avoid any delays or risking missing your scheduled entry time, aim to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your ticketed entry.

This will also give you time to meet your assigned tour guide if you’ve opted for the guided tour.