Booking a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia is the best way to discover the secrets of Gaudí’s temple: its symbolism, its history, and the details that often go unnoticed on a self-guided visit. There are different types of guided tours, from basic routes to experiences that include going up the towers or private groups, and in this article we help you choose the most suitable one.
Book your skip-the-line guided tour
Table of contents
- Basic guided tour (no towers)
- Guided tour with access to one tower
- Private guided tour
- Combined guided tours with other landmarks
- Tips
Basic guided tour (no towers)
The basic guided tour of the Sagrada Familia is the most common option for those who want to discover Gaudí’s temple without going up the towers. The route includes explanations about the façades, the central nave, and the most notable interior spaces, offering a comprehensive overview of the basilica at a more affordable price.
Booking options
Official website:
- More affordable prices compared to other platforms.
- More limited availability, requiring booking well in advance.
- These are usually slightly shorter tours than those offered by other providers.
- Book from the Sagrada Familia’s official website.
Accredited providers:
- Greater availability, with broader schedules and more language options.
- In some cases it’s possible to book for the same day, which is very useful for last-minute trips.
- Tour duration is often longer than the official one, depending on the provider and type of tour.
- Usually, more flexible cancellation options.
Recommended tours:
- Guided tour with a local expert (Tiqets)
- Skip-the-line entry + guided tour (Tiqets)
- Sagrada Familia skip-the-line tour (Civitatis)
If you want to compare all the available ticket types, also check our page dedicated to Sagrada Familia tickets, where we explain the differences between basic tickets, those with tower access, and other options.
Guided tour with tower access
The guided tour with tower access at the Sagrada Familia is the most complete experience: it combines the interior route with access to one of the towers, offering unique views of Barcelona. You can go up the Nativity Tower, with views toward the east of the city, or the Passion Tower, with views over the city center.
Please note: the ascent is by elevator and the descent on foot; not accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Booking options
Official website:
- Lower prices compared to other platforms.
- Very limited availability, especially in high season.
- Approximate duration: 50 minutes.
- Book from the Sagrada Familia’s official website.
Accredited providers:
- Greater availability than the official option, with the possibility of booking even on the same day.
- Flexible cancellation in many cases, ideal for travelers seeking flexibility.
- Tours are usually longer than the official ones.
Recommended tours:
- Guided tour + tower access if selected as an extra (Tiqets)
- Guided tour of the Sagrada Familia with access to one tower (Civitatis)
For more details about the towers and what views each one offers, see our page dedicated to the Sagrada Familia towers.
Private or small-group guided tour
Private or small-group guided tours of the Sagrada Familia are the best option for those seeking a more exclusive and relaxed experience. This type of tour allows you to enjoy explanations tailored to the group, resolve questions at a calmer pace, and explore the basilica at a personalized rhythm. For large groups—such as school groups, families, or companies—it is necessary to book in advance via the basilica’s official email, with more affordable prices but limited availability in high season.
Booking options
In addition to the official channel, the main accredited providers—such as Civitatis or Tiqets—offer alternatives with greater schedule flexibility, availability in several languages, and free cancellation in many cases. They are a highly recommended option for small families, friends, or travelers who prefer to avoid large groups and enjoy a more personalized experience. For more information, you can check our page about the group visit to the Sagrada Familia.
Combined guided tours
Combined guided tours of the Sagrada Familia make better use of your time in Barcelona, as they include access to the temple along with other points of interest. The most common option is the combination with Park Güell, another of Antoni Gaudí’s major projects, although there are also packages that add routes through the Gothic Quarter or panoramic city tours.
Booking options
This type of visit is managed by accredited providers such as Tiqets or Civitatis, who offer a wide variety of schedules and languages, with free cancellation in many cases. They are a good alternative for those who want to include the Sagrada Familia within a more complete itinerary and discover, in a single day, several of Barcelona’s most emblematic sights.
Recommended packages:
- Sagrada Familia + Park Güell (Tiqets)
- Sagrada Familia + Park Güell (Civitatis)
- Sagrada Familia + Park Güell + Casa Milà (Tiqets)
- Sagrada Familia + monument of your choice (Tiqets)
Tips for choosing the best tour
When choosing a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, it’s worth considering the type of experience you’re looking for, your budget, and the time you have available. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Basic guided tour: ideal if you want a comprehensive route at an affordable price and without complications.
- Guided tour with tower access: the most complete option for those who also want to enjoy Barcelona’s panoramic views.
- Private or small-group tour: recommended for families, groups of friends, or travelers seeking a more personalized and relaxed pace.
- Combined tour: perfect if you have limited time and want to make the most of the day by visiting the Sagrada Familia along with other iconic places such as Park Güell.