The Sagrada Familia is the main tourist attraction in Barcelona. Every year, more than 4 million people visit Antoni Gaudí’s world-famous temple, one of the great gems of global architecture. But this isn’t the only highlight in the area: what to see near the Sagrada Familia? Here are some of our recommendations:
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Table of Contents
- Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
- Torre Glòries
- La Monumental
- Mercat dels Encants
- Arc de Triomf
- Palau Macaya
- Disseny Hub Barcelona
- Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
- What to See Near the Sagrada Familia (map)
Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
Barcelona is one of the Spanish cities where modernist architecture had the greatest impact. This is reflected in a fascinating array of public and private buildings to explore near the Sagrada Familia. The most surprising one? The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site.
This complex was built between 1905 and 1930 with an important mission: to house the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Despite being a set of functional buildings, architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner didn’t hold back his creativity and designed a beautiful garden city to help patients recover.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Sant Pau is a truly unique visit and one of the best places to see near the Sagrada Familia. It’s located just 1,000 meters from the basilica, at Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167.
If you’d like to visit the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, you can buy skip-the-line tickets here.
Torre Glòries Viewpoint
Also known as the Agbar Tower, Torre Glòries offers a completely different perspective on Catalan architecture.
This skyscraper, which turns 20 in 2025, has a total of 34 floors. That brings the building to a height of 144 meters, making it the third tallest structure in Catalonia.
Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, Torre Glòries is said to be inspired by the bell towers of the Sagrada Familia itself. To enjoy the 360º views and full experience, just head to Avinguda Diagonal 211, about 1,500 meters from Gaudí’s masterpiece.
If you’re thinking of visiting the fantastic viewpoint at Torre Glòries, we suggest you book your tickets in advance.
La Monumental
Once a bullring, La Monumental is now used for concerts and other large-scale events. It was originally built in 1914 by architect Joaquim Raspall, though it later underwent significant renovations.
Its striking façade alone makes it worth a visit: it’s a curious blend of styles, mixing neo-Mudéjar and Byzantine elements. This gives the entire structure a distinctly exotic character. The use of brick and colorful ceramic tiles stands out, as they are featured extensively throughout the building.
La Monumental is located at 749 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, about 900 meters from the Sagrada Familia.
Encants de Barcelona
If you’re passionate about vintage items, this is the best plan near the Sagrada Familia. Els Encants has been an active market in the city since 1929.
It began as a flea market where individuals and vendors sold all kinds of second-hand goods. Over time, it evolved into a professional space for antiques, furniture, and all sorts of curiosities.
Since 2013, Mercat dels Encants has been located in a new, modern facility designed by Fermín Vázquez. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it offers a unique opportunity to take home a special souvenir from your visit to Barcelona. After touring the Sagrada Familia, just head to Carrer dels Castillejos, 158 — it’s only about 1,200 meters away.
Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomf is one of the most photographed landmarks by first-time visitors to Barcelona. This structure was used to welcome people from all over the world who came to the city in 1888 for the Universal Exhibition.
Today, it stands as a testament to that era, conceived by architect Josep Vilaseca, who aimed to symbolize respect among nations, cities, and peoples through his work. This neo-Mudéjar arch is uniquely beautiful.
To see it, simply go to Passeig de Lluís Companys in Ciutat Vella, 1,700 meters from the Sagrada Familia. A bit further on, you can also visit the Parc de la Ciutadella — one of Barcelona’s liveliest green spaces.
Palau Macaya
Now a cultural center hosting talks and exhibitions, Palau Macaya is a beautiful building worth visiting for anyone wondering what to see near the Sagrada Familia.
This modernist building was erected in 1898 based on designs by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It is named after its original owner, Macaya i Gibert, a powerful industrialist in 19th-century Barcelona.
Its beautifully decorated façade leads to a building now owned by the La Caixa Foundation, which opens its doors for a wide range of cultural events.
This site is located at Passeig de St. Joan, 108, in the Eixample district, just 600 meters from Gaudí’s basilica.
Disseny Hub Barcelona
The Disseny Hub Barcelona (DHub), opened in 2014, is one of those places that surprises even those who are well-acquainted with the city. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the creative talent that has shaped Barcelona over the years.
Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that blend graphic design, fashion, everyday objects, and decoration from different eras. Everything is presented in a very visual and entertaining way, so even if you’re not a design expert, you’re sure to enjoy the visit. Moreover, the building itself is worth seeing: it’s modern, photogenic, and unlike any other structure you can imagine.
Getting there is easy: it’s just two metro stops from the Sagrada Família (get off at Plaça de les Glòries on the L2) or about a 20-minute walk.
It’s worth noting that the recently renovated Plaça de les Glòries has been transformed into a vast nine-hectare urban park, featuring wide promenades, green areas, rest zones, and spaces for children’s play and dogs. It’s an ideal place to relax, grab a drink at one of its kiosks, or simply enjoy the atmosphere before or after visiting the museum.
Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
We close our recommendations with the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC). This venue, which opened to the public in 1996, is well worth a visit even if you’re not attending one of its cultural events.
The Teatre Nacional de Catalunya was designed by the renowned Ricardo Bofill. The architect sought to combine modern comforts with the aesthetic of classical concert halls and theaters.
The result is simply stunning and makes the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya one of the best things to see near the Sagrada Familia. To visit, head to Plaça de Les Arts, just 1,300 meters away.
Map of Places to See Near the Sagrada Familia
On this map, you can see the exact location of the 8 recommended sites to visit near the Sagrada Familia.