How NOT to visit the Sagrada Familia 

Patrick, We loved our visit to the Sagrada Familia last week. We had made arrangements on line earlier. A week before we visited we realized we had signed up for the Spanish language tour. We emailed the people at the Sagrada and within a day they had changed our tour to the English version. Impressed with their customer service...Rob & Kathy

Went to Barcelona five years ago and purchased all my entrance tickets not only to the Sagrada Familia but also for both Casas from the states ahead of time and had no issues . Really breathtaking Gaudis’s architecture

Thanks for the great video. It misses one important point for those who complain about the entrance fee: it is the people's money that makes it possible to build this cathedral. It was one of Gaudi's conditions - he didn't want to build the cathedral with state or church money. He wanted to finance it entirely from private donations and donors - and that is still the case today. Paying admission is an honour for me personally (and I do so every time I visit Barcelona, I spend hours inside the cathedral, I love the place) - the feeling of helping to fund such a magnificent building is simply inexpressible.

Just toured Sagrada Familia last week after a fantastic Gaudi tour by Patrick. We entered the cathedral at 4:00 and the light coming through the red stained glass was breathtaking! It is completely worth the price of admission. We stayed until they kicked us out at closing time lol

You absolutely have to go inside to see the light from the stained glass windows it is such a beautiful experience, the architecture is amazing like being in another world Gaudi's light for the next life . The doors inside are beautiful to the right of the entrance at the front . I booked our tickets online while home in England and got to the Sagrada early so we got our time slot . My daughter and myself had an audio guide so we took our time to listen and pause to take it all in . I cant imagine not seeing this our first visit to Barcelona a must have to see ✨✨

I am so grateful for your videos! Learn so much. Thank you. In a day or so , I will be booking our tickets for a mid-April visit to Barcelona. I am claustrophobic and hearing you speak of the limited space in the Towers, I am wondering if I am better off to pass on going up.

100% agree with those top tips, people tend to be a bit more energetic in the morning rush and more relaxed in the evenings, so the vibes of the visitors is different which is why I always preferred afternoon visits inside :)

Going to Barcelona in a couple weeks. Going to Sagrada Familia, are the stairs in the towers difficult to navigate, how many steps, claustrophobic? Really enjoying your videos of beautiful Barcelona. Thanks

Another really informative video Patrick!! You answered all the questions that I had.

Your channel is great, Patrick. Being a family of 4 (teens and “old people”😂) helped us plan our first stay in Barcelona. We went to Sagrada Familia today and it was a profound experience. Seeing this video before hand was really helpful. Keep up the great work. We are big fans of yours👍

Really good advice and informative, so glad we found your youtube videos as visiting Barcelona on March 4th for 5 days :)

Gaudi is quite an interesting figure and learning about him, his ideas, his vision as manifested in his many projects highlighted this magnificent, one of a kind, masterpieces. A must see!

I visited in 1989, there was nothing inside just blocks of rocks lying around. I can't wait to see how much it has progressed

Thanks for the info - 130,000+ 5 star reviews, so lets remember that most people can figure it out. We will be finishing a transatlantic cruise and this is number 1 on our visit list. The 2nd thing is Hospital Sant Pau - which will most likely fill up our day. Already have or tickets - and knowing that the ticket price goes to finishing this masterpiece fully explains the price - we are excited to see it.

Yep! Another good reason to subscribe to your channel. Having info before a trip is key. Also it is not a Disney trip.🤣🤣🤣

We personally really love our visit to La Sagrada, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe to go and visit. Always you found negative reviews, but most of them i people not understand prior to their visit what is La Sagrada Familia. We visit recently most of Spain, Italy historical places, such as: Alhambra, the Vatican/Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Colosseum, East Side Gallery, Real Alcazar, Pisa, ect. Its always came to plan in advance and learn what to expect. As always great reviews and great video. Thanks and hope next time in Barcelona we can finally met. Zoe and Ramon

I will be there May 20 . What time is the best time , light wise ? Morning or what time in afternoon?

We were just there last month (October 23). We bought tickets online (via Viator) , went to the meeting spot at the time that was designated and everything went smoothly. Going inside is a must to truly appreciate the church. And our guide was very informative. Seems like many of the bad reviews are from people who didn’t do a little bit of research prior.

We went 10 years ago. Amazing! We bought our tickets the day before (in July). We arrived 10 minutes before our entrance window prepared to wait and they let us in.

Ok I’m at 13:07 minutes in. These comments are those of people who have no idea what they are looking at. I’ve been to the Vatican and if you’re only here for the wrong reasons then you would think all these things. However this is an amazing church which the inside when the sun lights up this church is so amazing all in its self. The details on the nativity side are amazing all in themselves. Don’t listen to these reviews. Go experience something unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. When I saw it for myself I was just in Awe!!! I’m going back again and I will go back when it’s done. Unless you hear all the stuff on the audio tour you have no idea what you’re about to experience!!! And if you don’t understand well then that’s your loss!!! This church is one of the most amazing churches in the world!!!!!

I have been to Sagrada Familia twice and last time 5 years ago. The first time 10 years ago I managed to climb up to the towers and views beautiful and second time the towers were closed but inside was beautiful still. People don't understand that the place is still under construction and you are lucky that you are still allowed to be inside the building. Our next trip in Nov we will definitely do a trip and buy our tickets on line first. Thanks for the tips.

Hola. Muy buenos tus videos. Oye, una pregunta. Tengo una hora de entrada general y luego otra para la torre. A la salida de la torre, puedo regresar a ver la iglesia o voy a ser dirigida hacia la salida?

3:52 sounds like they went via a ticket agency. In these circumstances they should double check for attachments. 6:52 made me laugh. I will have to use something similar myself one day. A passenger in 3rd class on the titanic classic. 9:12 Tourists in this area can be choactic, a patience of an angel is required for the people that live there , I can't imagine what it can be like to work there. 12:30 The security staff did not speak Spanish ! That's offensive I wonder what Spanish the reviewer spoke. Nice video Patrick.

I went in the afternoon and the stain glass and light was amazing. I did the Nativity side for the tower and I still think it was well worth it.

Good morning Patrick After listening to your review on others reviews 😂 I quickly heard that you and your team do guided tours. Would you mind directing me to your site, so I can review it 🤣🤣

It may not seem it but Sagrada Familia is one of the most safety guarded places ever in Barcelona. SellingTickets just online was a necessary set not only to avoid crowds but also to enhance safety. Some people may not know or remember it but Barcelona was under terrorism risk alert in high levels years ago (and we are still under them but in lower rates). Also the incredible amount of visitors made life and working in the surroundings completely hellish. It might be your holidays by hundreds of people live and work in the area!

Absolutely go INSIDE the Sagrada Familia. I waited until my fifth trip to Barcelona to finally book online and go inside, and am so happy I did. As Patrick says, book through the official website or app. My visit was in 2022 and I found the app extremely easy to use (just download everything in advance at home or at your hotel’s wifi). I did the tower tour (and I’m slightly claustrophobic and still did ok), found it interesting and fun, but at Patrick says it’s not completely necessary.

Great video. I see there is one common theme about all the complaints discussed in this video. It's all on the tourists on not being prepared. If you're late, you can't get in. It's not uncommon. Sagrada is under construction. That's no secret ever since its existence. You buy tickets online. If you just spend just 5 minutes on their website, you would know that. IT's too expensive. It's your choice whether you pay that price or not. If you can't afford it, don't travel.

Look guys he is right I went at like 10:45am I took my time and I was still there at like 1:30. When I finished I went back in and oh my goodness did I see the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. That church was literally lite up like no other. When I went in it was a little rainy when I finished it was not so I went back in. I’m so thankful I did. I got pictures like I’ve never seen. And it was not the best weather wise. Guys if you travel and don’t do your research you will end up like the travelers he is talking about. Do your research before visiting a foreign country!!!!

When I went I loved it. I thought it was really beautiful and I got lots of lovely photos!!

My advice would be get the app, purchase your tickets in the app and read the information that is in the app! When I went in 2022, it wasn't working well in English, but it was in Spanish, so if you get stuck, change languages. This building is not just unique in Spain, it is unique in the world and going in at least once in your life is a MUST if you have any interest in art, architecture or culture.

"This Picasso guy. What a hack. No color? Can't shade? Everything is flat and both eyes are on one side of the head. Skip it. One star. Also got pick-pocketed outside." - These Reviewers after seeing Guernica

The tip about going in the afternoon is a good one. We were wondering that as well. I assume the Christmas market keeps going into the night as well?

I actually recently visited. I think there are probably a few gripes, maybe 2 with perhaps not the place, but perhaps with the administration of things: 1) Unlike some of the other attractions, purchasing Sagrada Familia tickets through their website can be a hassle because your credit card gets rejected. It often takes several attempts, thus risking your CC to get locked. It's also risky to wait until in Spain because having your credit card locked overseas is a big problem. 2) I wish we knew beforehand that you can't even bring drawstring bags up to the Towers and that you'd have to store in a locker for a fee of a Euro. I actually didn't have any euros (and a lot of people didn't.). Fortuantely, the staff had it on hand, knowing that this would be the case. 3) One of the issues with the Towers is that you don't really have enough of a window to simply look out at the views. It's such a tight space and you're really forced to keep moving a bit.

Patrick, as usual, your advice is spot on, and as someone who recently toured the Sagrada, the information you provided made for a seamless visit. BTW, who doesn't enjoy the Sagrada?? The Sagrada was the most spectacular attraction we saw in Spain. If I could have, I would have laid on the ground and gazed at the ceiling and walls for hours. The tower visit, on the other hand, I was a bit underwhelmed with, but just not my cup of tea. Overall, Sagrada scores a huge 5+!

Hi Patrick - I'm not an artsy type, not a Christian, going to Spain for the first time, and certainly a tourist. Seems a perfect setup for one of those bad reviews but I don't think so. Yes we need to buy tickets ahead of time, get there on time, pick a good time , recognize there will be construction and crowds etc but i think the common thread here is spoiled tourists. There is absolutely no excuse to not do minimal online research before going (most of us have limited funds and lack of preparation for a costly trip is unforgivable). So what you can't say straight out I will - these spoiled tourists need an attitude adjustment. Even the negative descriptions of the architecture and art seem off to me - this is a unique structure - one of a kind on the planet. A little rant on my part - just tired of lack of responsibility i guess. Your videos are one of the major tools for planning our trip - keep up the good work.

I've been twice, inside and out, I'm a scaffolder so the construction work didn't bother me. It's an absolutely amazing building and I'd like to see it completed, hopefully in 2026. Sagrada Familia ❤️

When we visited Barcelona for the first the one thing we wanted to do was go to LaSagrada. I watched as many UTubes as possible including Patrick’s. I read all about Gaudi and Modernisme. I got our tickets on the La Sagrada app, that way all the money went directly to the church

Oh Patrick! I am laughing here seeing these bad reviews about one of the most magnificent works in the world. Without a doubt these people have no clue what The Sagrada Familia is, it´s history and the effort that has taken to continue the construction for so many years. I will be there in a few weeks: God willing! -ticket already booked. This is One of me dreams since I was a kid when a friend of mine gave me a postcard of Sagrada Familia from the 1980´s. Thank you for the great advice!!!

How it is with dress code ? Can i wear shorts or i must have jeans ?

I don't know the meaning of the title Do you mean don't go or people can't resist the desire of visiting sagrada familia

hello Patrick, please do a video on spanish language schools in Barcelona. i am from RWANDA

I headed there in a few more days. I wrote this on April 21, 2014.

Went and it really is an amazing church. Was a one in a lifetime place to see and really unique. The stained glass was amazing. The security however was rude. I understand the need for security and to keep people safe. My problem was that actually confiscated my hat. A hat I wore at the Vatican just days before and had no issues. I obviously take it off when inside but found it crazy that had to hold it. The hat is just a Disney rainbow cap so nothing insulting to anyone. Glad I went but did leave sour after that.

For a "once in a life time" occasion such as this one, I always take a hit and pay for a tour. Who knows if I ever return to the same place for a second time.

What is the official site for booking tickets?

I personally really liked my visit to La Sagrada, it’s definitely in the top of the places I’ve visited in Europe. The people who left negative comments were just salty.. In Barcelona though, I really loved the Palau.. I still use it as my wallpaper! Absolutely beautiful little theater. In the three trips to Europe I’ve made in the last couple of years.. I’ll rank my favorite attractions. So far.. In order: Alhambra, the Vatican/Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Colosseum, East Side Gallery, Real Alcazar, La Sagrada Familia. Honestly, all top 15 could be #3.. but Alhambra and the Vatican are 1-2, no matter what. But yes, people need to do their research and buy tickets from reliable sources! *views from La Sagrada aren’t that special, the views from Pilar in Zaragoza were! :)

Going up the towers was a complete waste of time and money for me. not much to see at all but the small spiral staircase coming down was actually a highlight for us. we took some real fun photos since the people behind us were so much slower than us, those were our only photos in the church without any strangers in it 😜. Overall not impressed with this church even though you will never see another one like it, it’s even less impressive to me because it’s taking this long to complete it. There are so many other impressive churches in Spain to see.

Too expensive. A place of worship should be free. You can put a donation box for construction if you so desire.

If only Mr Gaudi were still alive to direct the project to satisfy the complaints, but art is highly subjective and there will always be those pointing out the technical problem. The official website now directs you to the app, is this correct? This would make sense to help mitigate fraudulent sellers.

The church is beautiful, but i went there last week and the staff are absolutely disgusting! I was told by a staff member that i wwasnt allowed to take photos and he called me stupid and had a massive grin on his face. There was about 20 other people taking photos around me and they werent told to stop. i was pretty shocked and didnt argue back, but my boyfriend stood up for me luckily. The only problem is the staff! They really need to fix this

I literally go to Sagrada familia every time I'm in Barcelona. I love the parks around it to. I've never been Barcelona without going to Sagrada familia. Honestly can't believe people have gave it bad reviews.

Sagrada familia is now treated the embodiment of Spanish culture - devoted to Catholicism -progressive and avant garde appearance yet from a historical traditional attitude devoted to Catholicism. - takes its own pace to complete things

Apple store? how is the apple store where the guy of the second review lives? It has to be spectacular!!!!

Very obnoxious and rude security at entrance and inside. Haphazard and very poorly organised queuing with lack of signage directions and queue management, security laughing in peoples faces as tourists try to make sense of it all. Needs new management c0mpany with a customer service ethos.

Visited all the way from Oklahoma. This building is totally pointless, god wouldn’t have wanted this.