How NOT to visit the Sagrada Familia

[@robertwalter3364]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

That’s good to hear. Hopefully that helps other too! Thanks Robert! Hope you and Kathy are well!

[@rebbyman]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Great point, it’s an Expiatory Temple

[@jotan6462]

I agree. People paying 26 euros is nothing for the amount and time it took to build it.

[@gregkeith5320]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

It was a a pleasure Greg! Glad you enjoyed the visit and got to see it til the end, not many people in there at that time!

[@shawnsmom1173]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Good news! Which was your favorite?

[@joannemcgrath3436]

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 ✨✨

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thanks for sharing! I agree the light with the windows is incredible

[@paulabf9065]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

The towers are not a necessary part of the visit

[@edwardmorrow5482]

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 :)

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Good point!

[@julieryan8612]

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

[@mikichilcutt]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

That will be awesome. Even the amount tot change in 10 years is impressive

[@HalloJochen]

Thanks and GREAT advice but unfortunately when I realised I wanted to go, it was fully booked. I thought I was even off-season (oct/nov), but it still required like a 2 week advanced booking. Guess I will have to revisit...

[@joho9815]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Glad it helped

[@kevinpengelly7490]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thanks! Hope it help with trip planning

[@mrrunestrom]

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👍

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Wow! Really appreciate that. Glad you were able to catch the video before going and it helped. Thanks for taking the time to write!

[@warrenwolf4690]

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!

[@mizzo8341]

Should be completed in 2026. (Building for 144 years)

[@carolmcguinnes4941]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

😂😂

[@okeesmokee6658]

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.

[@redallma]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Hey, thanks for sharing. Yes, 10 years ago there were significantly fewer people visiting. Now the likelihood of having tickets available is lower and you can only buy online

[@ramonlicha3881]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thanks Zoe and Ramón for sharing!

[@patminturn2267]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

That’s great! I’ve had a lot of mixed reviews about the towers. It’s not a “highlight” but can be a nice trip.

[@LorriOConnor-cp7jb]

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 🤣🤣

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

You’ve got all the links you’ll need in the descriptions of the videos, have a look!!

[@Twogirlsabroad]

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!!!!!

[@cornellcornell1]

Which tower should we pick. Nativity or passion?

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Nativity

[@jotan6462]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@matthewrutledge5028]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thanks for sharing this Matthew, hopefully it will help guide others to making their right choice!

[@soniecita1000]

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?

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Gracias Sonia, después de subir las torres, si que puedes volver a visitar el interior no hay problema

[@soniecita1000]

Muchas gracias. Saludos !

[@spiral4]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

That’s awesome! It is a beautiful building

[@michaelnogoy4022]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

That could be it

[@TheCocotennis]

We are big fans of Viator…glad to hear you had a great tour! And yes, people complain but they didn’t do their homework! 😜

[@buffs12121212]

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?

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Yep

[@thebsmaster]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thank you! Hopefully the recommendations help

[@TheCocotennis]

Exactly! I’m always amazed when people complain about things they had control over! 🙄🤪

[@mancityfan45]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Probably

[@Twogirlsabroad]

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!!!!

[@TheRigldbrg]

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+!

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Thanks Ira! Apparently there are some people who just don’t like it that much 🤷🏻‍♂️ that ceiling of trees is amazing though!

[@garykent402]

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 ❤️

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Theyve already announced it wont be finished by 2026 so you still got some time

[@julieanncheshire9960]

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.

[@Rita-vq8ez]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Afternoon before sunset

[@hirwaaxel2685]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

👍🏼

[@Decadenttia]

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!

[@warrenwolf4690]

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

[@renecperez]

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!!!

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Haha! I hope you enjoy your visit. Very exciting to hear you're getting to visit one of your dream places.

[@vdadhania]

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.

[@wmanthonyphotography]

"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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

😂😂that’s a good one!

[@jotan6462]

HAHAHA!

[@lexiconthx1]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Did you get your hat back?

[@lexiconthx1]

@@PatrickGuideBarcelona Yes they gave me a claim number. It did ruin my experience however as I was worried about getting it back the whole time. As I said above I was planning on taking it off when I went inside the church. The security said they couldn't have me take a picture with the hat. Puzzling since I could just take one anyway when I left from across the street. Not sure why it was an issue here when I wore the same hat in St Peters square just a few days before and had it on until I entered St. Peters basilica.

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

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

[@VuNguyen-do1mk]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Is that what you did when you visited?

[@VuNguyen-do1mk]

@@PatrickGuideBarcelona Yes, we took a guided tour.

[@Adicak4]

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

[@Planetdune]

It's a tourist trap, they don't give a hoot what you wear as long as you pay up and aren't nude.

[@jantymstra]

What is the official site for booking tickets?

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

The sagrada familia website. .org

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

I’ve had problems leaving links in comments before

[@stevemarquis7704]

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.

[@casksj356]

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! :)

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. The Palau and the Hospital de Sant Pau are both incredible. Thanks for sharing that list. Havent been to all of them but Alhambra is what challenges Sagrada Familia for the most visited and best rated attraction depending on the year.

[@8twc]

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.

[@bigWazaa]

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

[@張玉珍-o6d]

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

[@barryclegg9961]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Every time?

[@barryclegg9961]

@@PatrickGuideBarcelona yep, everytime. I don't go in anymore as haven't gone in for years but I like to get the tour bus and just chill in the parks in front and behind Sagrada familia. Same as Barca FC tour I always do that everytime I go lol. I've done the new immersive tour twice now... Very impressive.👍

[@Supermariocrosser]

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

[@Planetdune]

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

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

How many stars ⭐️?

[@caraashji]

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

[@bryantsouslin8856]

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.

[@Aussie_Stitch]

I'm not sure where the €26 price came from on the review. I'm looking at the prices now on the website and it's €78.85. I'm from Australia and that's $130.82 for me. Might have to give the inside a miss

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Not sure where you are looking but, I would make sure your on the official site. Doesn’t sound like it

[@Harps66]

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.

[@PatrickGuideBarcelona]

Laughing in their faces? Would you care to explain?

[@okieg8960]

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

[@pizzaipinya2442]

Well, everyone has its own vision of God and what God would want from us. Gaudí thought that the greatest expression of God was nature, and that's why he designed such a magnificient church with tree-shaped columns and basically everything inspired in nature. That's also why the church is a bit smaller than Montjuïc mountain, cause Gaudí thought no human creation should surpass God's creation: nature. Maybe your vision of God is totally different, and that's ok. :)

[@bb1111116]

From God’s point of view every artistic religious building is not necessary for God. God knows everything and doesn’t need to be educated through art. For God a plain barn would be as useful as an artistic building. Art is for people who appreciate art who can see a story or idea through art.

[@stevemarquis7704]

Well I guess I lack the hubris to claim what God wants or not. Art, fortunately, is by definition a human endeavor not confined by rigid norms. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.