Home > Barcelona > Viator Exclusive: Early Access to Sagrada Familia with Optional Tower Access
USD $44.00
Viator Exclusive: Early Access to Sagrada Familia with Optional Tower Access
Barcelona, Spain
Be among the first inside La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona on this 2.5-hour Viator Exclusive tour. Head inside the famously unfinished church by late, great Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and marvel at its design right as the structure first opens. Check out the tree-like columns, rich decoration and stained glass windows; admire the religious symbolism of the facades; and learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from your guide. Upgrade your ticket to include access to the tower.
Admire the incredible exterior with its soaring spires, and head straight inside for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Roman Catholic church, considered the master work of Antoni Gaudí. As one of the first visitors of the day, experience the full force of Gaudí's artistic genius with fewer crowds, and listen as your guide recounts the architect's vision for the church.
Gaze upward and soak up sights of the towering columns, stained glass windows and rich ornamentation. View the five aisles — designed like a Latin cross — and learn how Gaudí drew inspiration from nature, eschewing straight lines in favor of curves and jagged edges. Hear, too, how construction of the church began in 1882 and was only a quarter complete when Gaudí died in a road accident in 1926.
Check out the vaults that reach some 230 feet (70 meters) high, and, as you walk around, learn about the rich Christian symbolism of the decoration, facades and planned spires.
Having explored the church, enjoy some time to roam the area at your own leisure. To upgrade your experience, opt for a 30-minute visit (self-guided) to the top of church's tower, where you can look out on sweeping views over Barcelona. Please note that the trip to the top includes a climb of roughly 400 steps.
While our guide was great and knowledgeable do not think that early access means there were be fewer people there. The place was packed! That being said the Sagrada Familia is a wonderful sight to see.
Review by: Michael B, August 2018
Highly recommend a guided tour of this Gaudi masterpiece work in progress! Our guide Jordi was excellent. Very informative and humorous. This is a Barcelona MUST SEE!
Review by: Bianca V, August 2018
I specifically booked this tour for early access and “unobstructed” views. It was my understanding that the tour was to begin at 8:50 allowing for ten minutes of early access. Our guide Susanna was very disorganized. She started a few minutes late, and did not even approach the gates to see about getting us in until 9:06. She was there for over ten minutes on her cell phone because she had not properly arranged for our visit. It was 9:20 by the time we got to security, and 9:30 by the time we were done. Then, instead of getting us inside quickly, she made us wait at a scaled model by the entrance for another 20 minutes. It was 9:50 when we finally entered the church, which was well packed with people. It would have been easier and cheaper to have just been in line early to get in at 9. Her tour had some interesting points but was mostly haphazard with iPad viewings of Star Wars characters. _br/_ Sadly, the Elevator to the tower was broken that day, which was not Susanna’s fault, so we could not enter. She said that she would immediately issue a refund for this but I have not received any updates or notifications about a refund. This has the potential to be a great tour, but the day I went was not one. Very, very disappointed.
Review by: Steve, August 2018
I have nothing bad to say. We met our guide just outside of the Sagrada Familia and she was just fabulous. She got us in quickly and started the tour with enthusiasm. She was very passionate which made the tour even better. We also got the tower access which was done on our own, that gave us great views of the city below. It was all worth it.
Review by: Seattle-ites, August 2018
Do not take this tour. This tour was to supposed to be early access before it opened to the public. The tour guide arrived after it opened and after people called her office. The tour guide was more than 25 minutes late. She had no tickets then had to go get them, then had to call her office multiple times to get the count again and again. We ended up walking into the church 45 minutes after it opened. We did NOT get early access which is why we booked this in the first place. We couldn't stay for the tower access which we also paid for since she was so late. She didn't stay for it ether, just shuffled people to the elevator and left. The tour was not 2.5 hours. After 6 great Viator tours in Italy last year and 2 in Athens this year, we are extremely disappointed in this tour. This tour is not Viator caliber or quality.
Review by: Daniel M, July 2018
Viator is a middleman. If you arrive late for this tour your out of luck and out of your money. Just book the tour with someone else when you get there. It will be explained where to meet and what to do a little better.
Review by: saddoris2.0, July 2018
I have done quite a few of these tours on my current trip and this one was my favorite. Our guide, Sara, was fantastic. She had a great Catalan accent and personality and made the time very enjoyable. She also knew how to allow us our free time and share information about the site. Time well spent and such an amazing church. I had been 12 years previously but so much has been completed since then it is almost like a new place to me.
Review by: Karyn M, July 2018
This tour was great, although you were not in the church any earlier than other tour operators and the public, so not quite what I was expecting from the write up. You do the general walk around tour and then finish with going up the elevator to the tower. This is a very different feeling being up so high and seeing all of Gaudi's imaginings from a completely different perspective. I did thoroughly enjoy this aspect of the tour and would recommend it to anyone. The only way down is to use the small spiral staircase, which can be a killer for knees, but we were able to take at a leisurely pace, so no biggie. Following the tour you can roam the site for as long as you wish. We had no other commitments unlike our last visit so also managed to potter through the museum. This gives a whole different level to Gaudi's brilliance. A must see.
Review by: Jeff S, July 2018
Everything was perfect. The guide provided such great explanations that really helped us appreciate the cathedral that much more. I can’t recommend this enough!
Review by: Donald C, July 2018
What a great tour. The guide was excellent. We beat the crowds and got a very comprehensive look at both the inside and outside of the church . We really enjoyed it.
Review by: Joseph S, July 2018
We were so pleased with our booking through Viator! This was an extremely pleasant experience and the staff was great to work with. We had an early tour and due to issues with transportation form the port; we were late and asked to book for a later tour and they accommodated us; without any hassle at all. It evidently was meant to be, because our tour guide was so amazing and we really built a rapport with her as well! We will use this company over and over again! The Sagrada Familia and the Tower was very spiritual for us and definitely exceeded our expectations. This is a must see if you are anywhere near the area!
Review by: Gerard M, July 2018
Our guide was great ( Antonio I think ??) the pace was good and we were amongst the first to be let in so the views were quiet and beautiful. Our guides knowledge of the building construction methods and history was insightful and engaging , we are very glad we did this tour . The tower visit was worthwhile you have to like heights !!! We spent a further 3 hrs in the space afterwards as there is much to enjoy ( and we dont usually visit churches) this is very special place .
Review by: jkimmds, July 2018
Beautiful church which is well worth seeing. Our tour guide was excellent and we highly recommend this tour.
Review by: Oksana A, July 2018
Worth doing this, with the tower access. Our guide Jordi was very informative, and entertaining. Kids liked him too. He spoke excellent English, and his story telling and information were more than adequate. He guided our tour group through the stunning exterior and interior of the cathedral, pointing out very interesting details in engineering and architectural style, as well as of Gaudi's personal character and life. _br/_ After about an hour tour, we parted ways with Jordi by the elevator to the tower, and went up in small batches. _br/_ This was first time for our kids', second for us. If you are claustrophobic, skip this part, but it turned out fun for us. There are some 400 steps to get down there is no elevator ride down, in a very narrow spiral tower staircase. Kids couldn't help but imagine setting a slinky on those steps!
Review by: rtkmack, June 2018
Had some difficulty in locating our guide but once we did we were set. Very knowledgeable and provided a wealth of information on the Sagrada Familia and Gaudi. Not too sure that the early access was early, but that worked in our favour as we could not find the guide. He should be wearing something on him so that he can be identified easily as there are so many groups around.
Review by: italy, June 2018
Fantastic....Buy the tower access!!!
Review by: Karen G, May 2018
Easy meeting place in front of Sagrada Familia. We were set up with headphones. The guide was exceptional and this is a must see in Barcelona. We took the optional tower elevator which wasnt a big deal. There is no elevator down and had to cautiously walk down a dark, long circular, very narrow and old staircase.
Review by: Trevor S, May 2018
Well worth seeing
Review by: Avinash, May 2018
Though we had some trouble finding the guide at the first instance, once we found her it was all smooth and good.
Review by: Kathleen S, May 2018
Sagrada Familia was amazing, and our tour guide helped us to understand the thought process behind and history of this amazing building.
Review by: EC DRAW, May 2018
Took this tour last week. Our Guide was Jordi, He was very knowledgeable. Awesome tour. Learned a lot about Gaudi and Bacelona. Thank you very much...
Review by: Michael B, May 2018
Really awesome to see this and I highly recommend doing so with a tour guide. Our guide was really good and provided a lot of insight.
Review by: DME S, May 2018
Our guide was friendly and informative and it was great to learn about Gaudi and the Sagrada Familia. The light coming through the stained glass windows inside the Sagrada Familia is beautiful, as is the interior. We also went up the towers, which is well worth doing, not only for the views from the top but also for the journey down the stairs afterwards. Great to do the early access morning tour before it gets too crowded. Would recommend doing this tour.
Review by: tyhinkle, May 2018
Complete Scam! LIES and MISLEADING!! DO NOT USE THIS TERRIBLE CHEAT OF A COMPANY! Every time I have book an early access tour with Viator, the tour started EARLY. Meaning BEFORE opening so you could be in the location with a small group and have great pictures without many people. THIS TOUR WAS A TOTAL SCAM! Even though the Sagrada opened at 9:00am, we did not even enter the grounds until 9:15 and did not enter the Sagrada until 9:35. By then the place was PACKED! DO NOT USE THIS RIDICULOUS TOUR! I should have gone on my own. I will NEVER use Viator again since they allow these scam artists to deceive their customers! Sad because I have been very loyal to Viator!
Review by: Anne G, May 2018
Our Guide Georges was excellent and although you don't get access before the cathedral opens which it infers going early is definitely worth getting up for
Review by: Tom R, January 2018
Excellent guide who brought the pace to life getting you to understand the history and the objectives of the build. Well worth the visit.
Review by: David W, January 2018
Amazing!! Our guide was very knowledgeable! This piece of architecture is astounding and should not be missed!
Review by: LiezlAnn D, January 2018
Perfect way to experience the Sagrada Familia. A must!!!
Review by: pokpik1, January 2018
Just go on your own tour and pay extra for the head phone/radio where you can hear the story._br/_ Paid more than we should for 1 hr. of tour guide explaining the history of Sagrada and Gaudi's work.
Review by: Cleona P, December 2017
The group finally entered the Sagrada Familia at 9.15am NOT 10 minutes earlier as advertised opens at 9am!_br/_ Save your money and buy a general entrance! Watch a video or two on Youtube the night before.
Review by: Irene D, December 2017
Another great place to visit. Don't miss the tower.
Review by: mombomb, December 2017
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and sweet. The building is very impressive. A must see.
Review by: Rollo R, December 2017
Amazing site,I dont like having a guide but this is a must with a guide. What the Guide was able to enlighten us about this site and Guadis work was incredible. A must see site and a must see early access trust me about this!
Review by: Lynette A, November 2017
Wow what a place don't miss it!!! Even though I was the only person that day on the tour it still went ahead and Silvia my guide was wonderful - how lucky was I to end my months holiday this way. Don't miss this tour!!!!
Review by: Kris M, November 2017
Tour guide was fantastic! A little dissapointed that the time got changed and we did not get early access.
Review by: Brian T, November 2017
What an extraordinary place. Seeing this facility made the day. Inside is bright and clean even though much work is being done around you. The tour guide was most helpful and informative and did not rush us. It was well worth the money we paid. _br/_ As a side benefit I can now say that I have seen a structure that takes longer to build than anything in our closest city.
Review by: Charles R, November 2017
Absolutely a required tour. R
Review by: Daniel K, November 2017
Very nice. We went in really fast and had a great guide talking about all details. Felt sorry cuz I didn't go up in the tower.
Review by: Alesscia H, November 2017
Awesome!!
Review by: William B, November 2017
The Sagrada Familia was everything wonderful that we had heard about It and more! Early access was the way to go, too, since the lines for regular tickets were very long already when we went in. Our guide, Jordi, was excellent. He was knowledgeable and passionate about the cathedral and Gaudi. Im an artist who read up on the Sagrada Familia but we would have missed much of the history and richness of It without such a skillful guide.
Review by: Jfmc1231, November 2017
I wish I could give this tour 10 stars! Taking it was the smartest decision we made. We were first up into the tower, so we had time to enjoy the view and take fabulous pictures. Our guide was amazing--we learned so much about the Sagrada and Gaudi and got photos not cluttered with crowds of people.
Review by: nancy p, November 2017
The tour was fine and Sagrada Famalia is an incredible structure BUT it is NOT early access. There is no early access so this was false advertising. Everyone in our group was quite upset about this. You met before the opening and lining up and went in when everybody else who bought a regular ticket went in when the gate was opened. We all had our tickets showing the tour guide the words Early Access she essentially blew us off and said No, there is no early access and didn't know why our tickets stated that, she tried to back peddle and say we were meeting early.
Review by: Jane A, November 2017
Excellent Tour! Jordy was our tour guide and he was very knowledgable and gave lots of information on the symbolism of the building. The towers were excellent - lovely views! Should make it clear that is lift up the tower and walk down - a bit easier than a walk up!
Review by: Shaun M, October 2017
Well worth investing in this tour with an accompanying expert guide when visiting such a magnificent building. You get up close and personal with the benefit of understanding the history and current information on the site. Don't worry about the cost v value for sure go with what you can afford but if in Barcelona do not miss this one off your bucket list, be sure at the very least to go inside this fabulous place - it really will take your breath away.
Review by: Big Tony, October 2017
The tour was ok, but was not organized well and misleading. The tour said early access but was not true, the guide handled our questions poorly and told us to contact the tour operator. She could have been more professional and prepared. I’m on the fence if I would recommend this tour due to the guide!
Review by: eveningmist22, October 2017
Did not quite understand the guide when he spoke English which wasn't very clear.
Review by: Tom A, October 2017
This was the highlight of our Spain and Italy vacation. So wonderful and the guide was exceptional. We learned a lot, and skipping the line was great. I am old and have a bad back, but I navigated the steps down. A must see for Barcelona._br/_ Tom A from Texas
Review by: Tom A, October 2017
This was the highlight of our Spain and Italy vacation. So wonderful and the guide was exceptional. We learned a lot, and skipping the line was great. I am old and have a bad back, but I navigated the steps down. A must see for Barcelona._br/_ Tom A from Texas
Review by: Alicia W, October 2017
Excellent! Fantastic guide and the Church was magnificent. Early access is well worth the price.
Review by: Susan R, October 2017
The tour was well organised, on time and very informative. Getting in early at 9 am was well worthwhile. Good guide, fabulous building.
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