La Sagrada Família is truly breathtaking—no matter how many photos you’ve seen, the real thing is on another level. The exterior alone makes it one of the most impressive buildings in the world. The details, symbolism, sculptures, and sheer scale are mesmerizing, and you can spend a long time just walking around and noticing new elements. Seeing the sun hit the stone at different angles feels magical.
Because of that, my recommendation is actually not to rush inside. Tickets are expensive, time slots can be crowded, and the interior visit is fairly short compared to the time you’ll naturally spend admiring the outside. The best experience for us was simply finding a bench, slowing down, and taking in the view from the surrounding parks especially in the morning or around sunset. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and completely free.
There are plenty of cafés and shaded areas nearby, so you can sit, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the basilica from different perspectives. Walking a full circle around the building is worth it each façade tells a different story and feels like a separate masterpiece.
Overall, Sagrada Família is a must-see in Barcelona, but you don’t need to go inside to appreciate its beauty. Take your time outside, sit down, look up, and let Gaudí’s vision sink in. That’s where the real magic is.