If you are currently in Barcelona and are planning to visit the Sagrada Familia during your trip, you came to the right place. In this blog post, we will talk about the dress code for Sagrada Familia.
How strict is the Sagrada Familia dress code? How is the Sagrada Familia dress code in summer? Can you wear shorts inside the Sagrada Familia?
If those are questions that are currently going through your mind, I got you.
The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s, if not Spain’s, most iconic landmark and one of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings. Hundreds of people visit Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia every single day. If you ask me, it is one of the places that you have to visit during your Barcelona trip. So put it at the very top of your Barcelona bucket list.
So let’s go into it: You will visit this monument during the construction of the Sagrada Familia. How exciting!
How strict is the Sagrada Familia dress code? What is the Sagrada Familia bag policy? Keep reading!
Before we jump to the dress code of the Sagrada Familia, something you have to know about your tickets:
Make sure to buy your tickets from an official ticket provider!
There are websites out there that are reselling tickets for the Sagrada Familia, and I do not recommend using them. Because you never know if these people sold the same ticket several times, and you might run into problems on the day of your visit.
Make sure you are using an official site or the official website of the Sagrada Familia!
I recommend using GetYourGuide to book your entry tickets. It’s a very trusted website to buy tickets for monuments in Europe, and their customer service is amazing!
You can book the OFFICIAL entry-tickets for the Sagrada Familia here
(Ticket availability: Make sure to book your tickets in advance, in high season they are booked out for a week in advance and a lot of people will be there during your visit!)
Tips for the Dress code in the Sagrada Familia from a local
Please make sure to get your tickets as much in advance as possible. Every day, hundreds of people come to the Sagrada Familia to see it from the outside and to ask for last-minute tickets. Out of experience, I can tell you that tickets are sold online in advance and if you do not have one you will not get one at the spot. Tickets are usually booked out days in advance!
You will be asked to chose time slots for your visit. During golden hour is a good option and the best time because the light inside the building is gorgous! Make sure to arrive around 15 minutes before to make sure you are not late. (I would even recommend sooner because I am sure you will want to take photos in front of it!)
Make sure to get tickets in advance to avoid unnecessary surprises during your trip!
What kind of ticket to get for the Sagrada Familia?
Important tip: It does not matter what ticket you have for visiting the Sagrada Familia the following dress code applies for ALL kinds of tickets, so make sure to keep reading.
There are different types of tickets you can buy for visiting the Sagrada Familia:
- basic tickets that include only the entrance
- basic ticket with the audio guide (I really recommend it so that you learn about the history of this amazing building. Make sure to bring your headphones!)
- group ticket with a guide (A certified guide will take you inside the Sagrada and do a full tour. I recommend booking on GetYourGuide since it’s one of the trustful tour operators)
Dress code for Sagrada Familia: What you should know!
The Sagrada Familia is a Catholic basilica, a place of worship, which means you should dress appropriately when visiting it. Here are the strict rules when it comes to the dress code:
- Dresses, pants, and skirts should go down to your mid-thighs. If you are visiting the Sagrada Familia during the warmer months, make sure your clothes are not too short. You should opt for long skirts, longer pants, and dresses.
- Wearing sleeveless T-shirts, sleeveless tops, and tank tops exposing bare shoulders is not allowed
- You are not allowed to wear any see-through clothing or anything that is too transparent and shows too much skin.
- You are not allowed to enter the basilica in swimwear.
- You are not allowed to wear any artistic clothing, costumes, promotional clothing or anything else that draws too much attention to yourself
- While I have seen people visiting the basilica with suitcases and oversized bags, I guarantee you that you will have an awful experience inside the crowded place. I recommend leaving them at your place to stay.
If you happen to visit in summer, use a scarf, light jacket, or a t shirt for a quick cover-up!
By the way, I wrote a complete post about what to pack for Barcelona with a detailed Barcelona packing list. Check it out!
Why is it important to know the dress code for the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is not just a simple “Barcelona monument”; it’s a Roman Catholic church with huge religious significance and a sacred place. It’s important you follow the dress code guidelines that are in place for religious reasons.
It’s not just tourists who go to the Sagrada Familia. Locals also frequent the Sagrada Familia for Sunday mass. Now imagine locals during Sunday mass have to walk into tourists in swimwear posing for photos. That would be inappropriate! Keep in mind, this is a religious building and it deserves to be treated as such. Everyone on-site, including the security staff, wants to make sure there will be a respectful atmosphere.
Keep reading to make sure that you have a smooth visit:
Other things you have to know, not just the Sagrada Familia dress code:
- ALWAYS book your entry tickets for the Sagrada Familia basilica in advance. You currently need to book your tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance, and there is no way to buy tickets for the same day of your visit. You can book official entry tickets here
- You can also book a Sagrada Familia tour that will be guided by a local guide. You can find guided tours of the Sagrada Familia here. That’s a good idea if you are interested in the history of the church.
- Make sure to arrive slightly earlier than the time slot you booked. The reason is that there are long lines and you need to go through a security check. It’s better to arrive a bit earlier than too late.
- When you enter, your bags and backpacks will be searched for “dangerous items”. If any items are considered “dangerous”, security will keep them and give them back to you when you leave
- You are not allowed to enter the basilica with drinks or food. Drinking is only allowed outside of the basilica.
- No dress code for the Sagrada Familia mentions anything about footwear. But it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear because there will be lots of walking during your visit. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you go up the tall towers of the basilica
- While young kids can visit the Sagrada Familia, it can get really crowded there and there is a lot of walking to visit the Sagrada Familia. If your child is sensitive and doesn’t like crowds, I wouldn’t recommend it for them.
Sagrada Familia Dress Code: FAQ
Is there a dress for the Sagrada Familia?
There is no exact dress code for visiting the Sagrada Familia, but keep in mind that you are visiting a religious site.
As a general rule, according to the official website, your skirt, dress, or pants should go at least cover your mid-thighs. You are not allowed to wear see-through clothing inside the basilica of the holy family. And keep in mind, that you are not allowed to wear swimwear.
Apart from that, there is no need for any special outfit or any specific dress code you have to follow.
What is the dress code for visiting the Sagrada Familia for women?
The dress code for women visiting the Sagrada Familia is to wear clothes that go at least mid-thigh and cover the shoulders. You are not allowed to enter in swimwear or bikinis. Another thing to keep in mind with the dress code in the Sagrada Familia is not to wear see-through clothing. If you are visiting Barcelona in summer, make sure you are dressed appropriately when visiting the Sagrada Familia!
What is the dress code for visiting the Sagrada Familia for men?
Men should make sure that their shorts go at least to mid-thigh. Apart from that, wearing see-through clothing is not allowed. At the end of the day, you are in a religious building so it is important to dress accordingly.
What is the Sagrada Familia bag policy?
You are allowed to bring bags, backpacks, and even suitcases inside the Sagrada Familia. But you have to know that your bags will be checked by security personnel. And if they find anything they consider dangerous, they will keep it at the entrance and give it back to you when you leave.
Also, you are not allowed to enter with food and drinks from outside.
Personally, I highly recommend NOT taking big bags or backpacks with you. The Sagrada Familia will be very crowded. Many people are walking around, walking inside, outside and in several areas of the Sagrada Familia. You will not do yourself a favor by carrying large bags.
Can you wear shorts and skirts in the Sagrada Familia?
You are allowed to wear short shorts and skirts, BUT they have to go to your mid-thighs at least. If you are wearing shorter clothes, you might not get access to the basilica, so wearing longer pants might be a better choice.
More posts with Barcelona travel tips you should check out:
Barcelona bucket list: This post includes a whole list with monuments and things you have to do in Barcelona! It’s the perfect guide if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time!
Most beautiful buildings in Barcelona: If you want to find out more about Barcelona’s most iconic buildings apart from the Sagrada Familia, check out this post. There is SO MUCH to explore!
How to spend 3 days in Barcelona: This is the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Barcelona. With insider tips about places to see, activities and nightlife! It includes the Rambla, la Boqueria market, food spots and more!
Barcelona in winter: A blog post with information about everything you need to know if you are visiting Barcelona in the winter months! Things to know, the weather, celebrations and more!
