One of the things I take for granted about living in Barcelona is that the most amazing architecture and monuments are right on my doorstep. I can go and visit them whenever I want, tactically choosing the quietest times of the year and avoiding all the long lines. When you are on your holidays, this isn’t really an option. One way to save yourself the time and frustration of waiting in a queue is to buy your tickets online.
Where to buy skip-the-line tickets in Barcelona and Sagrada Familia
Travel agencies will be happy to reserve ticket entrances and tours on your behalf, but there is usually an administration fee involved. However, you can save that extra cost by easily booking directly on an official site. The good news is that most of the websites of the main attractions are available in English. These are the links to buy skip-the-line tickets without paying extra fees at the most popular sites that easily attract large crowds:
- Skip the line tickets to Sagrada Familia
- Skip the line tickets to Park Güell
- Skip the line tickets to Casa Milà/La Pedrera
- Skip the line tickets to Casa Batlló
- Skip the line tickets to Palau de la Musica Catalana
- Skip the line tickets to the Picasso Museum
- Skip the line tickets to Palau Güell
A nice plus is that by pre-booking the tickets, you can save money too. Nowadays, some attractions charge an extra fee if you pay at their ticket office. It is €4 extra at Casa Batlló or €3 extra at La Pedrera, so it is definitely worth it to plan ahead.
Don’t worry about having to print off the tickets because you can use your smartphone or, in the case of La Pedrera, identify yourself with your name and booking number at the ticket office. If you prefer to print them, however, look out for the closest locutorio (a call shop for long-distance calls), which should provide this service.
Special cards to skip the lines in Barcelona
Tourist city passes are a popular option to save a few bucks and skip the lines all around Europe. In Barcelona, there are mainly two cards that will give you the opportunity to skip past other waiting visitors. For example, the ArtTicket is highly recommended, and it allows you fast entry to six museums in the city for €35: MACBA, MNAC, Picasso, Miró, Antoni Tapies and CCCB. The Barcelona Card also offers you discounts and skip the lines for many highlights in the city, as well as free travel on public transport.
With a little bit of planning, you can make your trip last longer. It is the small things that make a difference and the more time you cut on standing in line means more time you could be enjoying some delicious tapas or exploring Barcelona.
Planning to visit some of the Gaudí buildings, like Casa Batlló, Casa Milà or Sagrada Familia? We do offer skip-the-line private tours to all these attractions. If you prefer to visit the sites on your own, our Gaudí Free Tour provides a great introduction to the architect’s world before visiting his masterpieces. And, if you’re travelling with children, don’t miss our special post on Things to do with Kids in Barcelona, the best way of enjoying the city as a family while having fun all the way. Finally, don’t forget to check our very complete articles on things to do in Barcelona and what to do at night in Barcelona.
(This post might include affiliated links. If you make a purchase by following an affiliated link, we might make a small commission to help maintain this site. At no point will this incur any extra costs to you. Thank you)
This post was updated in June 2020
Main photograph by Marcus Linder
Went on the Runnerbean free Gaudi’s walking tour with Lorna yesterday in Barcelona. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, driven by her expertise and strong communication skills.
Thanks a lot for your comment, Ed. Glad you had such a nice experience with Lorna on the Gaudí Tour 🙂
Hello Ellie,
We are looking to buy tickets online for Sagrada Familia. The one that grants access to the tower also includes an audio-guide, and costs 30 euro. I was wondering whether there is any ticket which allows us access to the tower, but doesn’t include an audio-guide.
Hi Rohit,
I am afraid that the only way to access the towers is buying the ticket that includes the audio guide.
I hope this helps 🙂
If I buy the Articketbcn can I arrive at the Picasso Museum (and the others covered by the listed ticket) on any day, at any time? Or do I have to go to their website and schedule an entry day and time?
You don’t need to pre-book your tickets to skip the line at the Picasso Museum with the ArtTicket. Just go to the special ticket booth at Montcada, 23 (not the one with the queue) and they will stamp it for you straight away.
Hi there
Really want to visit Barcenlona this summer with my 2 daughters of which one has autisam and 15 years old she gets very stressed around crowds of people , please can you advice me on the best possible solution ?
maybe private tours of all the top sites, a very early starts to avoid crowds by lunch , I’m not sure but maybe disabled entrance? I know here in UK she carries I Count card , which is issued by a local borough which is really helpful as we can skip lines which really cuts down her anxiety and sensory overload. Any advice would be great for parent with with a disabled child.
Thankyou
Hi Sharon,
Some sites in Barcelona could be quite crowded in high season, like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, etc. There are always fewer people early in the morning or late in the afternoon (also less hot during the summer months). Just be sure you buy skip the line tickets to avoid long lines, although be aware that at Sagrada Familia you might have to queue a bit still, just not as long as if you don’t have tickets.
Booking a private tour is always an option so the guide can help you navigate the city better. You can see a list of the private tours in Barcelona and surroundings here: Barcelona Private Tours.
Regarding the card you mentioned, I am not sure if it will be accepted at the sites. The best thing to do is send an email to each attraction individually as they might have different policies.
I hope it helps and that you have a fantastic time in Barcelona! 🙂
sagrada familia is showing full directly on their website over the new year period, is there another way to get entrance tickets?
The only way to buy skip the line tickets for Sagrada Familia is through their channels. It is not uncommon that they are sold out for a few days during Christmas.
Some big agencies might buy them in bulk beforehand to sell them as part of their organised tours, so you can try this way. My advice is to contact them beforehand to be sure that they do have tickets as it is not uncommon that they sell the tour just to cancel it afterwards because they can’t get tickets.
As always, avoid third party resellers like Viator/TripAdvisor, Get your Guide, etc.