Sagrada Familia, Europe’s most visited monument, can definitely leave you in awe. You just stepped out of the Sagrada Familia and are trying to process how one man thought of stone trees and fruit-shaped towers.
The area right outside the church is usually a sea of selfie sticks and people looking at maps with confused faces. It’s okay to wonder what to do after visiting Sagrada Familia. But, before you just wander into the nearest overpriced sandwich shop, let us talk about a better plan.
Barcelona is packed with great options if you know where to look. From calm parks and modernist landmarks to food stops that actually live up to the hype, there is plenty to enjoy once you leave the basilica behind.
Key Takeaways
- Walk up Avinguda de Gaudí for a peaceful stroll toward a hidden gem.
- Use the metro to reach Passeig de Gracia for more famous architecture.
- Find local tapas a few blocks away from the main church entrance.
- Book tickets for attractions like Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà ahead of time to avoid longer lines.
- Give yourself a break in the park along with the basilica.
But first, if you haven’t booked your Sagrada Familia tickets yet and are still in the planning stage, book your tickets right now; they sell out fast.
1) Relax at Plaça de la Sagrada Família
The easiest move is to walk across the street to the small park. This is Plaça de la Sagrada Família. It sits right in front of the Nativity Facade. Most people rush past it, but it is the best place to sit on a bench and actually look at the details you missed while you were inside.
In the spring, the trees are green, and the light hits the stone in a way that makes for great photos. You can watch the green parrots fly around and realize that you are finally in Barcelona. It is the perfect first stop to regroup before you decide where to go next.
Traveler’s Tip: Knowing how long it takes to visit Sagrada Familiahelps you plan the rest of your afternoon without feeling rushed.
2) Walk to Hospital de Sant Pau
If you want more beautiful buildings but fewer crowds, walk up Avinguda de Gaudí. This is a beautiful pedestrian street lined with trees and cafes. It leads you straight to the Hospital de Sant Pau. Built in 1905 and 1930 to serve as a hospital. Today, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site is a massive complex of Art Nouveau buildings. It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site with colorful mosaics and a quiet courtyard.
The walk itself is great for people watching. You will pass plenty of spots to grab a drink. If you are hungry, there are many restaurants near La Sagrada Familia along this path that offer a nice view while you eat.
Sant Pau is peaceful and gives you a break from the heavy crowds. You only need about an hour or two here to feel refreshed. It is one of the best things to do near Sagrada Familia that many tourists completely skip.
3) Continue the Gaudí Trail on Passeig de Gràcia
If you still have energy for more architecture, hop on the L2 metro for a few stops. You will arrive at Passeig de Gracia. This is where you find Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These buildings are the next spectacular chapter in the Antoni Gaudí story.
Casa Batlló looks like it was made of bones and scales, while Casa Milà looks like a giant stone wave. If you are short on time, just looking at the outside is enough. But, honestly, you can’t soak in the atmosphere and admire the detail without going inside in person.
Booth represents Catalan modernism nicely. The fun part is, this street is also great for window shopping if you want to see how the local fashionistas spend their money.
Traveler’s Tip: Learn more about Barcelona’s Iconic Casa Milà, and try to experience the Casa Milà La Pedrera Night Experience.
4) Head to Park Güell
Park Güell is another Gaudí masterpiece, but it is further away. You will need to take a bus or a taxi to get there. It feels very different from the church. It is open and full of wavy benches covered in broken tile mosaics.
The view of the city from the top is amazing. Just a heads up that you should book your spot in advance. These attractions are always in demand because of their charm. It is a bit of a climb to get to the best views, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.
Read on to find out how far Park Güell is from Sagrada Familia and the best routes to get there.
5) Take a Proper Food Break After Sightseeing
By now, you are probably starving. Tapas culture in Barcelona is not just about eating. It is about slowing down. Do not pick a place with pictures of food on a board outside. Because that’s probably a tourist trap! Walk a few blocks away from the basilica to find where the locals are having a beer.
You can find the best tapas near Sagrada Familia if you know which side streets to turn down. Remember that lunch in Spain is usually later in the afternoon. If you are a fan of Spanish cuisine, check out the best restaurant near La Sagrada, choose your favorite one, and stay fulfilled all day.
6) Wander La Rambla With Realistic Expectations
La Rambla has a bit of a reputation for being a tourist trap, and to be honest, it kind of is. However, it is also a place you have to see at least once. It is chaotic and loud but charming in its own weird way.
The highlight is the La Boqueria market. It is a foodie paradise. You can get a cup of fresh fruit juice for a couple of Euros and wander through the stalls of ham and seafood. It is a great place for Spain for first-timers to experience the energy of the city.
7) Explore the Gothic Quarter Next
The Gothic Quarter is a great contrast to the bright colors of the Sagrada Familia. The streets are narrow and dark. The buildings are hundreds of years old. It feels like stepping back in history.
It is very easy to get lost here, but that is actually the point. You will find tiny squares with hidden fountains and old Roman walls. It is much cooler in the shade of the tall stone buildings, which is perfect for later in the day when the sun is strong.
Add-Ons If You Still Have Energy
Parc de la Ciutadella
This is a bit of a walk from the Gothic Quarter. You can see the beautiful Arc de Triomphe and then walk down the palm tree-lined path into the park. There is a massive fountain called the Cascada Monumental that is perfect for photos. You can even rent a small boat on the lake if you want to be extra cheesy.
Picasso Museum
For the art lovers, this museum is a must. It is located in the El Born neighborhood. It focuses on the early years of Picasso. It is a great final cultural stop for the day, but it can be a bit heavy if you are already tired.
Tips For Travelers: If you want to visit the Picasso Museum, as soon as you finish visiting Sagrada Familia, head straight to the Picasso Museum. It’s best to book your tickets in advance.
8) End the Day Like a Local
To wrap up your day, stop at a local bakery like Puiggròs for a pastry. It’s a historic bakery, started in 1922. Perfect to go with kids or to have a romantic bite. However, if you prefer something stronger, find a casual Irish bar or a local bodega for a glass of vermouth. My top recommendation will be the famous Michael Collins Irish Bar, one of the most popular pubs in the city.
You do not have to follow a strict schedule. Sometimes the best thing to do is just wander. You might see someone on a Vespa zooming by and think about renting one (you should !!) , or you might just find a nice plaza to sit in for another hour.
Simple Half-Day and Full-Day Ideas After Sagrada Familia
When You want The Relaxed Half-Day Plan
- Finish the Basilica.
- Walk up Avinguda de Gaudi.
- See the outside of Hospital de Sant Pau.
- Have a long tapas lunch.
If You Want The Full Day Explorer Plan
- Finish the Basilica.
- Visit Hospital de Sant Pau inside.
- Metro to Passeig de Gracia for more Gaudí í.
- Evening walk through the Gothic Quarter.
If you want to make things even easier, you can find the best place to buy tickets for Sagrada Familia to save time on your next visit.
For those who want a completely stress-free experience, check out these options to plan your visit perfectly:
- Fast Track Ticket for Quick Entry to beat the long lines.
- Guided Tour with Tower Access for the best views from the top.
- Small Group Guided Tour for a more personal look at the history.
- Private Tour Experience for a custom walk through the masterpiece.
Travelers’ Tips: If you find that Sagrada Familia tickets are sold out, check out these effective ways to get last-minute tickets.
Common Questions About What to Do After Visiting Sagrada Familia
Can I walk from Sagrada Familia to Park Güell?
It is a long walk and mostly uphill. It takes about thirty to forty minutes. We recommend taking a taxi or the bus unless you want a serious leg workout.
Is there a place to leave luggage near the church?
There are several locker services located on the side streets around the basilica. This is very helpful if you just arrived in the city and your hotel is not ready yet.
Are there good restaurants right next to the entrance?
Most places right next to the entrance are busy and can be expensive. If you walk two or three blocks away, the quality of the food usually goes up, and the price goes down.
Conclusion
Figuring out what to do after visiting Sagrada Familia is not tough (of course, if you read my blog fully). Once you step back outside, Barcelona opens up in a more relaxed and rewarding way, whether you choose to stroll nearby streets, go deeper into Gaudí’s world, or slow things down with good food and easy wandering. We learned quickly that the best days here are about choosing a few experiences that flow naturally from one to the next.
