We are planning a July trip and would like to include both of these landmarks. I’ve read the park gets hot without shade so maybe morning would be best, but people also recommend Sagrada Familia in the morning. Is it best to do these on different days, both in the morning? They look to be in the same area so would be nice to do both on the same day if possible just not a fan of the heat.
ETA - We have 3 full days there and it’s the beginning of July
Almost every "touristy" thing is a bit less busy and a bit more manageable in the morning. I think Park Guell certainly would be an AM visit (we went in the morning), but the Sagrada Familia - on the inside - is particularly spectacular when the sun is up and shining through the stained glass windows. Since we were the there in afternoon (4pm) in October, I can't really say how the sun might be in the morning, but the afternoon sun really made the church interior beautiful to behold.
Maybe folks have been to S.F. on a July morning and can comment on the lighting at that time. My guess is that the lighting is fine at most times in the summer as the sun will pivot across the sky and likely the church was oriented to take advantage of it.
Regarding the exterior of S.F., that's when you would be most exposed to the sun/heat, but I don't think we spent such a long time outside (in the ticket-controlled area) that it mattered much. There are plenty of spots around the church and outside the ticket-controlled area where you could stand in the shade and look over the church exterior. There are public park areas just on each side and depending upon current construction equipment, they may offer great or obstructed views.
Thank you for the info. I think maybe the park in morning sounds best.
Also wondering if we book both places on the same day, how much time do we allow in between? Looks like they’re about 30 minutes away from each other. Probably want to eat in between but are restaurants closed until 2pm? I’m not a planner I usually like to go with the flow so planning out my day so far ahead is kinda rough for me.
We visited both Parc guell land Sagrada Familia on the same day-- Pre-Covid. We did PG in the AM, because of the heat issues.
We booked Parc Guell /tickets for 10:00am. Did their guided tour and then walked around the park to the mirador de Consol until Noon. We had a sandwich lunch at Guelly Sandwich Park. There was no seating inside, so had to eat outside on some concrete benches.
We then walked down the Baixada de la Gloria. (You don't want to walk UP this, even though they have escalators)
to Vallcaraca Metro station.
we took the metro to Sagrada Familia Metro Station.
(If you are a public transit virgin or public transit adverse, you can do a long walk or take a taxi)
Lots of places to eat around around Sagrada Familia.
We had Sagrade Familia Tickets for 2:30 pm. and had time to spare. We rested in the park across from the church and used the time to take pictures of the outside.
So that timing worked for us: Parc Guell 10:00am./ Sagrada Familia 2:30 pm
You will need to purchase tickets in advance for both places. July is a major tourist time and you cannot wing this.
If you think you can just show up and buy tickets to either place, you will be disappointed.
Derek - Thank you so much that’s very helpful. Sounds like a perfect plan for us getting tickets now
