Jaw-Dropping Barcelona Photo Spots: A Travel Guide
Barcelona is a glorious city full of wonder, culture, art, architecture, and especially food. Everything about Barcelona, right down to their Catalan language, is distinct. With so many wonderful things to discover and memories to make, it will be hard to put your camera away while you are there.
If you are wondering what the best photo spots in Barcelona are, you have come to the right place. We are telling you the best places to snap a photo, the most scrumptious journal-worthy food recs, and all the ways to make memorable moments in Barcelona. All of our amazing travel tips will help you make the most photo-perfect memories of your trip.
Experience Barcelona’s Unique Sights and Culture
Immerse Yourself in Gaudi
Antoni Gaudi was a renowned architect who left his legacy throughout the city of Barcelona. It is impossible to visit the city and not come face-to-face with one of his incredible structures. Your bucket list of Gaudi creations should include:
La Sagrada Familia
This iconic yet unfinished church was Gaudi’s final project. This phenomenal structure is marvelous from almost every angle, whether you are up close or far away. It is projected to be completed in 2026 on the centennial anniversary of Gaudi’s death. You cannot miss a visit on your Barcelona excursion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
Casa Batllo
Completed in 1906, this apartment complex was named by locals as the “House of Bones” and is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. Its mosaic-covered rooftop is curved to resemble the back of a dragon. The façade is characterized by unusual oval windows and themes that resemble waves in a calm sea. This building is one of Gaudi’s most magnificent works both inside and out, and you will want to have your camera ready.
Casa Mila
Locally referred to as “La Pedrera,” this is Gaudi’s second most popular residential contribution to the city of Barcelona. It is located merely one block from Casa Batllo and was completed in 1911. The façade has rolling balconies made of twisted iron, and the whole building looks like a giant rock. Take the night tour for a captivating experience. Projections transform the architectural composition of the rooftop into bizarre and magnificent objects. It is quite the sight and makes for some incredible photos.
Park Guell
The colorful and distinctive structures of Gaudi’s most famous mosaic playground shine brightest at sunset and overlook a panoramic view of the city which makes for the most incredible photos. On the grounds, you will also find Gaudi House, the architect’s actual home from 1906 to 1925.
Photo Worthy Areas to Wander in Barcelona
Barcelona has no shortage of places to take amazing photos. Every neighborhood has its own character. From the big streets of the commercial districts to the small alleys tucked quaintly between them, Barcelona offers marvelous things to discover at every turn. Wandering is highly encouraged.
The Gothic Quarter
For a glimpse into the soul of the city of Barcelona, take a free walking tour through the Gothic Quarter. Just east of Las Ramblas, this is a neighborhood hidden in a maze of tiny alleyways. It will be hard to put away your camera, though you should try some to really embrace the experience.
From the moment you enter the Gothic Quarter, it will feel like you have been transported into the Middle Ages. This makes it easy to know when you have reached the boundaries of the neighborhood because the architecture begins to modernize.
Every detail of the Gothic Quarter feels frozen in time, and the brownish hue of the squares seem to glow at dusk. Stunning facades with pristinely preserved details that lasted through the ages adorn the streets, like that of Barcelona Cathedral.
Las Ramblas
It is inevitable that you will find yourself taking a stroll down Las Ramblas during your Barcelona adventure. It is one of the main and most renowned streets of the city. Stretching from Placa de Catalunya to the statue of Christopher Columbus one block from the coast, this large street is lined with shops and restaurants galore.
A great tip is to stop for a drink or snack at one of the seemingly endless numbers of street cafes there. Opt-out of big meals here though, unless you have pre-selected/vetted the place because Las Ramblas is touristy and likely to be overpriced.
Mercado de La Boqueria
Barcelona is a city with a vibrant cuisine culture. A visit to La Boqueria, the incredible market located on Las Ramblas is a must. It is one of the largest food markets in Europe and home to just the freshest produce available in Barcelona. Have your camera ready, you will want proof of all the amazing things you try here.
For a great guide on what you should eat at the Mercard de La Boqueria, click here.
El Raval
For a real taste of Barcelona culture, take a stroll through El Raval, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. It is a vibrant area filled to the brim with Boho-bars, local craft and design shops, and top-notch art exhibitions such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Both indoors and out, El Raval offers plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Mount Tibidabo
If you are a lover of panoramic photos, the viewpoint at Mount Tibidabo will be your absolute favorite stop on your trip to Barcelona. Towering roughly 500 meters above the city, you will see the entire city limit from the coast of the Mediterranean to the foot of the Sierra de Collserola Mountains. Not to mention the incredibly beautiful cathedral that adorns the top of the mountain is breathtaking. And yes, you should ride the Ferris Wheel!
More Great Camera Roll Worthy Activities
See the Magic Fountain at Placa de Varles Buigas.
Go to the beach at La Barceloneta.
Visit the graffiti-covered walls of Parc de les Xemeneies.
Explore the wondrous Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.
Embrace Barcelona’s Amazing Food Culture
If you were never one for making photo diaries of your food, trust us you will want to start in Barcelona. Barcelona is a city that understands the importance of food culture. These are Barcelona’s culinary must-tries.
Tapas
Food culture in Barcelona really leans into the idea of sharing, and they made the art of creating a meal of appetizers. Rather than order one big plate of one thing to fill you up, in Barcelona, you are encouraged to try a little bit of everything.
Every place makes them a bit differently, but they are all wonderfully presented and bound to bring your tastebuds to life. Plus, they all go great with a glass or two of sangria. Though you can’t really go wrong with any tapa, some popular are:
Jamón ibérico de bellota - cured ham plate.
Pan con tomate - bread with tomato and olive oil.
La bomba - fried croquette filled with ground beef.
Buñuelos de bacalao - salt cod fritters.
Brocheta de Camarones o Carne - grilled shrimp or meat skewers.
Montaditos - mini-open sandwiches topped with various spreads.
Navalles - sauteed razor clams in olive oil, garlic, salt, and topped with lemon.
Pulpo a la gallega - grilled octopus with potatoes seasoned with paprika.
Paella
The staple of Barcelona’s cuisine is a dish called paella. This mouthwatering creation is composed of every type of seafood imaginable, chorizo sausage, corn, peas, onions, rice, and an array of spices most notable of which is saffron. All these ingredients are slowly cooked to perfection in a special black flat pan. No Barcelona experience is complete without a taste.
A great place to get paella in Barcelona is: Paella Bar Boqueria, conveniently located in the Mercat de Boqueria.
Trendsetting Food
Barcelonians love to invent with food, and they have some of the most well-trained chefs in the world doing it. Creating new fusions like Thai-Mediterranean is par for the course. There are many restaurants in Barcelona that set new standards for food preparation and presentation, but some of our favorite tasting menus are:
The Alchemix Gastro-Cocktail Bar - an chic and creative Asian-Mediterranean fusion serving up courses and cocktails that will shock and awe all of your senses.
Aleia - a classy splurge-worthy joint primed by Forbes as a hottest restaurant in 2020, run by two highly rated Michelin-star chefs.
Adobar - a patio fit for fairy tales extending from Adobo dining room, serving up succulent flavored sauces and marinades that compliment superb produce.
Check out Forbes “15 Hottest Restaurants in Barcelona for 2022” for more great culinary trendsetting food options.
Submerge Yourself in Barcelona’s Nightlife
Barcelona’s reputation for nightlife is world renowned. You will quickly find that most locals will be starting their dinner no earlier than 9:00pm, and the clubs are full of people well into the morning hours on any given day. You’ll want to dress up in your snazziest photo ready outfit and dance the night away.
If you are not really into the club scene, there are still some great night activities that will still provide great photo opportunities.
Do a sunset boat tour. Great way to meet new people and see the city from a different perspective.
Enjoy a cocktail tasting at one of the city’s legendary cocktail bars, like Boadas Cocktails.
Take in the nighttime city views from one of Barcelona’s many chic rooftop bars.
Do a tapas and wine tour. This is also a great way to make new friends and enjoy Barcelona’s excellent cuisine.
Go to a show or concert. Barcelona is constantly showcasing great talent, so take a night to enjoy some of the world-class artists who perform there.
For a great guide on Barcelona’s bustling nightlife, check out One Week In’s “23 Things to Do in Barcelona at Night” guide. .
Making Memorable Moments in Barcelona
The city of Barcelona lends itself easily to making memorable moments. All you really need to do is embrace them. Some great ways to make your time in Barcelona count are:
Take your time when exploring. Barcelona is a city that runs at a moderate speed, and it is almost a sin to rush. Stop to enjoy its uniquely charming qualities, and the city will naturally lend itself to great photos.
Be spontaneous. Don’t just follow city guides on what you have to see. You will find the best moments, and photo opportunities, in the most unlikely locations.
Try to avoid the crowds. Barcelona is a very popular and tourist-attractive city. Try to time your visits to popular attractions at off-peak times of the day. That will give you the space to really enjoy the experience, and will keep people from photo-bombing your shots.
Be friendly. Barcelona is full of great people, both “locals” and visitors. Making a connection with someone across the globe from you makes for one heck of a story. Plus it never hurts to have someone trustworthy to ask when you need to hand your phone off for a photo.
Tips for Taking Great Photos in Barcelona
On a trip to Barcelona, you are going to make a lot of memories, which means you will want to take a lot of photos to document them. Some simple tips for taking incredible photo shots in Barcelona are:
1. Be mindful in high foot traffic areas. Make sure to step to the side and be aware of your surroundings when stopping for a photo-op.
2. Keep a steady hand when taking your photo. No one likes a blurry picture (unless you mean for it to be blurry).
3. Choose interesting backgrounds for your photo. Barcelona has an abundance of great vantage points, so don’t just go for the obvious ones.
4. Play with the angle of your shot. Different angles offer interesting perspectives on the same landmark or subject.
5. Embrace the natural glow of the city. The city shines differently at different times of the day. Allow the light to guide the direction of your photo.
6. Remember to smile, you are on vacation!
Check out our comprehensive travel photo guide here for more great tips.
Helpful Travel Tips for Barcelona
When to Visit
Though Barcelona is great pretty much any time of year, the best time to visit is late spring to early summer (May-June). Some days may be warm enough for the beach, others great for exploring the sights without it being too hot. The best part of Barcelona travel season is being able to enjoy the outdoor dining and cafes sprawled out throughout the city.
Getting Into and Around the City
The city of Barcelona is easily accessible and not at all difficult to navigate. Arriving at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona – El Prat (BCN) Airport is a breeze because it’s a well-organized airport that is easy to get out of.
Though there are multiple options to get you into the city, we recommend taking the RENFE train across the street from Terminal 2 because:
The cost of a ticket is €2.
The train runs every 30 minutes and is usually on schedule.
It will get you into Barcelona city center within 35 minutes.
RENFE connects to Estacio Sants and Passeig de Gracia, both of which are major connection points for the Barcelona Metro.
The metro is a great and inexpensive way to get around the city without the price tag of an uber or taxi.
Composed of 8 lines, it connects all the major points you will need in the city.
It runs every day from 5 am to midnight, Fridays until 2 am, and Sunday round the clock.
The cost of the ticket is €2.40, or you can get a T-card for €11.35 that gives you 10 rides.
Remember that the RENFE ticket does not cover the metro, so you must get separate tickets that are easily accessible at kiosks in English.
Where to Stay
There are picture perfect places to stay in Barcelona to fit any budget, so the key to picking one is location. Great areas to stay are:
Plaza de Catalunya for a more central location.
The Gothic Quarter for a taste of medieval Barcelona.
El Raval for a more diverse neighborhood experience.
El Born for the chill vibe and awesome spirit of the neighborhood.
Eixample if you want to splurge for swanky.
La Barceloneta for the beach and nightlife.
Try to avoid lodging that faces big streets, especially on Las Ramblas, because the noise is killer. Also, the closer you are to the Metro, the easier getting around will be.
A great hotel choice for Barcelona is Hotel Medinaceli. Tucked on a quiet street facing a square just two blocks from the coastal side of Las Ramblas, this hotel is clean, comfortable, reasonably priced, and ideally situated to access all the places you want to visit during your stay.
Great Resources for Exploring Barcelona
Final Thoughts
Barcelona is an amazing city just to get lost in. There are so many incredible things to see on your visit, so do not be surprised if you cannot get to all of them. It is a city that leaves you wanting more, no matter how many times you visit.
Remember to take loads of photos on your trip to Barcelona, because trust us you will want to reminisce about it long after it is over. Plus, it will give you plenty of material for your own amazing Barcelona Travel Photo Book.
