There are many places to take photos in Barcelona but in this article I want you to know those that are not to be missed, those that are well worth a visit to the Catalan capital, those that you will want to keep forever in your photo album.
Barcelona is not an excessively large city, so what I most recommend is that you wander through it and discover corners beyond the ones that I propose in this list.
Let yourself be carried away by its different neighbourhoods, by its atmosphere, by its impressive architecture or by the waves of the sea. Of course, do not miss the following places to take photos in Barcelona ?:
BEST PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS IN BARCELONA
There are as many Barcelonas as there are travelers who pass through it, but I think it is a city that offers corners for all tastes. Whether you like architecture, wandering the streets, getting lost in old neighborhoods, falling asleep with the swaying of the waves of the sea, or climbing a mountain, there is a place to do it in Barcelona ? .
I show you some of the best places to take photos in Barcelona , which you cannot miss if you come to this city ?
1. THE HOLY FAMILY
The Sagrada Familia is probably the most characteristic monument of Barcelona. Conceived by Antoni Gaudí, it is the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism. The works began in 1882 and it continues to be built today on the basis of donations. When completed, it will be the tallest Christian church in the world.
It is as spectacular on the outside as it is on the inside, so I recommend that you visit it, lose yourself in its details, its colors and its immensity. To photograph it in its entirety, use a Wide Angle. In front of the Sagrada Familia you have a park where you can take general photos, also from some adjacent streets.
A trick? On the terrace of the Ayre Rosselló hotel you can have a drink while having impressive views of the church.
2. THE CARMEL BUNKERS
Another of the cool places to take photos in Barcelona that I highly recommend for its impressive 360º views are the old bunkers in the Carmel neighborhood ( here you can learn how to take 360º photos ).
They date from the Civil War and served as anti-aircraft batteries. Today the space has been recovered and it is common to go up to see the 360 degree views of Barcelona.
If you can go see the sunset, you won't be disappointed ?
3. THE LABYRINTH OF HORTA
This labyrinth is a very fun visit as well as photogenic and pleasant. It is the oldest garden in the city of Barcelona and not only houses a labyrinth made of plants from which you have to get out, it is also a beautiful romantic garden ideal for photo sessions.
If you want to escape the heat in summer you can do so thanks to its lush vegetation, fountains and corners. In short, this is a very pleasant and beautiful place to take photos in Barcelona.
4. THE CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA (CATHEDRAL DE LA SANTA CREU)
This Gothic-style Cathedral dates from the 3rd century and was built on top of the old Romanesque cathedral, which in turn was built on top of an early Christian basilica. The façade is from the 19th century.
It is accessed through some wide stairs that give enough perspective to photograph it in its entirety, but it is worth going around it, observing the different doors, gargoyles, etc., and, of course, you should not miss the interior, which is spectacular.
It is worth getting lost in the surrounding streets, which make up the Gothic Quarter.
4.1 THE PONT DEL BISBE
Located a few meters from the Cathedral, between the Palau de la Generalitat building and the Casa dels Canonges, two of the most historic buildings in the city, you can visit this photogenic bridge.
Take advantage of the evening lights in which the sun's rays slip through its gothic forms and generate beautiful shadows.
4.2 SANT FELIP NERI SQUARE
Also located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, this square is another of the places to take photos in Barcelona that I recommend.
It is a small square surrounded by Renaissance-style houses, a church that gives its name to the square, and a fountain in the center. Shrapnel holes caused by a bomb during the Civil War can still be seen on the facades.
A square full of history, quiet and secluded that I recommend you visit.
5. LAS RAMBLAS
Another interesting place to take photos in Barcelona and which is usually a must for everyone who ventures into the city is Las Ramblas.
It is a place full of atmosphere, life, tourists, flower stalls and that leads from the center of Barcelona to the Port Olímpic in a pleasant walk.
It is a picturesque place where you can practice your street photography , portraits, photos of flowers , architecture...
5.1 BOQUERIA MARKET
This market is located on Las Ramblas and is a place to take photos with many possibilities. From the colorful stalls in the market to the atmosphere of people shopping or browsing, or the entrances of light through the arches of the market that allow you to get very creative photos.
Play with light, silhouettes, movement or street photography or with details. And, if you want, you can end up eating or having a drink in a restaurant inside.
6. PARK GUELL
Another very nice place to take photos in Barcelona with many photographic opportunities is Park Güell. This park designed by Antoni Gaudí was built in 1900 and is a great exponent of Modernism.
A park full of those natural and rounded shapes that Gaudí liked so much, with different spaces such as viewpoints, arches and stairways where you can get lost and admire every detail.
A most instagrammable place in case you are looking for places to do photo sessions in Barcelona.
7. TIBIDABO
Tibidabo Mountain is the highest mountain in Barcelona. It houses a very photogenic amusement park but also has spectacular views of Barcelona.
You can walk through the Panoramic Area without buying a ticket, although if you like amusement parks and/or go with children, it is a perfect place to spend the day and take really cool photos of the views, the attractions or the Tibidabo church.
Another place to do photo sessions in Barcelona with many possibilities.
8. BARCELONETA NEIGHBORHOOD
La Barceloneta is one of the neighborhoods with the most atmosphere in Barcelona. It is located next to the sea, and is made up of narrow streets, promenades by the sea, beach bars, restaurants and bars.
In Barceloneta you will find the emblematic W hotel (known as Hotel Vela), Frank Gehry's fish, Los Cubos, or the Mapfre towers. You will be able to practice street photography, since there is always a very picturesque and interesting mix in it. Not to mention the long exposure, the architecture and everything else you can think of.
You can also go to the port to take photos of sailing boats, reflections in the sea, etc.
Of course, be careful with the equipment.
9. PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA
Another of the places to visit if you are in Barcelona and want to take good photos is Passeig de Gràcia.
In it you will find a mixture of luxury and modernism shops, you can walk along its wide sidewalks and, walk to two of the jewels of Modernism and a must-see on this walk.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló, both very close to each other.
Throughout this walk, do not forget to look at the modernist lampposts or the floors, both characteristic of modernism, as well as the different buildings that you will find.
9.1 CASA MILÀ (LA PEDRERA)
The work of Antoni Gaudí, La Pedrera is one of the most representative and visited buildings in Barcelona. You can photograph the façade from Passeig de Gràcia itself, or go up to the terrace of a hotel like the Condes de Barcelona to have an impressive view of the promenade and Casa Milà.
I recommend you visit it inside and go up to its roofwhere you can contemplate and photograph the impressive chimneys and where they often hold small concerts or activities.
9.2 CASA BATLLÓ
Very close to La Pedrera and on the same Passeig de Gràcia, you have the Casa Batlló, also by Antoni Gaudí and highly visited. Both the façade and the interior are spectacular, and you can visit it day or night, as they often host events on the rooftop.
10. MONTJUIC
On the Montjuïc mountainThere are several places to take photos that are interesting, from museums, gardens, Olympic facilities, etc. You can go up on foot, by bus or by cable car with which you will have great views of Barcelona.
Some interesting visits on the Montjuïc mountain:
- Montjuïc Castle: an 18th century fortress that had various uses throughout history, from defensive to offensive fortress to a prison and a military museum.
- The fountains of Montjuïc: a very characteristic spectacle of water, light and music that you can admire at night ( opening hoursdepends on the time of year).
- El mirador del migdia: a place to take photos in Barcelona with very good views of a good part of the city and the port. It is a very pleasant corner where you can walk or have a drink.
- MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya): The national museum stands out for its location from which there are impressive views of the city. As a building is very imposing and photographable, you can play with the reflections since it has many mirrors on the façade, with the different architectural elements, etc.
- Botanical Garden : Ideal for lovers of gardening, this garden is home to more than 1,500 species of plants. It is a pleasant walk where you will also have good views, as well as being able to photograph flowers and plants (don't forget the macro ? )
- HereI leave you with more places that you can visit on the mountain of Montjuïc.
11. CIUTADELLA PARK
This park is located in the Ciutat Vella district, and it was the first park in Barcelona conceived as a public place. It is another of the places that I recommend visiting to take photos in Barcelona, it has a lot of atmosphere, wide spaces, fountains, birds, etc.
12. BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
This church located in the heart of the Born district dates from the 14th century and is worth a visit if you are walking around the area. You can photograph its windows, its architectural elements or the atmosphere that forms in the surrounding streets.
If you go up to the roof, you have impressive 360º views of the city.
Note!!! Another good way to have 360 degree views of Barcelona is the terrace of the Hotel Barceló Raval.
ABANDONED PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS IN BARCELONA
If what interests you is the photography of abandoned places near Barcelona, do not miss these:
- Can Masdeu: It includes different buildings in a wide space. Some of its lands are used as crops, it has an old farmhouse (today squatted) and an impressive old hospital. It is located in the Collserola mountain range.
- Casino de l'Arrabassada: An old casino, hotel and restaurant, which in its time housed the entire Catalan high bourgeoisie. It is located in Collserola, very close to the city. Here is an interesting video where they show you their story:
- Aquatic Paradise Sitges: Located in the city of Sitges about 40 km from Barcelona. This water park was only open 2 years. Full of urban legends that include the death of a minor (actually closed due to debt), but mystery lovers will love it.
- La Puda de Montserrat Spa: A 19th century spa that even had its own railway line, but which fell into disuse when the sulphurous baths were gradually replaced by seawater to cure illnesses. Attempts have been made to restore it several times and, although it has an owner, for the moment it remains in disuse.
- La Mussara: Located in the province of Tarragona, it is a small abandoned town with several houses and a church.
- Castellnou Pools: Located in Rubí, until recently this large pool complex was an abandoned place. As far as I know, it has begun, after many years in decline, its demolition works.
- Panik Hotel: Near l'Ametlla del Vallés is this formerly luxurious hotel, now abandoned. Los sin nombre by Jaume Balagueró was filmed there , which made it fashionable among the Urbex. Here you can see a video of its interior (in quite a poor state of conservation).
- Torre Salvana (Santa Coloma del Cervelló): An abandoned castle supposed to be the home of paranormal events such as psychophonies and other events for lovers of strong emotions ? .
Don't miss our full article on urban exploration or Urbex here .
PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS AROUND BARCELONA
If you want to not only visit Barcelona but also get to know its surroundings, I recommend the following visits:
- Montserrat Mountain: One of the best places to escape from the city is this visit to Montserrat Mountain. You can visit the monastery or do one of the hiking trails. The views are spectacular, the shapes of the rocks caused by erosion make it a very special place to do photo sessions, enjoy nature, etc.
- Sitges: A coastal city located about 40 km from Barcelona, very beautiful and above all photogenic ? Visiting its church, walking along the sand, photographing its port, its promenade or the narrow streets that surround it are a great way to spend the day and take photos cool in the surroundings of Barcelona.
- Colonia Güell: If you've been left with more desire for Gaudí, this colony was designed by himself and was the place where he tested many of the techniques that he would later use for his best-known works. The church stands out where you will find impossible shapes and colors ranging from the pillars, the benches or the baptismal font.
- The Delta del Llobregat: A very cool place to take photos near Barcelona is the Delta del Llobregat. Due to its proximity to the airport, you will be able to see the planes go by at a very short distance, with which you will be able to get very interesting photos. It is also ideal for lovers of birds, horses and nature in general. If you like to go by bike, there are many routes to do it.
- Parc Natural del Montseny: A place to escape to nature quite close to Barcelona that offers many hiking options, bird watching, etc. Thanks to the 3 rivers that cross it, it is an area with a lot of vegetation and fauna.
If you plan a visit to Barcelona, I hope I have given you ideas of cool places to take photos in and around Barcelona. Whether you like street photography, architecture or nature, etc., in Barcelona you will find many places to do different photo sessions.
