For those interested in photography, sightseeing or a short city break then Barcelona is a must. Throughout the city you’ll find unique architecture (many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), incredible colours and a whole of host of Instagrammable photo ops. Interested to know more? Here are the best Instagram and photography spots in Barcelona.
1. Park Guell
Park Guell is one of the highlights of Barcelona and was designed by Gaudí in the 1900s. The park has a mix of picturesque architecture consisting of shapes, patterns and colours. It also offers some of the best views of the Barcelona skyline out towards the waterfront. This park can get very busy, so come here with patience (for your pictures) and if possible late afternoon and towards sunset.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
2. Casa Batlló Exterior
Another one of Gaudí masterpieces. This stunning building has one of the most unique and beautiful facades in the world (in our opinion). The exterior is a mix of wonderful soft colours, interesting shapes and mosaics. The roof is then in the shape of an animal’s back covered in scales. Throughout the year you can sometimes catch this facade decorated with red roses which adds even more awe to the original stunning building.
Best time for pics: Day- blue hour
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
3. Casa Batlló Interior
As well as the stunning exterior, the interior is also very impressive. A visit inside will allow you to learn more about the building and visit various rooms and sections including the Noble Floor, Attic and Terrace. For pictures, one of the best Instagram spots is below.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
4. Tibidabo
Just out of the city is Tibidabo which is one of the best spots to enjoy the Barcelona cityscape, as well as capture epic Instagram photographs. The mountain peaks at 512 meters and has the impressive and very Instagrammable Church of the Sagrat Cor seen below.
Best time for pics: Day/sunset
Location: See on Google Maps
5. Casa Milà
Casa Milà is yet another one of the architectural highlights in Barcelona. This building has a nice exterior which is free to enjoy from the street. But the real highlight is the perspective on the roof which has some fantastic unconventional shapes and a great Instagram and photography spot.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
6. Carrer del Bisbe
Carrer del Bisbe is a famous arch located in the gothic quarter and has now become Insta famous. As it’s very popular you should try and head here early morning before the rest of the tourists and general passers-by arrive. If possible try and take a picture with a human element for a much more striking image.
Best time for pics: Morning
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
7. Cathedral of Barcelona
The Cathedral of Barcelona is also located in the gothic quarter and has a wonderful exterior that is perfect for photography and Instagram. When taking pictures stand way back and also consider heading here early so as to avoid the crowds that will be mingling during the day.
Best time for pics: Morning
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
8. Plaça d’Espanya
Plaça d’Espanya is an impressive Square that was built as part of the entrance leading to a 1929 International Exhibition. In the centre you’ll find a monumental fountain and on one side the two Venetian Towers seen below. To take photographs like below you will find a viewing platform on the Las Arenas shopping center which you can access through the building or via an exterior elevator (but you pay for that).
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: Plaça d’Espanya, 08004, Barcelona
9. Palau de la Música
The Palau de la Música is a stunning concert hall designed with beautiful architecture and intricate features. It’s possible to go on a guided tour through the building and to also learn more about it. Should it not be too busy the interior concert hall is stunning and you should use a wide-angle lens, such as 14-16mm to capture as much as possible. A highlight and fantastic Instagrammable spot is the ornamental balcony which has wonderful colours and mosaics that you can see below.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
10. Arc de Triomf
Our next top Instagram and photography spot is the Arc de Triomf. This triumphant arch was built in 1888 and was the gateway to the 1888 Universal Exhibition. This spot is pretty cool to take pictures of at any time, such as during the day, sunset or even the blue hour once it lights up.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
11. Sagrada Familia Exterior
One of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, the Sagrada Familia is unique and iconic. It’s been in construction since 1882 and had input from Gaudí into the designs. The exterior of the building is incredibly detailed with impressive carvings covering all sides. For a full perspective head to the park facing towards it, but also consider getting a closer look, such as with a telephoto lens, or just moving up closer.
Best time for pics: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
12. Sagrada Familia Interior
As well as the exterior the interior is also stunning. You will often find huge queues so consider getting yourself a skip-the-line ticket to save time. When taking pictures inside use a wide-angle lens to capture as much as possible and also add some exposure compensation to brighten up the image a bit. You could consider doing this during your editing stage plus adding a little more vibrancy/saturation to make the image pop.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
13. Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
A short walk from the Sagrada Familia is the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. This building used to be a former hospital and is the world’s largest art nouveau complex. For architecture lovers, this is a great spot and be sure to head into the main courtyard for perspectives such as below.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Ticketed
Location: See on Google Maps
14. Barceloneta beach
As well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea, Barceloneta can allow you to capture a different side of the city. You will find various perspectives for beach types shots. If it fits your Instagram feed this might be a great place to get some lifestyle images. Alternatively, if you stay in the W Barcelona hotel you can get rooms that face out towards the beach, or from the Eclipse bar located on the 26th-floor – perfect for those aerial views.
Best time for pics: Day
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
15. View from outside Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
For a wonderful skyline perspective head up the stairs to the front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. From here you get views that include various landmarks such as the Four Pillars, the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, as well as the Torres Venecianes (Venetian Towers) and Plaça d’Espanya. As seen below consider coming up here around sunrise or sunset.
Best time for pics: Sunset/Sunrise
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
Photography Tips for Barcelona
- Head out early to capture beautiful sunrise shots, as well as in the evening for sunset
- Make sure you get to Sagrada Familia early or book yourself a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queues
- Add a bit of saturation to your images to make the colours pop when taking pictures in Park Guell
- Bring a wide-angle lens for when taking pictures of interiors
- Use a decent travel tripod when taking pictures at night for better quality photos
Summary
These are some of the best photography spots in Barcelona. Perfect for exploring and capturing pictures that you might also want to share on Instagram and social media. Be sure to check some of these out during your visit to the city.
Ready to book? Search for:
Top activities and experiences
Here are some tours and activities you may like for Barcelona. Click the blue-button to see more.
