Barcelona is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities with plenty of opportunities to fill your Instagram feed and Facebook timeline with images that will turn your friends back home green with envy.
In fact, there are so many Instagram worthy sights that if you’re not careful you might end up missing out on some of the best spots.
This post highlights 21 of the city’s most iconic locations with practical tips to help you frame the perfect shot.
I’ve included a mixture of stunning architecture, sandy beaches, spectacular views and hidden backstreets as well as a map with the exact locations to help you plan your day.
So grab your smartphone, put a new memory card in your camera and follow me as we visit Barcelona’s most Instagrammable hotspots…
La Sagrada Família
One of Europe’s top tourist attractions and the best-known building in Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Família is due to be completed in 2026.
Frame the shot
Looking for a photo to let everyone know that you are in Barcelona? Head to the small park at Plaça de Gaudi where there is a low wall in front of a lake which might as well have been built for taking photos and selfies. Sitting on the wall you can take a photo with the lake and the Basilica as your backdrop.
See the map below for exact location, the lake is to the north-east of the basilica so you should get here in the morning. In the afternoons you can get good photos from the other park to the south-west of the church.
If you have a zoom lens then the slender bell-towers and carvings which cover the entire building are also good subjects.
The best interior shots can be captured mid-morning and mid-to-late-afternoon when sunlight streams through the large stained glass windows, bathing the nave with colour.
Don’t forget to look up at the amazing vaulted ceiling supported by tree-like stone columns. If you want to take a photo of the spiral staircases then you’ll need to purchase a ticket to visit the towers. The views from the towers are pretty good but, as you’ll see below, there are far better views to be had elsewhere.
Entry Fee: Adults from €33.80
Tip:
It’s essential to purchase tickets to the Sagrada Familia in advance
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Sagrada Família on the L2 and L5 lines.
More information and tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia Basilica>>
Bunkers del Carmel
The Bunkers del Carmel were built to defend Barcelona from Franco’s air force during the Spanish Civil War. After the war ended, the anti-aircraft guns were removed and a neighbourhood of improvised housing grew up.
The houses were torn down during the 1990’s and the area was largely overlooked until it was featured in a Spanish film called Tengo Ganas de Ti.
Since then it has become a popular viewpoint for both locals and tourists who come to see the fantastic views and watch the sunset.
Frame the Shot
The Bunkers del Carmel offers spectacular views in all directions and there are plenty of opportunities to take awesome photos of Barcelona or with the city as your backdrop.
To recreate the photo above, you need to scramble up onto the ledge at one end of what was once the officers’ barracks then shuffle around until the metal fence is out of shot.
At this point, I have to ask you to read my disclaimer which basically says that whatever you do is entirely at your own risk.
The ledge isn’t as vertigo-inducing as it looks in the photo but, if you slip, you could fall about 4 or 5m onto the rocks below. Please take care!
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: Bus numbers 22 and 24 run from Plaça de Catalunya to near the Bunkers del Carmel. This post explains a range of transport options.
Personally, I prefer to take the metro to Alfons X and then walk up. You could also walk up from the Sagrada Familia although it takes about 40 minutes and is uphill all the way.
The Kiss Wall
The kiss mural El Mon Neix en Cada Besada (the World Begins with Every Kiss) was created by Joan Fontcuberta for the tercentenary celebrations of the siege of Barcelona which took place in 2014.
The colourful mosaic, which is made up of ceramic tiles, each of which contains an image representing freedom, quickly became a popular location for photographers.
Frame the Shot
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, a group of friends or with your significant other, the kiss mural makes an ideal backdrop for photos.
No tips or tricks needed for this one, strike a pose and snap away.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The mural is located in Plaça d’Isidre Nonell which is close to Barcelona Cathedral. The nearest metro stops are Jaume I (L4) and Catalunya (L1 and L3).
Find out more about Barcelona’s kiss mural>>
Casa Batlló
This post features several buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí who blended elements of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture to create his own, unique and instantly recognisable style.
Gaudi’s work was inspired by nature and his religious beliefs and he’s often quoted as saying that “Straight lines belong to mankind, curves belong to God”. Hardly surprising then that there is barely a straight line to be seen anywhere in Casa Batllo.
Frame the Shot
The most liked photos of Casa Battló are of the scaled exterior façade, complete with balconies which appear to be made of bones. If you want to get the entire building into the shot you need to position yourself on the other side of the street.
Other popular exterior photos include close-ups of the first-floor windows and the spectacular curved roof which represents St. George and the Dragon. The building looks especially good on April 23rd when the balconies are adorned with red roses.
The building’s interior is equally spectacular. My favourite image is of the blue-tiled interior patio through the glass panels which were designed to create the illusion of being underwater.
Entry fee: Adults from €35 Buy your tickets online here>>
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Passeig de Gràcia on lines L2, L3 andL4.
Park Güell
In 1900 Eusebi Güell gave Antoni Gaudí the task of building an exclusive housing development on the outskirts of Barcelona. The original plans included 40 luxurious homes, of which only one was ever built, now a museum.
The project was abandoned in 1914, by which time Gaudi had created a park that is unlike any other and which receives an estimated 3 million tourists every year.
Frame the Shot
The classic photo of Park Güell is of the Hansel and Gretel style gatehouses viewed from the Plaça de la Natura terrace and with the tiled bench which surrounds the plaza in the foreground. You can add impact to your photo by using one of Instagram’s filters or using a photo editing app such as Snapseed.
Other popular photos include the famous tiled salamander staircase, the stone pillars and decorated ceiling of the Doric Temple and the sweeping stone arches of the lovers´ viaduct.
If you want a more unusual view of the park, head to the Turó de les Tres Creus at sunrise or sunset.
Entry fee: Adults €13.50 Buy your tickets online here>>
Tip:
It’s essential to purchase tickets to Park Güell in advance.
How to get there: Bus number 24 from Plaça de Catalunya stops at the entrance to Park Güell.
Mercat de la Boqueria
The La Boqueria food market dates back to the 13th Century and is one of the oldest and best-known marketplaces in Europe. The cast-iron structure which houses the market first opened in 1840 and was recently restored.
Despite the fact that La Boqueria has become a major tourist attraction in its own right, it’s still a working market where local people come to shop.
Frame the Shot
With more than 200 stalls to choose from, piled high with brightly coloured fruit, vegetables, sweets, olives, meat, seafood and locally produced cheeses. There are photo opportunities aplenty within the market.
While you’re here, you can eat at one of the market’s restaurants or tapas-bars or purchase the ingredients for a picnic on the beach or in one of Barcelona’s many parks.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The Boqueria food market is located on Las Ramblas. The nearest metro stop is Liceu on the green line L3.
Plaça Sant Felip Neri
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, alleyways and hidden squares just waiting to be discovered.
Tucked away behind Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is named after the 17th Century Baroque style church which it houses.
The pock-marked stone walls of the church are a sombre reminder of the bombardment which Barcelona suffered during the Spanish Civil war.
Frame the Shot
The tiny romantic square with a stone fountain in the middle is an ideal location for moody black and white photos.
If you need some more inspiration, check out this music video by Evanescence.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The nearest metro stations are Jaume I on the L4 yellow line and Liceu on the L3 green line.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
The Palau de la Musica Catalana (Catalan Music Palace) was designed Lluis Domenech I Montaner for the l’Orfeo Català choral society and took 3 years to build. Domenech’s exuberant design includes an impressive stained-glass skylight which was created by Antoni Rigall I Blanch.
The building is still regularly used as a concert hall and if you get the chance to see a concert here I recommend you take it. Having said that, access to the building during concerts is limited and photography isn’t usually permitted. Check the schedule.
Frame the Shot
The most popular shots of the Palau de la Musica are of the interior including the stained glass skylight, wide-angle shots of the auditorium and the colourful mosaic covered pillars of the first-floor terrace.
Entry fee: Guided tours in English €18 Book tickets online>>
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Urquinaona on the L1 red line and L4 yellow line.
Arc de Triomf
Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was built as the entrance to the Universal Exposition of 1888.
The Neo-Mudéjar style arch is 30m tall, made of red bricks and decorated with statues and friezes by Josep LLimona and Josep Reynés.
Frame the Shot
The Arc de Triomf is located one end of a wide pedestrianised avenue which gives photographers a wide range of options for different angles and compositions.
Entry fee: FREE
Location: The nearest metro stop is Arc de Triomf on the L1 red line.
Street Art at the Murs Lliures
Barcelona has a thriving graffiti and street art scene and regularly stages events such as the Open Walls Project which attracts artists from across the globe.
There are large works of street art throughout the city as well as several Murs Liures (free walls) where street artists can sign up to paint.
The best known, and most regularly re-painted, walls are in the El Raval and Poblenou neighbourhoods.
Frame the Shot
Check out this post which includes a walking route through Poblenou that visits the best-known walls.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The walking route above starts near the Pere IV tram stop on the T4 line.
Ciutadella Park
El Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona’s most popular green spaces. The park’s best-known feature is the large, monumental fountain which was designed by Josep Fontsére with the help of a young Antoni Gaudi.
The 74-acre park also contains a boating lake, an interesting and eclectic collection of statues, the Museum of Natural Science, a shady tropical greenhouse and the Catalan Parliament buildings. It is also home to Barcelona’s zoo.
Frame the Shot
The most popular location for taking photos in the park is in front of the fountain. You can make interesting compositions using reflections in the water or take flattering portraits on the curved staircases either side of the fountain.
If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids, they will love posing on the trunk of the life-size mammoth statue. The boating lake also provides a perfect backdrop for photos with friends and family.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The nearest metro stop to the park is Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica on the L3 yellow line.
Potted Plants at No. 12 Allada Vermell Street
In 2008 the couple who live at number 12 Allada Vermell Street started collecting potted plants to decorate their front doorstep.
Over the years the collection has steadily grown and now includes something in the region of 60 plants.
Little could they have imagined when they started the collection that one day their home would become a must-see spot for tourists.
The colourful floral display has been featured in travel blogs and guidebooks and has even been described as the holy grail for Instagrammers in Barcelona.
Frame the Shot
No photographic tips are needed for this location, just point and shoot.
Allada Vermell is a pedestrianised street with a few bars with terraces where you can stop for a coffee or a beer and appeared briefly in the film All About My Mother by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar.
Entrance fee: FREE
How to get there: Carrer de l’Allada Vermell is near to the Ciutadella Park. The nearest metro stop is Urquinaona on the L1 red and L3 yellow lines. The Arc de Triomf is also nearby.
La Pedrera
Real name Casa Milà, La Pedrera was the last building that Antoni Gaudí worked on before starting on the Sagrada Família.
The building was way ahead of its time and features several revolutionary architectural elements including an underground car park, a total lack of load-bearing interior walls and an attic that was designed to maintain the temperature inside the building stable.
Frame the Shot:
The most famous part of La Pedrera is the rooftop whose decorative chimneys and ventilation shafts are said to have inspired the Storm Troopers in George Lucas’ Star Wars saga.
The building’s exterior, complete with decorative cast-iron balconies, is impressive from all angles and is illuminated at night. In the summer months, it’s also possible to visit La Pedrera at night.
Entry fee: Adults €28 Buy tickets online here>>
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Diagonal on the L3 yellow line and L5 blue line.
Barcelona’s Beaches
From the crowded Barceloneta, through Nova Icaria to the quieter, more family-orientated Bogatell and the Mar Vella nudist beach. Barcelona’s beaches are a great place to kick back and work on your suntan.
Frame the Shot:
Barcelona’s long sandy beaches are dotted with works of art such as El Peix and A Room where it always Rains as well as emblematic buildings including the W Barcelona hotel (above), the unusual PRBB biomedical research centre and Hotel arts.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The nearest metro stations are Barceloneta and Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica, both of which are on the L4 yellow line.
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona’s Gothic cathedral (full name La Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia) dates back to the 14th century and was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque cathedral. The impressive neo-gothic main façade was added in 1882.
The cathedral contains a large collection of statues and ornate carvings including an impressive choir with carved wooden stalls.
The cloisters are home to 13 white geese, a reminder that Santa Eulalia (co-patron saint of Barcelona) was 13 years old when she was put to death by the Romans for refusing to renounce her faith.
Frame the Shot
By far the most popular photo of Barcelona Cathedral is of the main façade and doorway viewed from Pla de la Seu. The main façade faces northwest so the best time for photography here is late afternoon.
Next up is the view from the rooftop, the lift up to the roof costs €3 if visiting in the morning and is included in the €7 entry fee if visiting in the afternoon.
During Corpus Christi, dates vary, the cloisters are decorated with flowers for a quirky event known as l’Ou Com Balla (the dancing egg).
Entrance fee: Adults €18 Buy tickets online>>
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Jaume I on the L4 yellow line.
Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Once a cutting-edge medical facility, the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau contains a total of 27 pavilions and is the largest complex of its kind in the world.
Designed by Lluís Domènech I Montaner, the hospital first opened in 1916 and was in use until as recently as 2009.
After an extensive restoration project which lasted 5 years, the site opened to the public as an open-air museum in 2014.
Despite the fact that it doesn’t receive as many visitors as the most famous modernista sites like the Sagrada Familia, it should still be on your list of places to see while in Barcelona.
Frame the shot
At a rough guess, 95% of the photos of the Sant Pau Art Nouveau site seen on Instagram are of the Administration Building.
You can get great shots of the main façade from the street outside or from Av. Gaudí. The interior of the building is equally photogenic with colourful tiled ceilings, mosaics and stained glass windows at every turn. Not to mention the impressive main staircase.
Entrance fee: Adults €17 Buy your tickets online here>>
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Sant Pau I Dos de Maig on the L5 blue line.
More information about the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau>>
Poblenou Cemetery
In the times of the Roman Empire, the inhabitants of Barcino (the Roman name for what is now Barcelona) buried their dead at the side of the road, outside the city walls.
During the Middle Ages, people were buried in small cemeteries next to parish churches within the city.
During the 18th century, as Barcelona’s population increased, a large new cemetery was built outside the city limits in the neighbourhood which is now Poblenou.
The historic cemetery is full of simple niches, typical of Spanish graveyards, interspersed with extravagant Neo-Gothic pantheons and beautiful sculptures built by the city’s richest families.
Frame the shot
The cemetery is replete with interesting funerary sculptures but there’s no doubt that one statue, in particular, stands out. The chillingly beautiful Kiss of Death sculpture which adorns the grave of Josep Llaudet was created by Joan Fontbernat in 1930.
Other graves of interest include the decorated niche of El Santet delPoblenou and a modern, super-realistic statue of a man complete with glasses and a bottle of beer.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Llacuna on the L4 yellow line.
Find out more about Poblenou Cemetery here>>
Tibidabo Theme Park & Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor
The city of Barcelona nestles between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Collserola natural park.
The city’s most widely visible attraction is the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor church which sits atop Mount Tibidabo and can be seen from most parts of Barcelona.
Just next to the church is the Tibidabo theme park which includes a collection of historic attractions dating back to the beginning of the last century. The most popular, and Instagram worthy rides include: a full-sized aeroplane, the Talaia tower, a Ferris wheel and the so-called Aerial Railway.
Frame the shot
You’d be forgiven for assuming that the photo above was taken from a helicopter or using a drone. In fact, it’s just part of the view from the top of the Talaia tower which lifts visitors up to a height of 551m above sea level.
In addition to giving a great vantage point for photographing the Temple, it also affords sweeping panoramic views of Barcelona.
You can also take the lift to the top of the church’s tower from where you can take some great photos of Barcelona, the amusement park and close-ups of the giant statue of Christ at the top of the spire.
Entry fee: Amusement park €35.00 (online price). Church tower €5
Buy your tickets online here>>
How to get there: To get to the Tibidabo theme park, take the Tibibus (bus T2A) or the FGC train from Plaça de Catalunya.
There’s more information about the church and how to get there in this post.
Narrow Streets in the Ciutat Vella
The Ciutat Vella (old city) is the ancient heart of Barcelona and includes the Gothic Quarter, La Ribera and El Raval neighbourhoods. The area is a maze of narrow streets, many of which are closed to traffic.
Frame the shot
The entire area offers a wealth of opportunities for street photography. From architecture to street scenes capturing aspects of daily life. A keen eye for detail and composition are the keys to great results.
The narrow streets and alleyways are often shaded by the buildings on either side. Depending on orientation, there is ample opportunity for photographs at any time of day. Around mid-day shadows and contrast are stronger. In the late afternoon and early mornings, a time that photographers call the golden hour, the softer light can help you create images like the one above.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: You’ll find Intagrammable scenes throughout the Ciutat Vella. I suggest that you start by walking from La Rambla to Ciutadella Park along Carrer Ferran and Carrer dels Carders and just dive off and explore whichever of the tiny side streets catch your eye.
Palau Nacional and the Magic Fountain
The Neo-Classical styled Palau Nacional houses one of the best museums in Barcelona and contains one of the world’s largest collections of Romanesque art.
Both the Palace and the nearby Magic Fountain were built for the International Exposition of 1929.
Weekend evenings (from Thursday to Sunday in the summer), the fountain is transformed into a sound and light show that attracts tourists and locals alike. Check timetable>>
Frame the shot
I recommend you start by visiting the roof terrace of the Las Arenas shopping centre, from where there are good views of Plaça d’Espanya and the Palau Nacional with Montjuïc in the background.
There are plenty of photo opportunities as you approach the Magic Fountain along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Christina.
You’ll also want to keep your camera or phone handy as you ascend the stone staircases flanked by fountains and ornamental waterfalls, which lead up to the museum.
Finally, when you reach the terrace in front of the museum, turn around for another great panoramic view of Barcelona.
Entrance fee: FREE (There’s a fee to enter the MNAC museum, but the best photos are outside)
How to get there: The nearest metro stop is Espanya on lines L1 and L3.
Carrer del Bisbe
Carrer del Bisbe (Bishop’s Street) is a narrow alleyway in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Once an important thoroughfare in the Roman city of Barcino, the street links Plaça de Sant Jaume with Plaça Nova and is flanked by imposing medieval buildings.
One of the Gothic Quarter’s most photographed locations, the Bishop’s Bridge joins the Palau de la Generalitat to La Casa dels Canonges (the Canons’ house).
The intricately decorated, covered stone bridge was built in neo-gothic style in 1928 and blends in so well that few people realise that it is more than 500 years newer than the buildings which it connects.
Frame the Shot
The key to this shot is getting up early since the narrow lane becomes crowded with tourists by mid-morning. The above photo was taken at about 8 am on Saturday morning and there were already other people there taking photographs when I arrived.
Other Instagram-worthy shots include close-ups of the bridge itself as well as portraits of the gargoyles, one of which is a representation of the princess who was rescued from a dragon by Saint George.
Entry fee: FREE
How to get there: Carrer del Bisbe is near Barcelona Cathedral and the nearest metro stop is Jaume I on the L4 yellow line.
Have I missed anything? If you’ve got a favourite spot that should have been on the list, please tell us about it in the comments below and share your photos using the hashtag #bcnlowdown.
Finally, I’d like to say a big thank you to the Instagrammers and bloggers who’ve kindly let me include their photos in this post.
Map of the Most Instagrammable Locations in Barcelona
Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Av. d'Icària s/n, Barcelona
Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona
Pla de la Seu, Barcelona
Barcelona
Provença 261-265, Barcelona
Barcelona
Passeig de Picasso, 21, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
La Rambla 91, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Passeig de Gràcia No. 43, Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Great information and gorgeous pictures! I’m headed to BCN next month and staying in the Poblenou neighborhood. I had no idea about the cemetery, so thanks for the tip :) Loved all of your suggestions they are really inspiring, thanks again!!
Hi Diane,
Thanks for your comment; I’m glad to hear you liked the post.
April is a great time to visit Barcelona, and Poblenou is a nice neighbourhood to stay, although not especially central.
If you’re interested in funerary art, then apart from the Poblenou Cemetery, you could also check out the larger cemetery on Montjuic, where is where many of Barcelona’s richest and most influential people were buried, although it’s not so easy to get to.
Think of Barcelona’s architecture and what pops into your head? It’s probably going to be Antoní Gaudí. But Gaudí wasn’t the only architect responsible for Barcelona’s flamboyant good looks. There’s also Lluis Domenéch i Montaner…
So, if you’re visiting Barcelona, make sure The Palau de la Música Catalana is on your to-do list. When we first laid eyes on it, we were mesmerised by its beauty and colour. It’s so good we’ve visited on twice, on different visits to Barcelona.
Hi Jetset Boyz,
Thanks for reading and for the insider tips.
If you haven’t visited it already, the next time you’re in town, make sure you check out the Sant Pau Art Nouveau site!