Barcelona is a beautiful city, but I have a love/hate relationship with Instagram. Everywhere you look, there are amazing photo opportunities in Barcelona, but there are also lots of people all trying to get the same photos and videos for social media. Instagram has made us crave the images more than the experience of being there, so I have picked some beautiful places in Barcelona that are worth more than a pretty picture or a perfect video.
By all means, take photos and appreciate what you see, but dig a little deeper, and I promise you’ll have a better experience! If you are looking for amazing Instagrammable places in Barcelona, I’ve picked out my absolute favourite Barcelona Instagram spots where you can get the best photos and learn more about Catalan culture while you are here.
The Most Instagrammable Places in Barcelona
I’ve chosen my top photo spots in Barcelona to get lovely shots of the city, from architecture to street art and beautiful views – with some added history and culture to discover while you’re here!
I’ve started with some of the most famous Barcelona Instagram spots – the works of Antoni Gaudí, Catalonia’s most famous architect, then we’ll get to some other pretty places and some incredible views of Barcelona too.
La Sagrada Familia
The most recognisable landmark in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, is Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece and a stunning construction both inside and out, so this has to top any list of Instagrammable places in Barcelona!
As well as being incredibly beautiful with lots of photo opportunities, get close to the basilica as you walk around. Take a moment to appreciate the details, such as the animal sculptures and the sculptures on the façade, and consider how Gaudí dedicated his life to the construction of the basilica, which will be the tallest church in the world once it’s completed.
I highly recommend going inside La Sagrada Familia if you have the time and the money, as it is a truly remarkable building. The ceiling and colourful stained glass are certainly worth the visit, and you can get up close to the carvings and see details in the facades that you just don’t notice from further away.
You can also buy tickets to go up one of the Sagrada Familia towers, for some great views of Barcelona, especially at sunset, but by the time you come down the sunlight won’t be shining through the windows. I recommend going as early as possible to enjoy the beautiful building with as few people as possible.
Even just staying outside you can get some lovely photos of the cathedral, and some details of the stonework carvings if you have a decent zoom on your camera or phone.
My favourite view of La Sagrada Familia is from across the lake in Plaça de Gaudí. You get a perfect view of the Nativity Façade and can catch the full reflection in the water. Come here early in the morning when the light is behind you, not the cathedral.
Alternatively, in the late afternoon, you can get some good photos of Sagrada Familia from the Passion Façade side as the sun has moved around. It’s also a great spot for sunset as the last light from the sun shines onto the pale stone.
The Sercotel Hotel Rosellon (formally the Ayre Hotel) also has incredible views of La Sagrada Familia from its roof terrace bar, and some bedrooms have a view of the cathedral as well so if you want to wake up to this view then book a room here! ➡️CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Casa Batlló
This is actually my favourite building of Gaudí’s, thanks to the colourful façade and rooftop that copies a dragon’s tail and the tall spear of Sant Jordi (Saint George), who slew the dragon in the Catalan and English myths.
This house was originally built with a pretty boring façade, and Gaudí was commissioned to redesign it – he didn’t build it from scratch. While you’re here, check the building next door – Casa Amatller, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and the one on the corner towards Placa de Catalunya – Casa Lleó Morera, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
These three buildings make up what’s known as the Block of Discord, which shows these three contrasting styles of Catalan Modernism by different Modernist architects.
It’s hard to get the full building in a photo from the ground, so I usually take pictures of Casa Batlló from an angle.
Otherwise, head across the street to see it in full and if you’re lucky you can find a view in between the trees – there’s a lamppost which can act as a cute spot if there’s someone to take a photo of you, and extra bonus points if they can time it to get a shot without traffic too!
Going inside Casa Batlló is another treat, with pretty mosaics and blue tiles reminiscent of a waterfall in the interior. My favourite spot is on the roof, where you can also stop off for a drink at the bar and get up close to the dragon scale rooftop.
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Casa Mila – La Pedrera
This Gaudí building was the last private work that the architect designed, and he had some major disagreements with the owners about how it would be finished. La Pedrera is an informal name given to the house, as people thought it looked like a stone quarry when it was first built!
Another fun fact is that this was the first building in Barcelona to have a garage in the basement, and there are still people who live in the La Pedrera today. Can you imagine living here??
While it isn’t as pretty from the outside as Casa Batlló, if you buy tickets to go inside and up onto the roof, that’s where the magic happens. Gaudí designed the terrace with chimney pots that look like soldiers guarding the curved rooftop. There are lovely views of the city from up here too, and another nice shot of La Sagrada Familia through one of the mosaic archways on the roof.
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When you first go inside La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila), don’t forget to look up, as there is another lovely shot of the inside of the symmetrical building from the central courtyard.
Casa Vicens
This was Gaudí’s first commission to build a home and was finished in 1885. It was one of the first examples of Modernist architecture. Gaudí blended influences of Moorish and Mudéjar architecture with geometric patterns, ceramic tiles, and decorative brickwork, and Oriental designs with bold colours and exotic decoration to create his unique designs.
It was only opened to the public in November 2017 after being restored to its original glory, although the gardens used to be much larger. In his designs, Gaudí took inspiration from nature around the house – yellow flowers became tile designs, and palm trees became ornamental gates.
You can get some ok photos of Casa Vicens from the outside, but the narrow street makes it difficult to get the whole house in one shot without using a wide-angle lens or wide phone setting.
From inside the gates, you’ll have the same trouble getting a shot of the whole house, but there are some fabulous nooks and crannies to take photos here. My favourite photo spots are in the garden at this beautiful doorway, and in the blue smoking room inside which is a gorgeous colour.
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Park Guell
This park has to be on the list of the top Instagram places in Barcelona, and without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Barcelona, as well as a personal favourite of mine.
Yes, it’s another Gaudí spot, originally envisaged as a sort of housing estate in the hills above Barcelona, but the project failed and only three houses were built – including one that Gaudí himself lived in, and another that is still a private residence.
Although the monumental area with the famous dragon statue and the mosaic benches is the most photogenic, the rest of the park is a mix of lush gardens, wild greenery and stunning views, so take time to explore.
Buy tickets to come here first thing in the morning if you want to get some photos of the dragon statue and staircase without other people in it, although the one-way system inside the park makes that quite a challenge – you might have to talk very nicely to the wardens here, or enter through the gates right next to the dragon for a good chance to see it first.
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During the day, the sun shines straight onto the park, so you’ll struggle to get good photos of the view of the city from the mosaic terrace, as the sun will be too bright.
Another good time to come is in the late afternoon & early evening, by which time the sun has moved round and you can look out over the city without being blinded! It is also likely to be quieter then, although this is one of the popular things to do in Barcelona, so expect crowds of people to be jostling for a photo alongside you.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
This stunning building was designed by another modernist architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and is the only concert venue in this style to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s often overlooked as most visitors focus on Gaudí, but Domènech i Montaner’s work is just as stunning.
The Palace of Catalan Music is a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism, and has been a centre for music, song, and cultural expression in Barcelona since the early 20th century. It was built in just three years (1905–1908), during a period of cultural freedom in Barcelona, and was (and still is) a huge source of pride for many Catalans.
The Palau de la Musica later took on even greater symbolic importance during the Franco dictatorship, when Catalan culture was suppressed, but performances at the Palau quietly helped keep it alive. If you have the chance to see a performance there it is well worth it – check the programme here.
It is quite difficult to get good photos of Palau de la Música from the outside as the street is quite narrow, and although you can pick out some beautiful details, you’ll need to go inside for the most impressive architectural features.
The concert hall is nothing short of spectacular, with a colourful stained glass roof as the centrepiece. Head up to the seats at the top and sides for shots of the whole theatre, or use a wide-angle lens to get a view from the aisle at the bottom.
There is also the small terrace area outside with mosaic columns, which is another lovely Instagram spot.
You used to be able to book a photographer to join you here to take photos of you, but it seems they no longer offer that service, so if you’re a solo traveller, then bring a tripod or ask someone to take a photo of you.
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Hospital de Sant Pau Modernist Complex
This incredible complex was also designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and it was built as a hospital to replace the overcrowded and ill-equipped old hospital in the Raval neighbourhood. Domènech i Montaner created different buildings known as pavilions, which housed treatment rooms and hospital beds.
Each pavilion is flooded with natural light, with access to fresh air for patients, with modernist details like mosaics, stained glass and stone carvings creating an incredible place to recuperate – they really don’t make hospitals like this anymore!
You can get some good photos from the front courtyard without paying the entry fee, but if you go inside, there are more photo opportunities in the pavillions and entrance, which has another stunning stained glass ceiling as well.
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La Rambla
La Rambla is a great place if you like street photography, as the most famous street in Barcelona is never empty. There is currently severe construction work going on all along La Rambla, which is due to be completed in 2027, so at the moment it isn’t the most photogenic place in Barcelona.
It is still worth walking down here though, to pay attention to the details. All along the street, there are different things to catch your eye, from flower stalls to dragon decor on buildings to the human statues close to the Columbus Monument.
Look up at the buildings on either of the street – the Liceu Theatre is lovely when it is lit up at night, and don’t miss Casa Bruno Cuadros with umbrellas, fans and a Chinese-style dragon perched on the side of the building.
Look down too, for the ground mural designed by Joan Miro, and the dedication to those killed in the terrorist attack here in 2017.
Boqueria Market
Just off La Rambla, the Boqueria Market is the busiest market in Barcelona and is filled with colourful fruits and vegetables, fresh juices and tasty treats. It is more for the tourists now than local people, sadly, but it is still worth visiting even if just to compare it with a more local market like Santa Caterina or Sant Antoni.
La Boqueria stands on the site of the former Convent of Sant Josep, which was demolished in 1835. The market was built in 1840, and was renowned for its fresh Catalan produce. There are still some traditional stalls here, so make sure you explore around the back and sides, not just the main aisle.
The Gothic Quarter
This is, without a doubt, the most Instagrammable neighbourhood in Barcelona and is filled with beautiful buildings so there is no shortage of Barcelona photo spots around here! Take time to wander the streets and see what you find as you soak up the history – I’ve listed a few of my favourite places to get you started.
The Gothic Cathedral
The Cathedral is often overlooked in favour of La Sagrada Familia, but it is a special building in its own right. Its full name is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, dedicated to Santa Eulalia, one of Barcelona’s co-patron saints.
Most of the cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, during the height of Gothic architecture in Catalonia. The elaborate façade looks medieval but is actually neo-Gothic, added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The steps leading up to the cathedral make for a lovely photo opportunity, especially in the morning when it is quiet. Get there early though or expect to share your photo with hundreds of other people!
You can also buy tickets to go inside and go up to the roof for a unique view of the cathedral towers (get tickets from the cathedral shop to the left of the main entrance). Inside the cloister, you’ll find 13 white geese, symbolising the age of Saint Eulalia when she was martyred.
Another popular spot for photos is in the streets on the other side of the cathedral, where you can see the grand doorways like the Portal de la Pietat. You can also get gorgeous views of the cathedral from the rooftop bar at the Lamaro Hotel.
Carrer del Bisbe & Pont del Bisbe
This beautiful archway isn’t actually Gothic but was added much later (in 1928), designed by architect Joan Rubió i Bellver, a former collaborator of Antoni Gaudí.
As you walk underneath the bridge, make sure you look up to spot the skull embedded in the design. The skull has a dagger through it, and legend has it that if the dagger is removed, Barcelona would fall. Some say that the skull is real human remains, but it could be carved from stone – I don’t think I want to get close enough to find out!
Either way, it is one of the most photographed places in Barcelona so make sure this is on your Instagram list! The street is a busy thoroughfare, connecting Placa Sant Jaume and the Cathedral, so it gets very busy. Come here early in the hope of a photo without other people in it!
Plaça Sant Felip Neri
This quiet little square tucked away close to the Gothic Cathedral is easily missed if you don’t know it is there. It is a picturesque spot but with a tragic history – the walls of the church carry the marks of bomb shrapnel from the Civil War, when 42 people, most of them children, were killed by Italian bombings as they sheltered in the basement of the church.
The Kiss Mural
I love this mural, which celebrates freedom and love – what could be better than that! The artist Joan Fontcuberta asked people in Barcelona to send photos which represented a moment of freedom, and he incorporated 4000 photographs into the mural, using the smaller images to create the larger kiss.
It’s a popular photo spot in Barcelona for couples, and for anyone who wants a good pic from Barcelona for Instagram. If you look closely at the photos you might spot Shakira who had a couple of images included, and lots of cool moments incorporated into the larger artwork.
Please bear in mind that this is now a popular place to go for photos, so it can get busy. Be mindful of local residents and enjoy the artwork, as well as just taking photos!
El Born
This is another extremely photogenic and historic neighbourhood that is well worth exploring. The Passeig del Born used to be where jousting tournaments were held, and the old Born Market is now part of the MUHBA Barcelona History Museum, where you can see the remains of 17th-century Barcelona beneath you.
The Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar is a beautiful church too, you can go inside for free or buy tickets to go up to the roof for stunning views of the city. Santa Maria del Mar is one of the best examples of pure Catalan Gothic architecture in Barcelona, built between 1329 and 1383, which was extremely fast for that time.
Unlike the cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, it was largely funded and built by the local community, especially dockworkers known as the bastaixos, who carried the heavy stone from Montjuïc to the site on their backs – a story that is still commemorated in carvings on the church’s doors, and made famous in the book Cathedral of the Sea.
You can get some lovely photos from the streets around the church, and the square in front – stop by the wine bar La Vinya del Senyor for a glass of Catalan wine while you are there. Wander the narrow streets like Carrer dels Banys Vells where independent boutiques decorate outside their shops as well as in.
Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park replaced a citadel that once stood here, and the leafy trees, boating lake and ornate fountain make a nice change from the other Barcelona Instagram spots. The monumental fountain was worked on by Gaudí, although no-one is sure which parts are his – I was told that the golden storks near the top of the fountain are his designs. Either way, it is a magnificent sight.
As you walk around the park you can also spot a mammoth statue, one of many animal sculptures which were due to be placed in the park, but the only one which materialised.
The modernist Castell dels Tres Dragons housed a restaurant built for the World’s Fair in 1888, and the recently restored Hivernacle and Umbracle are beautiful examples of greenhouses built for the exhibition.
The park is also home to the Catalan Parliament Building, originally built as an arsenal for the citadel, which you can visit for free if you book in advance. Aside from all this, it’s a nice place to enjoy some green space!
L’Arc de Triomf
This striking archway was built for the 1888 World Fair and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Barcelona. During the 48h Open House architecture festival in October, it’s possible to go up to the rooftop, but usually it is closed to the public.
Seeing it close up is still fascinating though, look out for details like the stone bats on the pillars of the arch, which were the emblem of King Jaume I.
The most important thing to note is that, unlike the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this arch has nothing to do with war or victory, but was made to welcome people as the gateway to the World Fair. It’s now a popular place for street performers and live music, as well as a whole manner of Barcelona street photo opportunities. If you prefer fewer people, come here early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Street Art in Barcelona
Barcelona is also a fabulous city for street art. If you like murals and graffiti then you’ll find some great Instagram spots to choose from. To find all of the best street art in Barcelona you could join a street art tour to take you to all the best places and to learn more about the art and artists.
Neighbourhoods like El Born, Poble Nou and Gracia are great for wandering around and snapping pictures as you go, or the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies in Poble Sec is a hub for street art as well as skateboarders.
There are also lots of sculptures around Barcelona, from the Woman and Bird sculpture in Parc Joan Miró to Roy Lichtenstein’s Head of Barcelona by Port Vell, commissioned for the Olympic Games in 1992. A fun favourite of mine is the giant Prawn statue by the Ronda Litoral, originally created to sit on top of a seafood restaurant!
As you stroll around Barcelona, keep your eyes peeled for other interesting pieces of art and architecture – there are so many beautiful details all over the city!
The Best Barcelona Instagram Spots with Epic Views
If it’s stunning views you’re after, then here are some of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, apart from Park Güell, which I discussed earlier.
The Bunkers at El Carmel
This popular Instagram spot in Barcelona is a great date spot and one of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona if you’re here with your other half and want to enjoy panoramic views of the city. As well as 360-degree views of Barcelona, the Bunkers have a fascinating history.
The bunkers are the remains of an anti-aircraft battery built on Turó de la Rovira during the Spanish Civil War, and large guns were installed here to try to defend the city against bombing raids.
After the war, the site was abandoned, and from the 1940s, it became part of a shanty town where migrants and their families built makeshift homes due to a severe housing shortage in the city. These homes often had no running water, electricity or sewage, and conditions were hard.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Barcelona city council gradually cleared the shantytown. Some families were rehoused in newly built social housing estates on the outskirts of the city, while others had to find accommodation on their own. By the early 1990s, the last residents had left, and the site was later restored and incorporated into the MUHBA Barcelona History Museum.
There are information boards at the site which explain more about the history of the bunkers and the community of people who lived here.
Montjuic
Montjuic literally means Jewish Mountain, and it has had a varied history since the city was founded. It is home to a Jewish cemetery, a military castle which served as a prison and execution site during the Civil War and Franco dictatorship, the Olympic Stadium, several museums and incredible views of the city.
You could spend a whole day exploring, walking through parks or visiting the museums. The cable car up has some impressive views. I’d suggest taking the cable car up to the castle and then walking down to get the best of both worlds without having to hike up!
The MNAC National Art Museum of Catalonia is an Instagram spot in its own right, both inside and out of the Palau Nacional, built for the1929 International Exposition, especially with the fountains leading up to the museum.
In the evening, the nearby Magic Fountains also put on a light and music show, but it’s also worth walking up to the Olympic Stadium and the Montjuic Communications Tower for a lesser-visited Barcelona photo spot.
Tibidabo
Hiking in Collserola Natural Park will reward you with lovely views of Barcelona, and the higher you go, the more you can see.
Tibidabo Theme Park provides a contrast between the old fairground rides and the view of the city below, whereas the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a beautiful church.
Head up here for sunset for the best photos as the sun goes down, you can also go up the church towers for a small fee which are open until 6pm, so if you are visiting Barcelona in winter you should be able to catch the sunset from up there. The statues adorning the church add an extra perspective to the beautiful view.
One More Unusual Instagram Spot in Barcelona
I wasn’t sure whether to include this one or not, as I don’t think grave sites should be plastered all over Instagram, but the Cemetery at Poble Nou has some incredibly beautiful and unique tombs and gravestones – just be sure to treat the area with respect.
There are rows of memorials to people who have passed away, some with photos, flowers and candles burning in memory of those who are no longer with us. Some of these are very recent, until you move into the older sections of the cemetery.
Here you will find more elaborate tombs and mausoleums, decorated with statues of angels and intricate stone carvings. One tomb stands out among the others, where a statue of a winged skeleton cradles a young man, leaning over him and kissing him on the forehead.
The grave belongs to the son of the Llaudet family, who were important textile manufacturers. Josep Llaudet Soler died in 1930 when he was young and seemingly so full of life until disease and death took him, and his father wanted a memorial to him that embodied that.
I found visiting the cemetery quite moving, and so quiet compared to the rest of the busy city. It isn’t for everyone, but it is a unique place for photographs in Barcelona.
I hope that my pick of the best Barcelona Instagram spots has given you plenty of inspiration for taking gorgeous photos in Barcelona, but remember to discover the meaning behind the places you visit and dive into Catalan culture while you’re here!
Barcelona Photography Tips
Now you’ve learned about the best places for photos in Barcelona, I want to take a moment to make sure you get the best possible shots when photographing Barcelona. Here are a few tips and some photography gear recommendations to help you make the most of your Barcelona photo shoot!
Start Early
Strangely enough, we’re not the only ones who love Barcelona – millions of visitors come to the city every year, so it can get busy! The best time to take photographs in Barcelona is first thing in the morning when the streets are quiet, and you can make the most of that soft morning light.
Choosing when to visit Barcelona is another great way to minimise the number of people who might wander into your shot – visiting in the off- or-shoulder season will be much quieter than the summer peak.
Join a Photo Tour
If you’d like some gorgeous photos of yourself but are travelling alone, or want some photos of you and your partner or family together for a change, then joining a photo tour in Barcelona is a wonderful way to see some of the most Instagrammable places in Barcelona and get the best vacation snaps ever!
I love the tours offered by Pickapictour, and the photos I got back from our session were fabulous. You can book tours of photo spots in the Gothic Quarter, at Park Guell and more of the prettiest places in Barcelona to pose in. You can read my full review of that Barcelona photoshoot tour here.
Bring a Tripod & Clicker
If you take lots of video content for Instagram Reels or Tiktok then having a portable phone charger is also a good idea to make sure your battery doesn’t die partway through the day.
Come Out After (or in) The Rain
I love puddles, and any reflections that you can get in water make for fabulous photos. The best way to take reflection shots with your phone is to turn it upside down and get the lens as close to the water as you can without actually dropping your phone in the water! That gives you the widest possible angle for reflections.
Enjoy the Views Without Your Camera!
I always struggle with this, as I am always on the lookout for that perfect shot either to get photos for this website or for social media, but don’t spend all of your time in Barcelona looking through a phone screen or a camera lens. Barcelona is a stunning city with lots of incredible places to take photographs – but make sure you enjoy the experience of being here.
Before or after you take your photos, remember to take some time to just look with your eyes and breathe it all in.
Do you have any more interesting or historic Barcelona Instagram spots I should know about? Let me know in the comments!