Capturing Catalan Charm: Photography Tips For Barcelona

Spend an afternoon meandering through the grid-like streets – from La Pedrera to the city’s most celebrated Basilica and stretches of golden sand – and you’ll discover much magic to capture in Barcelona.

With our latest inspiring Pied À Terre apartment in the city’s bustling Eixample neighbourhood, immerse yourself in the heart of this enigmatic Catalan capital – then escape to your own intimate, third-floor sanctuary.

The Most Photogenic Places In Barcelona

Casa Batlló

 Basílica de la Sagrada Família

The pinnacle of Gaudi’s architectural love letter to Catalonia, la Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most photographed icons, and for good reason. Still incomplete almost 150 years since its first stones were laid, the colossal Basilica is one of the finest examples of modernist architecture in Europe. For the quintessential Barcelona photo, arriving early in the morning, before the crowds gather.

La Pedrera - Casa Milà

‍Built to house a well-heeled Catalan couple, La Pedrera is the epitome of Gaudi’s naturalist style. From the free-flowing forms of its facade to its entwined balustrades and cavernous interior courtyard, Casa Milà is one of Barcelona’s most photographed landmarks.   

Park Güell

With its folkloric, Gaudí-designed gatehouse and sweeping views across the city and out to sea, Park Güell is a must-snap spot on any Barcelona itinerary. Beyond the imposing, mosaiced gatehouse lies a lush expanse of parkland befitting of any fairytale entrance. Majestic palms, winding pathways and the unearthly Pòrtic de la Bugadera – another Gaudí gem – make this Barcelona park well worth a visit. 

--Templo Sagrado Corazón

High above the city, perched on the summit of Mount Tibidabo, rests this spectacular 20th-century church, commanding breathtaking views across the landscape below. Completed in 1961 by Josep Maria Sagnier i Vidal, son of its original Catalan architect Enric Sagnier, the Templo Sagrado Corazón – Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – is a Romanesque masterpiece crowned with a gleaming bronze statue of Jesus. Visit in the evening for breathtaking sunset photographs.

The Most Snappable Hidden Gems In Barcelona

Bunkers del Carmel

‍Boasting the most underrated panoramic view of the city, the Carmel Bunkers are an echo of the Spanish Civil War, perched 260 metres above the city in the Turó de la Rovira. With an uninterrupted vista and smaller crowds than you’ll find in any of Barcelona’s best-known photo spots, this hilltop hideaway takes a truly captivating picture of the vibrant city and its many enchanting landmarks. 

Parc del Laberint d'Horta

A lush, neoclassical park punctuated with verdant terraces, water features and an ornate cypress-tree maze, the Parc del Laberint d'Horta is set back from the city’s centre – on the fringes of the Parc Natural de Collserola. Its position makes it one of the more tranquil Barcelona photography spots, and a sublime place to spend a day exploring and picnicking. 

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

A peaceful square with a poignant history, the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri nestles in a quiet corner of the Gothic Quarter. Overlooked by an imposing Baroque church, battle-scarred by the Spanish Civil War, this pretty square remains a relatively hidden gem of Barcelona photography destinations.    

Cementiri de Montjuïc

Sprawling terraces and expansive sea views make the Cementiri de Montjuïc an idyllic place to enjoy a moment of tranquillity by Barcelona’s bustling harbour. Elaborate, modernist tombs – including that of beloved Catalan artist, Joan Miró – provide the perfect Barcelona photo op. 

The Most Archetypal Barcelona Neighbourhoods To Photograph

Eixample

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An August neighbourhood with good reason, Eixample is abundant with green spaces, charming squares, quintessential cobbled side streets - filled with some of Barcelona's most brilliant restaurants - and, last but not least, notable landmarks. An idyllic blend of vibrant urban culture and tranquil, tucked-away corners, Eixample is peppered with hidden gems for your camera to capture.

‍Gothic Quarter

‍Labyrinthine mediaeval streets, Ancient Roman architecture, magnificent monuments and a lively local culture make the Gothic Quarter one of the best places to dedicate an afternoon to Barcelona photography.

El Born

For classic Catalan charm, head to the effervescent enclave of El Born – home to the city’s most fashionable residents and hideouts. A picture-perfect maze of streets hung with greeneried balconies, archetypal shuttered buildings and leafy squares, an afternoon spent in El Born offers the opportunity to photograph a vibrant slice of life in this celebrated city.    

El Raval

Home to one of the most celebrated photography spots in Barcelona – La Rambla – El Raval simmers with a multicultural, bohemian spirit and a rich mix of historic and contemporary architecture. Enhance your Barcelona street photography portfolio with shots from this animated neighbourhood.  

Gràcia

Charming squares, an energetic street scene and Barcelona’s beloved Park Güell provide the perfect setting for an afternoon photo shoot. Gràcia has a village-like mood and is home to many local festivals, infusing the community with true Catalan charm.  

Barceloneta

Capture Barcelona through the eyes of its locals when you head to the buzzy beachside neighbourhood of Barceloneta. Swathes of sand, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and a thriving al fresco dining scene make this old fishing district one of the best places to photograph modern Catalan life.

Photography Tips For Capturing Catalan Charm

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The essence of ‘Catalan charm’

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While architecture tells half the story, the essence of Catalan charm is captured in its people and its traditions. Barcelona’s seemingly endless repertoire of high-spirited festivals and celebrations make for the perfect chance to photograph Barcelona’s rich culture. The city’s captivating street scene also tells the story of its past and present. 

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Barcelona festivals to photograph

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Barcelona Carnival - March

As authentically religious as it is hedonistic, Barcelona's biggest festival – Carnestoltes – marks the last opportunity for indulgence before 40 days of Lent. Floats and fancy-dressed figures take to the streets in their thousands on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, with celebrations reaching their climactic end with Sunday’s Taronjada – a dazzling ‘battle’ of orange balloons and confetti.‍

Sant Joan - June 

Midsummer is marked with Barcelona’s most frenetic celebration – Sant Joan. A spectacle of fireworks and bonfires lights up the year’s shortest night and party goers partake in free-flowing beer, sangria and cava. This whole-city celebration on June 24th is a vibrant display of Barcelona culture, sprawling from street to beach.

Feste de la Mercé - September

The end of summer is celebrated with one of Europe’s biggest street parties, Feste de la Merce, or Patron Saints Day. Live music, theatrical performances, street art and light shows imbue the whole of Barcelona with festival spirit, while gigantic effigies, devils and fire-runs mark the changing of the season in true Catalan style.

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Blessed with some of the most photogenic districts and landmarks of any European city, Barcelona is a captivating destination in which to immerse yourself in Spanish life. Discover the essence of Barcelona, Rome, Paris, London and Cannes, with an August Pied à Terre Collection starting from just €365,000.

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