Barcelona’s photo opportunities are endless. From Gaudi’s gothic architecture and incredible art nouveau designs, to sandy beaches and towering palm trees, you can get some seriously cool snaps from Europe’s city of sunshine. Of course iconic attractions like the Sagrada Familia have made this list, however for more off-the-beaten-track Insta ideas keep scrolling down as you’ll definitely come across a few picture-worthy secrets from Barcelona that will upgrade your feed…
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1. PARK GUELL
Climb the stairs of Park Guell and you’ll reach a huge square which is bordered by the famous colourful bench (that doubles as a balcony). Stand to the centre of the bench for one of the best photo spots in the park.
Fun fact: Gaudi was commissioned to design this insanely cool park by his best friend Eusebi Güell.
2. SAGRADA FAMILIA AT PLACA DE GAUDI
Head to Placa de Gaudi and across the lake to get in prime position for an awesome shot of La Sagrada Familia. In some places you’ll be able to see it reflected in the water.
Fun fact: When La Sagrada Familia has finished with construction (over a century later) it will have taken longer to build than the Egyptian Pyramids.
3. ALLADA VERMELL
This cute, plant-covered house is hidden down a street near Parc de la Ciutadella called Allada Vermell. It’s home to a local elderly couple who are the envy of the entire city!
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4. PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA
Parc de la Ciutadella is a great place to go to relax- you could even take a rowing boat out on the lake if you fancy. The grand water fountain is the best place to get that Insta-worthy pic.
5. CARMEL BUNKERS
The spot in this photo definitely makes for an awesome photo, but would you be brave enough to cross over the railing and pose on the edge like this guy?!
Fun fact: After the Spanish Civil War when the bunkers were built, they became a form of shelter for around 7% of Barcelona’s population by the end of the 1950s.
6. JARDIN DE CACTUS DE MOSSÈN COSTA I LLOBERA
One of Barcelona’s best kept secrets, this garden doesn’t just have thousands of cacti posing ready for photos, but views of the coast are gorgeous, too.
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7. PALO ALTO MARKET
Palo Alto attracts visitors for its monthly market but many don’t realise it’s open most hours as a cool, urban jungle to hang out in.
8. PLACA REIAL
Placa Reial is a classic shot of Barcelona with its quaint fountain in the middle, palm trees towering over plus people buzzing around at all hours of the day and night. Perfect.
Fun fact: This square contains Gaudi’s first city-commissioned work, two decorative street lamps.
9. W BARCELONA HOTEL
You can get some pretty cool beach views with the W Barcelona hotel in sight from the other side of Barceloneta, but we reckon it’s the palm trees that make it that extra bit cooler!
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10. BARCELONETA BEACH
The stunning Barceloneta beach has Insta opportunities all over the place.
Fun fact: The Barceloneta neighbourhood is arguably the best place to try fresh, local paella and seafood tapas.
11. PLACA MILANS - LOOK UP
Aim for Bar Manchester, but from there you’ll probably have to ask someone that looks like they know where they’re going. It’s a tricky one to come by but so worth it when you do. Make sure you keep looking up!
Fun fact: The diameter of the curved buildings hidden in the Gothic Quarter is only 9 meters.
12. ST CHRISTOPHER’S BARCELONA FLOWERPOT WALL
Our lucky guests have the delight of this Insta opportunity in the courtyard!
13. THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUÏC
At the bottom of the stairs from the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, look back and you’ll be greeted with a fabulous photo opportunity.
Fun fact: Head here in the evening, too. This glorious, glowing fountain has been putting on a show ever since 1929 for the International Exposition of Barcelona.
14. “THE WORLD BEGINS WITH EVERY KISS”
The mural was created by Joan Fontcuberta and you can find it in the Gothic quarter at Plaça d’Isidre Nonell.
Fun fact: Often mistaken for amazing graffiti, if you look closely you’ll notice it’s actually made from hundreds of square tiles.
15. BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
The front of this famous cathedral makes for a jaw-dropping photo.
16. BARCELONA CATHEDRAL FROM THE ROOFTOP
Head up to the top of the cathedral for a cool perspective and some serious views.
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17. GEESE IN THE COURTYARD
Yeah it's another one from Barcelona Cathedral, but look how funny these geese are in the courtyard!
Fun fact: 13 white geese roam the cathedral courtyard to represent the belief that Barcelona's co-patron Saint Eulalia was just 13 when she died.
18. ARC DE TRIOMF
Head out the Arc de Triomf metro station and you’ll see it pretty quickly.
Fun fact: The Arc de Triomf was designed and built as a gateway to the 1888 Universal Exhibition.
19. CASA BATLLÓ
Get off at the Passeig de Gracia stop on the metro, follow the other tourists and you’ll come to this stunning mansion.
Fun fact: The entire exterior of this Gaudi design is tiled with pieces of glass and ceramic in a mosaic style.
20. LA BOQUERIA
Grab some food at the famous La Boqueria market off La Rambla. Not only does it have some of the freshest food in the city but it makes for some stunning photos, too.
Fun fact: History of La Boqueria market dates all the way back to 1217! That’s one old market.
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21. PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA
How beautiful is the outside of the Palau de la Música Catalana? We love the mosaic pillars.
Fun fact: Take a tour inside this stunning concert hall. It’s just as beautiful as it is around its exterior.
22. VIEW FROM MOUNT TIBIDABO
This photo was taken over Mount Tibidabo’s popular theme park. Either don your walking shoes and hike to the top, or take the tram followed by the funicular train.
23. TEMPLE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON MOUNT TIBIDABO
The exterior of this church is beautifully grand (and definitely Insta-worthy).
24. LABERINT D’HORTA
Head down the steps from the country house and the view over the labyrinth is beautiful.
Fun fact: This is the oldest park in the city, with work having started in 1791, but it was only opened to the public in the 1960s.
25. ANTIC TEATRE
The theatre’s courtyard and bar is exactly what a secret garden must feel like. Hidden down a little alley and dotted with dim, glowing lamps hanging from a fairytale tree, head here to catch a show or just chill out in the evening with a beer.
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