Barcelona photos: Daily photographs of Barcelona, Spain. Pictures of a modern city with travel tips in a personal photoblog. A photography and travel site. Art, architecture, people and traditions. Travel to Barcelona through my camera, know more about our city and towns nearby. Welcome!
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May 09, 2010
Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona
May 06, 2007
Barcelona Guided Tours
This is one of the many sightseeing buses in the city. They add up color not only visually but also literally to your skin. On top of a double deck bus you really get a good tan. As you can see Barcelona Tours
Update 07/2023:
Sightseeing Buses in Barcelona: A Guide for Tourists
Barcelona is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the lively Las Ramblas, there are countless sights to see and experiences to have. If you're short on time, or if you just want to get a general overview of the city, a sightseeing bus tour is a great option.
There are two official sightseeing bus companies in Barcelona, each offering a variety of routes and tickets.
The first official sightseeing bus company in Barcelona is Bus Turístic because it was created back in 1987 by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and Patronat Municipal de Turisme and is operated at present by TMB in alliance with Consorci de Turisme de Barcelona. Bus Turistic offers two different routes that take in all the major tourist attractions. The Red Route takes you to the Gothic Quarter, the Ramblas, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell. The Blue Route takes you to the Olympic Village, the Barceloneta district, and the Montjuïc hill. Each route lasts around 2 hours. The buses pass every 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the season.
Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, and you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you like. The buses have open-top decks so you can enjoy the views, and they come equipped with audio guides in multiple languages.
Bus Turistic also offers a night tour.
If you're looking for a reliable and convenient way to see Barcelona, Bus Turístic is the perfect choice. The buses are well-maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. Plus, the audio guides are informative and entertaining.
To book your tour, visit: the official website of Bus Turístic
Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 in their hop on - hop off city tour
They also offer the possibility of combined products including 1 hour or 90 minutes in a catamaran.
To book your tour, visit: the website of Barcelona City Tour
Of course Barcelona City Tour also offers discounts on hallmarks and relevant places in the city. Besides there is a free walking tour advertised on the website.
Additional Tips
- Consider the length of your stay. If you're only in Barcelona for a short time, you'll want to choose a tour that offers a comprehensive overview of the city. If you have more time, you can choose a more specialized tour that focuses on a particular area or interest.
- Think about your budget. Sightseeing bus tours can range in price from around €20 to €50. Choose a tour that fits your budget and your travel style.
- Read reviews. Before you book a tour, take some time to read reviews from other travelers. This will help you get a sense of what to expect from the tour and whether it's a good fit for you.
- Book your tour in advance. Especially if you're traveling during peak season, it's a good idea to book your tour in advance. This will ensure that you get a spot on the tour and that you don't have to pay a higher price for a last-minute booking.
- Check possible discounts for bus tickets online or at your hotel desk
I hope this update of an old post with a nice image of bus tours in the city and the Columbus monument in the background is useful to you and that many more updates may come. 17 years of blogging are exposed to a lot of changes! Although some things never change like standing in the same old line
January 20, 2010
Bike Tours in Barcelona Waterfront
June 11, 2011
Guided Bike Tours In and Around Barcelona: Discovering Passeig de Gracia
July 02, 2023
How to Make the Most of Your First Trip to Barcelona in 2023
Barcelona is a city that captivates visitors from around the globe with its blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Here are some essential travel tips to make the most of your first trip to Barcelona:
Plan your itinerary wisely. Barcelona offers a wealth of attractions and activities, so it's important to plan your itinerary wisely. Start by outlining a list of the things you most want to see and do. Be sure to include iconic sites such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Sagrada Familia. You can find more information about these attractions in my blog posts about the Gothic Quarter, about Las Ramblas, and about the Sagrada Familia.
Secure accommodation in advance. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. This will ensure you have a comfortable place to stay and give you more options to choose from.
Obtain a Barcelona Card. The Barcelona Card is a great way to save money on transportation, attractions, and tours. It can be purchased for one, two, or three days, and it gives you free entry to many of the city's most popular attractions, as well as discounts on public transportation and tours.
Familiarize yourself with basic Spanish phrases. While many locals in Barcelona speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be immensely helpful. Polite greetings, simple directions, and ordering food are a few key phrases that can enhance your interactions with locals and create a more immersive experience. Here is a list of basic words and phrases in Spanish:
Certainly! Here are some useful Spanish words and phrases that can enhance your experience during your first visit to Barcelona:
1. Greetings:
- - Hello: Hola
- - Good morning: Buenos días
- - Good afternoon/evening: Buenas tardes
- - Goodnight: Buenas noches
- - Goodbye: Adiós
2. Polite Expressions:
- - Please: Por favor
- - Thank you: Gracias
- - You're welcome: De nada
- - Excuse me: Perdón/Disculpe
- - I'm sorry: Lo siento
3. Basic Conversational Phrases:
- - Yes: Sí
- - No: No
- - I don't understand: No entiendo
- - Could you please repeat that?: ¿Podría repetir eso, por favor?
- - Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?
4. Asking for Directions:
- - Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?
- - How can I get to...?: ¿Cómo puedo llegar a...?
- - Is it far?: ¿Está lejos?
- - Left: Izquierda
- - Right: Derecha
- - Straight ahead: Todo recto
5. Ordering Food and Drinks:
- - I would like...: Me gustaría...
- - What do you recommend?: ¿Qué me recomienda?
- - Can I have the bill, please?: ¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?
- - A table for two, please: Una mesa para dos, por favor
- - Cheers!: ¡Salud!
6. Shopping:
- - How much does it cost?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- - Can I try it on?: ¿Puedo probármelo?
- - I'm just browsing: Solo estoy mirando
- - Do you have this in a different color/size?: ¿Tiene esto en otro color/talla?
- - Can I pay with a credit card?: ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
7. Emergencies:
- - Help!: ¡Ayuda!
- - I need a doctor: Necesito un médico
- - Where is the nearest hospital?: ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?
- - I lost my passport: Perdí mi pasaporte
- - I've been robbed: Me han robado
Remember, even if you're not fluent in Spanish, locals appreciate the effort to communicate in their language. These basic phrases will help you navigate common situations and interact with locals more comfortably during your visit to Barcelona. If you manage to learn them in Catalan it would be great!
Prepare for crowds. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so certain areas like the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas can become crowded. Be prepared for bustling streets and plan accordingly. Exploring early in the morning or during weekdays might offer a more tranquil experience.
Utilize public transportation. Barcelona boasts an efficient public transportation system, consisting of metro lines, buses, and trams. Purchase a T-10 ticket (no need to buy this one for each of you), which allows ten trips on various modes of transportation, or opt for a travel card that provides unlimited travel for a specific duration. Navigating the city becomes convenient, cost-effective, and time-saving with these options.
Wander on foot. While public transportation is excellent, don't forget to explore Barcelona's streets on foot. Meander through the narrow alleys, soak in the city's atmosphere, and stumble upon hidden gems tucked away from the main tourist routes. Walking enables you to discover charming neighborhoods and stumble upon quaint cafes or boutique shops. Tourist exploration has skyrocketed lately so finding new routes is not that frequent anymore. Don't stop trying though there are still unconquered treasures out there with a good pirate map.
Marvel at Gaudí's architectural wonders. Antoni Gaudí's architectural masterpieces are an integral part of Barcelona's identity. No visit to the city is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, the whimsical Park Güell, and the extraordinary Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Marvel at the intricate details and innovative designs that make Gaudí's works truly unique. But remember our architecture expands way beyond the master's legacy. Try other famous architects like Domenech i Montaner or check my list of 10 best modernist architectural buildings in Barcelona
Indulge in beach time. Barcelona's beautiful coastline beckons visitors to relax and unwind. Set aside time to enjoy the city's sandy beaches, with Barceloneta Beach being the most renowned. Whether it's sunbathing, strolling along the promenade, or engaging in water sports, the Mediterranean Sea provides a refreshing escape.
Experience the vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, Barcelona's nightlife comes alive. From cozy bars to pulsating nightclubs, the city offers a diverse range of options for nocturnal adventures. Explore the lively neighborhoods of El Raval, Gràcia, or the trendy district of El Born (not just at night), where you can savor tapas, sip on refreshing cocktails, and dance the night away.
Barcelona is a city that encapsulates the essence of a rich culture and a captivating history, besides our architectural wonders. By following these travel tips, you can ensure a memorable experience during your first visit. Embrace the energy of the city, explore its hidden corners, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of Catalan charm that makes Barcelona an unparalleled destination.
August 13, 2019
The 11 Pinterest Accounts Every Barcelona Enthusiast Should Follow
1- Pinterest user: visitbcn (Visit Barcelona)
Pinterest board I recommend: Barcelona Lovers
A small team of food lovers who are on a mission to help local culture thrive by connecting curious travelers with communities, cuisines, and traditions.
Pinterest board I recommend: Barcelona Travel
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Sometimes a single user with experience enough about traveling around the world, like Igor Mamantov from Chicago, Illinois, can create many attractive Pinterest boards that get to be very well indexed by search engines.
5- Pinterest user: theculturetrip (Culture Trip)
If you are in the travel business, are a blogger or simply are lucky to explore other places other than your home country and still haven't heard of The Culture Trip then you do not know what you are missing. With less boasting off than Lonely Planet or Conde Nast, just to mention some, this startup, born in 2011 has won itself the right to be there with top brass in the world of travel websites and of course its boards are full of wonderful articles not only about Barcelona but about almost all places you can think of.
Pinterest board I recommend: Barcelona
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Some users like Cartel Revolution stayed for some time in Barcelona and created boards with their visual testimony.
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La meva ciutat (my city in Catalan) is a nice way to introduce a local approach to Barcelona. I love boards with charisma and not just a silly happy pinning. This one is a good example in my opinion.
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One of the best ways to know a city is to be guided by the expertise of a local blogger. There are many great bloggers in Barcelona born and raised or established for long. Homage to Barcelona or H2BCN website run by our friend Rob is a source of very interesting articles with a personal approach. Rob has created many boards, some include H2BCN posts some others are just good compilations like this Barcelona Antigua below.
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Just Jan or Jan McCorkindale pins about travel tips. When it comes to boards, tips are more useful than just an album. We have Flickr or 500px for that. So if you want to visit and you need ideas about where to stay or go in the city, check below.
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10-Pinterest user: mypathintheworld (My Path in the World)
"Hi! I'm Or, a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Spain..." this is the opening introduction at her My Path in the World website. This blogger called my attention because of the articles written at her site and how they come up handy when pinning. It is always a good idea to not just post your own stuff here and there, out of self promotion, but to provide your followers with great pins.
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And talking about self promotion I choose number eleven to exclude myself from top ten. So I won't extend myself.
This list pretends to be useful and gather some ideas about the state of affairs in the niche of Pinterest users and boards that pin about Barcelona. Of course there are thousands and my selection is somehow arbitrary and unfair perhaps. I would like to grow this list and update the post often. My goal is to save you time and add some value.
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To be continued...if you want to be listed here please send me an email to carloslor@gmail.com
December 08, 2008
10 Reasons to Take Guided Bike Tours in Barcelona
- See more of the city. On a guided bike tour, you'll get to see all the major sights, as well as some hidden gems that you might not find on your own.
- Learn about the city's history and culture. Your guide will be able to tell you all about the city's history and culture, from its Roman roots to its modern day status as a cultural capital.
- Get some exercise. Biking is a great way to get some exercise and see the city at the same time.
- Meet new people. On a guided bike tour, you'll meet other people from all over the world who are also interested in exploring Barcelona.
- Have fun! Biking is a fun way to get around, and on a guided bike tour, you'll have a great time exploring the city with your guide and fellow travelers.
- See the city from a different perspective. When you're on a bike, you get to see the city from a different perspective. You'll be able to see things that you might not see if you were walking or taking a bus.
- Get up close to the city's landmarks. On a bike, you can get up close to the city's landmarks. You'll be able to see the Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, and the Gothic Quarter in a way that you wouldn't be able to if you were walking or taking a bus.
- Explore the city's hidden gems. Your guide will be able to take you to some of the city's hidden gems. You'll get to see places that most tourists don't know about.
- Learn about the city's sustainability efforts. Barcelona is a very sustainable city, and your guide will be able to tell you about the city's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Make memories that will last a lifetime. A guided bike tour in Barcelona is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. You'll have a great time exploring the city with your guide and fellow travelers, and you'll learn a lot about the city's history, culture, and sustainability efforts.
July 30, 2008
GoCar Tours in Barcelona
January 20, 2007
Tours of Barcelona: Park Guell, A Visionary's Whim
November 29, 2017
Top 5 Alternative Things to do in Barcelona
July 21, 2017
Tattoo Boom in Barcelona
September 01, 2023
Expert Tips for Photographing Barcelona's Famous Architecture
Barcelona is world-renowned for its diverse and stunning architecture, from medieval Gothic cathedrals to colorful Modernisme buildings designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Capturing Barcelona's architectural variety in compelling photographs requires paying close attention to lighting, composition, angles and perspective.
This comprehensive guide provides pro tips to help photographers master capturing standout pictures of Barcelona's architectural treasures that highlight their unique beauty.
Choose the Right Photography Gear
Having the proper digital SLR or mirrorless camera equipment is essential for quality architectural photography in Barcelona. Use a camera that allows interchangeable lenses and has high 20+ megapixel resolution for large prints of your Barcelona architecture photos.
Bring wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses like a 16-35mm and 70-200mm to capture both full building facades and fine architectural details. A tilt-shift lens can eliminate distortion when shooting photos of tall iconic structures like cathedral spires or Gaudi's Sagrada Familia.
And don’t forget a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release! Together this photography gear allows flexibility in framing shots from any vantage point.
Scout the Best Locations and Times
Research famous Barcelona buildings and architectural landmarks you want to photograph. Plan when to visit each location by noting the sunrise, sunset, and daylight hours that cast the most appealing shadows or reflections on the architecture.
For night architectural photography, buildings tend to look stunning during the “blue hour” twilight period. Visit locations ahead of your Barcelona architecture photoshoot to scout the best angles and foreground elements like fountains or gardens to incorporate.
Architectural walking tours of the Gothic Quarter and Modernisme Route can help you discover lesser-known photogenic architectural spots beyond the major landmarks. Barcelona’s mixture of old and new structures situated close together provides nearly endless options.
Compose Shots Creatively
When composing your Barcelona architecture photos, look for intriguing symmetry, patterns, textures, and visual balance within the buildings. Frame key architectural details like ironwork, stained glass windows, entryways, columns, and staircases.
Shoot upward for a dramatic perspective of towering cathedral facades in the Gothic Quarter. Or head inside one of Gaudi's buildings to photograph the surreal ornamental design flourishes.
For wide exterior shots, position yourself so other elements like trees or fountains appear in the foreground to add depth. Don’t just take standard full-building shots—capture close-ups, tight spaces, and side-angles for more visual impact.
Focus on Capturing Optimal Lighting
Watch how the direction and quality of lighting transforms building textures, shapes and colors throughout the day. Low morning and evening sunlight produces extended shadows that accentuate architectural contours. Strong midday sun can saturate colorful building facades in vivid hues.
Overcast skies softly diffuse light to reduce shadows and evenly illuminate architectural details. Try using slow shutter speeds to blur the motion of clouds and traffic to highlight stationary buildings.
When shooting interiors of landmarks like the Palau de la Música Catalana, use HDR techniques to balance dim and bright areas. Lighting is absolutely key for conveying a structure's unique atmosphere.
Master Perspective and Distortion Techniques
Shooting straight upward at monumental buildings like the Sagrada Familia can cause distorting effects like converging verticals. To minimize this, photograph from a distance using a slightly elevated viewpoint. Try framing the cathedral through trees or arches to add perspective.
Tilt-shift lenses can also reduce distortion when photographing iconic Barcelona architecture. When shooting interiors, keep your camera angle horizontal to vertical lines to maintain proper perspective. Minding perspective brings out a building’s true proportions.
Include Human Elements
Although Barcelona's architecture takes center stage, people add scale and interest to architectural photography. Capture passersby naturally interacting with buildings to showcase their public functions and history.
For popular tourist sites, arrive early to take crowd-free shots before opening hours. Or use long exposures to make crowds disappear into blurs. When including people, pay close attention to composition so they don’t dominate or detract from the architecture itself.
Edit and Enhance Photos
Post-processing polishes your Barcelona architecture photos into refined final products ready for your photography portfolio website. Carefully adjust tone, temperature, clarity, vibrance and other key settings until the image closely matches the actual building.
Correct minor lens distortion and perspective flaws. Enhance details lost in shadows or highlights using advanced techniques like HDR. Convert colorful shots to classic black-and-white for timeless architectural appeal.
However, avoid overediting that diminishes the architectural authenticity. Subtle enhancements make already great architectural shots shine.
Focus on Barcelona's Famous Architectural Styles
Capturing Barcelona's Romanesque and Gothic Architecture
Barcelona’s medieval Gothic Quarter provides intricate architectural details on 13th to 15th century cathedrals, palaces and mansions. The 14th century Santa Maria del Mar basilica exemplifies Catalan Gothic design with soaring vaults, stained glass windows and gargoyles.
Use wide angle lenses to capture the entirety of massive exterior cathedral facades, along with surrounding plazas and structures. Telephoto lenses isolate sculptural accents like stone carvings and ironwork. Morning and evening offer appealing exterior Gothic Quarter lighting.
Interiors of the Gothic cathedrals are much dimmer, so use tripods and slow shutter speeds to evenly balance interior lighting.
Photographing Gaudí’s Surreal Modernisme Architecture
Modernisme architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Barcelona buildings are artistic centerpieces. For Gaudí’s most famous work, the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia, morning sunlight spotlights the dizzying sculptural detail on the Passion and Nativity facades.
Contrast the daytime busyness against the stillness of night shots sans crowds. Telephoto lenses compress perspectives when photographing the towering 18 spires.
Park Güell’s colorful mosaics shine under direct midday sun. The undulating ceramic-encrusted bench surrounding the Monumental Zone creates a whimsical abstract composition. At the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, shoot tight abstracts of the surreal chimneys and warped ironwork.
Gaudí's dreamlike organic forms reward photographers who explore every possible angle.
Photogenic Contemporary Architecture
Beyond Barcelona's old landmarks, newer architectural icons include Jean Nouvel’s luminous Torre Agbar, Calatrava’s communications tower on Montjuïc, and Ricardo Bofill’s postmodern Walden 7 apartments.
Capture the Torre Agbar’s color-changing LED lights during the evening for vivid reflections in surrounding glass towers. The soaring steel and glass communications tower looks impressive photographed head-on or from low angles.
Shoot Walden 7’s honeycomb of cubist apartments from a distance to emphasize geometric patterns and repetitions. Barcelona’s contemporary building designs offer bold shapes and eye-catching architectural details to photograph.
Telling Barcelona's History Through Architecture Photography
Photographing Barcelona's architectural changes over centuries of history reveals shifting aesthetics and cultural influences. The orderly gridlike streets of the ancient Roman settlement Barcino establish Barcelona’s original urban plan.
Striking Gothic basilicas represent medieval power and religion. Gaudí's organic Modernisme architecture ties to 19th century Catalan identity and Art Nouveau style.
Photographing Barcelona architecture across eras illustrates how buildings reflect changing societal values over time.
Besides all of the above here are:10 Tips for Capturing Unique Perspectives of Barcelona's Architecture
Barcelona's architecture offers endless possibilities for unique photographic perspectives. Here are 10 tips to capture the city's buildings from refreshing new angles:
- Shoot upward from ground level for dramatic angles of tall facades and spires.
- Get elevation - Photograph from high vantage points like rooftop terraces or Montjuïc for cityscapes.
- Try a fisheye lens to exaggerate curves and angles.
- Reflections - Use windows, water and modern facades as reflective surfaces.
- Details - Abstract architectural elements like textures, patterns, and shadows.
- Interior architecture - Concert halls, apartments, iconic ceiling details.
- Creative framing - Use tunnels, arches, trees to frame subjects uniquely.
- Juxtaposition - Contrast old and new architecture in one frame.
- Symmetry - Photograph head on for graphic symmetrical compositions.
- People - Capture authentic interactions and activities around buildings.
Applying even a couple of these tips when photographing Barcelona's landmarks will lend a fresh perspective to your images.
Another aspect to bear in mind is:Mastering Lighting for Barcelona Architecture Photography
Lighting transforms Barcelona's buildings. Follow these tips to master capturing optimal architectural lighting:
- Golden hour - Sunrise/sunset warm light brings out textures.
- Blue hour - Twilight moments when buildings are colorfully illuminated.
- Overcast/rain - Flat, even lighting great for details.
- Direct sun - Bold shadows and saturated colors.
- HDR - Balances bright and dark areas of high-contrast scenes.
- Long exposures - Blur clouds/people, smooth water surfaces.
- Mixed lighting - Interior and exterior light together create mood.
- Artificial light - Nightscapes, concerts halls lit dramatically.
- Backlighting - Rim/silhouette buildings for bold outlines.
- Reflections - Glass towers, water and more reflect light beautifully.
Photographing in different types of light will reveal Barcelona's architecture in varied and stunning ways.
Composition is another vital part of good architecture photography:How to Compose Eye-Catching Barcelona Architecture Photos
Strong composition elevates architectural photography. Use these tips when framing Barcelona's buildings:
- Rule of thirds - Place subject off-center for balance.
- Leading lines - Guide the eye through the frame.
- Viewpoint height - Shoot from above, below, or straight on.
- Symmetry - Front and center compositions are visually striking.
- Patterns and shapes - Repetition creates graphical interest.
- Foreground interest - Gardens, sculptures, water features add depth.
- Negative space - Blank areas like walls direct focus onto main subject.
- Framing - Use arches, tunnels, trees, etc to frame creatively.
- Cropping - Get close, crop out context for abstract architectural shots.
- Perspective - Correct or accentuate the angles and distortion.
Applying compositional techniques will take your Barcelona architecture photography to the next level.
If you want examples of the best hallmarks to practice your architecture photography consider the following:How to Photograph Barcelona's Most Famous Architectural Landmarks
La Sagrada Familia
Gaudi's awe-inspiring basilica comes alive in different lighting. Capture the dizzying details on the Passion Facade in morning sun. At blue hour, the illuminated spires and Nativity Facade create magical images. Shoot upward for grand perspectives of the soaring spires and ceiling. Compose using framing elements like archways or trees outside. Try creative angles from the surrounding parks.
Casa Batlló
The facade's uneven ceramic tiles in earth tones create intriguing abstract patterns. Shoot straight on for colorful symmetrical images. Photograph the smooth rounded balcony railings at night when illuminated. Inside, spiraling staircases make for strong composition. Details like the skeletal attic roof, chimneys and window frames also stand out when photographed closely.
Casa Milà
The undulating stone facade resembles waves - shoot low angles to accentuate the effect. Capture repeating arches and windows straight on for graphical images. The rooftop chimneys are one of Barcelona's most photographed details - shoot at blue hour or use them as frames in daytime shots. The interior lightwell's plant-like pillars and ceiling light effects create dramatic architectural shots.
Park Güell
The colorful mosaics along winding walkways generate beautifully abstract and symmetrical compositions. Capture the famous dragon backed bench with musicians from different angles and in varied lighting. Shoot downward from atop the Monumental Zone framing the city in the distance. Details like tile patterns, columns and fountains are photogenic. Time your shoot for sunset when warm light saturates the architecture.
Palau Güell
Shoot exteriors with the fruited chimneys and wrought iron elements contrasted against blue sky for an impressive image. Inside, the hyperbolic paraboloid archways make strong repetitive patterns. Unique details to capture include the intricate wood ceilings and the underground stables area with mushroom-like brick columns.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The kaleidoscopic stained-glass skylight is a stunning subject when shot upward. Details like the floral capitals, elaborate lamp fixtures and ornate carving offer beautiful closeup compositions. On stage, the sweeping horseshoe-shaped rows of seating lead the eye. Time interior shoots during a daytime concert for atmospheric architectural images bathed in natural light.
Once you have your beautiful images it is time for some edition:Editing Tips for Enhancing Your Barcelona Architecture Photos
Post-processing can take your architectural images to the next level. Try these edits:
- Adjust white balance for color accuracy.
- Fix lens distortion issues.
- Correct perspective and vertical lines.
- Enhance details in shadows/highlights.
- Saturation - Boost vividness of Gaudí buildings' colors.
- Dodge and burn for balanced exposure throughout.
- Add vignette to focus attention on subject.
- Black and white conversion for timeless images.
- HDR for high contrast scenes.
- Creative cropping for unique compositions.
Subtle editing elevates photos without looking artificial. Handle adjustments with care to represent Barcelona's architecture authentically.
If you want examples of beautiful areas to walk around looking for nice architecture, take a look at:Top Photography Spots for Barcelona's Best Architecture
The Gothic Quarter
This medieval labyrinth of narrow streets contains the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar church, Palau de la Generalitat and other ornate Gothic buildings. Capture maze-like shots of the stone architecture along atmospheric alleys.
Passeig de Gràcia
The most elegant buildings and two of Gaudi's masterpieces - Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - line this beautiful boulevard. Photograph Modernisme and other striking facades from the median or framed by palm trees.
Montjuïc
The hilltop provides elevated cityscape vantage points. Photograph the MNAC museum, Magic Fountain lightshow, Mies van der Rohe Pavilion and more from scenic overlooks.
Eixample
The grid-like streets contain many Modernisme apartment buildings with ornate facades. Unique repetitive patterns and details emerge when photographing rows of the structures.
Parc Güell
Gaudi's mosaic park offers colorful architectural elements to photograph like the main terrace, pavilions, colonnades, sculptural elements, serpentine benches.
In Summary
Photographing Barcelona’s diverse architecture requires understanding how to utilize angles, light and composition for maximum visual impact. Unique photographic details emerge at different times and from unexpected viewpoints. Beyond major monuments, lesser-known architectural gems also color Barcelona's streets.
Looking at buildings through an artistic eye transforms structures into emotionally captivating photographic works of art. Patiently exploring Barcelona’s architectural environment yields images that tell rich visual stories about this historic city. With these pro tips, your Barcelona architecture photos will capture the vibrant architectural spirit of this world-class city.
February 22, 2007
Francesc Cambó Monument in Via Layetana, Barcelona
© All Rights Reserved
Today I show you the statue of Francesc Cambó by Victor Ochoa (1997). Cambó was the founder of La Caixa, one of the most powerful banks in Spain. The monument is just in front of the savings bank headquarters in Via Layetana, a 1917 building by Enric Sagnier. I have found this page called Barcelona Virtual with a pano of the little square and some other interesting 3D tours. It is just another sculpture but I liked the way the omnipresent pigeon added proportions to the statue in absence of other references in the image.
January 14, 2008
Food in Barcelona: Cheese Cake Detail
Food also has a small corner in this blog if it is made in Barcelona of course. This cheese cake I saw during a chocolate trade show some months ago and is coming out of my archives cause I was having a lot of trouble to find more time for my photo tours around the city. We have been moving our office to another quarter and guess what, I am working downtown so luckily I will capture more interesting shots soon.
April 19, 2015
Exploring Spain’s Neighbour - Four Top Lisbon Experiences
March 25, 2019
A Travel to Miravet Castle in Tarragona, Spain
Contact details
Carrer del Castell, s/n
+34 977 407 368
Miravet, Tarragona (Catalonia)
miravet.cultura@gencat.cat
Location
Autonomous region: Catalonia
Province/Island: Tarragona
Practical information
Schedule
From Jun 01 to Sep 30
From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
From Dec 16 to Feb 28
From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
From Mar 01 to May 31
From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Prices
General: €3,50
Reduced: €2,50
ICOM members and associations: Admission free
January 18, 2017
India to Barcelona made easy
A typical tour is 5-6 days long and currently costs approximately 2000 USD per person. The tours commonly start with a 2 days in Madrid to visit Golden Triangle of Art, Cibeles Palace and Fountain, Royal Palace of Madrid. However people like to spend more time in Barcelona for its rich architecture and beauty.
November 20, 2006
Catalan Modernisme: Stained Glass Ceiling at Palau de la Música
As many of you already know this is a must see when visiting Barcelona.
There are guided tours so save a little time for admiring it but don't worry if you can't make it to Barcelona, you can go on an incredible 360 virtual tour inside Palau de la Música Catalana for starters.
Taking pictures is not allowed so I don't know how this snap got into my camera anyway. Check the full view here.