The 20 Best Places to Take Photos in Barcelona for Instagram

Barcelona overflows with picture-perfect spots for travel photography. From Gaudí's surreal architecture to palm-lined beaches and lively boulevards, Barcelona offers countless visually stunning backdrops. Whether you're a pro toting a DSLR or an amateur snapping smartphone pics, you'll find awesome places in Barcelona to capture postcard-worthy shots. This guide covers the top 20 locations in Barcelona to ignite your social shares. With tips for snagging super shots, you'll be able to fill your Instagram with artistic Barcelona photos that will mesmerize your followers.

1. Sagrada Familia

   No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which is a photographer's paradise for Instagram. This awe-inspiring Gothic and Art Nouveau cathedral has soaring spires, intricate details, and colorful stained glass perfect for your Instagram feed. Climb high for a wide cityscape shot or get up close to capture the ornate Passion Façade. The never-ending construction and scaffolds add dynamic angles. Morning light illuminates the textures beautifully for Instagram. Snap photos from unique perspectives to stand out on Instagram. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's most iconic landmark and should be at the top of any travel photographer's Instagram bucket list.

   

2. Parc Güell

   Another whimsical Instagrammable masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell makes for unforgettable photos. Winding pathways, colorful mosaics, and fairytale-like structures create a dreamy Instagram backdrop. Shoot the main terrace overlooking the city or wander the park to discover more photogenic gems like the Gaudí House Museum for your Instagram grid. Frame a selfie on the serpentine bench or against the Hansel and Gretel-style gingerbread gatehouses. Early morning or late afternoon golden hour is best for glowing light. Parc Güell captures Barcelona's magical architecture and is perfect for your Instagram feed.

   

3. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

   This futuristic-looking apartment building designed by Gaudí is both bizarre and beautiful, making for excellent Instagram photos. The rippling stone facade and skeletal rooftop make dramatic subjects. Pose on the front steps or on the roof among the eerie chimneys resembling medieval warriors for Instagram. At night, Casa Milà is illuminated for a striking, science-fiction feel perfect for Instagram. Shoot upward for patterns against the sky or capture the surreal sculptural details up close. As one of Barcelona's most imaginative buildings, La Pedrera will add artistic flair to your Instagram gallery.

   

4. Casa Batlló

   Gaudí's Casa Batlló dazzles with a facade covered in colorful mosaic tiles and wave-like window frames, creating eye-catching Instagram photos. The roofline resembles a dragon's back, complete with ridge spikes for scales. Capture the fluid forms and marine motifs from street level or get a rooftop view from the rear of the block for Instagram. Inside, snap the skeletal interior columns or light shaft. Photos of Casa Batlló's colorful artistry make great Instagram posts showing Barcelona's modernisme style.

   

5. Montjuïc and Magic Fountains

   Rising above the city, Montjuïc provides stunning elevated views of Barcelona's skyline perfect for Instagram. The hilltop Castillo de Montjuïc fortress has panoramic vistas and old cannon batteries to explore. Come at dusk for a majestic Instagram shot of the port and city below with a pink sky. At the Magic Fountain, capture the colorful lights artistically blurred with slow shutter speed for Instagram. Photos from Montjuïc showcase Barcelona's beauty from above.

   

6. Barri Gòtic

   Barcelona's atmospheric Gothic Quarter is another favorite spot for Instagrammable photography. Wander the medieval labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys lined with classic architecture. Photograph soaring 14th century cathedrals, hidden plazas and iron lanterns. For moody Instagram shots, capture the stone arches and shadows. The mix of old and new makes the Barri Gòtic endlessly inspiring. Share your gothic Barcelona photos and transport Instagram followers to the historic heart of the city.

   

7. La Rambla

   Always buzzing with activity, Barcelona's famous La Rambla boulevard offers dramatic Instagrammable street photography. Catch a flamenco dancer in action or snap the living statues posing elegantly. Look for candy vendors in colorful costumes or street performers in inventive costumes. Shoot upward for architectural details on the elaborate buildings along the pedestrian street. Capture the energy and eclectic sights of La Rambla then share your images on Instagram.

   

8. Plaça de Catalunya

   The expansive Plaça de Catalunya square provides a lively Instagrammable urban backdrop. People watch and capture daily local life: street musicians, pigeon feeders, children playing. Photograph friends sitting on the central fountain or statue base. The square links old and new Barcelona; shoot both the modern El Corte Inglés department store and older buildings like the Hotel Colón. The hustle and bustle of Plaça de Catalunya encapsulates the city's lively spirit for Instagram.

   

9. Arc de Triomf

   Barcelona's iconic Arc de Triomf brickwork archway makes a dramatic framing element for Instagram photos. Built for the 1888 World's Fair, this bold neo-Mudejar arch adds a pop of red against the cityscape. Photograph models or friends strolling through the arch or posing in front. For scale, include the whole arch in your Instagram shot. At night, the illuminated Arc de Triomf is perfect for a neon-lit urban snap. Share these monumental Barcelona photos with Instagram fans.

   

10. Parc de la Ciutadella

    This idyllic green space offers a serene natural contrast to the city for Instagram. Capture the towering palm trees, sparkling central fountain, and picturesque gazebos. Row across the lake for romantic Instagram photos on the water. Shoot friends relaxing on the grass or people commuting by bike through the park. Look for birds and other wildlife as photogenic subjects. Share your park snapshots to show the greener side of Barcelona on Instagram.

    

11. Parc del Laberint d'Horta

    Outside Barcelona, this magical 18th-century hedge maze park creates whimsical Instagrammable photos. Shoot the maze from above or send someone inside for adventure shots winding through the labyrinth. Other photogenic elements include the central pond, neoclassical statues, and stone temple ruins. The harmonious landscape allows striking nature photography for Instagram. For magical garden photos to enchant your feed, visit Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

    

12. Tibidabo

    Soaring above the city, Tibidabo Amusement Park provides beautiful panoramic views for Instagram photos. Shoot the ride-filled skyline or pose in front of the vintage Ferris wheel and quirky attractions. Watch the cable car ascend for dramatic overhead shots. At sunset, Tibidabo lights up for golden hour magic. Show off the whole of Barcelona from this elevated vantage point in your Instagram posts.

    

13. La Boqueria Market

    Barcelona’s vibrant La Boqueria food market explodes with colorful Instagrammable photo opportunities. Capture the overflowing fruit and vegetable displays, shimmering seafood catches, and hanging hams. Photograph the busy market activity and characters like fruit vendors in the early morning. Close-ups of ingredients pop against the market backdrop. Foodies and travel photographers alike will delight in La Boqueria’s lively visual feast for Instagram.

    

14. Port and Passeig de Colom

    Along the pedestrian Passeig de Colom, snap Instagram photos of the sailboats and yachts moored in the marina. Look for reflections in the water. Shoot the famous Columbus Monument statue pointing out across the sea. Capture the star-shaped Barcelona Royal Shipyard buildings across the port. At sunrise or sunset, incorporate colorful skies for dramatic seaside Instagram photographs.

    

15. Palau de la Música Catalana

    This concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is an ornate vision perfect for Instagram, with mosaic-tiled columns, stained glass skylights, and a gold sculpture-adorned facade. Photograph the exterior details then tour inside for brilliant Instagram photos of the grand auditorium capped by a stained-glass inverted dome. The kaleidoscopic colors and textures make Palau de la Música Catalana a unique Barcelona subject for your artsy Instagram shots.

    

16. Monastery of Pedralbes

    This medieval Gothic convent surrounded by tranquil gardens creates ethereal Instagram photos away from the city hustle. Shoot the three-story cloister gallery and central fountain from different perspectives. Capture the arched walkways framed by vines and flowers. At night, photograph the dramatically lit architectural details. Share this serene spot with your Instagram feed for a moment of Barcelona calm.

    

17. Hospital de Sant Pau

    Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed this early 20th-century hospital complex filled with decorative buildings and gardens perfect for Instagram. Capture the colorful tiled pavilions, stained glass windows, and unique circular windows. Wander for unexpected angles like doorways and passageways. Photos from these whimsical grounds capture innovative modernisme style for Instagram.

    

18. Rambla de Catalunya

    Lined with elegant architecture and chic shops, this upscale thoroughfare attracts Barcelona’s fashionable crowd for Instagrammable shots. Capture mod looks against the Art Nouveau and Art Deco building facades. Look up for intricate ironwork balconies and window frames to photograph. Tree-filled Canaletes square links to Rambla de Catalunya for added scenery. For stylish Instagram street photography, add this posh promenade to your feed.

    

19. Plaça del Sol in Gràcia

    In the charming Gràcia district, this quaint plaza delivers Instagrammable snapshots of daily life. Young families gather at the playground, cyclists traverse the plaza, street musicians strum guitars. Capture the facades surrounding the plaza in geometric patterns interspersed with arches and ornate details. Shoot upward for architectural patterns framed by blue sky. Photos from this lively square spotlight authentic local Barcelona culture for Instagram.

    

20. Old Harbor and Barceloneta

    Along the harbor at the foot of La Rambla, snap Instagram photos of the sail-shaped Columbus Monument against the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Capture the iconic red and yellow sightseeing boat Golondrinas docked near the waterfront promenade. Shoot the Barceloneta neighborhood’s narrow 18th-century lanes lined with history homes and shops. Photos from the old harbor and seaside deliver classic nautical Barcelona vibes for Instagram.

    

With stunning architecture, lively neighborhoods, markets, and coastal scenery, Barcelona offers endless inspiration for travel photography. Use this guide to capture artistic and distinctive photos at the top Instagrammable spots in Barcelona. For more tips, check out these top Barcelona Instagrammers:

• @xopet1969
• @thebarcelonist
• @barcelonacitizen

Whether you use your smartphone or DSLR camera, Barcelona provides picture-perfect settings for unique images to share on Instagram and remember your travels.

The Essential Guide to Taking Travel Photos in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe with staggering Gothic architecture, vibrant street life, brightly-colored markets, and alluring Mediterranean light. Taking unique travel photos in Barcelona with preparation and photographic knowledge can elevate your images to the next level. Given the abundance of scenic spots in the city, capturing incredible photos may seem effortless. However, it took me years to train my eye and gain expertise that can help save you time and energy in your photography journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover insider tips from pro photographers to help elevate your skills for taking travel photos in Barcelona.

Planning Your Barcelona Photo Shoot Locations

The key to a successful Barcelona photo trip starts with planning where and when to shoot:

1. Look Up Photogenic Landmarks

Research Barcelona’s main architectural and landmark photography spots like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter. Studying images of these locations will spark ideas and reveal the best angles.

2. Dig Into Neighborhood Gems

Look beyond the main tourist sites to Barcelona's unique neighborhoods. Areas like Gràcia, Born and Poblenou have small curated plazas, street art and shops that tell the local story.

3. Study Lighting Conditions

Consider the changing daylight and colors in Barcelona across seasons and times of day. Early morning and late afternoon often have the most dramatic light.

4. Account for Weather and Events

Plan for how weather and events may alter your locations. A rainy day in Park Güell will have a very different vibe from a sunny one. Festivals like La Mercè also offer unique photo ops.

5. Mix Famous Sites with Local Life

Blend major landmarks with local culture by exploring offbeat areas like the Raval neighborhood. This allows capturing a true Barcelona experience.

By scouting locations thoughtfully, you’ll discover amazing photography spots away from the crowds.

Packing the Essential Photography Gear

Carrying lightweight photography gear while traveling is key:

1. DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

A DSLR or mirrorless camera allows full creative control and interchangeable lenses for quality images. Consider weather sealing if shooting outdoors extensively.

2. Wide Angle and Zoom Lenses

Pack a wide angle like 18-35mm to capture expansive city scenes along with a 70-200mm zoom to isolate architectural details.

3. Tripod or Monopod

A tripod or monopod keeps cameras steady, especially for low light shots. Look for a lightweight, collapsible option.

4. Remote Shutter Release

To avoid blurry shots, a remote shutter release allows triggering the camera without touching it. Essential for long exposures.

5. Spare Batteries and Storage Cards

Carry extra charged batteries and high capacity memory cards to shoot all day without worrying about missing a shot.

The right minimalist kit tailored to your style will let you travel light while having full shooting flexibility.

Tips for Photographing Top Barcelona Landmarks

Barcelona’s iconic landmarks from La Sagrada Familia to Casa Milà demand unique photographic approaches to capture their grandeur:

1. Shoot La Sagrada Familia Exteriors at Golden Hour

The dizzying exterior of the UNESCO-listed basilica comes alive during the warm light at sunrise or sunset. Capture its texture from multiple angles.

2. Compose Wide Shots of Park Güell

Use a wide lens to emphasize the sprawling scale of Park Güell’s architecture along with the city views beyond. Position yourself on higher ground like the viaduct.

3. Photograph Casa Milà’s Organic Shapes

Highlights of the Gaudí masterpiece include the rippling stone facade and mushroom-esque chimneys. Move around for abstract geometric compositions.

4. Seek Reflections Along Montjuïc Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain's water acrobatics provide fantastic reflections with Barcelona as a backdrop. Use slow shutter speeds to capture motion.

Each iconic site has sweet spots for composition and lighting. Visualize your desired photos before visiting to maximize your time there.

Getting Creative With Barcelona Architecture and Street Photography

Beyond the main sights, Barcelona’s streets are filled with captivating photographic possibilities:

1. Photograph La Rambla Eclectic Street Life

Capture a mix of street performers, flower stalls and architectural details along the storied La Rambla promenade. Convey both bustle and beauty.

2. Compose Surreal Architecture in Park Güell

The curving architecture along with colorful mosaics make for striking photos. Convert to black and white or boost color saturation to add an otherworldly effect.

3. Capture Quirky Barcelona Street Art

Barcelona’s street art scene provides endless opportunities for eye-catching photographs. Capture wall murals in full along with details.

4. Frame Intriguing Street Photography Moments

Keep your eyes open for candid moments like an abuelita hanging laundry or children playing soccer. Capture authentic local life.

Look for unique ways to portray familiar Barcelona scenes. Push your creativity by playing with lighting, angles, colors and composition.

Essential Techniques for Better Barcelona Travel Photos

Equipped with versatile photography skills, you can transform Barcelona’s sights into spectacular images:

1. Master Exposure and Focus

Learn exposure triangle fundamentals of aperture, shutter speed and ISO and techniques like bracketing to optimize exposure. Use hyperfocal distance and manual focus for tack sharp architecture shots.

2. Shoot During Golden Hour

The soft, warm light around sunrise and sunset flatters almost any subject. Time your sessions around golden hour for magical photos in Barcelona.

3. Utilize Leading Lines and Symmetry

Incorporate leading lines via roads or railings to draw the eye into images. Seek interesting symmetry among architectural patterns.

4. Learn Post-Processing Essentials

Post-processing allows polished images from improving tone, contrast and sharpness to cropping for better composition. Invest time into honing editing skills.

Elevate your images from tourist snaps to gallery-worthy shots with these essential photography skills.

Finding Inspiring Locations Off the Beaten Path

Venturing beyond Barcelona's core sights reveals underrated neighborhoods with stories to tell:

1. Discover Hidden Plaça del Sol

This overlooked square within Gràcia exudes vintage charm with its central fountain and surrounding cafés. A hidden gem.

2. Marvel at Castellers Human Towers

Castellers practice awe-inspiring human towers on weekends in local plazas. A unique Barcelona tradition.

3. Wander Through Former Factory Poblenou

Once an industrial hub, Poblenou is now filled with street art-adorned abandoned factories mixed among new developments.

4. Find Whimsical Pieces at Gaudi House Museum

Located in Park Güell, this museum provides a peek into the quirky interior designs of the famous architect.

Getting lost in charming local neighborhoods invariably leads to serendipitous photo ops away from main tourist zones.

Time of Day and Seasons for Great Barcelona Photos

Barcelona’s appearance transforms based on time of day and seasonal changes:

1. Capture Cool Tones on an Overcast Winter Day

The soft diffuse light on a cloudy day is perfect for evenly lit architectural shots. Post-process for moody, monochromatic streetscapes.

2. Photograph La Mercè Festival Street Performers

The festive September celebration fills the streets with musicians and creatives. Capture the electric energy.

3. Shoot at Golden Hours in Spring and Fall

The most comfortable seasons in Barcelona also offer ideal golden hour light to photograph plazas and parks.

4. Seek Out Summer Street Life

Locals flock to Barcelona beaches during summer. Photograph the lively scene along the seaside Barceloneta neighborhood.

Embrace Barcelona's unique ambiance during different seasons and times of day. Let the quality of light guide your photography outings.

Composing Better Travel Photos in Barcelona

Applying photographic principles immediately levels up your Barcelona pictures:

1. Frame Your Subject

Use archways, doors or foliage to frame your main subject in a contextual, eye-catching way. The resulting image tells a richer story.

2. Follow the Rule of Thirds

Position key elements near one of the intersection points of the thirds grid rather than center-framing. This creates an engaging, balanced composition.

3. Shoot from Creative Vantage Points

Vary your perspective by shooting from below, above, far away or other unconventional angles. Explore all possibilities.

4. Use Leading Lines to Draw Viewers In

Incorporate diagonal or curved lines via buildings, tracks, fences or stairs to direct the viewer's gaze into the frame.

Applying compositional techniques transforms snapshots into thoughtful, artistic Barcelona images.

Editing for Impactful Barcelona Travel Photos

Post-processing brings out the essence of your Barcelona images through targeted adjustments:

1. Enhance Architecture Details with Radial Filters

Use adjustment gradients to selectively brighten, darken or alter color in key areas like making façade details pop.

2. Boost Vibrancy Without Overdoing It

Lift muted tones, especially in landscaping, using HSL tools. But avoid oversaturated colors that look artificial.

3. Reduce Noise and Sharpen for Print Worthiness

Eliminate noise and grain while sharpening selectively to achieve clean, crisp images worthy of large gallery prints.

4. Crop for Stronger Composition

Trim excess elements via cropping to lead the eye towards key subjects and achieve more cohesive framing.

Elegant editing enhances mood, focus and visual impact. Handle edits with care to maintain authenticity.

Packing Light Photography Gear for Barcelona Travel

For mobility while sightseeing, minimalist photography gear is a must:

1. Mirrorless Camera with Pancake Lens

A compact mirrorless body paired with a tiny pancake prime lens provides powerful quality in a small package.

2. Single Lightweight Zoom Lens

An all-in-one zoom like a 24-70mm allows flexible framing from wide angles to portraits without swapping lenses.

3. Small Camera Bag or Pouch

Keep just essentials like camera, lens, spare battery and memory card in a compact bag for light trekking.

4. Smartphone Camera with Lens Add-On

Consider using just your phone camera with supplemental lenses like moment lenses for ultra-portability.

5. Monopod Instead of Tripod

A lightweight monopod steadies your camera and packs down small when space is tight.

Pick gear that lets you react quickly to photographic opportunities without weighing you down.

Finding the Essence of Barcelona

Aim to capture photos that reflect the true spirit of Barcelona beyond the landmarks:

1. Convey Local Lifestyle Through Street Life

Photograph everyday neighborhood moments that tell an authentic story like children playing soccer or old men debating.

2. Focus on Interesting Small Details

Zoom in on elements like intricately tiled steps, hanging flower pots or street mosaic tiles that reveal local culture.

3. Highlight Festivity

Capture Barcelona’s vibrant events and festivals like Castellers, La Mercè and the summer solstice Correfoc with motion and energy.

4. Show Barcelona’s Creative Spirit

See Barcelona through an artistic lens via architecture details, quirky sculptures and colorful street art.

Seek out photos that connect you to the city’s culture, people and unique aesthetic.

Choosing Where to Stay for Easy Barcelona Photography

Base yourself centrally in neighborhoods that offer great access to Barcelona's photographic hot spots:

1. Stay in Barri Gòtic to Walk to Top Sights

This central district puts you steps from the cathedral, Picasso museum and atmospheric alleys perfect for photography wanders.

2. Stay in L'Eixample for Modernism Masterpieces

Situated in L'Eixample, you can easily photograph modernism architecture like La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló.

3. Stay in Gràcia for Charming Plazas and Street Art

This microcosm of Barcelona offers photogenic local flavor among vintage squares and captivating street art .

4. Stay Near Barceloneta for Seaside Vibes

Photograph historic seaside relaxation along with colorful beach huts in this old port neighborhood.

Base yourself in neighborhoods with easy walking access to Barcelona's most photogenic spots for memorable images.

Avoiding Cliché Barcelona Travel Photos

Create one-of-a-kind Barcelona images by avoiding overdone compositions:

1. Don’t Shoot La Sagrada Familia Straight On

Instead, get closeups of architectural details or shoot from uncommon angles like from across the road.

2. Avoid Closeups of Park Güell Mosaics

Capture the mosaics in wider environmental shots rather than tight macro shots to add context.

3. Don't Just Shoot Barceloneta Beach Parasols

Expand beyond the row of iconic beach huts to show vibrant beach culture through people, activities and landscapes.

4. Skip Generic City Skyline Shots from High Vantage Points

Photograph Barcelona’s architecture from street level or interior plazas for an immersive perspective.

Getting creative with framing, timing and context ensures your images offer a fresh perspective beyond postcard-style shots.

Safety Tips for Barcelona Photography & Sightseeing

When photographing Barcelona, remain situationally aware as you would in any major city:

1. Keep Valuables out of Sight When Not Shooting

Avoid flaunting expensive photography gear when walking between locations. Only bring out gear when actively shooting.

2. Be Wary of Pickpockets in Tourist Zones

Areas with crowds like La Rambla require extra vigilance. Keep valuables secure and be cautious of diversion tactics.

3. Consider a Crossbody Camera Strap

Crossbody camera straps deter thieves and keep your hands free. Use one when navigating busy tourist spots.

4. Familiarize Yourself with City Safety Tips

Review Barcelona city safety recommendations like standing near others and limiting use of phones.

5. Photograph Responsibly

Don’t trespass or damage property. Be respectful when photographing people, especially children.

Remaining alert allows focusing on great photos without safety concerns.

Mastering the Art of Travel Photography in Barcelona

Barcelona’s striking architecture, captivating culture and idyllic Mediterranean light provide endless inspiration for brilliant travel photographs. By pre-planning locations, packing smart gear, honing techniques and exploring creatively, you’ll return home with stunning images that do justice to this vibrant city.

For more tips on capturing Barcelona's beauty with a travel and street photographer's perspective, do not miss Barcelona Photoblog’s previous work. Our acclaimed photography and blogging experience help visitors craft unforgettable Barcelona images.

Barcelona’s welcoming spirit makes it a delight to photograph. Wandering with open eyes, creative spirit and photographic skills, you’ll uncover amazing image opportunities around every corner. This guide equips you with everything needed to make the most of your Barcelona travels and bring home cherished pictures.

Culture to Cuisine: Where to Go When Planning a Vacation to Spain

Spain offers something for everyone. Whether you love cultural breaks, foodie experiences or simply relaxing on a beach, there is a destination waiting for you in the passionate, sophisticated country. Find out where to go when planning a vacation to Spain.

A Cultural Break

If you want to experience mesmerizing architectures, famous art, and interesting museums, you should make Barcelona your first choice. The cosmopolitan city is easily one of the most culturally rich cities in all of Spain, making it the ultimate destination for those who appreciate unforgettable scenery and delicious cuisine. It’s also located in the Mediterranean’s busiest port, so it’s ideal for those hoping to travel via Europe cruises.

A Sunny Experience

Spain is certainly not short of sunny weather and beautiful beaches, which can provide a relaxing vacation in Europe. If you want to spend most of your time on a sandy beach, Andalusia is certainly worth a consideration, which offers beautiful weather throughout the year. Yet, temperatures can soar to an uncomfortable temperature during the height of summer – so time your trip well.

Foodies’ Paradise

Spanish cuisine offers a concoction of delicious flavors that will linger on your tongue throughout your vacation. People who appreciate good food should make their way to Granada, which offers an authentic Spanish experience complemented with delicious tapas. It’s one of few cities that will provide free food with every drink, so you can experience different dishes with every order. You may also love a trip to either Seville or San Sebastian, as both offer internationally acclaimed tapas. Foodies will never want to return home.

Wine Experiences

Spain is world renowned for exceptional wines, such as a Rioja, Cava, and Ribera del Duero. Those who want to experience wine from the best regions should consider taking a trip to Bilbao and/or San Sebastian, which are in the Basque Country and a stone’s throw away from the Rioja wine region. Yet, the destinations also offer their own homegrown wine: Txakoli. To experience the best wine in Spain, you should look no further than the capital city of Madrid.

Outdoor Adventures

Are you a fan of outdoor activities? You might be surprised to learn you can go skiing in Spain. Of course, the best place to visit to hit the slopes is Barcelona, as it is within proximity of the Pyrenees. You can also participate in The Tomatina Festival, also known as the Tomato Battle, which takes place in the small town of Buñol every August. Locals prepare every year for the epic tomato event by adorning their homes with plastic sheeting. Both its residents and tourists will then begin throwing tomatoes at each other for fun. It’s a unique outdoor experience you won’t find anywhere else in Spain or beyond.

Have you got any top tips for planning a trip to Spain? Have you visited any of the destinations listed above? Share your advice and stories to help others enjoy the ultimate Spanish vacation.

Top 5 Alternative Things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona attracts millions of visitors every year, and it has some amazing places that you can visit. However, there is so much more to see than just the obvious attractions. Barcelona is buzzing with restaurants, bars and a few places you might not have heard about much before. For the aspiring traveler or blogger, your readers will love the idea of seeing these alternatives that are not as busy with the usual tourists.

Sub-Zero Beach Bar

When you are on the beach in Barcelona, one thing you can almost always count on is heat. However, there is a place where you might want to wrap up a little. Located on the beach at Port Olympic, you can drink vodka from a frozen glass, take a look at the beautiful ice sculptures and cool off after a hot day sightseeing.

Steel Donkey Tour

You won’t be riding a steel donkey as such, it is actually another name for a bicycle, but the tour part is correct. These tours are not your typical Barcelona trips they take in many of the back streets in El Borne, the village district of Gracia and the old ruins or Poblenou. Along the way, you are treated to flea markets, squat houses and recycled workshops. There are plenty of photo opportunities for you to share, you can create a poster of your favorites and post it on social media. It is a big hit with those looking to see other parts of the city, and it is a fun-filled day out in its own right.

Make Your Own Cava

One thing that anyone who goes to Spain will want to try is their world-famous Cava. However, with this experience, you can do more than taste it, you can try your hand at creating your own. Take a trip by train to a 1,000-year-old farmhouse in the Penedes wine region in Spain. You can try a variety of wines and then get the chance to bottle your own and apply your custom-made label. There are a few such places as this in Spain so even if you cannot leave the city, you can still have the same experience.

The Escape Rooms

If you like solving puzzles and have a few friends with you, why not try one of the many companies that have escape rooms in the city. They have many scenarios to choose from, and along the way, you will be required to crack codes and find missing keys. Although this isn’t uniquely Barcelona, it is good fun, and it will pass a nice afternoon.

e-bikes

If you are fed up trying to get around the city on, then the Barcelona e-bikes might just be what you need. They are bikes that have a battery powered motor attached; it gives you enough power to ride up and down the hills easily. It also lets you get around the city without having to sit in traffic or on a hot coach. These are just a few of the many things you can do in Barcelona without having to visit the main tourist attractions or go too far outside the city.

Passeig de Colom and Moll de la Fusta: The New Waterfront of Barcelona

If you take a look at the old image you will have a better idea of what the present heavy traffic road occupies in space from the sea up to the buildings in the back. Next to the buildings, we have the view portrayed in the first picture, that is, Passeig de Colom. In the middle of the palm trees you have the highway on the left of the second picture and finally on what is to the sea side of the palm trees you have Moll de la Fusta.

Moll de Bosch i Alsina aka Moll de la Fusta is named after the activities held in this place, the storage and stowing of wood, the very place where the Roman port of Barcino used to be.

As you can assume, the fact that the wood industry among other port activities occupied this side of the city, made Barcelona turn its back on the sea.

It was not until 1982, when the Port authorities yielded the area to the city to build communication infrastructures and 1987 when the Olympics 92 project started, that access to the sea was recovered, something that was bound to alter life in the famous Mediterranean metropolis.

Nowadays, Moll de la Fusta is the stage of great part of the outdoor cultural events in Barcelona as you can see on the right of the second picture, and it is most of all, a beautiful promenade next to the marina, full of artistic samples like the sculpture "Face of Barcelona", the work of the graphic artist and sculptor Roy Lichtenstein, the greatest exponent of American pop art, just to mention an example.
On the other side of the Moll (docks or pier) we can see the Maremagnum Shopping Center and the Rambla de Mar with its drawbridge, which are also part of this change of perspective that took place along Barcelona's new waterfront.

Barcelona Cruises, Port of Barcelona and The Future of Catalan Tourism

Barcelona is consolidating as the first port for Mediterranean cruises and this position has been strengthened after Carnival Corporation & plc reached an agreement last September with the Port of Barcelona to build and operate a new terminal known as Terminal E. Over 20 million EUR will be invested in what is going to be the eighth International Cruise terminal in the port (see image below). Everything is supposed to be finished by 2016. Also check this info graph about the evolution of the Port of Barcelona from 1956 to 2011 to have an idea of how big the transformations have been.

Almost 2.6 million cruise-goers are expected in 2013 according to Barcelona's Tourist Office. They estimate that last year's figures had an economic impact of nearly 300 million EUR on the city's economy. The increase in the number of passengers adds up to the growth of tourism in Barcelona. Seven million tourists come each year and spend more than 20 million EUR a day in the city.

Cruiser sector investments be it by external companies or by the port, are contributing not only to the economic bliss of Catalan tourism but also to Spanish economy in general. According to a study from the European Cruise Council the cruise industry provided Spain with 1.190 billion euros in 2010.
To better understand about who runs what and where in the cruise terminals at Barcelona's port, I think you should check this official brochure entitled Barcelona Cruise Facilities 2013.

Regarding Barcelona cruises, I must say that there are many to choose from and it all depends on your budget, the cities you want to visit and of course the quality of the service. I would pick up of course a Barcelona to Barcelona cruise with the best quality-price relationship and a fantastic itinerary. I reckon it is not an easy task. Have you ever been on board of a cruise ship in the Mediterranean? Which cruise would you recommend?

Barcelona's Twin Towers

Barcelona's Twin Towers, called 'Las Torres Gemelas' in Spanish, are tied for the tallest buildings in the city. At 154 metres tall, the Torre Mapfre (on the right) and the Hotel Arts (on the left) look over the Catalan capital from their location by the beach at Port Olímpic. The Torre Mapfre is owned by insurance company Mapfre and is home to their offices, as well as those of several other companies. Its sister, the Hotel Arts, is quite different as it is one of the city's most luxurious hotels. Many a celebrity has been known to stay in one of the Hotel Arts' 483 rooms that overlook Barcelona's beaches.

Photo is courtesy of Oh-Barcelona

Maori Lady Dancing at Port Aventura

A maori girl dancing under the sun at Port Aventura amusement park, her dress flashing with colors and her hands waving gently at the sound of traditional music. I have always wondered how they manage to have such wonderful looking skin all year long considering they are living in Catalonia. It must be something in their genes I guess. Anyway, if you visit the park don't miss their show, it is a must-see.

Update and correction: Thanks to the kind observation by Amy of Maungaturoto Daily Photo, New Zealand, the lady is definitely a Polinesian dancer. In fact, if I am not in a mistake this show was called Aloha Tahiti and the whole theme area of the park is called Polinesia! Either I have to quit on booze or take a good rest and stop writing my posts so late at night. The only explanation I can find to this terrible mistake is that the dance, specially the men's dance looks very similar to a maori dance at least to the European eye. As my intention is to inform and not to misinform I am happy someone like Amy helped me with this one.

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Costa Serena Cruiser and Golondrina Boat in Barcelona Port

This a partial view of the entrance to Barcelona harbor where the Mediterranean cruiser terminals are located. The big vessel in the image is Costa Serena that belongs to one of the main operating companies, Costa Cruceros which generates about 126 visits to our port, according to 2007 figures. Costa Cruceros, brings about 330.000 visitors a year who spend around 50 euros per person in the city. This represents a total amount of around 15 million euros to Barcelona. All cruiser traffic in the port is managed by Creuers del Port de Barcelona, S.A. and the top responsible of all operations is the Port Authority of Barcelona (APB). If the previous figures look good you should know that the port expects to repeat the two million cruise passengers in 2009 and that last year Barcelona was the fifth port in the cruise world, behind the four major touristic ports in the Caribbean - Miami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and the Mexican port of Cozumel. The city expects to receive a total of 880 cruise ship visits in 2009. APB calculates that cruise ships left 200 million euros in 2008! By the way, the small boat in the foreground is one of the Golondrinas sightseeing boats featured here in the past. These are the specs of Costa Serena cruiser:

Built in 2007
Passenger Capacity 2.930 (Double Occupancy)
Number of Crew 1.100
Total Cabins 1.500 (28 for Handicapped Guests)
Tonnage 114.500 t
Length 950 feet
Beam 118 feet
Decks 17 (14 for Guests Use)
Max Speed 23 Knots
Cruising Speed 21.5 Knots

Hurakan Condor - Port Aventura's Dreadful Drop Tower

Hurakan Condor by the Swiss company Intamin AG is a frightening drop tower which provides the happy customer with a thrilling 3 second free fall ride from a trifling height of about 300 feet or 100 meters. Wanna see how it looks like from the top? Check a Hurakan Condor ride video. There are other famous attractions in Port Aventura like Dragon Khan which were featured here in the past.

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Polinesian Ship Attraction in Port Aventura, Tarragona, Spain

And here's another attraction at Port Aventura amusement park in Tarragona. The ship is located in the Polinesia area. I am not very fond of this one. I get sick with the ups and downs. This time I stood in the shade and calmly composed my picture. Don't forget to click on the image for a better view!

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A Day at the Races

If you've visited a local fair maybe you are familiar with the usual horse race to fight for a wonderful teddy bear. We went to Port Aventura and I prayed for my daughter not to win the first price. She had never played before so the odds were little. Bulls***, she won an enormous banana, taller than me and we had to hold it all along the park so imagine how funny it should be.

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Inside the Bubble, Bubblebou Show by Pep Bou

Another picture of the Bubblebou show created by Pep Bou.

This time the artist was inside the bubble blowing out to make the surface transform adopting funny shapes. The place, Port Aventura, the amusement park on the coast of Tarragona, one of the Catalan provinces near Barcelona.

Maori Warrior at Port Aventura Amusement Park, Salou, Spain

You know what maybe the tourist in last post was lucky after all. Maybe if you didn't dance dressed like that for the crowd you would receive severe punishment for such great dishonor and you would have to face this. The scary look and the menacing gestures of a maori warrior. Man, imagine landing on the beautiful island a long time ago and being approached by a group of such warriors performing the famous dance. Wow, now I know how it must feel before the rugby match.

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Maori Girls Dancing With Guest in Port Aventura

This young man saved us all from being randomly chosen by these beautiful maori girls at Port Aventura Amusement Park in Salou, Spain. I mean, who hasn't dreamed of being on a desert island, surrounded by maori girls and all...but that doesn't mean you have to dress like a scarecrow for the joy of the crowd. Tourists!!!

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Colorful Bolivian Tinted Feather Hat, Moll de la Fusta, Barcelona, Spain

At Moll de la Fusta (Barcelona Port, Spain), there are these occasional parties organized by interracial non-profit agencies that we city dwellers tend to visit out of pure curiousity at first and enthusiastically once you get addicted to. There's the usual inexpensive exotic food offer which in many cases is the luring part of it believe me, at least for many people, let's not be hypocritical, and then there's the leisure side, particularly for parents who can't find a better place to take their kids that really satisfies them both and finally there's the integration side which originally was supposed to be the first one. At least this is the way I see it although "committed" citizens might openly disagree. Wouldn't it be better to give immigrants other kinds of opportunities rather than selling feather hats they don't wear anymore, I mean this is like selling tomahawks and rabbit paws. You have to say that the hat is beautiful and that unfortunately many people in the world have to sell traditions as if they were souvenirs for a living. I don't mean to be radical, of course, there are many color shades as in the hat.

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Rambla de Mar Lightweight Bridge, Barcelona, Spain

Witnessed by the anxious crowd gathering on the Rambla de Mar lightweight bridge close to Maremagnum shopping center, gently sails this boat, stopping time for some minutes and forcing visitors to enjoy the view longer than expected, till the mechanism in the bridge extends the wooden platform towards the pier on the other side. The bridge by Viaplana and Pinion leads to Las Ramblas nearby and was featured in Barcelona Photoblog in the past: Waiting for the Bridge at Rambla de Mar and Maremagnum Wooden Bridge in Rush Hours.

And just in case you would like to enjoy the same view daily here is list of Barcelona hotels near the port:

• Grand Marina hotel
• H10 Port Vell hotel
• Serras hotel
• Hotel Duquesa de Cardona
• Hotel Jazz
• Axel hotel
• Hotel Brummell review by Conde Nast
• Hotel Miramar

Can Can Girls at Far West Saloon, Port Aventura, Spain

After a long journey through all attractions in Port Aventura amusement park, the best way to rest is choosing one of the many shows available. The Far West area is for me one of the most complete and genuine. This is a picture I took in the saloon where these beautiful girls were dancing can can ("The can-can (also spelled cancan or Can Can) is regarded today primarily as a physically demanding music hall dance, performed by a chorus line of female dancers who wear costumes with long skirts, petticoats, and black stockings, harking back to the fashions of the 1890s. The main features of the dance are the lifting up and manipulation of the skirts, with high kicking and suggestive, provocative body movements. The cancan first appeared in the working-class ballrooms of Montparnasse in Paris in around 1830. It was a more lively version of the galop, a dance in quick 2/4 time, which often featured as the final figure in the quadrille. The cancan was, therefore, originally a dance for couples, who indulged in high kicks and other gestures with arms and legs. It is thought that they were influenced by the antics of a popular entertainer of the 1820s, Charles Mazurier, who was well known for his acrobatic performances, which included the grand écart or jump splits—later a popular feature of the cancan. At this time, and throughout most of the 19th century in France, the dance was also known as the chahut. Both words are French, cancan meaning "tittle-tattle" or "scandal", hence a scandalous dance, while chahut meant "noise" or "uproar"." Wikipedia). Suggestions: Try to finish your drink before the show ends cause the house is emptied so the next group of people standing in line comes in.

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