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:

1. Shoot upward from ground level for dramatic angles of tall facades and spires.
2. Get elevation - Photograph from high vantage points like rooftop terraces or Montjuïc for cityscapes.
3. Try a fisheye lens to exaggerate curves and angles.
4. Reflections - Use windows, water and modern facades as reflective surfaces.
5. Details - Abstract architectural elements like textures, patterns, and shadows.
6. Interior architecture - Concert halls, apartments, iconic ceiling details.
7. Creative framing - Use tunnels, arches, trees to frame subjects uniquely.
8. Juxtaposition - Contrast old and new architecture in one frame.
9. Symmetry - Photograph head on for graphic symmetrical compositions.
10. 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.

Bubble Dreams Under an Arch of Triumph

Dreaming is one of those things that you can grow for free in your particular world of Oz beyond that yellow brick road. You could add a beautiful arch of triumph at the end and why not, some mesmerizing bubbles through which you can look at the future with joy. Perhaps it is all as simple as that. The end of the year is coming and it is time to detach from all the noise, look at what is right in front of you in awe and let yourself go, the child way.

 

Down El Born Streets

Walking down El Born streets in Barcelona. Early in the morning. The smell of night and terraces still fading away, diluting in the puddles left by cleaning city services. Sidewalks populated little by little. Lamp post bulbs still warm. Artists setting up their painting boards. Curious cameras stalking behind corners.

Font de Canaletes in Las Ramblas: FC Barcelona's Totem

I don't know in your city, but some Spanish soccer teams have this special place to celebrate victories, or better said, a meeting point for their fans, usually in open spaces around a fountain or a roundabout. In our collective memories that special object or place becomes some sort of ancestral totem, an emblem to tell adversaries that we have won and everybody should show respect. Of course, this sounds pretty boastful, but you know what I am talking about, in 2010 we still use the language of the tribe, we have an area for our rituals and we dance around our totem, chanting menacingly to scare away evil spirits and daunt our foes. FC Barcelona enthusiasts concentrate around Font de Canaletes a small modest all-in-one water fountain and lamp post with a lot of history in Las Ramblas, maybe not as opulent as their main rival's favorite place, you know who I am talking about, but a totem that talks of brave people that deserve a lot of respect. Long live FC Barcelona!

Passeig de Lluís Companys and Barcelona's Arch of Triumph

Here is yet another angle to better appreciate Barcelona's Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomf). This time as seen from Passeig de Lluis Companys, a great site to bask in the sun, reading under a wonderful modernista lamp, ride a bike, jog or just walk. The place has been described here in Barcelona Photoblog many times so I recommend you check these popular posts. By the way, we are having a wonderful pre-spring weekend over here, fair skies, 18º C, what else could you ask for!

Obelisk at the Intersection of Passeig de Gracia and Diagonal, Barcelona, Spain

This obelisk you find at the intersection of two main arteries in Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia and Diagonal. Known as the Lápiz (the pencil) it is located on the center of a quite peculiar crossroad that goes by the name of Cinc d'Oros (Five of golds, that is, the golden coins, one of the suits in the Baraja Española or Spanish cards) due to four lamp posts that used to surround the monument. The sculpture represents Franco's victory and dates back from 1940 (I can't believe it is still there considering what it represents!). Well the woman was sculpted by Frederic Marès. It must be said that the original statue (1936), by Josep Viladomat, was dedicated to the Republic, the lady was wearing no robe and instead of being on the present pedestal it was standing on top of the obelisk. Most of all, I enjoyed the combination with the beautiful face in the background, thanks to that the Lápiz looks less boring.

Color Circles Detail on Art Nouveau Door, Barcelona

After much thought and realizing my weekend photo walks were practically nil, I've decided to sacrifice lunch time at the office to go downtown (Passeig de Gracia is about 5 blocks away from work) and enjoy doing what I like most, street photography.

So while the archives pile up and run amok, just exaggerating a little bit here, why not starting with a colorful abstraction to draw your attention and stimulate the senses.

This is a detail of an Art Nouveau stained glass door you can admire inside Casa Amatller, that other house next to more popular Casa Batlló. Here is the ceiling at Amatller modernista house and a window detail.

Watch this beautiful modernist lamp at Amatller House or take a glimpse at the indented façade by Puig i Cadafalch

The Arch of Triumph: Celestial Trumpets

Imposing rose the brick walls of Barcelona's Arch of Triumph. Archangels on the frieze seemed to be stalking while pretending to be blowing the trumpets to merrily celebrate victory. I decided to edit the picture with some infrared color and then tinted black and white to add some more dramatism to the image. In case you want to see the whole monument, other details of the architecture or learn about its history please check these previous posts:

• Under the Arc de Triomf
• Arc de Triomf: A Landmark of Barcelona
• Triumph Arch or Arc de Triomphe
• Arc de Triomph Detail with Modernist Street Lamp

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.

Barcelona Street Artist: Living Statue

This Barcelona street artist, posing as a living statue is not giving the serious, stern, hardened by a thousand battles kind of look, oh no, he was really fed up with my pictures.

Minutes later and without previous warning, he turned his back on me and sat down for his lunch break. The irascible mood perfectly matches the character though.

As you know there are many living statues like this along Las Ramblas, and some of them have been captured in my previous posts and pictures.

Here is my list of Barcelona Street Artists: Living Statues for you to browse

Caesar and Man in Flower Costume

Miner

Bicycle and Skeleton

Cowboy and Tourist

Winged Centaur

Winged Golden Man in Smoking

Chinese Warrior

Fat Woman

Paella

Man Holding Lamp Post

Caesar

Winged Man with Kids

Cowboy

Google Maps picture of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

La Pedrera: A Barcelona Landmark

Going for a walk down the city center I captured these tourists desperately taking pictures of La Pedrera, one of the most outstanding landmarks of Barcelona on Paseo de Gracia street.

The sightseeing bus wouldn't stop so there was not much time to take a good snapshot of the modernist building at sunset.

I took another photograph, this time with a modernist lamp post in the way.

Street Artist XII at Las Ramblas Barcelona

This Barcelona street artist is number XII in my particular series. Although you can't tell much what was it he wanted to represent, there is something about the light and the use of the lamp post as a prop, that gives the picture some sort of old classic touch (this is my personal opinion, of course).

Satellite View of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain.

Modernism in Barcelona: Hospital de Sant Pau

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, is a modernist complex designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (see my April post: Gargoyles).

The access pavilion at the intersection of carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret and carrer Cartagena is covered with exposed brickwork, and features a tower clock on top.

Inside you can admire the excellent stained glass by Mario Maragliano, a richly wrought staircase and these purple ceilings, that recall Islamic architecture.

From all the amazing things I discovered inside (when I carry my camera I am much more aware of minor details around me) I prefer this precious lamp.

 Try to discover what's on top.

See Hospital de Sant Pau Picture on a Google Earth Map

Las Ramblas: Dragon and Umbrella Photo

Just in front of La Boqueria market and very close to the opera house El Liceu, on the façade of one of the art deco style buildings you find this magnificent dragon holding an enormous lamp in menacing attitude as if guarding the old umbrella shop shut down a long time ago. Besides the oversized fan on top, a curious umbrella keeps floating in the air as the reminder of old prosperous times for this trade.