Top tips for photographing Barcelona's architecture
Leisure 12/02/2025
Barcelona is a vibrant city where architecture comes to life in every corner. From Gaudí’s organic shapes to modernist and contemporary structures, each building tells a story that deserves to be captured and remembered in time. If you’re visiting and want to take the best photos of the city, here are some tips for getting spectacular images.
1. Essential places to photograph
Holy Family
Without a doubt, the icon of Barcelona. To capture its majesty, visit the Parc de la Plaça de Gaudí and play with the reflections in the pond.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Two modernist gems on Paseo de Gracia. Take a photo of them at sunset to take advantage of the golden light.
Park Guell
Its colors and undulating shapes offer endless photographic compositions.
Gothic Quarter
Narrow streets, old facades and charming squares. A good place to play with light and shadow.
Glories Tower
A contemporary icon that shines at night with its LED lighting.
Montjuïc and the MNAC
From here you can get incredible panoramic views of the city.
Bunkers of Carmel
The best viewpoint to capture an impressive skyline of Barcelona.
2. Places to see the Barcelona skyline
Terrace of Sensation Apartments Barcelona
Our clients enjoy an unrivalled view of the Barcelona skyline from our terrace, a perfect place to capture impressive images of the city.
Bunkers of Carmel
The most famous viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city.
Montjuïc Castle
From its summit you can get spectacular images of Barcelona and the sea.
Las Arenas Viewpoint
Located in the old bullring, it offers a 360° view of the centre of Barcelona.
Tibidabo
The highest mountain in the city with an incomparable view of the skyline.
W Hotel Barcelona
Its terrace allows you to see the city with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
3. The best moments to take photos
Golden hour
Just after sunrise or before sunset. The light is warmer and softer, ideal for highlighting the colors of buildings.
Blue hour
Just after sunset, when the sky turns a deep blue and the city lights begin to come on.
Night
Many buildings in Barcelona have spectacular lighting, such as the Sagrada Familia or the Torre Glòries.
4. Tips to improve your photos
Use lines and symmetry
Barcelona's architecture is full of patterns and geometric structures that can make your photos more striking.
Play with reflections
Fountains, puddles and glass can add a creative touch to your photos.
Take advantage of the contrast between old and modern
Find spots where historic architecture blends with contemporary buildings.
Includes people
To give scale and dynamism to your photos, integrate people into the composition.
Experiment with different angles
Don't limit yourself to a frontal perspective, try shots from below or from the side to get an original point of view.
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5. Useful apps and resources
Google Maps and Street View
To explore locations and plan photo routes.
PhotoPills
To know the position of the sun and the best time to photograph a site.
Snapseed and Lightroom
To edit and improve the lighting and colors of your photos.
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6. Inspiration
Some Instagram accounts specialized in capturing the beauty of Barcelona:
@barcelona_best_photos
This account selects and shares the best photographs of Barcelona, offering a diverse and high-quality gallery.
@Barcelona
The official account of the city of Barcelona, which shows emblematic images and lesser-known corners of the city.
@martonmogyorosy
A photographer who captures Barcelona from unique perspectives, highlighting its architecture and cityscapes.
@mr.view
It offers panoramic views and architectural details of Barcelona, providing a fresh view of the city.
@visitbarcelona
The official Barcelona tourism account, sharing inspiring images of the city and its surroundings.
These accounts will provide you with inspiration and different perspectives for your own photographs of Barcelona.
Don't miss the professional advice from BARCELONA PHOTOBLOG, which offers us a range of wonderful photos of different spaces in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a city that inspires with its architecture and light. By following these tips, you are sure to get amazing photos that reflect all its magic. Do you have any other tips or favorite places to photograph in Barcelona? Leave them in the comments!
1. Essential places to photograph
Holy Family
Without a doubt, the icon of Barcelona. To capture its majesty, visit the Parc de la Plaça de Gaudí and play with the reflections in the pond.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Two modernist gems on Paseo de Gracia. Take a photo of them at sunset to take advantage of the golden light.
Park Guell
Its colors and undulating shapes offer endless photographic compositions.
Gothic Quarter
Narrow streets, old facades and charming squares. A good place to play with light and shadow.
Glories Tower
A contemporary icon that shines at night with its LED lighting.
Montjuïc and the MNAC
From here you can get incredible panoramic views of the city.
Bunkers of Carmel
The best viewpoint to capture an impressive skyline of Barcelona.
2. Places to see the Barcelona skyline
Terrace of Sensation Apartments Barcelona
Our clients enjoy an unrivalled view of the Barcelona skyline from our terrace, a perfect place to capture impressive images of the city.
Bunkers of Carmel
The most famous viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city.
Montjuïc Castle
From its summit you can get spectacular images of Barcelona and the sea.
Las Arenas Viewpoint
Located in the old bullring, it offers a 360° view of the centre of Barcelona.
Tibidabo
The highest mountain in the city with an incomparable view of the skyline.
W Hotel Barcelona
Its terrace allows you to see the city with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
3. The best moments to take photos
Golden hour
Just after sunrise or before sunset. The light is warmer and softer, ideal for highlighting the colors of buildings.
Blue hour
Just after sunset, when the sky turns a deep blue and the city lights begin to come on.
Night
Many buildings in Barcelona have spectacular lighting, such as the Sagrada Familia or the Torre Glòries.
4. Tips to improve your photos
Use lines and symmetry
Barcelona's architecture is full of patterns and geometric structures that can make your photos more striking.
Play with reflections
Fountains, puddles and glass can add a creative touch to your photos.
Take advantage of the contrast between old and modern
Find spots where historic architecture blends with contemporary buildings.
Includes people
To give scale and dynamism to your photos, integrate people into the composition.
Experiment with different angles
Don't limit yourself to a frontal perspective, try shots from below or from the side to get an original point of view.
5. Useful apps and resources
Google Maps and Street View
To explore locations and plan photo routes.
PhotoPills
To know the position of the sun and the best time to photograph a site.
Snapseed and Lightroom
To edit and improve the lighting and colors of your photos.
6. Inspiration
Some Instagram accounts specialized in capturing the beauty of Barcelona:
@barcelona_best_photos
This account selects and shares the best photographs of Barcelona, offering a diverse and high-quality gallery.
@Barcelona
The official account of the city of Barcelona, which shows emblematic images and lesser-known corners of the city.
@martonmogyorosy
A photographer who captures Barcelona from unique perspectives, highlighting its architecture and cityscapes.
@mr.view
It offers panoramic views and architectural details of Barcelona, providing a fresh view of the city.
@visitbarcelona
The official Barcelona tourism account, sharing inspiring images of the city and its surroundings.
These accounts will provide you with inspiration and different perspectives for your own photographs of Barcelona.
Don't miss the professional advice from BARCELONA PHOTOBLOG, which offers us a range of wonderful photos of different spaces in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a city that inspires with its architecture and light. By following these tips, you are sure to get amazing photos that reflect all its magic. Do you have any other tips or favorite places to photograph in Barcelona? Leave them in the comments!
