Barcelona’s mild winters, fabulous architecture, foodie culture, cheap flights and naturally beautiful setting makes it a paradise for photographers. So, where to go first? Here are Barcelona’s top 5 most Instagrammable spots.
Bunkers del Carmel
At an altitude of 257 m above sea level, in the Horta-Guinardó district, you will find Barcelona’s most Instagrammable spot. The Turó de la Rovira Hill was, until recently, known only to local residents, but since it appeared in the Spanish film Tengo Ganas de Tí, it has become rightly known as one of Barcelona’s most photogenic places. The Bunkers del Carmel, as they are known , offer a truly spectacular 360º panorama across the city. From here you can see the Sagrada Familia, Montjuic and the Gothic Quarter, with views stretching out to sea and the hills that surround the city. It is best viewed at sunsets and sunrise, although these times also draw the most crowds. Today, the bunkers no longer have anti-aircraft guns, but instead they ring out near-nightly with guitar and drum music by local musicians, with parties sometimes lasting until dawn!
La Boqueria
For colours, textures and shapes that make you dizzy, it can only be La Boqueria on Las Ramblas! Although the history of this place dates back to the 13th Century, one of Europe’s oldest and most famous bazaars bustles with life to this day. Artisanal stalls laden with an abundance of fruit, spices, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish and seafood look amazing in pictures. Meanwhile, the newly-restored cast-iron structure of the building, built on the site of the original 1840 market, also looks great.
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La Boqueria is an authentic marketplace that is still visited daily by residents of the Catalan capital. Head here in the morning to watch Barcelona’s grandmothers out shopping for the best produce – this is an ideal opportunity to capture some great reportage photos. The stalls’ intricate layout is a feast for the eyes, while delicacies from the market’s various tapas bars are a feast for the palate. Take the opportunity to buy a picnic lunch to enjoy in our next Instagram spot…
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Parc del Laberint d’Horta! This next stop may not exactly be a secret but it’s certainly one of Barcelona’s lesser-known parks. A wonderfully peaceful haven away from the crowds of Las Ramblas and the Sagrada Familia, this is the city’s oldest preserved garden. Here in this enchanted spot, you will find a large labyrinth among sculpted cypress shrubs that tower two metres high, along with secluded nooks among vines; fountains, restful benches with charming views, and evenly-trimmed lawns that are perfect for picnics.
Originally a neoclassical garden in the Italian style, today Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a classically romantic garden. It’s said that by entering the labyrinth, you can rid yourself of any doubts or troubles bothering you as each path consists of hypotheses, theories and questions. Located on the site of the former property of the Marquis Llupià, Poaland Alfarràs, who commissioned Italian Domenico Bagutti to design the garden, the maze is best visited during the day.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
Want to experience Christmas all year round? Just a few minutes’ walk from Las Ramblas in the heart of the historic Gothic Quarter, you’ll find Käthe Wohlfahrt, a dedicated Christmas shop that operates year-round. Inside this historic tenement house is the Pueblo de Navidad, a Christmas village with thousands of Christmas decorations, sweets and small gifts. Everyone can make their holiday dreams come true here and snap their perfect Christmas card photos! The centrepiece of the Barcelona store is a 4.5-metre-tall Christmas tree with a tip that reaches the ceiling. Take a break from the well-trodden Barcelona sightseeing path and head to a year-round Christmas paradise.
Plaça Reial
A square so beautiful that it has always been called royal by the Catalans, the Plaça Reial is elegant, exotic and welcoming despite its grand size. This Barcelona must-see isalways crowded and is truly a spot that never sleeps. More than just a tourist spot, the square is beloved by residents who have a special affection for this iconic destination. Plaça Reial’s fountain, palm trees and lanterns are delightful and combine to make it extremely photogenic. Here, you’ll find two decorative street lamps, which were the very first of Gaudi’s works to be commissioned by the city. Other places connected with this famous artist include,La Sagrada Familia, which remains under construction; the Casa Batllo, the colourful Parc Güell and Casa Mila. But look around carefully as traces of this iconicCatalan artist can be found almost everywhere in Barcelona.
How many days to spend in Barcelona?
Before you buy your airline tickets, think carefully about how many days to spend in the stunning Catalan capital. If you’re on a flying visit, for example when taking a connecting flight, then here is what to see and snap in Barcelona in just one day. Top of the list should be Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Parc Güell and Casa Mila, or La Padrera, which you can reach via Passeig de Gracia street. Find out why the Barcelona people called this townhouse a quarry before taking a trip to the harbour to watch the sunset. If you have two days then hit up the most Instagrammable spots from our list! Four days gives you even more options, including exploring the Gothic Quarter and the opportunity to simply wander around the city, strolling along any interesting street that catches your eye, resting on a bench, admiring the fairy-tale façades of buildings and shady squares, tasting local dishes and generally having a blissful time exploring at your own pace.
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If you feel it’s high time for a city break then Barcelona is an ideal destination packed with Instagrammable spots and much more. Why note see what it has to offer?
