You don’t need to be a professional photographer to know that with the right backdrop and the right light, a bad photo is hard to pull off (although a sexy subject can’t hurt). Thankfully, Barcelona’s got all three. For that perfect #Barcelona shot, try hitting up some of these:
#1 The Roof of Casa Milà
What: Commonly known as La Pedrera, Casa Milà is a must on the Gaudí tourist trail. And, while a stroll amongst the sculptural chimneys is definitely worth the crowds, Hotel Omm’s Rooftop terrace and pool offers a more distant perspective, with less crowds, more drinks, plus a pool.
Where: Casa Milà – Provença, 261-265, Hotel Omm – Carrer del Rosselló, 265
#2 The Beach of Barceloneta
What: Part of Barcelona’s laid back charm is the ability to be ducking around medieval streets one moment and splayed out on Barceloneta’s beach the next. Before you go all jellyfish though, don’t miss Rebecca Horn’s La Estrella Herida or “Injured Star” sculpture of 4 stacked Corten boxes in the sand…because aren’t we all?
Where: Passeig Marítim, Barceloneta Beach
#3 Up on Mont Tibidabo
What: If you’re looking for something romantic, or just want a killer view of the city, head to the 1905 built Tibidabo amusement park perched atop Mount Tibidabo. Legend has it that the mountain is also the first place the Devil tempted Jesus with the phrase “All this I will give you if you kneel down“, which can make for an awkward (or totally goth) location to pop the question.
Nomad Tip: Don’t miss riding the Tramvia Blau streetcars across Barcelona to get to the funicular station at the base of the mountain. With a fleet of seven classic streetcars dating from 1901 (with one being open-air), they will see you traverse some of Barcelona’s best (and greenest) neighbourhoods in vintage style.
Where: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3-4
#4 Fundació Mies van der Rohe
What: The reconstructed Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van der Rohe was originally designed for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona and remains as one of the most iconic examples of modern design. Sitting at the base of Montjuic, don’t miss a visit to the pavilion to see one of the first examples of the ever-so-popular open plan concept done up in luxe marble and onyx.
Where: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7
#5 La Sagrada Familia
What: You can’t miss Gaudí’s church as you truck around Barcelona, and chances are you’ll wind up here if you haven’t yet seen it. Beginning construction in 1882, and with an expected completion in 2026 (the 100-year anniversary of Gaudí’s death) the icon of the city is also probably one of the most snapped. You can find some pretty great views of the church from around the city, but the Ayre Hotel Rosellón rooftop bar provides one of the best.
Where: Sagrada Familia – Carrer de Mallorca, 401, Ayre Hotel Rosellón – Carrer del Rosselló, 390
#6 Lost in the Parc del Laberint d’Horta
What: Get lost like Alice (or terrified ala The Shining) in one of the oldest hedge mazes in the world. Designed in 1792 by Domenico Bagutti, the hedge maze makes up only a fraction of the 55 hectare park. Exhibiting both romantic and neo-classical stylings, the gardens are widely considered the most beautiful in Barcelona with insta-worthy bridges, ponds and mythological statues hidden throughout.
Where: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1
#7 In the Streets of El Born
What: Sandwiched between Via Laietana and Barceloneta, the El Born neighbourhood has quickly become the fashionable centre of the city. Filled with bohemian bars (try Guzzo) and independent boutiques, if you’re looking to get your paella on, look no further than Restaurant 7 Portes where everyone from Miró to Woody Allen has dined in the 180-year old establishment that specialises in the Catalan dish.
Where: Guzzo – Plaça Comercial, 10, Restaurant 7 Portes – Passeig Isabel II, 14
#8 On a Bodega Tour
What: Head slightly outside the city to explore the stocked cellars of one of the most well established Cava Houses in the world. It’s bubbly, there’s samples, and you get to travel through the underground cellars on a miniature train.
Where: Joan Sala, 2. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (approx. 40 minutes outside Barcelona)
#9 Around the Torre Glòries
What: The Torre Glòries has been called many things (namely the Torre Agbar before recently being renamed) and initially caused quite the controversy with many claiming it did not fit in with the Catalan architectural style. Day or night, the tower shimmers in the Barcelona light, and has now become embraced as a modern icon of the city in its own rite.
Where: Avinguda Diagonal, 211
#10 Parc Güell
What: Another of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, Parc Güell is a must on almost all tourist itineraries (meaning it can get busy). The park is full of symbolism and references, so to get more bang for your buck, do some research before you go or sign up for a tour. To be there at sunset? #Barcelona.
Where: Parc Güell in the Gràcia district
Read Also: Why Everyone Should Visit Barcelona at least Once
Vicky? Cristina? Barcelona.
Image Credits: Main
