Do you have a day in Barcelona and want to get 10 spectacular photos without getting lost in crowds? This guide not only shows you where to take photos in Barcelona, but when to go exactlyfrom which angle to shoot and with what settings so that each image counts.
As photography studio that works weekly in these places to take photos in Barcelona, we have verified every detail for 2026. Updated schedules, access changes and new policies that other articles don't mention. For example, the Búnquers del Carmel Bunkers del Carmel now have night closure (7:30 PM in summer, 5:30 PM in winter) and Park Güell works with specific time slots that you must book in advance.
This guide is reviewed in December 2025 and will take you through the Beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos, most impressive spots in the city, from corners of the Gothic Quarter to panoramic viewpoints, futuristic architecture and rooftops with privileged views. All designed so you arrive, position yourself at the exact spot and capture that photo you're looking for.
Places to take photos in Barcelona center and Gothic Quarter
The historic center concentrates some of the beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos. The key to getting clean images in these places to take photos is to get up early. The Gothic Quarter on weekdays and before 9:00 AM gives you empty streets and soft light perfect for that urban aesthetic you're looking for.
The Kiss Mural: romantic spot in the Gothic Quarter
This mural painted by Joan Fontcuberta has become one of the most Instagrammable beautiful spots for photos in Barcelona in the entire Gothic Quarter. The work shows two faces merging in a kiss, with vibrant colors that contrast perfectly with the medieval stone walls surrounding it. If you're looking for places to take photos in Barcelona with that romantic and urban touch, this spot is essential.
To get there, take the metro to Jaume I (L4) and walk 3 minutes to Plaça d'Isidre Nonell. It's a small and somewhat hidden square, which adds that "discovery" touch that works very well on social media.
Photo you'll take: clean portrait with complete mural in the background, ideal for couples or aesthetic travel photos.
The best framing is with a 50mm or the phone's portrait mode at 2x. This way you compress the scene, clean the background of distractions and achieve that natural blur that separates the subject from the mural. If you shoot with a wide angle very close, the perspective distorts both the model and the mural.
The typical mistake is going on a Saturday afternoon. You'll find a line of 15-20 people waiting their turn. On weekdays before 9:00 AM you'll practically have the mural to yourself. If you arrive and there are people, try a side framing that includes only part of the mural and one of the adjacent alleys. It works just as well and you won't have to wait.
Carrer del Bisbe and its famous Gothic bridge
This neo-Gothic bridge that crosses Carrer del Bisbe is probably the most photographed postcard of the Gothic Quarter and one of the most sought-after places in Barcelona for photos by professional photographers. The lines of the arch guide the eye, the texture of the stone adds drama and the narrowness of the street creates a perfect vertical composition. It's definitely one of those cool places to take photos in Barcelona that you can't miss.
You get there by metro (Jaume I, L4) and walk 2 minutes. The street connects Plaça Sant Jaume with the Cathedral, so it's inevitable that many people pass through during the day.
Photo you'll take: classic Barcelona postcard with Gothic architecture and dramatic perspective.
You have two framings that compete on Instagram. The first is with a wide angle from under the arch, capturing all the height and depth of the street. The second is with a short telephoto lens (or 2x-3x zoom on the phone) from further back, isolating only the bridge and compressing the scene to eliminate side distractions.
The mistake I constantly see in this place to take photos in Barcelona is shooting at eye level with tourists crossing. The solution is to lower the camera angle (at chest height or even lower) and wait for those 10-15 second gaps when the street momentarily empties. If you get up early, this problem disappears completely.
Plaça Reial: perfect symmetry for urban photos
The symmetry of this square is a gift for photography. Identical buildings on all four sides, central palm trees and the lampposts designed by Gaudí create a balanced composition that works both day and night. It's one of those beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos where the light completely changes the result and where many photographers organize professional sessions due to its versatility.
You access it from Liceu (L3) in 3 minutes walking. The square is open 24 hours, although the terraces close late on weekends.
Photo you'll take: perfect architectural symmetry with Gaudí's lampposts as protagonists.
During the day, position yourself at the exact center of the square and use the palm trees as a natural frame. Gaudí's lampposts in the foreground provide that unique detail that differentiates your photo from typical postcards. At night, things change completely. You need to freeze the scene without it shaking. If you have a camera, use high ISO and look for some support (bench, column, railing). With a phone, activate night mode and keep a steady pulse or rest the phone on some surface.
The key to nighttime composition is to look for perfect symmetry. Center the frame using the building lines as a guide and let the warm lights of the terraces balance the shadows in this place to take photos in Barcelona.
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Book your sessionPlaces in Barcelona to take photos with panoramic views
This is where you get that "wow" in your gallery. But beyond the visual effect, you need to know exactly how to get up, how long it will take, where to position yourself once at the top and what lens to use so you don't get disappointed when you see the result at home. These places to photograph in Barcelona require a bit more planning, but the result is worth every minute.
Bunkers del Carmel: the most spectacular sunset
The Bunkers del Carmel are the most photographed viewpoint in Barcelona for a simple reason: complete 360° view of the city with the sea in the background. Sagrada Família, Torre Glòries, Montjuïc, the port... all visible from the same point. Without a doubt, it's one of the most spectacular beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos you'll find. But in 2026 there's an important change that many people discover when it's too late: there's night closure.
You get there by metro to Alfons X (L4) or El Coll - La Teixonera (L5) and walk up 15-20 minutes on a steep slope. There's also a bus (V17) that drops you closer. Access is free, but closing times are strictly enforced to reduce neighborhood disturbances.
Photo you'll take: complete Barcelona skyline with sea in the background and sunset colors.
The most important thing is to arrive between 60 and 90 minutes before sunset to get a spot. Weekends fill up completely. The golden hour here is brutal, with warm light bathing the buildings and the sky going through all shades of orange, pink and purple. It's the perfect moment for those Barcelona photo locations you want to share on social media.
For the complete skyline you need a wide angle (16-24mm) on camera, or the ultra wide angle lens on your phone. If you want to capture specific details like the Sagrada Família or Torre Glòries in the background, switch to a short telephoto lens (70-100mm) or 3x-5x zoom on your phone to compress them and make them stand out in the composition.
A tip that makes a difference: if the main viewpoint is saturated, move 20-30 meters to the sides. You'll get more interesting layers of the city with buildings at different depth planes. And remember to be respectful with the neighbors in the area. Avoid loud music, trash and unnecessary noise.
Tibidabo and the Church of the Sacred Heart
Tibidabo gives you two completely different photos. On one hand, you can photograph all of Barcelona from above with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. On the other hand, you have the Temple of the Sacred Heart, a spectacular church that works as a main subject with the city behind. They are two different photographic objectives that require different times of day, making this one of the most versatile places in Barcelona for photos.
To get up, take the Tibidabo funicular (Cuca de Llum) from Peu del Funicular station, which connects with the Tramvia Blau or buses. From the top of the funicular, you still have a short walk to the best viewpoints.
Photo you'll take: city of Barcelona with the sea in the background from height or dramatic temple with city layers.
If you want the photo of the city with the sea in the background, the afternoon works better. The side light of the sunset highlights the depth, the sea shines with golden reflections and you'll get a more cinematic image. To photograph the temple with fewer people and good frontal light, get up early. The early hours have soft light that doesn't generate harsh shadows on the façade.
The composition tip that works best in these places for photo sessions in Barcelona is to use the temple as a frame and the city as background, creating layers of depth. With a 24-70mm you can play with both compositions without constantly changing position.
Montjuïc: the Mayor's viewpoint and its views
Montjuïc offers places to take photos in Barcelona with fewer crowds than the Bunkers but with equally spectacular views of the port, the city and the Mediterranean. The Mirador de l'Alcalde is especially interesting because it combines architecture, Mediterranean vegetation and urban panorama in the same composition. Many photographers in Barcelona use this viewpoint for editorial sessions precisely for this versatility.
You access by cable car, funicular or bus (55, 150). You can also walk up from Plaça d'Espanya, although the climb is long. The spaces are wider than at the Bunkers, which gives you freedom to move around and look for different framings without being on top of other photographers. For those looking for places for photo sessions in Barcelona with tranquility, this viewpoint is ideal.
Photo you'll take: Barcelona port with Mediterranean vegetation in the foreground, editorial look.
The framing that works best includes Mediterranean vegetation (pines, palm trees, native plants) in the foreground and the port with the city behind. This provides depth and that editorial touch that differentiates a tourist photo from a crafted image. Use f/8-f/11 to keep both foreground and background sharp, or f/2.8-f/4 if you prefer to softly blur the vegetation and make the urban background the protagonist.
If there are events in Montjuïc (concerts, festivals, races), some access points may be closed. Your plan B is to move 5-10 minutes through the Jardins de Joan Brossa or the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. Both have excellent views and are just a few meters from the Mirador de l'Alcalde.
Beautiful places in Barcelona for modern photos
Contemporary architecture offers locations for photos in Barcelona with futuristic aesthetics, perfect geometric lines and that urban minimalism that works so well on Instagram. Here wins whoever knows exactly where to position themselves to capture clean geometry without distracting elements. These places in Barcelona for such modern photos contrast perfectly with the Gothic architecture of the historic center.
Fira de Barcelona and the Venetian Towers
The Venetian Towers flanking Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina create one of the most powerful symmetrical compositions in Barcelona. The vanishing lines of the avenue lead the eye directly to the Palau Nacional in Montjuïc, with the twin towers perfectly framing the scene. It's definitely one of the most impressive places for photo sessions in Barcelona for urban photography.
Metro Espanya (L1, L3, L8) drops you right at the spot. It's one of the most accessible places to take photos in Barcelona in the entire city.
span class="highlight">Photo you'll take: perfect symmetry with vanishing lines towards Montjuïc, clean urban aesthetic.
To achieve perfect vanishing lines you need a wide angle and position yourself at the exact center of the avenue. Crouch down a bit to emphasize the perspective and make the lines converge dramatically towards the Palau Nacional. The phone with ultra wide angle lens works perfectly here.
The best time is between 7:30 and 9:00 AM for two reasons. First, you avoid the constant traffic of buses and cars crossing the avenue during the day. Second, the dawn light comes from the side, creating elongated shadows that add dimension to the photograph. An early weekend is ideal because you also reduce the flow of pedestrians in this place to take photos in Barcelona.
Torre Glòries: Barcelona's luminous icon
The Torre Glòries (former Torre Agbar) is that glass and aluminum cylinder you recognize in any Barcelona skyline. During the day it's interesting, but at night when it lights up is when it really stands out photographically. The changing LED colors make it a perfect dynamic subject for urban night photography and one of the most recognizable places to take photos in Barcelona.
Metro Glòries (L1) drops you 2 minutes walking. From Plaça de les Glòries you have several good angles to work with.
Photo you'll take: illuminated tower with sky in blue hour or urban composition with converging lines.
You have two strategies in this place to take photos of Barcelona. The first is to get close and shoot with dramatic perspective, using a wide angle to capture the complete tower from below emphasizing its height. The second is to move away and find a point where you can include urban lines (streets, buildings) that lead towards the tower.
The key moment is the blue hour, those 20-30 minutes after sunset when the sky still has light but it's no longer daytime. Here you perfectly balance the blue of the sky with the artificial lights of the tower and the city. If you wait until full night, the sky turns black and you lose that cinematic quality of the background.
Parks in Barcelona for photos and sessions
Green spaces are ideal places for photo sessions in Barcelona when you're looking for portraits with nature, soft light filtered through trees or that relaxed atmosphere that works so well for couple and family sessions. The key here is understanding reservations, managing shadows and anticipating crowds. These parks in Barcelona for photos offer perfect alternatives to urban spaces.
Park Güell: colorful mosaics and Gaudí architecture
Park Güell is probably the most recognizable place to take photos in Barcelona after the Sagrada Família. The colorful mosaics, undulating columns and the famous serpentine bench with city views are a magnet for photographers. It's one of those beautiful spots to take photos in Barcelona that appear in all guides, but in 2026 it works with a time slot system that you need to know before going.
The monumental zone (where the bench, colonnade and best mosaics are) requires timed entry ticket. There are time slots reserved for residents and members (generally 7:00-9:30 AM and 6:00-10:00 PM), while tickets for visitors are sold approximately between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM according to official schedule. Book online days in advance, especially in high season.
You get there by metro to Lesseps (L3) or Vallcarca (L3) and walk up 10-15 minutes. There are also buses (24, 92, H6) that get you closer.
Photo you'll take: portrait with Gaudí's mosaics in the background, serpentine bench with city in the background, colorful columns.
You have three "safe photo" zones that always work in this place to take photos in Barcelona. The serpentine bench is the most sought after, with its colorful mosaics and panoramic views of Barcelona. Sit on the bench, use the phone's portrait mode or a 50-85mm on camera, and get that clean portrait with natural blur. The lower colonnade (hypostyle hall) has those inclined columns and the ceiling decorated with mosaics. Here a wide angle works well to capture the complete architecture. The park's viewpoints offer wide views of the city with Gaudí's architectural elements in the foreground.
The typical mistake is using wide angle very close for portraits. It distorts the face and body, and the result is not flattering. Move away and use 2x-3x zoom on the phone or a 50mm minimum on camera. Facial compression is much more flattering.
Laribal Gardens: the best-kept secret
The Jardins de Laribal is one of those beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos that few tourists know but that local photographers constantly use for professional work. Stairways of Arab inspiration, small waterfalls, ponds, pergolas with wisteria and abundant Mediterranean vegetation. All free and without need for reservation. It's one of the most peaceful and photogenic places for photo sessions in Barcelona.
You access from Plaça d'Espanya going up towards Montjuïc. You can walk (15-20 minutes) or take bus 55 or 150 that drop you nearby.
Photo you'll take: editorial portrait with Mediterranean vegetation, waterfalls and Arab-inspired architecture.
What makes the Jardins de Laribal special is the filtered light. The trees and pergolas create natural soft shade, perfect for skin in portraits. Cloudy days here are pure gold because the diffused light eliminates harsh shadows on the face, softens the skin and slightly saturates the colors of the vegetation.
For composition, the stairways work with the model sitting on the steps and you shooting from below to lengthen the legs. The waterfalls and ponds provide that element of movement if you use slow speed (1/30s or slower with tripod). The pergolas create perfect natural frames.
A mini wardrobe tip for this place to take photos in Barcelona: earth tones (beige, brown, terracotta) and whites work incredibly well here. They integrate with the Mediterranean atmosphere without visually competing with the surroundings. Avoid neon colors or very busy prints that distract from the overall composition.
Plan your session in these unique settings
Inglés: Can you imagine your photo session at Park Güell at dawn or at the Bunkers with the complete skyline? We organize the complete logistics: reservations, perfect timing and the best framings for each location.
Contact usBeautiful places in Barcelona for rooftop photos
Barcelona's elevated rooftops give you that privileged perspective of the city with the possibility of including iconic architectural elements in your composition. These are places in Barcelona for photo sessions where you need to be extremely transparent with the policies: mandatory consumption in most, possible queues at peak hours and variable schedules according to season.
Lamaro Hotel (formerly Hotel Colón): direct views of the Cathedral
The Lamaro Hotel rooftop (which until recently we knew as Hotel Colón) literally puts you in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. It's one of those beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos where location is everything. The Gothic towers fill your entire frame, the bell towers are silhouetted against the sky and you get a unique perspective of the old town. Without a doubt, one of the best places in Barcelona to take photos from height.
Metro Jaume I (L4) drops you 3 minutes walking. The rooftop is called L'Àtic and opens from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. They don't take reservations, it works on a first-come, first-served basis with an access fee that may vary.
Photo you'll take: Barcelona Cathedral from elevated perspective, best in golden hour or blue hour.
To get a "front row" table with direct view of the Cathedral, arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset and assume there may be a waiting line. Weekends especially fill up fast. Once upstairs, use the 1x or 2x zoom on your phone to capture the bell towers without distorting them. The common mistake is using ultra wide angle very close, which distorts the Gothic towers and ruins the architectural proportion.
El millor moment fotogràfic és quan el sol comença a baixar i la llum daurada il·lumina lateralment la façana de la Catedral. Les ombres en els detalls gòtics s'accentuen i aconsegueixes volum tridimensional a la imatge. Si et quedes fins a la blue hour, pots capturar la Catedral il·luminada artificialment amb el cel encara blau de fons.
360 Sky Bar: complete city panorama
The name says it all: 360-degree view of Barcelona from the rooftop of Hotel Barceló Raval. You can literally do a complete turn and photograph the city from all angles. Montjuïc, the sea, Tibidabo, Torre Glòries, the Gothic Quarter... all visible from the same point. It's one of the most complete places in Barcelona to take photos in terms of panoramic views.
Metro Liceu (L3) drops you 5 minutes walking. The terrace is circular and is open practically all year, although hours may change according to season. Check the hotel's website if you're on a very tight schedule.
Photo you'll take: 360° urban panorama with different points of interest in Barcelona, especially spectacular at night.
The beauty of this place to take photos is precisely moving around. Don't stay in one spot. Do the complete turn, identify which direction has the best light at that moment and work from there. At night, the illuminated city is spectacular, but you need to avoid camera shake. Use the railing or a column as support to stabilize the phone or camera. Burst mode helps, shoot 5-10 photos in a row and keep the sharpest one.
Blue hour (20-30 minutes after sunset) works better than full night because it balances the blue sky with the artificial lights of the city. In full night the sky turns black and you lose depth in the image.
Honest note: some reviews mention experiences with different access slots depending on the day of the week or private events. If your schedule is very tight, call the hotel before going to confirm availability in this place to take photos in Barcelona.
Places to take photos in Barcelona and surroundings
When you look for places to take photos in Barcelona and surroundings, you expand the possibilities towards photographic getaways that mix nature, coast and charming towns. The advantage is that they are still accessible by public transport from Barcelona city, generally in less than an hour. These places to take photos outside the urban center offer completely different landscapes.
Sitges: coastal town 40 minutes from Barcelona
Sitges is the perfect coastal town to do a photo session in Barcelona with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. White houses with blue shutters, cobbled alleys, golden sand beaches and a seafront promenade with palm trees. All just 40 minutes by train from Barcelona. It's one of the most popular places for photo sessions in Barcelona among Barcelona photographers specialized in weddings and couples.
You take the Rodalies train (lines R2 Sud or RT2) from Passeig de Gràcia, Sants or any main station. The frequency is high during the day and the journey hugs the coast with sea views.
Photo you'll take: editorial beach session at dawn, white Mediterranean streets, couple portrait with sea in the background.
The dawn on Sitges beaches is magical. Soft light, pastel colors in the sky, empty sand and golden reflections in the water. If you're looking for that clean editorial look this is your moment. The streets of the historic center work better in the afternoon golden hour, when the warm light bounces off the white façades creating a warm and Mediterranean atmosphere.
A practical tip for these places for photo sessions on the beach: days with a bit of wind add natural movement to hair and clothing. Take advantage of it instead of fighting it. Wind-blown hair and light fabrics moving create dynamism in the image. That said, secure the photographic equipment and avoid changing lenses with wind and sand nearby.
Montserrat: mountain landscape and monastery
Montserrat takes you completely out of the urban environment and brings you to a dramatic mountain landscape with unique rock formations and a Benedictine monastery embedded in the rock. It's one of those photo locations that works for epic landscape photography, religious architecture and portraits with mountain backgrounds. Definitely one of the most impressive places in Barcelona to photograph if you're looking for dramatic nature.
From Barcelona you take the Rodalies train (R5) to Monistrol de Montserrat and then go up with the rack railway (mountain train) or funicular. The complete journey is approximately 90 minutes.
Photo you'll take: dramatic landscape with rock needles, monastery with mountain in the background, epic nature composition.
The early morning hours sometimes have low fog that adds mystery and drama to the rock formations. The relief is marked more with side light from dawn, creating deep shadows between the rock needles that emphasize the texture and verticality of the landscape.
To capture the rock needles in these places to take photos, a telephoto lens (70-200mm) compresses the perspective and makes the formations seem more imposing and tight. If you're looking for the epic photo with the entire landscape, the wide angle (16-35mm) is your best option. It allows you to include the monastery, surrounding mountains and dramatic sky in a single composition.
Practical tips on where to take photos in Barcelona
Beyond knowing the best places in Barcelona to take photos, there are practical details that make the difference between a correct photo and an image that really stands out.
Best time of day. The golden hour (60-90 minutes before sunset) transforms the Bunkers del Carmel into a postcard with warm tones. The blue hour (20-30 minutes after sunset) works perfectly at Torre Glòries and rooftops, when the blue sky balances the artificial lights. Use apps like Sun Surveyor to plan exactly when to arrive at the places to photograph in Barcelona.
Essential equipment. With a camera, a 24-70mm covers 80% of situations in these places to photograph in Barcelona. With a phone, take advantage of the ultra wide angle lens for architecture and portrait mode (2x-3x) for portraits in parks. The important thing is not the equipment but understanding light and composition.
Useful apps. Sun Surveyor to plan sunlight, Google Maps to organize routes between photo spots in Barcelona and your phone's night mode for low light situations in rooftops and viewpoints.
Respect for the environment. Barcelona is a living city. In these beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos, don't leave trash or block entrances with equipment. If you're planning a professional production with a model, wardrobe changes and large tripods, some spaces require permits from the city council.
Avoid crowds. The most popular places for photo sessions in Barcelona get crowded. Get up early (before 9:00 AM almost everything is empty) or have nearby alternatives. If the Kiss Mural has a line, Carrer del Bisbe is 3 minutes away. If the Bunkers are saturated, Montjuïc offers similar views with more available space.
Book your photo session in Barcelona with us
You've seen the variety of beautiful spots in Barcelona for photos that this city offers. From the Gothic historic center to panoramic viewpoints, futuristic architecture, parks with Mediterranean vegetation and rooftops with privileged views. Each area requires a different approach, specific schedules and knowledge of permits when applicable.
We work weekly in these places for photo sessions in Barcelona and know exactly what works in each one. We take care of planning schedules to avoid crowds, managing permits when necessary and always having a plan B if the weather or attendance don't cooperate. You just have to show up and enjoy while we take care of the logistics so you get the best photos in these photo spots in Barcelona.
Do you know any other place to take photos in Barcelona that we might have missed? Leave it in the comments, we're always exploring new photo locations to expand our catalog. And if you want to book a professional session in any of these cool places to take photos in Barcelona, contact our team of Barcelona photographers. We know exactly where to position you, at what time and with what settings so that every photo counts.
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