On the northeast coast of Catalonia stands one of our favorite cities of the world: Barcelona. The colors, designs, tastes and textures of Barcelona are exceptional. Whether you’re in town for a paella or a nice cocktail, to find a great club party or to relax at the beach, Barcelona has something for everyone. If you are a person who likes to share this on social networks, here are a few of our favorite Barcelona spots that are also perfect for pictures:
1. Happy Pills
The Happy Pills franchise bases the success of its candy stores on its original business concept: sell much more than candy, generate a unique customer experience with an original and fun formula. Happy Pills sells its select packs of jelly beans and sweets in pharmaceutical-inspired containers, customized by the same client. Happy Pills is known for its vibrance, simplicity and variety; it’s perfect for an Instagram shot and a fun pit stop.
2. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is the best known and most characteristic monument in Barcelona. As the greatest exponent of the modernist architecture created by Gaudí, thousands of tourists come every day to contemplate the curious but unfinished temple. While the outside is picture-worthy itself, the inside is adorned with intentional light and colour schemes meant to invoke joyful memories. You could ultimately spend hours inside, so if you have the time, take it to explore the mosaics, stained glass windows and eye-catching geometry of the Sagrada Familia.
3. Park Güell
Park Güell is a huge garden with peculiar architectural elements made by the unique architect Antonio Gaudí. This park is a fantastical playground of statues, mosaics and temples, but only a certain amount of people are allowed to enter the park every half hour. Because of this, and in combination with the park’s popularity, it is best to book in advance online.
4. La Ribera
For travellers who are looking for a chic, artistic vibe, definitely check out the La Ribera district. Now, among the old stones of the Ribera, restaurants, nightclubs and trendy shops are exhibited, filling an old neighbourhood with colour but with renewed beauty.
5. Barceloneta Beach
For sunny days in Barcelona, head to the beach. Playa de la Barceloneta is located in between the W Hotel, Aquarium de Barcelona and Casino Barcelona; you may also stumble across some art installations on the beach, including the sculpture “Homenatge a la Barceloneta.” Its central location and easy access by public transport make it one of the favourite beaches for foreign users and local young people who practice sports activities. As if the sand and sea weren’t enough for a great pic, the W Hotel and surrounding skyline make this a perfect spot for a sunset shot.
6. Barcelona’s cathedral
The Cathedral of Barcelona – officially the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia – is an ancient temple with a relatively modern façade. With overreaching arches and eye-pleasing symmetry, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Barcelona is a beautiful building to visit and a great way to experiment with different angles and frames. Note that tourist visiting hours are in the afternoon and the cathedral closes to visitors at 7:15pm, so plan to visit during those hours.
7. La Boqueria
Barcelona’s Mercat de Sant Josep, popularly known as “La Boquería”, is the most popular fresh produce market in Barcelona and one of the best known in Europe. Filled with vibrant colours and decadent smells, you will be able to find almost anything to satisfy your appetite. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the traditional dishes that you try, or the colourful candies you find.
8. Palau de la Música Catalana
Work of Domènech i Montaner, it is one of the most emblematic pieces of modernism, both for its spectacularity and for the close synthesis of architecture and applied arts. Palau de la Música Catalana is highly regarded as a major cultural center in Barcelona. The wide, jeweled arena-style hall was designed to look and serve as a whimsical music box crowned by a spectacular chandelier — perfectly captured in a wide-angle shot.
9. Camp Nou
One of the most obvious things to do while in Barcelona is to catch a football game. It’s generally wise to book your FC Barcelona match tickets before you arrive, but you may also book tickets to take a guided tour of the stadium. For fans, it’s well worth it to do both; seeing the empty stadium and learning about its history is a great way to warm up before a match. Don’t forget your camera or your FCB gear.
10. Casa Vicens
If you haven’t had enough of Gaudí, head to the newly restored Casa Vicens. The house was Gaudí’s first major commissioned project and it paved the way to the rest of his great works, as seen in Park Güell or Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
If you are in Barcelona and want to also experience its amazing nightlife, YouBarcelona can help you out with guest lists and VIP tables at the most exclusive Barcelona clubs.