Barcelona, often touted as one of the world’s most beautiful and visited cities, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. However, with its fame comes the challenge of over-tourism, especially for photographers looking to capture the city’s iconic beauty without being overwhelmed by crowds.
But fear not. With a few simple strategies, you can still enjoy and document the magic of Barcelona. And if you’ve never been there before, don’t be scared. You need to visit.
Timing is Everything
One of the golden rules for photographing Barcelona (or other European cities attracting huge crowds, like Amsterdam and Venice) is to start early and stay late. (And don't visit in the summer!)
The city’s best sidewalk strolls, from Las Ramblas to Avinguda Diagonal, are like great museums, with colorful architecture, the likes of which you won’t see anywhere else. And they are best visited at dawn, where there are few people on the streets, or dusk.
Itinerary:
La Sagrada Familia
Most people make this mistake before they leave: they don’t get around to reserving tickets for the great Barcelona attractions from home, and once they arrive, they’re sold out.
The no. 1 attraction in Barcelona is the great La Sagrada Familia, the gothic church started by architect Antoni Gaudi over 150 years ago and still under construction. Don’t forget to pre-book your tickets online—these popular spots often sell out, and securing your entry in advance will assure that you get in.
Inside the church, you’ll find yourself surrounded by intricate details and vibrant stained glass windows. Yes, it will be crowded (less so earlier in the day, natch!) but the people is so large and cavernous that there’s lots of room to move.
And while the crowds can be thick, patience is key. Wait a little bit, and people will step out of your frame—really.
Also, use the height of the building to your advantage. If there’s a crowd (of course there is) just reach over their heads and capture the grandeur by looking up.
Exploring Las Ramblas and Beyond
Las Ramblas, the heart of Barcelona, is a bustling promenade lined with street vendors and a prime spot for pickpockets. (Be careful!)
Again, the best experience is early in the morning before the crowds descend. And while this area is undeniably touristy, you can slip onto one of the side streets, where you’ll find fewer people, and the real charm of Barcelona. Here, you’ll find hidden gems and quieter scenes perfect for street photography.
Cathedral
You want to be in Barcelona on a Sunday, where around noon there’s the traditional Catalonian folk dance in the square, by the Barcelona Cathedral. Accompanied by a live orchestra, this event is a fantastic (and free) opportunity for street photography, capturing the local culture amidst a vibrant crowd.
Barcelona’s Markets
La Boqueria Market is renowned as one of Europe’s great markets, but its fame means it’s often packed, even in the early hours. Here it was just too crowded for me. For a more relaxed experience, seek out smaller, less crowded markets where you can enjoy the local flavors and capture the essence of Barcelona’s culinary scene without the hustle and bustle.
More Gaudí
The Sagrada isn’t the only Gaudi experience in Barcelona. Don’t miss:
Park Güell offers a mosaic-covered wonderland with stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Even though it’s a public park, you’ll need a ticket to enter, so plan ahead.
The Casa Batlló, with its colorful and eccentric design, is a must-see due to its extraordinary and imaginative design, and is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture .
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