The most Instagrammable places in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

Arguably the city’s biggest attraction and even appearing in an Ed Sheeran music video where he danced around it, La Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece of structure. Not estimated to be fully completed until 2032, this manmade wonder will be 150 years in the making when the finishing touches are made to the décor. That doesn’t seem to hinder the level of extravagance, though. Both from the outside and the inside, this futuristic cathedral was designed by Gaudi to be an amalgamation of Catalan modernism and art nouveau style. One glimpse at the recognisable spires towering from the majestic basilica into the blue sky and your camera will be itching from the inside of your pocket to get out. The contrast of the small and the large details come together to produce an unforgettable sight: grand facades depicting the nativity scene amongst others adorn the spires, which when completed will make La Sagrada Familia the tallest church building in the world. Picture opportunities here are endless and this doesn’t end once inside. The sunlight streams through the kaleidoscope of coloured stained-glass windows creating rainbow shadows dancing on the stone walls, the perfect backdrop for that selfie.

Another Gaudi masterpiece, Park Güell is a collection of some of the architect’s finest work. Originally built to be an estate for wealthy families, this UNESCO world heritage site and modern-day park may be barren in its natural elements but its overflowing in design genius. Incorporating the land into many of the structures, Gaudi created unique roadways, pavilions, stairways and a square in his signature art nouveau style using mosaic design and modernistic lines. A stop along the route from the top to the bottom of the park or vice versa is guaranteed to be a picture-perfect scene, especially if you grab a shot from the top of the park where sweeping panoramas of the city are on offer. Standout features of Park Güell are: The Greek Theatre and The Dragon Stairway which you have to pay extra for. If ever there was a substitution for the Chanel staircase in Paris, this is it with its patchwork of intricate tiles, just calling you to stand in front with you best pose.

Park Güell

Another Gaudi masterpiece, Park Güell is a collection of some of the architect’s finest work. Originally built to be an estate for wealthy families, this UNESCO world heritage site and modern-day park may be barren in its natural elements but its overflowing in design genius. Incorporating the land into many of the structures, Gaudi created unique roadways, pavilions, stairways and a square in his signature art nouveau style using mosaic design and modernistic lines. A stop along the route from the top to the bottom of the park or vice versa is guaranteed to be a picture-perfect scene, especially if you grab a shot from the top of the park where sweeping panoramas of the city are on offer. Standout features of Park Güell are: The Greek Theatre and The Dragon Stairway which you have to pay extra for. If ever there was a substitution for the Chanel staircase in Paris, this is it with its patchwork of intricate tiles, just calling you to stand in front with you best pose.

Plaça Reial

Arguably the most famous street in town, Las Ramblas is practically unavoidable when tracking the tourist trail around the sun-splashed city but turn off about halfway down the road and you’ll enter a world of elegance in Plaça Reial. This beautiful square is a haven for Barcelona’s stylish youth who emerge at night to enjoy traditional cuisine and an addictive ambiance. With the statement fountain in the middle and tall brocade lampposts sprinkled around, you could easily be mistaken for thinking you’re in Paris, until you spot the waving Barcelonan palm trees. Put on your finest clothes for a night of intimacy and glamour at this hot spot, and find your best angle sitting on the edge of the water feature or swinging a set of lamps Gaudi designed. Not many tourists know these are here, so look for the plaque on the floor with his name on and capture the moment.

Forget Las Vegas’ Fountains of Bellagio, Barcelona has bought its own version to the party. The magic fountain of Montjuic has been wowing audiences with its nightly performance since 1929, and this spectacular show of light, water and music will brighten up any Instagram feed. Grabbing a spot on the stairs leading up to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and watching the sunset is a warmup that’s practically a Catalonian ritual. Once you’ve got your seats for the main show, the backdrop of dancing water cascades will make capturing the moment with your loved ones in a picture simply irresistible. This is also a completely free attraction and has varying start times depending on the season of year. Take a look at the schedule here.

Magic fountain of Montjuic

Forget Las Vegas’ Fountains of Bellagio, Barcelona has bought its own version to the party. The magic fountain of Montjuic has been wowing audiences with its nightly performance since 1929, and this spectacular show of light, water and music will brighten up any Instagram feed. Grabbing a spot on the stairs leading up to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and watching the sunset is a warmup that’s practically a Catalonian ritual. Once you’ve got your seats for the main show, the backdrop of dancing water cascades will make capturing the moment with your loved ones in a picture simply irresistible. This is also a completely free attraction and has varying start times depending on the season of year. Take a look at the schedule here.

Ciutadella Park

Look down at the city from above and just a fingertip away from the strip of yellow at Barceloneta Beach, sandwiched between symmetrical blocks of building is the Ciutadella Park, a welcome oasis of greenery. A stroll around this sanctuary of serenity will see you escape the bustle of the city, finding ideal spots for a photo with the background of bending palm trees and the main fountain, designed by Gaudi, of course. If you’re willing to risk your phone for the perfect addition to your feed, then jump into one of the rowing boats and drift across the shimmering waters of the lake. An activity often overlooked by visitors to the park, you’ll soon forget you’re in Spain’s busiest city with the peaceful atmosphere, beating sun and soft sound of the lapping water below your paddle. If you prefer to stay upon still ground, a picnic here followed by a visit to the Zoo of Barcelona, located in the grounds of the park, is a must to break up a fleeting itinerary of shopping, eating and sightseeing.

Arguably the most famous hotel in the city, W Barcelona is an eclectic mix of vibrant colours and refined aesthetics in the décor and liveliness in its party atmosphere. Renowned for its recognisable shape, like a mirrored sail poking out of the beach into the turquoise waves, W is an Instagram lover’s dream. Check yourself into one of the Sky Guest rooms and you’ll be met with floor to ceiling glass windows facing the strip where the sea meets the sand, with vistas reaching the skyscrapers in the distance too. The Extreme Wow Presidential Suite will offer you the most picturesque spot, with your circular bed sitting just in front of the elongated windows out onto the sea, the number one spot to get that blogger style picture. To complete your gallery, stick your phone in a waterproof case and head up to the sundeck where you can escape to endless beach and sea views while relaxing in the infinity pool. With the unforgettable panoramas as your backdrop, exclusivity will be injected into your feed to stir envy in all your followers.

W Hotel

Arguably the most famous hotel in the city, W Barcelona is an eclectic mix of vibrant colours and refined aesthetics in the décor and liveliness in its party atmosphere. Renowned for its recognisable shape, like a mirrored sail poking out of the beach into the turquoise waves, W is an Instagram lover’s dream. Check yourself into one of the Sky Guest rooms and you’ll be met with floor to ceiling glass windows facing the strip where the sea meets the sand, with vistas reaching the skyscrapers in the distance too. The Extreme Wow Presidential Suite will offer you the most picturesque spot, with your circular bed sitting just in front of the elongated windows out onto the sea, the number one spot to get that blogger style picture. To complete your gallery, stick your phone in a waterproof case and head up to the sundeck where you can escape to endless beach and sea views while relaxing in the infinity pool. With the unforgettable panoramas as your backdrop, exclusivity will be injected into your feed to stir envy in all your followers.

Camp Nou

There’s no doubt you’ll feel the roar of the crowd tingle down your spine as you walk into the home of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou. The third largest football stadium in the world can be experienced in a variety of tours. The Players Experience Tour gives you exclusive access to the pitch as you walk along the grass that’s been the carpet for some of the best football players to live (in many people’s opinion…) Feel like a player yourself with a sit in the press room, a visit to the changing rooms and an official FCB gift at the end to help you relive those memories long after. Explore the choice of tours here.

A flurry of neon signs, palm trees lit by fairy lights and tropical wallpaper… what more could you want? Welcome to Bananas, a restaurant injecting quirkiness, fun and individuality into the city’s crowded dining scene. Step into the kaleidoscope of colour and you may feel like you’re on a Caribbean island, with the uplifting soundtrack emulating the rippling waters and beating sun of the tropics. Once you’ve dragged your starstruck eyes away from the illuminated décor, you can indulge in international cuisine with an oriental touch. Caribbean and oriental flavours reign supreme with coconut milk and aromatic spices nudging their way into every dish. Italy hasn’t been left out the mix though, with pasta, risottos and cannelloni appearing on the eclectic menu. Your camera will get a workout in the choice of three rooms: a covered veranda; a small bar lined with neon palm trees and a Caribbean library for private celebrations, all as instagrammable as the next. For more information, click here.

Bananas Restaurant

A flurry of neon signs, palm trees lit by fairy lights and tropical wallpaper… what more could you want? Welcome to Bananas, a restaurant injecting quirkiness, fun and individuality into the city’s crowded dining scene. Step into the kaleidoscope of colour and you may feel like you’re on a Caribbean island, with the uplifting soundtrack emulating the rippling waters and beating sun of the tropics. Once you’ve dragged your starstruck eyes away from the illuminated décor, you can indulge in international cuisine with an oriental touch. Caribbean and oriental flavours reign supreme with coconut milk and aromatic spices nudging their way into every dish. Italy hasn’t been left out the mix though, with pasta, risottos and cannelloni appearing on the eclectic menu. Your camera will get a workout in the choice of three rooms: a covered veranda; a small bar lined with neon palm trees and a Caribbean library for private celebrations, all as instagrammable as the next. For more information, click here.

When not taking in the sights of Barcelona, you’re guaranteed to find tantalising tastes and sumptuous stays. To start exploring this stylish city with its unique design, call 0203 816 0985 or enquire here and talk to one of our personal travel managers about your perfect getaway. To browse our top picks of luxury accommodation in the city, click here.