11 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Barcelona
On the northeast coast of Catalonia stands one of our favorite Spanish cities: Barcelona. The colors, designs, tastes and textures of Barcelona are unparalleled; it’s a perfect place to vicariously take your Instagram followers. Whether you’re in town for great eats and drinks (like fideuà, which is similar to paella, but with noodles instead of rice), or there to find a great party (at Sala Razzmatazz or La Terrrazza) or to take some time to relax and explore, Barcelona has something that can cater to every itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite Barcelona spots that are also perfect for pics.
1. Happy Pills
Created as a candy shop for adults, this “pharmacy” can fix anything that’s ailing you, except maybe a toothache. Choose from a variety of “pill bottles” which are available in multiple shapes and sizes, then fill them to the brim with your favorite candies. You can mix and match and Happy Pills features candies from all over Europe. Happy Pills is known for its vibrance, simplicity and variety; it's perfect for an Instagram shot and a fun pit stop.
2. Da Greco
Yes, this place is an Italian restaurant and Barcelona is obviously in Spain, but for foodies and carboholics alike, this place is a must-visit. It’s usually best to start with a Caprese and end with a cannoli, but whatever you choose for your main in between is up to you. From the creamy Parmesan risotto to plump, buttery prawns, Da Greco is the prime place in Barcelona for mouth-watering dishes. Don’t forget to snap some photos before you devour your dish — you'll make your followers hungry.
3. Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Basilica de La Sagrada Familia, nestled comfortably inside of Barcelona’s central grid, is not your everyday cathedral experience. Antoni Gaudí spent more than 40 years designing the temple and construction still continues today; however, the unfinished facade is stunning and features several towers and intricate details. While the outside is picture-worthy itself, the inside is adorned with intentional light and color 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 Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
4. Park Güell
Designed by the same architect as Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is full of artistic pieces that play to Gaudí’s love for nature and color. 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. For an additional €7 on top of the €7.50 admission price, you can take advantage of a one-hour walking tour — learn about the inspiration for each piece while finding the best angle for your photo.
5. La Ribera
For travelers who are looking for a chic, artistic vibe, definitely check out the La Ribera district. This storied region used to host Barcelona’s artisans including mirror makers, hatters and silversmiths, but today the area plays host to studios and galleries. Check out the Museu Picasso and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, then grab some tapas at Mercat Princesa or relax at Ziryab Cocktail & Shisha Lounge. Whatever you decide to do, prepare for an easygoing and historically charged detour through the city.
6. Playa de la Barceloneta
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." This is the oldest beach in Barcelona, and it includes umbrellas and sun beds for rent, volleyball courts and the opportunity to catch some Mediterranean rays while relaxing or enjoying water sports. 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.
7. Catedral de Barcelona
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. The cathedral plays host to an enormous pipe organ that dates back to the 1500s, but its restoration was completed in 1994. Monthly organ concerts have been given since 1990, so check to see whether your trip aligns with this or any of the cathedral’s treasured traditions. 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.
8. La Boqueria
Built on the site of the St. Joseph Monastery, this market is an ideal place to experience sensory overload in Barcelona. Filled with vibrant colors and decadent smells, you will be able to find almost anything to satisfy your appetite. While La Boqueria is filled with confectionary sweets and raw meats and produce, there are also several places to eat; if you’re willing, you can try some Catalonian classics such as esqueixada (salted, dried cod with tomatoes and onions) or xuixos (fried, creme-filled pastries.) Don’t forget to snap a shot of the traditional dishes that you try, or the colorful candies you find.
9. Palau de la Música Catalana
Perfect for music-lovers and folks who enjoy attending concerts in grand halls, Palau de la Música Catalana is highly regarded as a major cultural center in Barcelona. With its mission to promote musical prowess — choral performance in particular — visitors have the opportunity to catch one (or more) of the shows on their extensive program. While photography may not be permitted during the concerts, you may arrive early to catch your shot or take advantage of a guided tour. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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. Originally, the house served as the summer home for a wealthy stockbroker; however, today it serves as a restored museum and community center. Before you visit, check out the current program of exhibitions and activities so that you can make the most out of your trip to this colorful paradise; the hues, mixed media and patterns are obvious signatures of Gaudí, and are ideal for a few great snaps.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.