Barcelona: Street Photography with a side of Tapas
First things first: I don’t think that Barcelona is a really good choice for street photography but I’m going to share a few tips and places where you can, hopefully, get good pictures and, since we are all humans, I’ll also share my recommendations of where to stay, eat and drink. Besides, eating and drinking is where the city really shines.
From the Airport to the City Center
If you’re vising chances are you’ll be flying it at the Josep Tarradellas - El Prat Airport (BCN). It is located about 15km south-west of of Barcelona and the trip to the city center will take from 20 minutes to almost hour depending on which mean of transport you choose and where exactly you are going.
If you’re travelling by train AND metro the ticketing system is a bit confusing but the airport staff is frequently available near the ticket machines to provide help.
Aerobus
Available from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, it takes about 35 minutes and costs around 10€ for a one way ticket (I believe the round trip to be priced around 15€). It’s a blue (teal really) bus easily recognizable and you can purchase tickets either online or on the bus. It runs frequently from about 5.30 in the morning to half past midnight.
Timetables, stops and more info at: How do I get from Barcelona airport to city centre? (Section 1)
Train
Only available from Terminal 2 so if you find yourself in Terminal 1 you’ll have to take the free green shuttle bus that connects the two terminals. At T2 follow the signs fro “Renfe” (it’s the Spanish national railway company) and then you have to get on a train for the R2 North Line and you can get down either at Estació Sants or Passeig de Gràcia.
It takes around 30 minutes and costs about 5€. If your accomodation is near one of the two train stations this is the cheaper way to get there. You can buy the tickets at the vending machines you’ll see at the train station.
More info at: How do I get from Barcelona airport to city centre? (Section 2)
Timetables at: Renfe Website
Metro (Subway)
Available in both terminals, the L9 line does not go directly to the city center: you’ll have to change line most likely either in Torrassa or Collblanc. Use Google Maps to plan your itinerary and you’ll be fine.
The fare is about 5€ and, depending where you’re going, it will take something between 30 and 50 minutes. In every metro station there are vending machines where you can purchase the tickets. Sadly there is no contactless way of paying for those yet.
More info at: How do I get from Barcelona airport to city centre? (Section 3)
Bus (and night bus)
I personally avoid buses when I can and in Barcelona I never took one but you can check out che city’s website to get some information: How do I get from Barcelona airport to city centre? read section 5 and 6.
Private transfer
I never took a taxi in BCN yet but I have used Cabify more than a few times. It’s identical to Uber and a transfer to\from the airport will set you back from 12 to 20€ depending on the time of the day, festivities etc.
The ride should take about 20 minutes, even less if there is no traffic.
Where to Stay
Barcelona's neighborhoods map
Well this is highly subjective depending on what you’ll be doing in Barcelona. The metro is pretty efficient so as long as you are close to a metro station you’ll be fine. The most central ones are Jaume I and Urquinaona.
If shady alleys and high immigration areas have you on edge, book something out of El Raval and El Born neighborhoods (even tho these are among my favorite locations to shoot pictures, more on this later).
This blog post includes affiliated links.
Eating and drinking
Spain is probably famous for Tapas and Sangria. I’m not really a fan of the latter but I see how tapas make a lot of sense especially during the happy hour (that often carries on late into the night) so I totally recommend trying them early and often during your trip.
Instead of sharing a boring list of places I’ll give you my top choice for different kind of food\situation and then, as usual, you’ll find my evergrowing and up to date Google Maps’ list of favorite places.
Brunch: Billy Brunch Headquarters; a lot of variety and it’s delicious, just get there early otherwise be prepared to wait in line.
Bocadillo: Mercado de La Boqueria; probably Barcelona’s most famous market. You’ll find everything here, including delicious bocadillos.
Burger: La Sagrada Hamburgueseria; the place won the 2023 burger cup for a reason.
Burger when in a rush: Fast Eddie’s; super simple menu and the guys are true to their name as they’ll have the food ready very quickly.
Catalunyan tapas: Can Paixano; authentic, simple and super cheap.
Tapas street: Carrer de Blai; you can’t go wrong here as every place I ever tried was good.
Local cousine (and tapas): El 58; a bit far from the city center but totally worth it.
Gourmet tapas: GiGi von tapas; many options and all are delicious.
Mexican: Burritos - Sant Pere; what can I say, I can’t resist a burrito.
Korean: Seoul Nadri; I have a weakness for Korean food and this one never disappoints.
Cocktails: Sips or Paradiso; they are number 1 and 4 in the The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Rooftop: 360 Barcelò Raval; good enough drinks and, as the name suggests, 360° views of the city. It can get windy up there.
And now, as promised my lists:
Street photography
I won’t dwell on explanations for every place because I think some pictures go a long way without the need for many words.
If you have doubts or questions feel free to leave a comment or get in touch!
Airport
The airport offers a lot of structures with straight lines, big windows with a lot of light coming in and, obviously, a lot of different people walking around. Is one of my favorite places where to get pictures with a lot of contrast.
Metro and Metro stations
Sadly I don’t remember which metro station this is
The metro lines and metro stations are a good place to shoot everywhere. Barcelona is no exception and I can particularly recommend the Torrassa station as it has A LOT of escalators and mirrors.
Rambla del Mar, Ronda Litoral and Barceloneta
I’m aware that with this title I’m referring to a pretty big area that basically runs along the sea. Don’t skip the Barceloneta’s small alleys as they are very good especially at midday.
Jardin de les Tres Xemeneies
Very industrial and full of graffiti area. You’ll find skaters, colors and all kinds of people here.
Raval
Raval is home to a huge number of immigrants. The streets are mostly narrow, dark and dirty and, at times, it has a bit of a shady feel but it’s a very authentic and beautiful place where to shoot.
I would say that should explore every street but a couple of major ones come to mind: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell and Carrer de Sant Antoni Abat. They are very different one from the other but I feel like one should see both.
The two most beautiful markets of the city also are in this neighborhood: Mercado de La Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni.
Gothic Quarter
Probably my favorite neighborhood when it comes to photography. It is host to a number of historical buildings, small alleys, cathedrals and squares. Among those my favorite is definitely the Plaça Reial where it seems that something is always going on.
El Born
Similar to Raval but a bit older with a historic vibe. Every street and alley can present a good opportunity to take a picture. Since most of the alleys are quite narrow the best light is around the middle of the day.
Forum
If modern architecture, tall buildings and the overall modern\industrial vibe is your thing, then this is the perfect place.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
The Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes is a super long and huge road full of life, shops and hotels. Something is always happening but you have to get lucky. The best light is probably from mid to late afternoon and sunset.
El Palace Hotel Barcelona is on this street and offers a nice background if you are into color red (second picture).
Montjuic
It’s a huge park with escalators, stairs, paths and buildings scattered around. It also offers great views of the city.
Placa d’Espanya
Not an easy area to find a good picture but always crowded and close to Montjuic so it’s worth a shot, you might get lucky.
Parc Guell
The entrance is not free and you have to book online at least one day in advance but you will find all sorts of light and colors combinations.
