5 Places You Can't Miss for Taking Photos in Barcelona

If you love photography, you probably already know some of the most beautiful spots in the city for panoramic shots like the Bunkers or Park Güell. There are, however, plenty of equally special locations hidden away all over the city that photographers will love. Here are five lesser-known places to take photos in Barcelona that you absolutely cannot miss.

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“El Món Neix en Cada Besada” mural

Photo by Danel Baptista via Visualhunt

While this impressive mural sits tucked away just a few steps from the Cathedral of Barcelona, it often gets overlooked by visitors and locals alike. Created by local artist Joan Fontcuberta, the mural was put up in 2014 to commemorate the 300 years of history since the fall of Barcelona in the War of Spanish Succession in 1714.

The government originally asked the artist to do a work of art representing freedom, but because freedom means something entirely different to everyone, Fontcuberta asked the public to send in photos that represented a single moment of freedom to them. The giant kiss is actually not a single work of art, but an incredible mosaic of over 5,000 unique tiles made up of the individual photos the artist collected. Fontcuberta named the piece “El Món Neix en Cada Besada,” or “The World Begins with Every Kiss,” although it’s known among locals simply as “The Kiss of Freedom.”

Address: Plaça d’Isidre Nonell, 08002 Barcelona

Grec Theater

Photo by Visentico / Sento via Visualhunt

The Grec Theater is a beautiful outdoor theater situated on Montjüic Mountain. It was built for an exhibition in 1929 to replicate a Greek theater. Today, the theater is rarely used, making it the perfect spot to explore, have a picnic, or take some photos. The theater and gardens surrounding it are beautiful, quiet, and far off the beaten path of all the other more touristic sights in the city.

Address: Passeig de Santa Madrona, s/n, 08038 Barcelona

The “Guernica” of Vall d’Hebrón

Just outside the metro Montbau entrance on the walls of Ronda de Dalt, Picasso’s Guernica is open for all to see- but this one in color. Situated alongside other masterpieces of art throughout the ages, it’s an impressive sight to see and photograph. If you’re an art lover, you can’t miss this unique and colorful mural that gets easily overlooked by so many.

Address: 196, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron, 184, 08035 Barcelona

Palau Macaya

Photo by tgrauros via Visualhunt

The cultural center at Casa-Palau Macaya is home to an impressive architectural exhibition on the Catalan Modernisme movement that influenced the creation of many beautiful buildings you’ll see in Barcelona today. The building itself, once a family home, was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Antoni Gaudí. It’s a gorgeous modernist sight with over a hundred years of history and a beautiful place for taking photos without all the crowds you’ll find at other Modernist homes such as Casa Batlló or La Pedrera.

Address: Passeig de Sant Joan, 108, 08037 Barcelona

El Bosc de les Fades

Photo by LylSaura via Visualhunt

Hidden away just a few steps off La Rambla, El Bosc de les Fades might be the most beautiful café in all of Barcelona. Designed to look like an enchanted forest, the interior is dark, cozy, and entirely unique. Complete with trees, gnomes, and lanterns hanging overhead, the “forest” serves everything from coffee to cocktails. Open every day from 10:00 am to 1:00 am(11:00 – 1:00 on the weekends), this magical café is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.

Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7, 08002 Barcelona

From incredible street art to hidden cafés, Barcelona’s quieter corners are home to some of the city’s best places to visit and take photos. While these five places frequently go overlooked, they’re every bit as special as some of the more famous tourist sights. Take your camera along and you’ll get some unique shots of a few of the city’s best-kept secrets.

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