I’ve recently become obsessed with taking aerial shots of Barcelona’s cityscape. The city is just breathtaking from above. The orderly city blocks, the deep blue Mediterranean, and the unique silhouettes of Gaudí’s architecture—every angle offers a different feel. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite viewpoints, hoping it helps fellow photography enthusiasts.
The Most Classic Viewpoints
The Bunkers del Carmel are my absolute top choice. Originally anti-aircraft bunkers from the Civil War, they’ve now become a prime spot for watching the sunset and capturing panoramic views. From here, you get a 360-degree overlook of the entire city of Barcelona, with the Sagrada Família, Torre Glòries, and the Mediterranean all in sight. I recommend going in the evening; the golden sunlight bathing the city is especially beautiful. However, it gets quite crowded on weekends, so for cleaner shots, a weekday afternoon is best.
Transport and Practical Information Comparison
| Location | How to get there | Best Time | Ticket |
|---|
| Bunkers del Carmel | Metro L5 to Alfons X, then a 20-min walk | 1 hour before sunset | Free |
| Sagrada Família Towers | Metro L2/L5 to Sagrada Família | 10 AM - 12 PM | From €33 |
| Montjuïc Castle | Funicular or Bus 150 | All day | €5 |
| Tibidabo Mountain | T2A Tram + Funicular | Evening | Funicular €7.70 |
The towers of the Sagrada Família are another great option. Although it requires a ticket, overlooking the city from within Gaudí’s masterpiece is a unique experience. The Nativity Façade tower offers a wider view, allowing you to clearly see Barcelona’s grid-like street pattern. Remember to book in advance on the official website, as it’s nearly impossible to get tickets on the spot.
Photography Tips
As for gear, a smartphone is actually sufficient. The photos I take with my iPhone 14 Pro look great on Instagram. If you have a camera, a wide-angle lens is a must-have; a 16-35mm focal length is ideal. A tripod isn’t very practical at a place like the Bunkers due to the crowds, so handheld shooting works just fine.
Montjuïc Castle is another spot I frequent. Its advantage is that you can capture both the port and the city in one frame. Although it’s not as high as the Bunkers in Barcelona, it offers more diverse angles. The castle itself is rich in history and can be used as a great foreground element. You can also get some great shots on the funicular ride up—remember to sit on the side facing the sea.
Finally, let’s talk about Tibidabo Mountain, which is the highest point in Barcelona. There’s an amusement park and a church at the summit, and the view is indeed unbeatable, but transportation is inconvenient, and the round trip takes a lot of time. If you have enough time in Barcelona, you can set aside half a day for it and check out the amusement park on top—the carousel is also very photogenic. Personally, I feel it doesn’t offer the same value for effort as the Bunkers, but if you’re looking to capture a more majestic panorama, this is the best choice.
