The crowds in front of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, by Jefferson Graham for PhotowalksTV
You may have heard that locals in Barcelona, one of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world, recently protested with water guns and chanted “Tourist Go Home,” complaining that they were ruining their city. Does this now mean we should stop visiting?
The answer is a resounding no. We were there in May, a few weeks before the summer rush, and although we experienced huge crowds in some places, we saw a charming city during the 7 days we were there and couldn’t wait to return.
Conclusion: Once you have the main attractions behind you, as in the The Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. the unfinished Gothic church built by architect Antoni Gaudi over 150 years ago, and some of Gaudi’s other masterpieces in Barcelona – you have the city to yourself. Well, maybe not to yourself, but it’s manageable. We were never turned away from a restaurant, even in the busiest places, getting a taxi was no problem, we had no problems with pickpockets, and we fell in love with Barcelona all over again, a city we last visited in 2010.
With a few simple strategies, you can still enjoy Barcelona, document its magic, and take as many selfies as you’ve always wanted – all with plenty of room to move around. And if you’ve never been, don’t be afraid. You absolutely have to go.
Timing is everything
One of the golden rules for photographing Barcelona (or other European cities that attract large crowds, such as Amsterdam and Venice) is start early and stay late. (And don’t visit us in summer!)
The best sidewalk walks in the city, from The Ramblas To Avinguda Diagonal, are like large, free open-air museums with colorful architecture that you won’t see anywhere else. They are best visited at dawn, when there are few people on the streets, or at dusk.
Route:
The Sagrada Familia church has been under construction since 1882. By Jefferson Graham for PhotowalksTV
Most people make this mistake before they leave: they don’t have time to reserve tickets for Barcelona’s major attractions at home and when they arrive, they are sold out.
The biggest attraction in Barcelona is the magnificent Sagrada Familia, the Gothic church whose construction was started over 150 years ago by the architect Antoni Gaudi and which is still under construction today. Don’t forget to book your tickets online in advance – these popular places often sell out and securing your entry in advance will ensure you get in.
Tickets are available here:
Inside the church, you’ll be surrounded by intricate detail and colorful stained glass windows. Yes, it will be crowded (less so earlier in the day, of course!), but the place is so large and cavernous that you’ll have plenty of room to move around.
And while the crowds can be dense, patience is key. Wait a little, and people will step out of your frame—really.
Also, use the height of the building to your advantage. If there is a crowd of people there (of course there is), just reach over their heads and take in the grandeur by looking up. See the example below? In the Sagrada, the ceilings are as impressive as anything you’ve ever seen.
Look up at the Sagrada Familia, the work of the beloved, late architect Antoni Gaudi.
Exploring Las Ramblas and beyond
Las Ramblas, the heart of Barcelona, is a busy promenade full of street vendors and a popular hangout for pickpockets. (Be careful!)
People come to experience because it’s virtually car-free and you can walk for several blocks, people-watch, shop for souvenirs, and have plenty of opportunities to stop for tapas. Again, the experience is best early in the morning before the crowds arrive. And while this area is undeniably touristy, you can sneak into one of the side streets where you’ll find fewer people and the true charm of Barcelona. Here you’ll find hidden gems and quieter scenes perfect for street photography.
The Ramblas in Barcelona attracts huge crowds. By Jefferson Graham
cathedral
You want to be in Barcelona on a Sunday when the traditional Catalan folk dance takes place in the square next to Barcelona Cathedral around midday. Accompanied by a live orchestra, this event is a fantastic (and free) street photography opportunity where you can capture the local culture amidst a lively crowd. This was my favorite moment in Barcelona, but I love music and enjoy watching local dances.
On Sundays, locals gather in Barcelona Cathedral and dance to traditional Catalan music. By Jefferson Graham
Barcelona’s markets
La Boqueria market is considered to be one of the largest markets in Europe, but because of its fame, it is often crowded, even in the early hours of the morning. Here, it was just too busy for me. If you want to take it easy, head to smaller, less crowded markets where you can enjoy the local flavors and experience the essence of Barcelona’s culinary scene without all the hustle and bustle.
Other options:
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Sant Antoni Market: LocationCarrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1. Less touristy, and in addition to local food, there are also clothes and books.
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Llibertat Market: Plaça de la Llibertat, 27. Located in the Gràcia district, this market is a small but lively market with many stalls selling fresh produce, meat, seafood and local Catalan products.
At all local markets in Barcelona
More Gaudí
The Sagrada is not the only Gaudi experience in Barcelona. Don’t miss:
- Park Güell is a mosaic-covered wonderland with stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Although it’s a public park, you’ll need a ticket to enter, so plan ahead.
- The colourful and eccentrically designed Casa Batlló is an absolute must-see due to its extraordinary and imaginative design and is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Another of Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, the Casa Battlo
In Venice, the authorities have tried to curb overtourism by charging a paltry €5 a day for entry, as if that would stop anyone from visiting one of the world’s greatest cities. I feel the same way about Barcelona as I do about Venice: it is truly unique, with its architecture, art, local food, great weather and walking paths. You can walk for miles and admire what you see with your eyes open, avoiding the crowds.
Stay in a nice hotel in a nice area, go out early and late in the day and trust me, once you get past the Sagrada and the other Gaudí attractions, you will love Barcelona like a local and take great photos that you will remember forever.
