Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I will be going on vacation to Barcelona, Spain in June 2019. I would like some suggestions what to photograph while there. This will be a once in a life-time chance to enjoy all that Barcelona offers.
What are some great photo opportunities in Barcelona, Spain. Do you have any captures from previous visits?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Walk along "Las Ramblas" from Plaza de Catalunya to the harbour, stacks of opportunities along this famous street, you'll have to put up with 1000's of other people though. Make sure go there at night when it's dark as well as during the day.
Catch a hop on/hop off bus in the Plaza de Catalunya and you will see a lot more.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187497-d190163-Reviews-Las_Ramblas-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

BB4A

I hesitated about replying to this topic, but here goes... if you really are seeking a “once in a lifetime” opportunity here, then surely you should be doing your own research, into the conceptual memories YOU want to capture?

If you really don’t feel comfortable doing your own research and don’t already have multiple concepts in mind for this beautiful city, then the following link should at least provide a good starting point: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187497-d2506933-Reviews-Barcelona_Photography_Tours-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

I hope this helps?

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Don't feel remiss about answering this post. I appreciate all the advice I can retrieve. Let's face the reality of the forum, we are here to share and learn. That's what fosters great photographers. I have been doing photography is 1976;one day I'll be a great photographer

repleo Loc: Boston

I think Barcelona is the number 2 European 'must see' city after Venice. So much to see. Sagrada Familia is the #1 attraction in Barcelona and deserves to be. Sagrada Familia is about the only time I wished I had a longer lens. The exterior is full of interesting details and scultures, but they are quite high up. The interior is specatcular too. I hope I live long enough to see it finished - I will go back even if I have to crawl there. Note the little school building beside the rear entrance also.

Continue on the Gaudi theme and make sure to visit Casa Mila (La Podrera). See the spectacular sculptural vent stacks on the roof, the apartment interior, the attic and the entrance lobbies.
Casa Battlo is another Gaudi gem across the street from Casa Mila.

Parc Guell is another 'must see'. Tip - take the subway to the stop AFTER the Guell stop. There are open air escallators from there all the way up the hill to the top of the park. You will find locals sitting and chatting, playing boules etc here, then take a leisurelly stroll down through the park and get an overview of the city beyond before you hit the throngs at the main area. Visit Gaudi's house in the park.

Las Ramblas is the wide boulevard with the bird sellers, mimes and living statues etc. Half way down Las Ramblas is the colorful Boqueria Market. Wander around the old city.

We ere there for three days and it wasn't nearly enough. You could easily spend two weeks there especially if you wanted to see the highly recommended Monastry of Montserrat, village of Cadaques or the Salvodr Dali Museum in Figueres.

It will probably be as hot as hell in June. Beware of pickpockets, scamsters etc. All warnings about Barcelona 'Ali Babas' are valid. Relax, but be very alert for any intrusion into your personal zone.

Enjoy and post your pics when you get back.

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Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Excellent advice and captures. I have several lenses in my bag for a great photo opportunity. My new baby is a Canon 5D Mark IV. I carry a lot of glass. Namely, my primary lens is a 28-135mm f3.5. I also shlep around a 14mm f2.8, a 24mm f3.5 Tilt Shift, and a 70-300mm f5.6. I will have extra memory cards, ultraviolet and neutral density filters and a tripod the separates for use as a monopod. I know that the Ugly Hedge Hog Forum has the best photographers around who are willing to share. Thanks for the input. Keep shooting

repleo Loc: Boston

I took those shots 10 years ago with a Sony H5 bridge camera dangling on a wrist strap. That was before I got 'into' photography. I'm going to Madrid in May and my photo gear will weigh 8 lbs - over a third of my baggage allowance.
I hope I get some pics that are worth it!!!

PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.

Architecture from Gaudi and the Sagrada Famillia cathedral. Be careful in the Ramblas lots of pick pockets maybe 1 camera and zoom with table top tripod, nothing in your pockets and be aware.

ceh1024 Loc: Lutz, FL

Lucky you. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world. Been going there for over 30 years on business in the beginning now just for pleasure. Architecture, food and sights are all top notch.

Consider the following:
Park Güell
Sagrada Familia
Casa Milà-La Pedrera
Montserrat
Las Ramblas
La Boqeria (On Las Ramblas)

I normally stay in the Gothic Quarter somewhere close to Plaça Reial which is convenient to the Ramblas and general sights.

For getting around and a really good day tour to cover most all the major sights check out Barcelona Day Tours. They won't get you into the Sagrada Familia just all around it, but you can go back another day to do that. They get you into Montserrat and try to time it so you hear the Choir.

If you wake up early and get the Las Ramblas there normally are very few people at that time.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Both Barcelona and Venice have now been ruined by the hundreds of cruise ships with the millions of tourists, so much so both cities are now limiting the numbers of these floating monsters which can dock.
Venice is planning to ban all cruise ships from the Grand Canal and forcing them to go to Maestre instead.

hjachym Loc: West Michigan

I'm an avid cruiser but as was stated above they bring in masses of people and have changed the scene of many ports of call throughout the world.
But to Barcelona, one of my absolute favorite cities, rather than give photo opportunity advice I will give security advice. Barcelona, like many tourist laden cities is full of thieves. Mostly petty opportunists but none this less can ruin your day. Don't be afraid of the city but use common sense. I use a cut resistant camera strap such as PacSafe and security day bags again from PacSafe or Travelon.
Have a great time in that great city.

bw79st Loc: New York City

I got to spend six weeks in Barcelona in 1992 and prepared by reading Robert Hughes' book, "Barcelona."

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/84129/barcelona-by-robert-hughes/9780679743835/

I still highly recommend it. I also found a book of walking tours that was very instructive, although I can't remember who it was by.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Barcelona is famous for their Art Deco everything. La Sagrada Familia or the Gaudy Cathederal alone could keep you occupied for weeks! I would strongly recommend bringing or renting a wide angle lens and a lens that’s good in low light for interiors. If you can tear yourself away, take a short train trip to experience villages on the Costa del Sol. Lucky you!

Mike Henningsen

Just a word of advice, be very watchful of your photo gear. Several years ago after a long day of street shooting in and around Barcelona, I was a victim of a robbery. The perp(s) got away with my gear bag that contained 2 DSLR bodies, 2 lenses and a few memory cards. All my gear was later replaced by my insurance coverage, but to this day I would love to view all those images that I shot that day. My photo bag was strategically taken from me by a pair of professional thieves...beautiful city but beware, evil lurks.