Let’s face it: when traveling to a gorgeous city like Barcelona, finding the most picturesque places to highlight your trip on Instagram is pretty crucial. How else are you going to make your friends back home green with envy? Don’t be ashamed, we all do it. One of the best places to “show off” on Instagram, but also help you feel like you traveled back in time, is Barcelona’s ancient Gothic Quarter.
With a stunning mix of medieval architecture, twisted back alleys that go on forever, and funky street art on every corner, the only problem you’ll have is trying to pick the perfect shot out of a gigantic heap of photos! To help you start exploring, here’s a list of my favorite #GothicQuarter highlights to snap a photo or two for the ‘Gram.
Barcelona Cathedral
Easily one of the more popular tourist destinations in Barcelona. The Barcelona Cathedral is a stunning work of gothic architecture that you can’t help but take at least 20 photos of.
Pro-Tip: To capture the whole cathedral, its best to walk towards the opposite end of the plaza (right in front of a line of tables where people are eating) and get your shots. Just throw in a light “Perdóneme” to avoid getting yelled at.
Inside The Barcelona Cathedral Cloister
Continuing on with the Barcelona Cathedral, the inside is just as (if not more) photogenic than its facade. The walls are lined with ancient religious relics, mosaics and a rainbow of colorful window panes. But the most magical spot in the cathedral is just outside in the cloister. It’s partial ceiling let’s waves of natural light flood through the palm trees and reflect off the fountains and pools. The best part about the cloister? It’s the permanent home of 13 white geese to honor Saint Eulalia, who the cathedral is dedicated to. Get a photo with the geese–but be careful they don’t snatch your phone out of your hand! I’m not kidding. They actually do this.
Plaça Reial
One of Barcelona’s most beautiful squares. No wonder they named it “Royal”. Plaça Reial is one of the focal points of the Gothic Quarter punctuated by a gorgeous fountain in the middle of the square.
Pro-tip: Take your photos at night when the square lights up from all its surrounding bars, restaurants, and hot spots.
Also Read: The Most Instagrammable Spots In Barcelona
“The World Begins With Every Kiss”
While this mural is technically in adjacent Raval, it is a must for this tour. What is more Instagrammable than a photo in front of a romantic work of art? In this case, Joan Fontcuberta’s mural, “The World Begins With Every Kiss,” is as romantic as you can get. The giant mural, which forms two lovers mid liplock is actually a mosaic made of thousands of ceramic tiles. These tiles show people, places, and things that represent the idea of love and freedom. I mean, do I need to say more with this one? Take a photo solo or with your partner and celebrate love!
Pont del Bisbe
You’d be hard pressed not to search #GothicQuarter on Instagram and not see at least 50 different angles of this famous bridge. The bridge located right off the Barcelona Cathedral was in fact, not built during the Medieval era but in the 1920’s by Joan Rubió i Bellver.
Creepy side note: Bellver was said to have hidden a human skull somewhere in the bridge and anyone who finds it will become a victim of its curse!
Columns of Temple Augustus
This ancient wonder is so hidden that you’d walk right past it and never know it was there. Built around 1 BC for the Temple of Augustus, these ancient Roman columns can be found in a narrow back alley of the Gothic Quarter. They are completely surrounded by modern apartments and office spaces. They are free and open to the public most of the day so this should definitely be a place to hit on your Instagram checklist.
Pro-tip: get as low to the ground as you can to capture the full length of the columns!
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