Posted by The Best Photo Spots in Barcelona
Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most vibrant and colorful sights – a paradise for photographers and Instagrammers. Countless perspectives unfold amidst the mosaics, columns, and palm trees. To help you take home the best photos, here are the most beautiful photo spots and viewpoints in Park Güell – with tips on lighting, time of day, and camera settings.
Go to the Park Güell Barcelona main page →
1. The Dragon Fountain – Barcelona’s Iconic Motif
No visit is complete without the famous selfie at the Dragon Fountain (“El Drac”). The mosaic dragon at the main entrance is the park’s most recognizable symbol. It rests on the steps leading to the colonnade and shines particularly beautifully in the morning light.
Tip: Arrive early – before 9:30 a.m., you’ll practically have the dragon to yourself. Long queues form here around midday.
2. The Large Mosaic Terrace with Wave Bench
The terrace above the Hypostyle Hall is one of the most popular viewpoints in Barcelona. From here, you can look out over the colorful roof of the park ranger’s house all the way to the sea. The curved mosaic bench offers perfect foregrounds for panoramic photos.
Best time: just before sunset – warm light, golden reflections in the mosaic.
3. The Hypostyle Hall (Column Hall)
The Hypostyle Hall offers impressive interior shots. The 86 columns create a play of light and shadow, especially in the morning. The mosaic rosettes on the ceiling glow in different colors depending on the position of the sun.
Tip: Ideal with a wide-angle lens (16–24 mm). Position the camera at ground level for an impressive perspective.
4. The Back of the Wave Bench
Most visitors photograph the terrace from the front – but the back, with its mosaic details, is just as fascinating. The curved shape and the color gradients look particularly beautiful in the afternoon sun.
5. The Porter’s Lodge (Entrance Building)
Right next to the main entrance is the Porter’s Lodge – a whimsical building with undulating roofs and chimneys. It’s especially photogenic from the stairs, with the sky as a backdrop.
Tip: Use a telephoto lens (70–200 mm) to capture the details of the roof ornaments.
6. El Calvario Viewpoint
The park’s highest point is on a rocky outcrop with three stone crosses – El Calvario. From here, you can see the Barcelona skyline with the Sagrada Família and the sea in the background. One of the best sunset spots in the city!
Best time: Evening – about an hour before sunset. Bring a light jacket, as it can be windy up there.
7. Pòrtic de la Bugadera Viaduct
A real insider tip: The viaduct walkway with its slanted columns and natural stone walls offers enchanting photo opportunities. Especially when sunlight streams through the arches. In the morning or late afternoon, the light appears soft and warm.
8. Gaudí House (Gaudí Museum)
The pink house where Gaudí lived is a tranquil photo spot with a small garden. It’s particularly beautiful in spring when the bougainvillea is in bloom. From the garden, you also have a view of the city’s rooftops.
Book a guided tour of Gaudí House & Park Güell
9. Nature Trails & Upper Areas of the Park
Away from the monumental zone, there are many small paths winding among pine and palm trees. These areas are free to access and almost deserted. Ideal for peaceful landscape shots or portraits with a natural background.
10. View of the Terrace from the Upper Path
Walking along the path above the terrace offers a fantastic view of the colorful mosaic from above. The combination of architecture and city panorama is particularly captivating.
11. Best time of day to take photos
| Time of day | Lighting mood | Recommended spots |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Soft light, hardly any visitors | Dragon Fountain, Terrace, Colonnade |
| Midday | Bold colors, harsh shadows | Mosaic bench, nature trails |
| Afternoon | Golden sun, warm light | Viaduct, back of the terrace |
| sunset | Red light, long shadows | El Calvario, panorama over the city |
12. Photo Equipment & Tips
Camera: Any system or DSLR camera will do; a smartphone is often perfectly sufficient.
Lens: Wide-angle (16–35 mm) for architecture, telephoto (70–200 mm) for details.
Tripod: Optional, but helpful in low light.
ND filters: For long exposures in bright sunlight.
Backpack instead of bag: More comfortable on the hill.
13. Photo Tips for Instagram & Social Media
Many visitors specifically look for the best spots for social media. The most popular hashtags are #parkguell, #gaudi, and #barcelona. For harmonious photos, pay attention to:
A calm background (early morning or evening)
Symmetrical compositions (stairs, colonnade, mosaic benches)
Vibrant colors (mosaics, sky, plants)
14. Drones & Rules
Drones are not allowed in Park Güell. Entering restricted areas is also prohibited. For panoramic shots, it’s best to use the El Calvario viewpoint or the nature trails along the edge of the park.
15. Combo Tip: Viewpoints Around the Park
Just a few minutes away are other viewpoints that can be combined with a visit to Park Güell:
Bunkers del Carmel: one of the best 360° views of Barcelona
Turó de la Rovira: sunset with views of the city and the sea
Mirador del Viaducte: a small but beautiful view directly into the park
Book a combo tour with Park Güell & Bunkers del Carmel
Conclusion: Park Güell – a photographer’s dream
Whether it’s sunrise on the terrace, mosaic details in the Hall of Columns, or panoramas at El Calvario – Park Güell offers photos that showcase Barcelona at its most beautiful. With a little planning and the right timing, you can take unique shots here that are guaranteed to be memorable.
Book Park Güell tickets online now → GetYourGuide
Park Güell Barcelona – all important articles
| Overview & basics: | |
Park Güell Barcelona |
Facts about Park Güell |
| History, architecture & Gaudí: | |
Park Güell – history |
Gaudí Park Güell |
| Sights & photo spots: | |
Sights Park Güell |
Photo spots Park Güell |
| Visit planning & timing: | |
Best time Park Güell |
How long does a visit take? |
Opening and closing times of Park Güell |
Is photography allowed in Park Güell? |
| Monumental zone & free areas: | |
| Monumental zone vs. free areas explained | Visit Park Güell for free? |
| With children & insider tips: | |
Park Güell with children |
Insider tips for Park Güell |
| Rules & pets: | |
Are dogs allowed in Park Güell? |
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| Getting there: | |
Getting to Park Güell |