Whether it is the beauty of their sunrises, the magic of their sunsets, the grandeur of their buildings or the richness of their architecture, some cities invite you to see them through different eyes. Through the eyes of a photographer. In fact, these five are perfect for capturing on camera:  

Just mentioning Gaudí is enough to excite any photographer. Mention Gaudí in Barcelona and that excitement reaches a whole new level. What’s more, if you stay at one of our hotels in Barcelona, you can plan a tour from the Sagrada Família to Park Güell, taking in Casa Batlló and La Pedrera along the way. And yes, we know that Catalan Modernism is a firm favourite, but make sure you also wander through the Gothic Quarter, where you can marvel at the intricate details of the cathedral and the buildings lining its streets.  

Be sure to make your way down to the sea as well. Whether you visit in the magic of the early morning, amid the changing light of sunset or as people come and go throughout the day, there is always an opportunity to capture a great shot along the seafront promenade.  

If you stay at one of our hotels in Madrid, you will discover a city brimming with classical grandeur, where lovers of architectural photography will feel as though they have found their place in the world. A city of contrasts, Madrid lets you go from photographing Gran Vía and its elegant façades to exploring the city’s most traditional little streets in Lavapiés: exposed-brick buildings, wrought-iron balconies and the promise of discovering a traditional corrala courtyard behind an open doorway. This fascinating blend looks particularly striking at sunset from Cerro del Tío Pío, which offers one of the finest views of Madrid’s skyline.  

La Terreta has a captivating Mediterranean light from the moment the sun begins to appear on the horizon. That is why, if you stay at one of our hotels in Valencia, we can think of no better way to capture its subtle tones than by photographing sunrise from one of the city’s beaches. Cabanyal Beach (Las Arenas) is ideally located for watching the day begin at the Marina de València too.  

Save some space on your memory card for the sweeping silhouettes and curves of the City of Arts and Sciences, and take your time wandering through the streets of the El Carmen neighbourhood. Its street-art murals are irresistible photographic subjects. 

Photographing Bilbao, with the slate-grey light that characterises so many of its days, might sound like a challenge. If you stay at one of our hotels in Bilbao, head up high to capture the city as a whole from Mount Artxanda. The intricate silhouette of the Guggenheim Museum and the gleam of its surface when it catches the sunlight are certain to be on your photography wish list. As is the colourful Puppy sculpture. 

Once you have captured Bilbao’s artistic side, you can turn your lens to the city’s everyday life by exploring its Old Town, home to the bustling Seven Streets, where locals mingle with visitors fascinated by the area’s architecture.    

From our hotels in Seville, you can set off in search of the vast Plaza de España and play with capturing the details of its coffered ceilings, the ceramic tiles depicting scenes from different Spanish provinces and the gentle curves of its canal. The hypnotic architecture of the Royal Alcázar, shaped by different periods and artistic styles, is somehow even more beautiful when viewed through a camera lens. The same is true of its gardens: lush, meticulously designed and filled with irresistibly charming hidden corners. To capture a flavour of Seville’s street life, there is nothing better than photographing the Triana neighbourhood.