10 Days in Barcelona: Balconies, Gargoyles, and Coffee

Angeline Marie Martinez

Stopped and sketched often in Barcelona - thank you, Andy! 

Monserrat Sketchbook Page

Monserrat doodles

More Monserrat doodles, lol

Montjuic sketchbook page

Why We Chose Barcelona
​Since the Scarlet Lady’s last port was Barcelona, Andy and I decided to spend 10 days there. We had both been wanting to explore the city for some time, and this was the perfect opportunity.
Our Cozy Apartment Stay
The apartment was small but very practical. It was on a major rambla, had a small public grocery store on the base floor, and had some cafes close by as well as a metro stop. The two balconies overlooked the rambla, and the tree tops brushed right over them. It was a great spot to relax and recharge after long days of exploring.

More Montjuic

Miro Museum

More Miro Museum

Exploring the Contradictions of Barcelona
Barcelona is an interesting city full of contradictions. There are places that were built in the 1500s, and right next to them, there are modern, new buildings. There’s gothic gargoyles perched on centuries-old brick facades, and just down the street, you’ll find art nouveau details in the ironwork of sleek, contemporary buildings.
It’s the perfect blend of ancient and new. You can walk along bustling streets full of traffic, yet still be surrounded by old-growth trees and birds. Whether you’re sipping a cafe con leche inside or sitting at a sidewalk table people-watching, there’s always something interesting happening.
The Architecture: Old Meets New
​One of the most striking features of Barcelona is its architecture. On one street, you’re admiring a centuries-old church, and on the next block, you’re taking in the sleek lines of a modern building. The contrast is sharp, but somehow, it all fits together perfectly. Andy and I marveled at how seamlessly old and new exist side by side in this vibrant city.

Sagrada Familia sketchbook page

More Sagrada Familia sketches

A Stroll Through History on the Ramblas
I had wanted to visit Barcelona for a long time. My first and last visit included visiting distant family members, going to mass in another old church, and rushing along the rambla because we were going to be late for the tour bus’s scheduled departure.
This time was different. Andy and I took our time, window-shopped, stopped for snacks, and just enjoyed the city life. We wandered through the streets, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of Barcelona at our own pace. It was a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience!

Sketching doodling Gaudi

Paella restaurant we visited TWICE! It was DELICIOUS and more importantly, it was open when we were ready for dinner, lol!

Our Relaxed Adventure in Barcelona
In the end, we loved everything about our trip. Barcelona is a city where you can lose yourself in history, but still enjoy all the modern conveniences. From the balconies of our cozy apartment to the lively streets below, this trip was everything we hoped for and more. If it weren't for other places in this world to explore, Andy and I would return to Barcelona!

My Sketchbook Pages in Barcelona
If you're wondering, no, I didn't share all of my Barcelona a sketchbook pages, as there are 30 pages in my "walking sketchbook." These are just the highlights...and to me the more interesting ones to show. 

If you'd love to see what was in my sketchbook kit, please check out my free ebook about my drawing kit! Click on these sentences to get your supply lists in time for holiday shopping! It is Black Friday in the States just next week, lol! Happy Thanksgiving to USA!