Barcelona is famous for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, but the city is also full of other Art Nouveau gems that deserve a place in your sketchbook. I always love looking beyond the most photographed landmarks and finding buildings that feel a bit more unexpected. These places may be less talked about, yet they are just as inspiring for anyone who enjoys architecture, urban sketching, and discovering details slowly. If you want to sketch Barcelona from a slightly different angle, these five spots are absolutely worth your attention.
First time sketching in Barcelona? Read my post about 5 must sketch spots of Barcelona.
See my watercolors set here.
Casa Calvet
With its elegant facade, soft symmetry, and beautiful balconies, this building became one of those places that immediately made me want to stop and sketch. I started this one with pen and then added watercolor, which helped me keep both the structure and the gentle character of the house. I really liked the decorative roofline and the way the facade feels refined without being too loud. What makes it especially appealing is that it is often seen as one of Gaudí’s most restrained works, so it reveals a calmer and more formal side of his creativity.
Casa Vicens
Full of color, texture, and tiny details, this house is such a joyful place to draw. I tried to capture the essential elements that make it recognizable right away, even without drawing every single ornament. The mix of patterns and bold forms gives the building so much personality, and that makes it especially fun for sketching. It is also important in Gaudí’s story because it was one of his first major projects, and you can already feel the beginning of the style that later made him world famous.
Casa Comalat
It was designed by Salvador Valeri i Pupurull and built in the early 20th century. One of the most special things about Casa Comalat is that it has two very different facades. I chose the one on Avinguda Diagonal. There is something wonderfully playful and theatrical about this facade, especially the side I chose to sketch. I began with black pen, then added watercolor and a few acrylic marker touches to bring out the movement and decoration. The curves, ornaments, and unusual shapes make the building feel almost like it belongs in a fairytale.
Building Near Plaça Catalunya
Near the busy heart of the city, this building instantly catches the eye with its warm yellow-orange roof and striking towers. Even surrounded by shops and city movement, it still manages to stand out and pull your attention upward. I wanted to sketch that strong silhouette and the charm of its rooftop details, because they make the architecture feel so memorable. Its location makes it even more interesting, since this area connects different sides of Barcelona and lets you feel how layered and rich the city’s architecture really is.
Torre Bellesguard
More mysterious and dramatic than colorful, this place has a charm that feels completely different from Barcelona’s more famous Modernisme icons. I loved the mix of Gothic mood and modern design, and I first sketched it with pen before adding watercolor to keep that atmosphere. The tall tower, the stone textures, and the overall quiet elegance make it a very rewarding subject to draw. Even the name adds to its magic, because Bellesguard means “beautiful view,” and the site is also connected to medieval Catalan history.
Sketching places like these always reminds me that Barcelona has so much more to offer than just its most famous landmarks. The city is full of hidden inspiration, and sometimes the less popular buildings leave an even stronger impression because you can observe them more calmly. Each of these spots has its own mood, details, and story, which makes the sketching experience richer and more personal. If you are planning to sketch in Barcelona, I truly recommend adding these Art Nouveau treasures to your list.
