Heading to Spain? Get a Copy of the Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona

Parisian art, architecture, and fashion have shaped the country. However, it might be surprising to learn how the customs of countries bordering the Mediterranean have impacted the South of France. The Spanish influence in Provence is undeniable, from paella to corridas and ferias (horse and bull) sporting events. Barcelona is an easy “weekend away” destination from most parts of Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Before visiting the fascinating Catalan city, pick up a copy of Ruby Boukabou’s The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia Photo ©Ruby Boukabou

Over a year, Ruby Boukabou meticulously crafted this guidebook, drawing from a decade of her unique experiences in Barcelona. From participating in tap dance festivals and making video reports to exploring museums, galleries, and workshops, she immersed herself in the city’s vibrant art scene. Her passion for art and architecture is evident on every page of The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona. This comprehensive book is a must-read for anyone planning a journey to this arty city.

Graffiti artist in action at the Three Chimneys
Photo ©Ruby Boukabou

About the Author

As a part-time Parisian, Ruby Boukabou is not just an entertainer but a seasoned writer/reporter focusing on travel, culture, and lifestyle. Her extensive academic background, including an honours degree in the Arts (literature, theatre, film, French, classics), a Master’s in theatre, and a diploma in journalism, has paved the way for her years of experience as a freelance travel and culture journalist. Ruby’s work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, media stations, and websites worldwide, making her a trusted source for all things Parisian.

As a long-time arts reporter, Boukabou’s passion for creative processes and products shines through in her work. She finds beauty and fascination in it all, whether it’s music, dance, theatre, film, art, cooking, or architecture. Her interest in architecture stems from its unique ability to shape our approach to our surroundings, a perspective she shares with her readers.

“I think art is essential for a fulfilled life, whether in the creation or appreciation of it. It’s nourishing, healing, insightful and takes us beyond ourselves. I’ve always enjoyed engaging with other artists and sharing and interpreting their offerings to a wider public via my interviews, articles, photos, and videos.” ~ Ruby Boukabou

When Boukabou is not researching, writing or interviewing, you might find her tap dancing in Barcelona’s bars, music halls, theatres, and clubs and clips set on and around its bridges, streets, bookshops, and waterways.

Book Review: The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona

Barcelona is a must-see destination for anyone who loves food, art, and a vibrant beach scene. From a historical perspective, the Catalan capital, Barcelona, has always forged its own political and cultural path in Spain. Art and architectural lovers enjoy the Iberian city’s famous works by Gaudi, Picasso, Miró, and Dalí. Barcelona’s setting on the Mediterranean and its relaxed lifestyle have made it a destination for artists for centuries. The city’s draw continues today, as you will discover in The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona.

MNAC (National Museum of Catalonia)

The first chapter covers Barcelona’s brief history, which Ruby Boukabou calls “the beating heart of Catalonia.” Chapter two includes helpful travel tips for any destination and specifics about Barcelona’s public transport and districts. While not an inexpensive destination, visiting Barcelona within your budget is possible. Read Chapter Three for some of these practical tips. Since many visitors pass through the city briefly, Boukabou shares a detailed itinerary for a 36-hour visit to Barcelona.

View from Park Güell

If you have more time in Barcelona, Part 3 provides a comprehensive list of museums and art galleries. The city also has a sizeable inventory of public art and a terrific street art culture. This section includes suggestions for a public art walk, gallery and museum contact information, and links to street art tours. Part 3 also covers Barcelona’s fantastic architecture and its famous creators. If you are looking for more, there are suggestions for “Arty Day Trips.”

The Prawn Gambrinus by Javier Mariscal Photo ©Ruby Boukabou

“WHILE YOU CAN’T, and shouldn’t, compare Barcelona to major cities such as London, Paris or New York, for its size Barcelona definitely punches above its weight with artistic offerings” ~ Ruby Boukabou.

The final section of The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona is the most intimate, with Boukabou’s “Conversations with Artists.” Here, she shares the details of her interviews with these creators. Before you reach the final pages, there are essential photography tips, art classes, and even tips on buying art.

Barcelona Artistic Surprises

What was the most surprising discovery about Barcelona’s art and architecture?

The most surprising discovery was how inclusive, open and passionate the curators, gallerists and directors of the art institutions and associations were. These include the visionary Peter Daniel (director of Miró Foundation), Callum Robertson (Taller 76 studio and an artist), Mercedes De Jesus (Revive Project/ Entreseulos), Rose Lleo (The Green Parrot), Robert Burt (Base Elements urban art galleries) and so many more. Also, I learned how welcoming the artists were, and I was happy to share their insights and passions, such as Peter Churcher, Philip Stanton, Hector Rodrigez, Ivana Flores, BTOY and everyone else I interviewed and met.

Barcelona-based Australian artist Peter Churcher Photo ©Ruby Boukabou

And to finish, something I know but forget each time is how quickly one can slip into the community of artists and art lovers in Barcelona and suddenly become part of the scene. It’s always a nourishing, heartwarming, and reviving experience, and I hope the book can help others feel the same thrill and inclusion.

Curator Rosa Lleo, The Green Parrot Photo ©Ruby Boukabou

Who Should Buy This Book?

It took Ruby about a year to write The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona. She leveraged her experiences in Barcelona, visiting art studios and taking art classes. Her travel writing experience and local knowledge helped her to weave hundreds of extra tips into the book. Whether this is your first trip to Barcelona or you have visited many times, this book guides you through the city’s art and architectural highlights beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

The book is available on Amazon or via Ruby Boukabou’s website.

Follow Ruby on her social platforms.

Instagram @rubytv
Facebook: Ruby TV

Image credits: Ruby Boukabou provided all the photos published with her permission.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).