Choosing the right sketchbook is essential for urban sketching and travel. The paper weight, binding, size, and cover all affect how your drawings turn out and how comfortable the sketchbook is to carry. In this guide, we review the best sketchbooks for urban sketching, considering factors like portability, durability, and paper quality. Whether you’re attending Drawing Week Brussels or sketching in your hometown, the right sketchbook makes all the difference.
Key Features to Consider
Before buying a sketchbook, evaluate these aspects:
- Paper weight: For dry media, 70–100 lb (100–160 gsm) is sufficient. For wet media like watercolor, choose 140 lb (300 gsm) or higher to prevent buckling.
- Binding: Spiral-bound sketchbooks lie flat and allow you to fold the cover back. Hardbound sketchbooks are more durable but may not open flat unless they have a lay-flat binding.
- Size: Pocket-sized (3.5×5.5 in) fits in a pocket; A5 (5.8×8.3 in) is popular; A4 (8.3×11.7 in) offers more space but is bulkier.
- Cover: Hardcovers protect pages during travel; softcovers are lighter and more flexible.
- Paper texture: Hot-pressed (smooth) is good for pen and fine detail; cold-pressed (medium tooth) works for pencil and light washes; rough is best for dry media.
Top Sketchbooks for Urban Sketching
Stillman & Birn Beta Series
The Stillman & Birn Beta Series is a favorite among urban sketchers. It features a 180 gsm (80 lb) paper that is cream-colored and has a vellum surface—ideal for pen, pencil, and light washes. The hardcover binding lies flat, and the book is available in multiple sizes: 5.5×8.5 in (landscape or portrait), 7×10 in, and 8.5×11 in. Prices range from €15 to €25 depending on size. Available at art stores like Bureau Fabriek in Brussels or online.
Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbooks
Moleskine sketchbooks are iconic for travel. Their Art Collection offers a 165 gsm (110 lb) acid-free paper that takes pencil and ink well, though it is not suitable for heavy watercolor. The hardcover with elastic band closure protects pages during transit. Sizes include pocket (3.5×5.5 in), large (5×8.25 in), and A4. Prices around €16–€30. Many urban sketchers appreciate the compact size for quick urban sketching basics practice.
Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pads
Strathmore offers affordable, quality sketch pads. The 400 Series is available in both spiral-bound and hardbound versions, with 80 lb (130 gsm) paper. It works well for dry media and light washes. The spiral-bound version is convenient for on-the-go use. Sizes include 9×12 in and 11×14 in. Prices range from €10 to €20. Available at BOL and Amazon.
Fabriano 1264 Sketchbooks
Fabriano 1264 sketchbooks use 200 gsm paper, making them suitable for mixed media including light watercolor. The paper is acid-free and has a fine grain. The hardcover binding lies flat, and the book is available in A5 and A4 sizes. Prices around €12–€22. Italian-made, these are a solid choice for artists attending workshops where they may experiment with different media.
Etchr Lab Sketchbooks
Etchr Lab specializes in watercolor sketchbooks. Their A5 and A6 sizes feature 300 gsm (140 lb) cold-pressed paper, perfect for wet media. The hardcover has a lay-flat binding and a bookmark. Prices range from €25 to €35. These are popular among urban sketchers who use watercolor washes. For techniques, see our watercolor wash techniques guide.
Rhodia Premium Touch
Rhodia’s Premium Touch sketchbooks have a 160 gsm (105 lb) smooth, bright white paper that is excellent for pen and pencil. The spiral binding allows you to fold the cover back completely. Sizes include A5, A4, and A3. Prices around €10–€18. The orange cover is easily recognizable.
Specialty Sketchbooks for Wet Media
If you plan to use watercolor, gouache, or markers, choose a sketchbook with paper weight of at least 200 gsm and preferably 300 gsm. Look for “watercolor” or “mixed media” labels. Some top picks:
- Daler-Rowney A4 Hardback Watercolour Pad: 300 gsm, cold-pressed, acid-free. Around €15.
- Canson XL Watercolor Pad: 300 gsm, spiral-bound, affordable (€10–€15).
- Arches Watercolour Paper Blocks: Professional-grade 300 gsm, but expensive (€30+).
Pocket-Sized and Travel-Friendly Options
For urban sketching, portability is key. Consider these compact sketchbooks:
- Field Artist Sketchbook: 3.5×5.5 in, 140 lb paper, hardcover, elastic closure. Around €12.
- Pentalic Aqua Journal: 5.5×8.25 in, 140 lb paper, lay-flat binding. Around €18.
- Handwerk Pocket Sketchbook: 4×6 in, 100 gsm, softcover. Around €8.
Where to Buy in Brussels
During Drawing Week Brussels, you can find sketchbooks at local art shops:
- Bureau Fabriek (Rue de la Loi 23) – carries Stillman & Birn, Moleskine, and Fabriano.
- Art & Craft (Rue des Bouchers 15) – stocks Strathmore, Canson, and Etchr Lab.
- Libre Cours (Rue du Midi 50) – offers a wide selection of watercolor sketchbooks.
Check our venue map and directions for store locations.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sketchbook
- Consider your primary medium: If you mainly use ink, opt for smooth paper. For pencil, a medium tooth works. For watercolor, choose 300 gsm cold-pressed.
- Test the paper: If possible, try a sample page before committing to a full sketchbook.
- Think about size: A pocket sketchbook fits in a jacket; A5 fits in a small bag; A4 may require a larger bag.
- Binding matters: Spiral-bound allows easy page removal, while hardcover protects pages. For urban sketching, hardcover with lay-flat binding is ideal.
- Check the number of pages: Some sketchbooks have only 24 pages, others 80+. Choose based on how often you can buy new ones.
Conclusion
The best sketchbook for travel and urban sketching depends on your personal preferences and medium. For most urban sketchers, a hardcover A5 sketchbook with 140 lb paper and lay-flat binding is a versatile choice. Brands like Stillman & Birn, Moleskine, and Etchr Lab offer reliable options. If you’re attending Drawing Week Brussels, visit local art stores to test papers and find your perfect match. For more tips, see our essential sketching supplies guide.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels
- Urban Sketching Basics: Getting Started
- Watercolor Wash Techniques for Urban Sketchers
- Essential Sketching Supplies for Urban Artists
- Best Spots for Urban Sketching in Brussels