Barcelona is a beautiful city with plenty of activities to do, but what happens when it rains? Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits because there are still plenty of things to do in Barcelona when it rains. Whether you want to stay indoors or brave the rain, there are plenty of options for you.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, Barcelona has many museums and galleries to offer. Take advantage of the rainy day to visit some of Barcelona’s best museums and galleries and take in some of the must-see exhibitions.
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You can also go ice skating or indoor go-karting, or even visit an aquarium or planetarium. If you want to stay dry, you can also opt for a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, where the downstairs floor is closed and air-conditioned.
Indoor activities
When it rains in Barcelona, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best options:
Museums
Barcelona is home to some fantastic museums that are perfect for a rainy day. The Picasso Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, with over 4,000 works by the famous artist. The Joan Miró Foundation is another great option, with a collection of more than 14,000 works by the Catalan artist. For those interested in history, the Museum of the History of Barcelona is a fascinating place to explore.
Cinema
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend a rainy afternoon, why not head to the cinema? There are plenty of cinemas in Barcelona, showing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films. Some of the most popular cinemas include the Cinesa Diagonal Mar and the Yelmo Cines Icaria.
Shopping centres
Barcelona is a shopper’s paradise, and there are plenty of shopping centres to explore on a rainy day. The Diagonal Mar shopping centre is one of the largest in the city, with over 200 shops, a cinema, and a range of restaurants. El Corte Inglés is another great option, with several locations throughout the city. This department store has everything from fashion and beauty to homeware and electronics.
There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona on a rainy day, so don’t let the weather put a damper on your plans. Whether you’re interested in art, cinema, or shopping, there’s something for everyone.
Food and drink
When it’s raining in Barcelona, there’s nothing better than enjoying some delicious food and drink to warm you up. Here are some great options for restaurants, cafés, and churros.
Restaurants
Barcelona has no shortage of amazing restaurants, so you won’t be disappointed when it comes to finding a place to eat. Some of our favorites include:
- Cerveceria Catalana: This is a popular tapas restaurant that serves up delicious small plates. It’s always busy, so be prepared to wait for a table.
- El Nacional: This is a food hall that has a variety of different restaurants serving up everything from seafood to pizza. It’s a great option if you’re with a group and can’t decide on one type of cuisine.
- Can Culleretes: This is the oldest restaurant in Barcelona, and it’s been around since 1786. They serve up traditional Catalan cuisine, and it’s a great place to try some local dishes.
Cafés
If you’re looking for a cosy café to escape the rain, Barcelona has plenty of options. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Federal Café: This is a popular café that serves up delicious brunch options. They have a few locations around the city, so you’re never too far away from a good cup of coffee.
- Milk: This is another great brunch spot that’s known for its pancakes. They also have a selection of cakes and pastries that are perfect for a rainy day treat.
- Satan’s Coffee Corner: This is a trendy café that’s known for its specialty coffee. They have a few locations around the city, and it’s a great place to warm up with a hot drink.
Churros
No trip to Barcelona is complete without trying some churros and hot chocolate. Here are a few places where you can indulge in this sweet treat:
- Xurreria Trebol: This is a popular spot for churros, and they serve them up with a variety of dipping sauces. It’s a great place to go with friends and share a plate of churros.
- La Pallaresa: This is a historic café that’s been around since 1947. They’re known for their churros and hot chocolate, and it’s a great place to warm up on a rainy day.
- Granja Viader: This is another historic café that’s been around since 1870. They serve up traditional Catalan hot chocolate, which is thicker and richer than regular hot chocolate. It’s the perfect accompaniment to their churros.
Relaxation
When it rains in Barcelona, it can be a good opportunity to slow down and relax. Here are some ideas for how to unwind and enjoy your time indoors.
Spas
Barcelona has some excellent spas where you can pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or other treatments. One great option is Aire de Barcelona, which offers a range of thermal baths, massages, and other services in a beautiful setting. Another popular choice is Bliss Spa, which is located in the W Barcelona hotel and offers a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments.
Reading
If you prefer a quieter form of relaxation, why not curl up with a good book? Barcelona has a number of cosy cafes and bookshops where you can enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee while you read. One great option is Laie Libreria Cafe, which has a wide selection of books in English and Spanish, as well as a cafe where you can enjoy a drink and a snack. Another good choice is Cafe de la Pedrera, which is located in the famous Casa Mila building and offers a peaceful atmosphere and great views.
No matter what your preferred form of relaxation, there are plenty of options in Barcelona to help you unwind and enjoy your time indoors when it’s raining outside.
Sightseeing
When it rains in Barcelona, visiting some of the city’s most iconic sights can be a great way to spend the day. Here are some options to consider:
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, and it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day. The church is still under construction, but visitors can explore the completed areas and admire the stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as this is a popular attraction.
Palau Güell
Another architectural gem in Barcelona is the Palau Güell. This mansion was designed by Antoni Gaudí and features a range of unique details, from the ornate chimneys to the stunning rooftop terrace. While the terrace may not be as enjoyable on a rainy day, the interior of the building is still worth exploring.
Historic buildings
Barcelona is home to a wealth of historic buildings, many of which can be visited on a rainy day. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to start, with its narrow streets and beautiful architecture. Other options include the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, both of which were also designed by Gaudí.
Picasso museum
Art lovers should head to the Picasso Museum on a rainy day. This museum houses an extensive collection of works by the famous artist, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The building itself is also worth admiring, as it is housed in a series of medieval palaces.
Barcelona aquarium
For a family-friendly option, the Barcelona Aquarium is a great choice. This attraction is home to over 11,000 fish and sea creatures, representing 450 different species. Visitors can even take a glass-bottom boat ride or go scuba diving with sharks!
No matter what you choose to do on a rainy day in Barcelona, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained. Just be sure to pack an umbrella and some comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.
Activities
When it rains in Barcelona, there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Here are some great options for indoor entertainment.
Escape rooms
Escape rooms are a popular activity in Barcelona, and they’re perfect for a rainy day. Gather a group of friends and test your problem-solving skills as you try to escape a themed room within a set time limit. There are many escape rooms to choose from in Barcelona, including Enigmik, Escape Hunt, and Claustrophobia.
Skating rinks
If you’re looking for a unique indoor activity, why not try ice skating? Barcelona has several indoor skating rinks, including the rink at Camp Nou. This is a great way to stay active and have fun with friends or family.
Theaters
Barcelona has a thriving theater scene, with many shows to choose from. Check out Teatre Lliure, Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, or Teatre Goya for a range of performances, from classic plays to modern productions.
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Live music
Barcelona is known for its vibrant music scene, and there are many venues that offer live music performances. Check out Sala Apolo, Razzmatazz, or Luz de Gas for a night of great music and dancing.
No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Barcelona when it rains. From escape rooms to live music, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
Barcelona is an amazing city with plenty of things to do, even when it rains. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your rainy day in Barcelona:
- Bring an umbrella: While Barcelona is not a very rainy town, it’s always good to be prepared. Bringing an umbrella will help you stay dry and comfortable, even if it starts to rain unexpectedly.
- Avoid the crowds: When it rains, many tourists tend to flock to indoor attractions, such as museums and galleries. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting some of Barcelona’s lesser-known attractions, such as the MNAC or the Palau de la Música Catalana.
- Play an escape room: If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona, consider playing an escape room. These games can be found all over the city and are a great way to challenge your mind and have fun with friends or family.
- Relax in a spa: What better way to escape the rain than by heading to a spa? Barcelona has plenty of spas and wellness centres where you can relax and unwind, whether you’re looking for a massage, sauna, or other treatments.
Overall, don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits in Barcelona. With so many things to do and see, you’re sure to have a great time, no matter what the weather is like outside.