Rainy days in Barcelona might dampen your travel plans, but don’t worry! There’s no need to let a little Barcelona rain spoil the fun. In this blog post, I’m going to show you that rain in Barcelona won’t affect your enjoyment of the city. From cosy indoor activities to unique rainy day adventures, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Barcelona when it rains!
These are my top 5 picks for the best things to do if it rains in Barcelona, and most can be booked on the same day:
⭐ TOP 5 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES IN BARCELONA:
1. Moco Museum Barcelona Entry Tickets – a fun and immersive modern art museum
2. Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour – fun and delicious!
3. Barcelona Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets – perfect for families
4. Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – Flamenco with optional dinner & drinks
5. Palau de la Música Self-Guided Tour – Stunning Modernist concert hall
How Often Does It Rain in Barcelona?
Luckily, it doesn’t rain very often in Barcelona, although it does depend on what time of year you are visiting the city. On average, Barcelona receives about 55 rainy days per year.
Summer tends to be hot and dry, although the occasional storm isn’t unheard of. The rest of the year you might get some rain, and most of the rain falls during the cooler months, from October to April.
So, if you’re planning to visit Barcelona and want to avoid the rain, the best time to go to Barcelona is during the summer, when the weather is generally sunny and dry.
However, that is also the busiest time of year, so if you want to visit Barcelona when it is a little quieter, then you might need to prepare for a little rain. But don’t worry – even on rainy days, there are plenty of indoor activities in Barcelona to keep you entertained in wet weather.
What to do on a Rainy Day in Barcelona?
Visit a Museum in Barcelona (or Several!)
Barcelona has numerous world-class museums and there is something for everyone with exhibits ranging from art and history to marijuana and wax figures! Unfortunately, most museums in Barcelona are closed on Monday (unless it is a public holiday) so check opening days and times before you arrive.
Barcelona Money Saving Tip
If you plan to visit several museums, then check out the Barcelona Card which includes free entry to over 25 museums and attractions including the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Museum of the History of Barcelona, as well as free access to public transport. >>> Get More info hereThere are too many to list here but these are some of the most popular museums in Barcelona:
Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
Dedicated to the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, this museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks from his formative years. It’s one of the most visited museums in Barcelona, and a must if you are an admirer of Picasso’s work. Closed on Mondays. Tickets do not include an audio guide unless you book one for €5.
>>>Buy Tickets for the Picasso Museum
>>>Book a Guided Tour of the Picasso Museum
FC Barcelona Museum
The FC Barcelona Museum, officially known as the “Camp Nou Experience,” is a must-visit for football (soccer) enthusiasts and fans of FC Barcelona. While Camp Nou is undergoing extensive renovation work until November 2024 the experience doesn’t include a tour of the ground but it is still worth going if you are a fan. Open daily.
>>> Buy FC Barcelona Museum “Barça Immersive Tour” Tickets
Moco Museum Barcelona
The Moco Museum in Barcelona has an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art, including greats such as Warhol, Basquiat and Banksy as well as up-and-coming artists. Many of the exhibitions are interactive so you can enjoy digital immersive art as well as more “traditional” pieces. It is on the same street as the Picasso Museum so it could be a nice combo to visit one and then the other.
>>> Buy Moco Museum Barcelona Entry Tickets
Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA)
This museum comprises several sites throughout the city, with various exhibitions about Barcelona’s history. Some of them are indoors and underground, making it a great choice for a rainy day activity in Barcelona. Some sections are closed on Mondays, advance tickets aren’t usually needed but you can book online here.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Located in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc hill, The National Catalan Art Museum (MNAC) features an impressive collection of Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century. It is in a beautiful building and close to the Magic Fountain and other attractions on Montjuic. Closed on Mondays, advance tickets aren’t usually needed but you can book online here.
Fundació Joan Miró (Joan Miró Foundation)
This museum is dedicated to the works of the renowned Catalan surrealist artist Joan Miró. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other pieces spanning Miró’s career. You can also spot some of his work in the mosaic on La Rambla, and at the Airport.
>>> Book Fundació Joan Miró Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets
Barcelona Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim)
Explore the rich maritime history of Barcelona through exhibits on ships, navigation, and underwater archaeology. The incredible museum is housed in historic shipyards at the bottom of La Rambla and is one of my favourite rainy-day activities in Barcelona. Open daily, online tickets aren’t available so buy them directly at the museum.
Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
Focused on contemporary art, MACBA is a cultural hub that hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, performances, and events.
>>> Buy Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art Entrance Tickets
CosmoCaixa Barcelona
This science museum is great for both adults and children. It features interactive exhibits and a digital planetarium, as well as its own rainforest, making it a fun and educational option on a rainy day. The website is all in Spanish but some of the events are in English. Entry is €6 per person.
Barcelona Wax Museum
Explore this interactive museum featuring wax figures of historical and famous personalities. While it can be fun for all ages, I’d say this museum is more for the kids.
>>>Buy Wax Museum Entry Tickets
Barcelona Design Museum
Explore the world of design and decorative arts in this modern museum, which often features special exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.
Admire Barcelona’s Art Galleries
In addition to the larger art museums, there are numerous art galleries in Barcelona that showcase contemporary and traditional art. Take a look inside to appreciate local and international artists’ works, and see if you want to buy something to take home.
Explore Gaudi’s Masterpieces
Many of Antoni Gaudí’s famous architectural works can be enjoyed indoors.
Palau Güell, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are all mostly indoors where you can admire the architecture and artistry without getting wet. That said, to fully enjoy the rooftops of these Gaudí houses you will need to brave the rain.
Inside La Sagrada Familia is still breathtaking, and although it is better when the sun shines through the stained glass window, you can still appreciate the brilliance of Gaudí’s design and vision.
Park Güell is almost all outdoors, so while you certainly can visit Park Güell in the rain, it is best in the sunshine if you get a nice day!
Visit Casa Amatller
This impressive modernist building was designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1900, and is usually less crowded than some of Gaudí’s famous works, despite being right next door to Casa Batlló. It offers guided tours and a glimpse into the Art Nouveau movement on a rainy day in Barcelona.
Marvel at the Palau de la Música Catalana
Enjoy a concert or take a guided tour of the beautiful modernist concert hall Palau de la Musica, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect way to experience Barcelona’s artistic heritage indoors. Prepare to get some gorgeous photos in this Instagram hotspot!
Dive into the Aquarium
Visiting the Aquarium in Barcelona is a must for both nature enthusiasts and families alike. You can get up close and personal with an array of marine life, including sharks, colourful coral reefs, and seahorses. You can even book an experience to dive with sharks!
The Aquarium provides a fantastic educational experience, with an emphasis on the importance of ocean conservation through immersive displays and interactive exhibits. It is likely to be busy in the rain though as it is a popular indoor attraction in Barcelona.
Shop Till You Drop
Explore the city’s shopping streets and malls for something to treat yourself or a souvenir to take home. Some popular shopping areas include Passeig de Gracia for high-end stores, Portal de l’Àngel for the usual high-street shops, and Maremagnum. The Maremagnum shopping centre is ideal for rainy days as it’s largely indoors, and it’s close to the Aquarium too.
Barcelona has a thriving vintage and thrift store scene as well as lots of independent boutiques in the Gothic Quarter, El Born and Gracia. Spend some time hunting for unique finds to add to your wardrobe or collection, although you might get wet going from shop to shop so bring an umbrella.
Enjoy Delicious Food and Drink
Barcelona is known for its culinary scene and there is lots of delicious food to try in Barcelona. Spend your rainy day exploring the city’s tapas bars and restaurants. Try some local dishes and a glass of cava sparkling wine to wash them down, or warm up with a cup of Spanish hot chocolate and sweet donuts known as churros.
Explore the Local Markets
Speaking of food and drink, the indoor food markets in Barcelona are a wonderful way to see what local produce is on offer and enjoy some tasty food at the bars and stalls within the markets. Here are some of the best Barcelona markets to visit:
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Also just known as La Boqueria, the most famous market in Barcelona is just off La Rambla, so is more popular with tourists and less so with locals. It is always busy, but you can still find some gems, especially if you leave the main aisles and explore. El Quim de la Boqueria is a good place to sit and eat here, or buy something to take-away.
Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina)
Known for its modern architecture, Santa Caterina Market is located in the Born neighbourhood, not far from the Gothic Cathedral. The market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and artisanal products. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for high-quality ingredients and a great place to eat too. Bar Joan is one of my favourites.
Sant Antoni Market (Mercat de Sant Antoni)
The Mercat de Sant Antoni is one of Barcelona’s historic markets and is particularly known for its architectural significance and diverse stalls. The market first opened in 1882 and underwent a major renovation before reopening in 2018. You can find some excellent local produce and some great tapas bars too like Bar Restaurant Pinotxo.
Food and Wine Tastings
Another wonderful way to enjoy the food in Barcelona is to take part in a tasting or a food tour. There are various wine tastings in Barcelona city centre you can try, or visit a wine shop that offers tastings themselves.
If you are more of a foodie, then a food tour will keep your tastebuds busy, even in the rain! While you might get wet walking from place to place, you’ll be able to dry off and warm up as you tuck into the delicious dishes.
Cooking Classes
Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare Spanish and Catalan dishes like tapas and paella. It’s a fun and educational way to spend a rainy day, not to mention the delight of eating everything you’ve prepared!
Some tours include a market visit so you might get wet going from the market back to the kitchen location, but the promise of all that tasty food should be enough to get you through the showers!
Tour a Gin Distillery
Gin might not be the first drink you think of in Barcelona, but Corpen Distillery is the first distillery to make gin in Barcelona city centre, and you can go and tour the distillery in Poble Nou. Make sure you have a sample of gin while you are there! You can also buy bottles to take home with you, or buy a bottle online if you’re short of luggage space!
Bar Hopping
Barcelona is a fantastic place for small, independent tapas bars where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink before moving on to the next cute bar. Most neighbourhoods have enough bars so you can hop from one to the other without spending too much time outdoors!
Carrer Blai in Poble Sec is perfect for pintxos – a Basque style tapas of a slice of bread with various toppings, and there is a whole street lined with bars to choose from. For cava and tapas, try la Xampaneria on the edge of El Born and Barceloneta, followed by El Xampanyet near the Picasso Museum.
Indulge in Tea Houses and Coffee Shops
For hot drinks instead of alcoholic ones, Barcelona has a variety of cosy cafes and coffee shops where you can relax with a good book, board games, or simply enjoy a hot beverage and a piece of cake. There aren’t too many places with sofas though so if you find a free spot then snap it up! I like Lodetto Cafe but there are hundreds all over Barcelona to try.
Indoor Sports & Fitness
Some sports facilities, like indoor swimming pools or gyms, might be a good option for staying active on a rainy day. Many yoga and wellness studios in Barcelona offer drop-in classes to try, or for the more adventurous, try indoor climbing or bouldering at one of the city’s climbing gyms.
You might be able to find a salsa or flamenco class to try out too.
Get Lost in a Book at a Library or Bookstore
If you enjoy reading, consider visiting a local library or bookstore. You might find some interesting books in both Spanish and Catalan as well as some English books. The Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona was named the best new library in the world in 2023, so you can head there to admire the architecture and browse the books and magazines on offer.
Treat Yourself with a Spa or Massage Experience
Pamper yourself at one of Barcelona’s spas. It’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate on a gloomy day. There are numerous options for a Thai massage in Barcelona, as well as more exclusive spas where you can swim, wallow in a jacuzzi and steam away all your worries.
AIRE Ancient Baths is a lovely spot to relax indoors for a spa experience, or if you’re just looking for a massage, I had a lovely massage at Moon Relax Spa near the Sagrada Familia.
Escape Rooms & Gaming
Challenge your mind by participating in an indoor escape room. There are several Escape Rooms in Barcelona that can provide a thrilling and brain-teasing experience to help you avoid the rain in Barcelona. You can also check out the gaming arcades or virtual reality centres in the city for some high-tech entertainment that’s perfect for a rainy day.
Gamble the Night Away
If you’re feeling lucky, head to one of the casinos in Barcelona where you can spend your money – and maybe even win some!
Watch a Movie at the Cinema
Catch a movie at one of Barcelona’s English-language cinemas. Several movie theatres show films in the original language – look for English movies advertised in VOSE (original version with Spanish subtitles).
The Yelmo Cineplex in Poble Nou was almost exclusively English language films but is now closed, Cinemas where you can find original version films in Barcelona include Renoir Floridablanca in Sant Antoni, Cines Verdi in Gracia, Mooby Cinema at Glòries and Phenomena close to Sagrada Familia, which shows classic films as well as modern releases.
Watch a Flamenco Show
Experience the passion of traditional Spanish flamenco at an evening flamenco show in Barcelona. While Flamenco isn’t traditionally from Catalonia there are some excellent venues in Barcelona that offer indoor shows where you can enjoy a captivating flamenco performance.
Have a Laugh at a Comedy Club
As there is a large international community in Barcelona there are several comedy clubs that have performances in English. It’s a great way to spend an evening in Barcelona on a rainy day and have some laughs at the same time!
Language Exchange Meetups
MeetUp is a great website to look for events like language exchanges or casual networking in Barcelona, where you can meet locals and practice your language skills in a local bar.
Watch a Show at a Concert Hall or Theatre
Check for indoor performances at concert halls and theatres. Barcelona has a busy cultural scene, so you might find classical concerts, plays, or ballet performances as well as modern pop, rock and local and international bands.
Craft Workshops
Join a craft workshop or visit a craft store where you can create your own unique souvenirs. I did an espadrilles workshop in the Gothic Quarter and loved creating my own espadrille shoes to wear. It was a two hour workshop and we were cozy and dry inside!
Some workshops in Barcelona are geared towards traditional crafts like ceramics, Gaudí-style mosaics or espadrilles, whereas others are more for creative fun. Here are some options for you!
Things to do Outdoors when it Rains in Barcelona
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, watch the light and music show at the Magic Fountain. This outdoor attraction can be enjoyed even on rainy evenings, as the show often goes on.
In fact, after rain you are more likely to be able to enjoy the show, as this year the Magic Fountain has been switched off over the summer due to drought restrictions so check the website to make sure it is running before you head out!
Photograph the City
Wet weather can actually be a wonderful time to get photos of Barcelona, in particular the Old Town of the Gothic Quarter and El Born. The narrow streets are deserted and reflections in the puddles adds an extra dimension to your photographs.
Do Everything Anyway
It’s true that poor weather in Barcelona can dampen your spirits, and dark skies don’t always look as good on photos – but if you have the right waterproof clothing there is nothing to stop you doing almost everything you would have done in the sunshine.
Some attractions may close due to the weather, for example the Montjuic Cable Car won’t operate in high winds or torrential rain – and you won’t see much of the view on a rainy day anyway, but for the most part they will remain open.
More Tips for Enjoying Barcelona in the Rain
Preparation is the key to making the most of Barcelona rainy days, so here are a few more tips so you can make the most of it!
Check the Forecast
Before you travel to the city, check the Barcelona weather forecast for the duration of your visit so you at least have an idea what to expect. Forecasts change of course, and aren’t always accurate but if it hints at rain then you can plan ahead.
Bring Waterproof Jacket & Umbrella
Even if the forecast is good, I still bring an umbrella with me whenever I travel – and a colourful umbrella can always be used as a parasol too, I love using my bright yellow umbrella as it brings a bit of sunshine into a grey day!
Wear Waterproof Shoes
I hate having wet feet, and even if you have an umbrella to keep most of you dry, once your feet get wet it is hard to get them dry again. Wet feet are more likely to rub in your shoes, and if you’re walking around a lot then prevention is much better than a cure.
Plan Your Route
Plan your route around the city to avoid being out in the rain as much as possible. Make use of public transport if you have an Hola Barcelona Travel Card that includes unlimited public transport for the duration of the ticket, or a standard transport ticket, or consider calling a taxi if you want to get dropped off at the door.
READ MORE: Is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card Worth It?
Uber is now in Barcelona again, and can be a good way to call a taxi – check the prices in the app to see if it is cheaper/quicker to request a standard taxi cab instead of an Uber.
Enjoy!
Barcelona is a special city, even in the rain. I’m sure with these tips and ideas you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Barcelona when it rains so you won’t even care about the weather and just get on with enjoying your vacation!