15 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona When It Rains
Rainy weather can put a damper on your sightseeing plans, but there are still lots of fun things to do in Barcelona when it rains.
I live in Barcelona, and I can tell you that it’s definitely not always sunny here, so it’s good to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best rainy day activities in Barcelona, including museums, indoor experiences, and other fun ways to spend a rainy day in the city.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona When It Rains
Here are my top picks for Barcelona rainy day activities:
1. Visit an Art Museum
Visiting one of the best art museums in Barcelona is a great way to spend a rainy day.
Some of the most popular options include the Picasso Museum, which showcases the artist’s early works, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), which features an impressive collection of Catalan art.
For something more modern, check out the Joan Miró Foundation, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), or the Banksy Museum.
Most of these museums have enough to keep you entertained for a few hours while you wait for the rain to pass.
2. Tour Gaud۪̉s Iconic Houses
Visiting some of Gaud۪̉s famous buildings in Barcelona is another fun way to spend a rainy day.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are two of the most popular options, with unique interiors featuring GaudÒs signature curves, colorful mosaics, and creative designs.
You can also visit Casa Vicens, his first house, which is known for its colorful tiles and Moorish-inspired architecture.
One important thing to keep in mind is that the rooftops may be closed when it rains, and they’re some of the best parts of visiting these houses.
If seeing the rooftop is really important to you, I’d recommend saving them for a day with better weather.
FYI: If it happens to be raining on the day you’ve planned to visit Sagrada FamÃlia, be aware that the towers may close due to bad weather. This actually happened to me during one of my visits and they ended up issuing me a refund.
3. Explore the Barcelona Aquarium
The Barcelona Aquarium isn’t the biggest or most impressive aquarium in the world, but it’s a good way to spend a rainy day, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
The main highlight is the underwater tunnel, where you can ride a slow-moving conveyor belt while sharks, rays, and other marine life swim all around you.
You’ll also find smaller tanks with Mediterranean and tropical sea creatures, along with interactive exhibits for kids.
You can easily spend a couple of hours here, and it’s conveniently located right next to the Maremagnum indoor shopping mall if you want to do some shopping afterward.
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4. See a Flamenco Show
Seeing a flamenco show is another fun indoor activity in Barcelona, especially if you’re looking for something to do in the evening.
You’ll get to watch talented dancers, singers, and guitarists perform traditional Spanish flamenco in an intimate setting.
I’d recommend Tablao Flamenco Cordobés on La Rambla, or Palau Dalmases in El Born, which hosts performances in a beautiful historic palace.
Most shows last around an hour, so it’s a great way to spend a rainy evening without committing to a long activity.
5. Take a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class is another fun way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona while learning how to make traditional Spanish dishes.
I’d recommend booking one of the many paella cooking classes in Barcelona, where you’ll learn how to prepare this famous Spanish dish with the help of a local chef.
Some classes also include a visit to La Boqueria Market to pick out fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen.
The best part is getting to enjoy your homemade paella afterward, usually with some sangria!
For recommendations, check out my guide to the best paella cooking classes in Barcelona.
6. Go Shopping
Shopping in Barcelona is another easy way to escape the rain, especially since the city has several indoor shopping centers.
One of the best options is El Corte Inglés at Plaça Catalunya, a huge department store with multiple floors selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to home goods and gourmet foods.
For more traditional shopping malls, check out Maremagnum near Port Vell or Arenas de Barcelona, a former bullring that’s been converted into a shopping center.
Both have a mix of popular international brands, Spanish stores, and restaurants, so you can easily spend a few hours browsing while waiting for the rain to pass.
7. Sample Foods at La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria is one of the best markets in Barcelona and a great place to try some of the city’s traditional foods while escaping the rain.
Located right off La Rambla, this covered market is filled with stalls selling everything from jamón ibérico and local cheeses to fresh fruit juices, pastries, and other sweet treats.
You can wander around sampling different foods or grab a seat at one of the tapas bars inside the market for a more substantial meal and a glass of wine.
Just keep in mind that La Boqueria can get very crowded, especially around lunchtime, and it’s closed on Sundays.
8. Step Inside Casa Amatller
Located right next to Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller is one of my favorite hidden gems in Barcelona.
This beautiful modernist house was once home to a wealthy chocolatier, and you can take a guided tour to see its original furniture, colorful stained glass, and detailed tilework.
But one of my favorite parts is stopping by the cafe afterward for a cup of thick Spanish hot chocolate!
There’s also a gift shop selling Amatller chocolates in beautiful packaging, which make great souvenirs from Barcelona.
9. Bar Hop or Tapas Tasting
A rainy day is a great excuse to check out some of Barcelona’s traditional tapas bars and bodegas.
You can spend a few hours sampling local favorites like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and pan con tomate, along with a glass of Spanish wine or vermouth.
The Gothic Quarter is one of the best areas for bar hopping, with lots of traditional spots just a short walk from each other.
For recommendations on where to go, check out my guide to the best tapas bars in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
10. Visit the Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is another fun indoor activity in Barcelona, especially if you’re interested in modern and contemporary art.
Located in El Born (just a short walk from the Picasso Museum), it features works by famous artists like Banksy, Keith Haring, and Yayoi Kusama.
You’ll also find colorful installations and immersive digital exhibits that are a little different from what you’d see at a traditional art museum.
11. Explore the White Rabbit Museum
The White Rabbit Museum is one of Barcelona’s more unusual museums and a fun option if you’re looking for something different to do on a rainy day.
Located on Passeig de Grà cia, this interactive museum celebrates Catalan culture through colorful art installations, immersive exhibits, and creative displays.
Unlike a traditional museum, many of the exhibits are designed for you to interact with, so it’s a fun place to take photos.
12. Try an Escape Room
Trying an escape room is another fun way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.
There are tons of escape rooms throughout the city, with themes ranging from murder mysteries and adventures to spooky horror experiences.
I swear I see a new escape room popping up in almost every neighborhood!
Some popular options include Lock Clock, Maximum Escape, and Golden Pop.
13. Have Fun at the Big Fun Museum
The Big Fun Museum is another interactive museum in Barcelona that’s especially fun for families with kids.
Located right on La Rambla, it features several themed rooms filled with optical illusions, unusual displays, and fun photo opportunities.
Some of the highlights include an upside-down house, a giant’s room where everything makes you look tiny, and other interactive exhibits.
14. Indulge at the Chocolate Museum
Barcelona’s Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata) is a fun indoor activity, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Located in El Born, this small museum explores the history of chocolate and its connection to Barcelona, with exhibits explaining how chocolate is made.
One of the highlights is the collection of impressive chocolate sculptures, including famous landmarks and recognizable characters made entirely out of chocolate.
There’s also a chocolate shop where you can pick up some sweet treats afterward, and the museum occasionally offers chocolate-making workshops.
15. Enjoy a Spa Day
A rainy day is a great excuse to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day in Barcelona.
There are several spas throughout the city offering thermal baths, saunas, massages, and other wellness treatments.
One of the most unique options is AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona, located in a beautiful historic building in the El Born neighborhood.
Here, you can enjoy a thermal bath circuit with pools at different temperatures, along with optional massage treatments, all in a beautiful candlelit setting.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Barcelona When It Rains
Rain might not be what you had planned for your Barcelona trip, but there are still lots of fun ways to spend your time in the city.
I’d recommend keeping a few indoor activities in mind as a backup, especially if you’re visiting Barcelona in fall which tends to get the most rain.
Just remember to pack a small travel umbrella and check the weather forecast before heading out.
If you’re flexible with your plans, you can still have a great time exploring Barcelona, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate!
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