Barcelona On a Rainy Day: 13 Things To Do
Often, when people think of the Spanish city of Barcelona, they think of sunshine. And that's fair; this is a city that gets over 2500 hours of sunshine every year. But Barcelona's location between the mountains of the Catalan range and the Mediterranean Sea means that the Catalan capital does get its share of rain. With around 55 rainy days per year, bad weather isn't unheard-of in Barcelona, so it's not a bad idea when traveling to the city to have a plan B of things you can do on a rainy day.
Luckily, Barcelona has plenty of options for indoor activities. The city is home to some of the world's best art museums, including the Joan Miro Foundation, Picasso Museum, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. These museums are perfect for a rainy day, as they'll keep you dry while also giving you a chance to learn about and appreciate the city's rich culture and history.
If you're looking for something a bit more active to do on a rainy day, you can always head to one of Barcelona's many indoor gyms or swimming pools. Or, if you're traveling with kids, take them to one of the city's many indoor playgrounds or trampoline parks.
No matter what your interests are, there's sure to be something to do in Barcelona on a rainy day. So don't let the bad weather ruin your trip- just be prepared and enjoy all that this great city has to offer, even when it's not sunny outside.
And don't forget to drop off your bags at a bag storage in Barcelona. Traveling light will make it much easier to make the most of the city on a rare rainy day.
Barcelona Aquarium
One of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids also makes for a great rainy day activity. The Barcelona Aquarium is home to over 11,000 fish and sea creatures, representing 450 different species. You can even take a glass-bottom boat ride or go scuba diving with sharks! Younger children will enjoy meeting marine creatures in the touch pools of this fascinating aquarium, and older kids and adults alike will get a thrill from the sharks and other denizens of the world's oceans.
A visit to the Barcelona Aquarium is sure to be a memorable one, and it's the perfect activity for a rainy day in Barcelona. And, when you're done, you can reward yourself with a warming cup of hot chocolate or fragrant coffee.
FC Barcelona Museum
This is definitely one for the sports fans. FC Barcelona is one of the richest and most successful sporting franchises in the world, and the team is a major symbol of Catalan pride in Barcelona. Some of the world's greatest players have donned the iconic red and blue of FC Barcelona, and the trophy cabinet of this legendary club is fully stocked with some of the most coveted silverware in Europe.
There's no better way to experience the mythical Camp Nou stadium than by getting tickets to a game. But if that's too expensive or doesn't work with your timing, you can also visit the stadium to see the fascinating FC Barcelona Museum. This museum covers the history of the club, from its humble beginnings in 1899 to today's global sporting powerhouse. It's a must for any fan of Catalan football, and it makes for a great rainy day activity.
National Art Museum of Catalonia
Also known as the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, this spectacular museum is one of the best places to see Catalan art. Located in Barcelona's magnificent Montjuic Palace, the National Art Museum of Catalonia houses a collection of over one thousand pieces of Romanesque art, as well as Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works from Catalan masters.
The museum's extensive collection is sure to keep you busy for hours, and it's the perfect activity for a rainy day in Barcelona. This is easily one of the best museums in Barcelona, and the extensive collection that spans the centuries will introduce you to fantastic artists you may never have heard of. It's a great way to appreciate more about Catalan culture when you visit Barcelona.
Picasso Museum
The National Art Museum of Catalonia may help you discover new favorite artists. But the city's incredible Picasso Museum will reacquaint you would one of the world's most famous painters. This museum is dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso, who has strong ties to Barcelona. In fact, many of his most famous works were created during his time living in the city.
The Picasso Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance if you want to avoid the crowds. But even if you have to wait in line, this museum is definitely worth a visit. It's a great way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona, and it's sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona actually has two cathedrals. Located in the city center, Barcelona Cathedral dates back to the 14th century and is a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The cathedral's main attraction is its incredible stained glass windows, which date back to the 13th century. But don't miss the flock of geese that live in the cloister or the trip to the roof of the ancient church to get an unforgettable view over the city.
Barcelona Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, so it can be quite crowded. But if you're willing to brave the crowds, it's definitely worth a visit. The cathedral is an impressive sight, and it's the perfect place to escape the rain for a while.
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's other Cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in Spain, if not the world. The still-unfinished church is generally regarded as the masterpiece of Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi, and the unique structure with its organic appearance looks almost like the monument of an alien civilization.
Construction of the church began in 1882, and Gaudi worked on the project until his death in 1926. Today, work on the church continues, and it is expected to be completed sometime in the next few decades. In the meantime, you can take a tour of the inside of the church to see Gaudi's incredible interior designs, or just admire the building from the outside. Either way, a visit to the Sagrada Familia is a must-do when you're in Barcelona, and it's a great activity for a rainy day.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
Pablo Picasso is an important enough artist to deserve his own museum, but you'll find more modern art at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum is located in a converted factory, and it houses a collection of contemporary art from around the world.
This Barcelona museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe, so it's definitely worth a visit. Even if you're not a huge fan of more recent art, the museum is worth checking out for the architecture and the incredible views of the city.
The museum is located in the Born district along with the Picasso Museum, which is one of the best places to explore in Barcelona. After you visit the museum, be sure to wander around this vibrant neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants. Just don't forget your umbrella!
Take a cooking class
It's difficult to even find a bad meal in Barcelona. The city is home to some legendary restaurants, and the culinary scene is second to none. But if you really want to experience the best of Barcelona's food, you should take a cooking class.
You can find cooking classes for all kinds of different cuisines, but Catalan cuisine is definitely the specialty in Barcelona. You'll learn how to make traditional dishes like paella and tapas, and you'll get to sample some of the best wine in the world.
A cooking class is a great way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona, and it's a fantastic way to learn about the local food culture. Plus, you'll get to eat some delicious food at the end of the class.
Enjoy a Bath
Nothing drives away the chill of a rainy day than a warm bath. The Aire de Barcelona Ancient Baths are the perfect place to relax and escape the rain.
The Aire de Barcelona Ancient Baths are located in an old factory, and they offer a unique experience that combines ancient Roman traditions with modern luxury. The baths are open late, so you can enjoy them even if you don't have time during the day. It's the perfect way to pamper yourself while enjoying a quintessential part of the culture of the city.
Take a Food Tour
You need to eat even on rainy days. So why not experience some of the best of Barcelona's cuisine with a food tour? Put on a rain jacket and head out to the streets on a guided tour that will take you to some of the best places to eat in the city.
You'll get to try traditional Catalan dishes, as well as some of the best international cuisine in Barcelona. And you'll get to do it all while staying dry and avoiding the rain.
Go Shopping
If your idea of a good vacation is indulging in some retail therapy, you're in luck. Barcelona is home to some excellent shopping areas, including Las Arenas shopping mall located inside a former bull fighting ring. Don't miss the aerial viewing platform that runs all the way around the circular building and offers an incredible view of the city. Barcelona is also home to some other shopping locations like El Corte Inglés, which is the largest department store in Europe.
There are also plenty of traditional markets to explore, and you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. The best part about shopping in Barcelona is that you never know what you'll find, so it's always a fun adventure.
Experience Gaudi's Barcelona
The work of architect Antoni Gaudi has changed the shape of Barcelona forever. Along with the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi designed several buildings in Barcelona, such as Casa Mila and Casa Batllo.
While you can't enter Casa Mila on a rainy day, you can still enjoy the incredible architecture from the street. And if you want to experience Gaudi's work up close, you can visit Casa Batllo, which is open to the public.
Casa Batllo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, so it's best to buy tickets in advance. But it's definitely worth a visit, and you can learn more about Gaudi's work while staying dry on a rainy day.
When it rains in Barcelona, the rain tends to be on the lighter side, so don't let bad weather stop you from exploring the city. Grab a rain jacket or poncho and you can take a self-guided tour of some of the most important buildings in Barcelona.
See A Flamenco Show
Flamenco isn't a Catalan tradition. Instead, this fiery dance hails originally from the southern Spanish province of Andalucia. However, its popularity means that every Spanish city has some great Flamenco shows to go to, and Barcelona is no exception.
There are several flamenco shows to choose from, and they all offer a great way to experience this passionate art form. You can find shows that range from traditional to contemporary, so there's something for everyone.
And because the show is indoors, you don't have to worry about getting wet if it rains.
Conclusion
Rainy days may not be all that common in Barcelona, but they do happen. Fortunately, it doesn't need to ruin your trip. Whether you want to spend some time in a shopping mall or would rather make the most of rainy days by exploring incredible museums and churches, Barcelona has plenty to offer. In fact, there's so much to do in the city on a rainy day that you may find yourself praying for rain so you can fit it all in!