Activities for Rainy Days in Barcelona

The jewel of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is famous for its sunny and pleasant weather. However, on occasion, the city wakes up to rain, which should not be an impediment to enjoying many of the things to see and do in Barcelona.

Whether you prefer art, history, gastronomy or entertainment, Barcelona offers a wide variety of indoor activities. From visiting its world-renowned museums to discovering its vibrant cultural scene, rainy days can become a perfect opportunity to get to know the city from another perspective. Here are the best activities to make the most of a rainy day in Barcelona.

One of the best ways to take shelter from the rain in Barcelona for a couple of hours is to explore this work by Antoni Gaudí that was once known as the house of bones or the house of the dragon, a symbol of modernism. Beyond its undulating forms and vibrant colors, this work reflects a breaking of the norms of space and time. In other words, it is a timeless work that transformed the city into an architectural landmark.

After buying your ticket to Casa Batlló you will witness at least 7 reasons why this work is a Barcelona must-see, from its nature-inspired façade to its innovative use of light and space. But beyond its aesthetics, this building invites you to explore a universe of sensations.

With your ticket, you will receive an audio guide available in 15 languages, also adapted for the visually and hearing impaired, ensuring an inclusive experience. The visit not only protects you from the rain, but also allows you to appreciate up close the details that make Gaudí a world reference.

The tour of Gaudí's works continues in this list. Among his works, the genius gave the world the Sagrada Familia, an unmistakable architectural icon of Barcelona.

Undoubtedly, there is much to see inside the Sagrada Familia. In fact, a visit to the temple is literally a religious experience not to be missed. And what better time to do it than on a rainy day. Although still under construction, from the columns that rise like tree trunks around it to the play of light and colors that filter through the stained glass windows, the spectacle that fuses nature, religion and geometry is an emblem of the city.

When you buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia online, you are assured access to one of the most visited monuments in the city. The Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudí's finest works in Barcelona, where every detail, from its symbolism-filled facades to the heights of its towers, reflects the architect's unique vision.

When rain dyes the streets of Barcelona, going inside La Pedrera is an opportunity to explore one of the most emblematic buildings of Catalan modernism. The essential visit allows you to tour the highlights of this Gaudí-designed architectural icon.

But if you're wondering what's inside La Pedrera, here are the highlights: the chimneys on its iconic rooftop, the whale-backbone-shaped penthouse, several courtyards, exhibits and panoramic views of the city. In addition, when you purchase your ticket to La Pedrera, you will have access to the famous Espai Gaudíl attic, a space dedicated to the brilliant architect and his innovative techniques.

In addition, you will explore the modernist apartment that recreates the life of the Barcelona bourgeoisie in the early twentieth century, among many other valuable details. The appointment at La Pedrera - Casa Milà is perfect for a rainy day, where art, history and architecture merge in a unique atmosphere, showing why this is one of Gaudí's best works in Barcelona

For those looking for things to do in Barcelona with kids when the rain catches you by surprise, an amazing option is to buy tickets for the Barcelona Aquarium. Here, you'll be able to see more than 11,000 marine species up close with tunnels that immerse you in the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea without leaving the city. And if that's not enough incentive for you, here are 3 other reasons why visiting the Aquarium of Barcelona is an ideal plan:

• Duration of the visit: to tour the aquarium we recommend about 2 hours. However, with your ticket you can stay in the aquarium as long as you want as long as it is within its schedule (from 08:00-21:00 hours).
• Its price: the prices of Aquarium Barcelona are quite affordable. A regular ticket costs approximately 31 € and children from 10 €.
• The food: did you know that the aquarium has a combined entrance with menu? As I tell you. And the additional supplement for this combo has an approximate cost of only 5 €.

Undoubtedly, we will agree that this is a complete, fun and economical plan to spend rainy days with the kids in Barcelona.

The Picasso Museum is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Barcelona, especially recommended for art lovers looking to explore the beginnings and evolution of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. This space houses an extensive collection of more than 4,000 works that show the early creative stages of Pablo Picasso, with a unique insight into his artistic transformation over the years.

Located in the historic Born neighborhood, the museum is perfect for a rainy day, allowing you to immerse yourself in the artist's legacy in a cozy, indoor environment. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of his work and his influence on contemporary art.

I recommend booking a ticketed tour of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona to learn more about the artist's legacy in the company of an expert guide.

Looking for a more intimate plan while it's raining? Whether you are traveling with a partner, friends or alone, the rain can be the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in a wine tasting in Barcelona. Some of the best wine tastings and winery tours in Barcelona take place just minutes from the center, where you can discover the secrets of local winemaking or simply spend a pleasant time sipping a few glasses.

The experience usually includes tasting several varieties of wines, from fresh whites to intense reds, all from the region. The experts will guide you in the appreciation of their aromas and flavors while explaining the production process, from harvesting to bottling.

If you feel like taking the activity up a notch, sign up for a wine tasting in Barcelona with a visit inside a renowned winery, making the experience an ideal option for rainy days. These visits guided by an expert sommelier will not only allow you to enjoy good wines, but also to learn more about the wine history of Catalonia in a cozy and relaxed environment.

One way to escape the bad weather is to immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture by attending one of the city's most popular shows with a ticket to a Flamenco show in Barcelona.

They are available at various venues around the city. For example, you can buy your ticket for the Flamenco show at Tablao Cordobes if the rain catches you on La Rambla. Another option is to buy tickets for the flamenco show at Los Tarantos if you are in Ciutat Vella or buy tickets for the flamenco show at the City Hall Theater if you are closer to Paseo de Gracia.

These shows will shelter you from the rain while you sip a few glasses of wine and vibrate with the performance of the day, they are an excellent option for both locals and tourists.

If you are interested in modern and contemporary art, I recommend you visit the Moco Museum, the new space dedicated to modern and contemporary art in Barcelona. This museum houses a vibrant collection that includes works by great figures such as Banksy, Takashi Murakami, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol, giving you the opportunity to discover both classic art and the most avant-garde expressions.

The museum, located in an intimate setting and perfectly designed to highlight every visual detail, not only features traditional exhibitions, but also interactive installations and digital art displays that captivate visitors of all ages.

In addition, the Moco Museum stands out for its innovative approach and its commitment to new forms of art that invite reflection and participation. Buying tickets to the Moco Museum in Barcelona guarantees you an immersive experience, ideal to take refuge on a rainy day while you witness a unique cultural proposal that fuses the best of modern and contemporary art.

Rainy days are perfect to discover the rich gastronomy of Barcelona. An excellent option is to sign up for a tapas and wine tasting tour, an experience that allows you to enjoy the best of the local cuisine while being sheltered from bad weather. With this type of activity you will be protected from the rain for at least two hours while tasting a selection of tapas such as the classic patatas bravas, homemade croquettes or calamares a la romana, accompanied by wines from the region or traditional vermouth.

On the tour you will discover the charms of Barcelona: of vermouth and tapas, as this type of activity usually takes place in some of the most authentic taverns in the historic center, where flavors and history intertwine. This type of experience not only allows you to enjoy the warmth of the locals, but also to learn more about the Catalan culinary culture in a cozy atmosphere perfect for grey days.

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), located in the majestic Palau Nacional de Montjuïc, is a must-see in Barcelona, especially on rainy days. This museum, considered one of the best museums in Spain according to National Geographic, houses an exceptional collection of Romanesque and Gothic art, as well as outstanding works of Catalan modernism that will immerse you in the artistic history of the region.

An ideal option for culture lovers is to buy the Barcelona Museum Pass, which will give you convenient and quick access not only to MNAC, but also to other emblematic museums in the city. In addition, if the rain has taken you by surprise in May, it is possible that the universe will smile on you by allowing you to take shelter in this cultural center during the night of the museums, an annual event where the city's museums open their doors until midnight. You'll enjoy a full tour while you're safe from the weather and reveling in the art.

The Museu de la Xocolata is a great way to escape the rain while enjoying a sweet experience. Upon entering, not only will you be protected from bad weather for at least an hour, but you'll also receive a complimentary chocolate bar, making every minute even more enjoyable. This is one of those 'museums to eat' recommended by Traveler, where you will learn about the history of cocoa and its evolution from ancient civilizations to its role in modern gastronomy.

During the tour, you can also admire sculptures made entirely of chocolate and, if you wish, participate in workshops where you will experience firsthand the art of working this delicious material. If the idea tempts you, don't hesitate to buy your ticket for the Museu de la Xocolata in Barcelona and take advantage of this perfect opportunity to transform a rainy day into an unforgettable adventure.

If mental challenges and group experiences are your thing, the best Escape Rooms in Barcelona offer you the perfect opportunity to have fun and test your wits while you get out of the rain.

These types of experiences have become popular in the city and there is a wide variety of themes: from historical mysteries to futuristic adventures. In addition, as always, some escape rooms in Barcelona are listed among the top 100 escape rooms in the world according to TERPECA, the Top Escape Rooms Project.

Among the most recognized escape rooms are: CyberCity 2049, the cyberpunk touch in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, 'La Cerveseria', where the tips are summarized in 'think, run and collaborate!', and finally, the paranormal and terrifying experience of Malum. In all of them you will be sheltered from the rain for a couple of hours while the riddles will make you forget about the weather outside.