12 Best Rainy Day Activities in Barcelona

The City of Barcelona, jewel of the Mediterranean, is famous for its sunny and pleasant climate. However, sometimes 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 world-renowned museums to discovering its vibrant cultural scene, rainy days can be the perfect opportunity to get to know the city from a different perspective. Here are the best activities to make the most of a rainy day in Barcelona.

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

After purchasing your ticket to Casa Batlló, you will witness at least seven reasons why this work is a must-see in Barcelona, 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 people with visual and hearing impairments, 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.

Continue your tour of Gaudí's works with this next stop. Among his many creations, the genius gave the world the Sagrada Familia, an unmistakable architectural icon of Barcelona.

There is undoubtedly a lot to see inside the Sagrada Familia. In fact, a visit to the temple is literally a religious experience that you cannot miss. And what better time to do so 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 colour filtering through the stained-glass windows, the spectacle that blends nature, religion and geometry is an emblem of the city.

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

When rain falls on the streets of Barcelona, stepping inside La Pedrera is an opportunity to explore one of the most emblematic buildings of Catalan modernism. The essential tour allows you to visit the most outstanding areas of this architectural icon designed by Gaudí.

But if you're wondering what's inside La Pedrera, here are the highlights: the chimneys on its iconic roof terrace, the whale spine-shaped attic, several courtyards, exhibitions and panoramic views of the city. What's more, when you buy your ticket for La Pedrera, you'll also get access to the famous Espai Gaudí attic, a space dedicated to the brilliant architect and his innovative techniques.

You'll also explore the modernist apartment that recreates the life of the Barcelona bourgeoisie in the early 20th century, among many other valuable details. A visit to La Pedrera – Casa Milà is perfect for a rainy day, where art, history and architecture come together in a unique atmosphere, showing why this is one of Gaudí's finest works in Barcelona.

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

• Duration of the visit: we recommend allowing around two hours to visit the aquarium. However, your ticket allows you to stay at the aquarium for as long as you like, as long as it is within opening hours (from 8 am to 9 pm).
• Price: the prices at the Barcelona Aquarium are quite affordable. A regular ticket costs approximately £27 and children over 10 pay £10.
• Food: did you know that the aquarium offers a combined ticket with a menu? It's true! The additional supplement for this combo costs approximately £4.

We can all agree that this is a complete, fun and affordable plan for spending 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 over 4,000 works showcasing Pablo Picasso's early creative stages, offering a unique insight into his artistic transformation over the years.

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

I recommend booking a tour with tickets to 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 rains? Whether you're travelling with your partner, friends or alone, rain can be the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in a wine tasting in Barcelona. Just a few minutes from the city centre, you'll find some of the best wine tastings and winery tours in Barcelona, where you can discover the secrets of local winemaking or simply spend a pleasant time drinking a few glasses.

The experience usually includes tasting several varieties of wine, from fresh whites to intense reds, all from the region. Experts will guide you in appreciating their aromas and flavours while explaining the production process, from harvest to bottling.

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

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

Tickets are available at various venues around the city. For example, you can buy your ticket for the flamenco show at Tablao Cordobés if you get caught in the rain 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 Theatre if you are closer to Paseo de Gracia.

These shows will shelter you from the rain while you enjoy a few glasses of wine and thrill to 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 visiting 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 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 for taking refuge on a rainy day while witnessing a unique cultural offering that fuses the best of modern and contemporary art.

Rainy days are perfect for discovering Barcelona's rich cuisine. An excellent option is to sign up for a tapas and wine tasting tour, an experience that allows you to enjoy the best of local cuisine while sheltering from the bad weather. With this type of activity, you'll be protected from the rain for at least two hours while you sample a selection of tapas such as classic patatas bravas, homemade croquettes or calamari, accompanied by local wines or traditional vermouths.

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

The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), located in the majestic Palau Nacional de Montjuïc, is one of Barcelona's must-see attractions, 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 purchase the Barcelona Museum Pass, which will allow you to quickly and easily access not only the MNAC, but also other iconic museums in the city. What's more, if you're caught out by the rain in May, you may find that the universe is smiling on you, allowing you to take shelter in this cultural centre during Museum Night, an annual event where the city's museums open their doors until midnight. You can enjoy a complete tour while staying safe from the bad weather and delighting in the art.

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

During the tour, you can also admire sculptures made entirely of chocolate and, if you wish, take part in workshops where you can experience first-hand the art of working with 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 you're into mental challenges and group experiences, :::link|text=Barcelona's best Escape Rooms|element=sc-122-5310::: offer the perfect opportunity to have fun and test your wits while getting away from 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. What's more, as always, some of Barcelona's escape rooms feature in the list of the 100 best escape rooms in the world according to TERPECA, the Top Escape Rooms Project.

Among the most renowned escape rooms are: CyberCity 2049, with a cyberpunk touch in Santa Coloma de Gramenet;'La Cerveseria', where the advice is summed up as 'think, run and collaborate!'; and finally, the paranormal and terrifying experience of Malum. In all of them, you'll be sheltered from the rain for a couple of hours while the puzzles make you forget about the weather outside.