10 Things to Do When It Rains in Barcelona

Despite its sunny Mediterranean reputation, Barcelona still experiences around 90 rainy days per year. Rain typically comes in short bursts rather than extended downpours, so even when it’s wet, the city’s charm isn’t lost.

The rainiest months are September and October, but quick summer thunderstorms can also surprise with dramatic lightning shows. Winter has fewer rainy days, and it's mostly snowy days.

Want to explore Barcelona, but it suddenly started to rain? Not to worry—there’s so much to see and do. Grab an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and don’t be discouraged!

1. Go to an Escape Room

Escape rooms are a fantastic way to make the most of a rainy day in Barcelona. These adventures cater to various interests, from historical mysteries involving Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or Gaudí’s creations to futuristic sci-fi or fantasy themes.

Barcelona's escape rooms are known for their well-thought-out setups. Many people are mentioning detailed props, atmospheric lighting, and captivating storylines. You’ll have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and decode clues with friends or family.

Many escape rooms, like Escape Hunt Barcelona, Enigmik, and Maximum Escape have both Spanish and English options. These are a fun way to spend your day when it's gloomy outside. Plus, you'll get a little mental challenge!

2. Have a Spa Day

A rainy day in Barcelona is the perfect excuse to slow down and treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience. The city is filled with spa options, both luxurious and affordable. One of the top choices is Aire Ancient Baths, where you can enjoy thermal pools, salt baths, and steam rooms set in a beautifully restored historical building. Other top spas around the city also have soothing massages, facials, and wellness treatments to help you unwind and recharge.

If you want to stay central, some hotel spas in areas like Eixample or Gothic Quarter have day passes. Make sure to book in advance, as Barcelona’s spas are popular, especially on rainy days.

3. Visit Barcelona Aquarium

The Barcelona Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe and it's a fantastic indoor escape on a rainy day. It’s situated in Port Vell and here, you can see over 11,000 marine animals from 450 species.

They have an Oceanarium, which is an enormous 36-meter-wide tank filled with 4 million liters of seawater, housing sharks, rays, and more. You can walk through an 80-meter-long underwater tunnel and just enjoy watching the marine life.

The aquarium has a strong focus on conservation and education and have interactive exhibits for all ages. If you have children, this is the perfect family-friendly spot to visit!

4. Take a Cooking Class

If you're interested in Catalan dishes and enjoy cooking, you'll love Barcelona's cooking classes. Many cooking schools across the city have hands-on classes where you can create traditional dishes like paella, tapas, and crema catalana. Most of these take around 2 to 4 hours, so you still have the rest of the day to yourself.

Some popular cooking schools include Barcelona Cooking and La Boqueria Food School. This activity is ideal for anyone who loves food, wants to learn new skills, and doesn’t mind rolling up their sleeves!

5. Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour without Hopping Off

When it’s raining, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a convenient way to see Barcelona’s sights while staying warm and dry. These buses have covered upper decks and have audio guides. You can comfortably explore landmarks like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Montjuïc without stepping outside.

You’ll get an overview of the city’s layout, learn about its history, take photos, and have the flexibility to simply relax on board. Perfect for getting to know Barcelona even on a gloomy day!

6. Visit the Ice Skating Rink

Ice skating is a fun way to spend a rainy day in Barcelona, and the city has several indoor rinks open seasonally. Palau de Gel at Camp Nou is a popular spot, but you’ll also find other options that have rentals. You only have to have warm clothes and that's it.

Ice skating is a unique winter experience in this Mediterranean city and is family-friendly, perfect for all ages.

7. Go to an Indoor Karting

Indoor karting is a fantastic way to add some excitement and color to a rainy day in Barcelona! The city has several indoor tracks where you can enjoy the thrill of racing without worrying about the weather.

Most of them are suitable for all skill levels, and usually, they provide you with gear and safety instructions. So, it can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. It’s a great option for groups looking to add a bit of friendly competition and high-speed fun to their day indoors.

8. Go to a Shopping Mall

On a rainy day, Barcelona’s shopping malls are a perfect indoor escape where you can explore stores, dine, and unwind. You don't even have to buy anything, you can just window shop!

Popular malls like Las Arenas, Diagonal Mar, and Maremagnum have a range of shops, from designer brands to local boutiques. Each mall also has entertainment options, restaurants, and cozy cafes. Also, most likely not many people would be there on a gloomy day, so it's a good way to spend a leisurely afternoon indoors.

9. Have a Museum Day

A rainy day is an ideal time to explore Barcelona’s beautiful and interesting museum scene. Art, History, science, contemporary exhibits, Chocolate - there will be something for you.

Here, you can find a big collection of Picasso’s early works, sketches, and paintings.

MNAC displays Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to modernist pieces.

This is a hands-on science museum perfect for curious minds and families, with interactive exhibits and a rain forest ecosystem.

It's dedicated to Barcelona’s own Joan Miró and displays his colorful, surrealist works and temporary exhibitions.

MACBA is perfect for contemporary art enthusiasts, with both Catalan and international modern art.

Step back in time with Roman ruins and ancient artifacts in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

Get a travel card for yourself and just travel around the city to check out the museums! Need more options? See our list of free museums.

10. Famous Attractions that are Indoors

Even on a rainy day, Barcelona’s landmarks are still stunning! You can still visit Sagrada Família and admire the breathtaking stained glass and detailed stonework without worrying about the weather. Casa Batlló is also a great options, with Gaudí’s ocean-inspired interiors. Another good one is La Pedrera (Casa Milà). You can also see Palau Güell.

You could spend the day visiting these attractions, but consider waiting until nightfall when they light up beautifully. Rainy weather may hinder outdoor photos, but illuminated façades look even more striking at night.

Conclusion

Don't get sad when it starts raining! Do the opposite and try something new. If you don't like the ideas listed above, consider local cinemas where you can watch movies in English, cozy cafes, and bookstores. For a more active outing, you can go to a bowling alley or a board game cafe!

Rainy day tip: Take advantage of Barcelona’s covered galleries and beautiful passages, such as Pasaje del Crèdit and Passatge de la Pau.

Barcelona’s rain tends to be light to moderate rather than heavy downpours, so if you don’t mind a few raindrops, you can still wander through the city comfortably. Even in the rainier seasons, showers are often brief and gentle, allowing you to enjoy Barcelona’s streets, parks, and outdoor markets without getting too soaked.

If Barcelona’s rain falls during your long-awaited trip, don’t let it get you down! These activities can make for a fun, memorable day. To avoid surprises, try planning your travel dates around the weather forecast, especially during the rainier months.