Rainy day in Barcelona: best indoor things to do
What to do in Barcelona when it rains: MNAC, CosmoCaixa, Roman remains under the city, Palau de la Música, markets and Gaudí interiors.
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Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
The MNAC, in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc, holds one of the world's finest collections of Romanesque art, including frescoes rescued from Pyrenean churches. The building's terrace has a great view when the rain stops.
Underground Barcelona
The Museu d'Història de Barcelona lets you walk through excavated streets, workshops and buildings of Roman Barcino beneath Plaça del Rei. It is fascinating and fully indoors.
Science and art
CosmoCaixa fills half a day easily. The Fundació Joan Miró on Montjuïc and MACBA in El Raval cover modern and contemporary art.
Gaudí interiors
Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are mostly indoors and are good rainy-day choices, as is the Sagrada Família, whose stained glass glows even on cloudy days.
Markets and food halls
La Boqueria, Santa Caterina and the renovated Sant Antoni market are covered and lively. Rain is also an excellent excuse for a long Catalan lunch.
Concerts and shows
Book a performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana or the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Seeing these interiors with live music is memorable.
Covered markets and food
Markets such as La Boqueria, Santa Caterina and Sant Antoni are covered and great for a rainy morning, with food counters for lunch.
Shopping
Shopping centres such as L'Illa Diagonal and Maremagnum offer indoor shopping, as do department stores near Plaça de Catalunya.
Indoor experiences
Consider a cooking class, a flamenco show, a spa or a concert at the Palau de la Música.
Tips
Rain in Barcelona is often brief but heavy. Carry an umbrella, and remember that some outdoor attractions may close in strong winds.
Where to stay for a rainy-weather trip
Staying near a metro station makes rainy days easier. Eixample and the area around Plaça de Catalunya are well connected and close to many indoor attractions.
Museums
The Picasso Museum, MNAC, Fundació Miró, CosmoCaixa and the Maritime Museum are good choices. Some have free entry at certain times.
Gaudí indoors
Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Palau Güell offer indoor experiences, and the Sagrada Família's interior is spectacular in any weather.
Food experiences
A rainy day is ideal for a long lunch, a tapas crawl, a chocolate and churros stop in the Gothic Quarter, or a cooking class. Many cooking schools offer short sessions that include a market visit.
Family options
The Aquarium, CosmoCaixa, the Chocolate Museum and indoor play centres are good for children on wet days.
Covered walks and cafés
Barcelona has few covered arcades, but the porticoes of Plaça Reial and the colonnades around Port Vell offer some shelter. Historic cafés and granja milk bars in the Gothic Quarter, known for thick hot chocolate, are pleasant places to wait out a shower. Libraries and cultural centres such as the CCCB also host free or low-cost exhibitions.
Getting around in the rain
Taxis are in high demand when it rains, so the metro is usually the fastest option. Pavements of polished stone in the old town can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
FAQ
Does it rain a lot in Barcelona?
Not usually. Rain tends to come in short, heavy spells, mostly in autumn and spring.
Which museum is best for a rainy day?
The MNAC, the Picasso Museum and CosmoCaixa are excellent choices.
Is Park Güell worth visiting in the rain?
It can be slippery and less enjoyable; consider rescheduling if possible.
What can kids do on a rainy day?
CosmoCaixa, the Aquarium and the Chocolate Museum are popular options.
Are Barcelona museums open on Mondays?
Many close on Mondays, so check before you go.