Barcelona is a city worth visiting all year round, whether in the middle of summer or during the colder months. Although the weather may be a little rainy towards the end of the year, there is still plenty to enjoy! The city is full of things to do and see, and you are sure to fall in love with its charm, whatever the season.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Barcelona when it rains.
Related reading: When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
Here’s an overview:
The best things to do in Barcelona when it rains
1. Visit the MNAC
Visiting the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) on a rainy day is one of the best things you can do in Barcelona. Inside you will find an impressive collection of Romanesque art, one of the most complete in the world. The museum itself opened in 1990, although the Palau Nacional, where it is located, was originally built in 1929 for the International Exhibition.
A visit to the MNAC is not only a must-see for art and history lovers; It also rewards you with some of the best panoramic views. views of barcelona. From its terrace you can admire the Plaza de España, Gran Vía and even glimpse the Sagrada Familia in the distance.
ADDRESS: Palau Nacional, Montjuïc Park, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona
Entrance fees:
Adults: €12 (get tickets here)
Families: €8.40
Seniors (65+): Free
2. Escape the weather at the emblematic Els 4Gats restaurant
This restaurant, located in the Ciutat Vella district, is one of the most historic places in Barcelona. It opened its doors for the first time in 1897, when three Catalan painters decided to create a unique place inspired by the famous Parisian cabaret “Le Chat Noir”, a popular meeting place for artists during the modernist era.
The name “Els 4Gats” (which means The Four Cats) has a funny origin. When the founders told their friends that they were going to open a new restaurant, people joked that “only four cats would come,” an expression in Spanish that means very few people. Amused by the comment, they decided to embrace the phrase and use it as the name of the restaurant.
Today, Els 4Gats is known for its homemade cannelloni and rice dishes, all of them made with local ingredients and inspired by traditional Catalan cuisine.
You will find it right in the heart of Barcelona, a few steps from the lively Portal de l’Àngel shopping street and close to the Barcelona Cathedral, an architectural gem that is well worth a visit.
ADDRESS: Calle de Montsió, 3. 08002 Barcelona
Related reading: Autumn Dishes in Barcelona: 7 Local Favorites You Must Try
Fountain: Restaurant website
3. Enter the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
This is another place that you simply cannot miss when visiting barcelona. In addition to being Gaudí’s most famous masterpiece, what fascinates most visitors is how long it has been under construction. The works began in 1882 and, to this day, the Holy Family It’s not finished yet.
Unlike any other church in the world, it is truly a one-of-a-kind building. The project originally began thanks to private donations from the Spiritual Association of the Devotees of San José, and the first architect was not Gaudí, but Francisco de Paula del Villar. After several disagreements, he resigned and Gaudí took over, completely transforming the design.
A charming detail is that each facade tells a different chapter of the life of Christ, as if the church were a story carved in stone: the Nativity, Passion and Glory facades. If you look closely, you will notice figures, symbols and geometric shapes, all inspired by nature, one of Gaudí’s main sources of inspiration.
Through this design, Gaudí intended to create a connection between the human and the divine, filling every corner with meaning and symbolism. The project has continued over the years thanks to donations and ticket sales, allowing new generations to continue their vision.
And if you climb one of its towers, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Barcelona, the kind that makes you want to return again and again. On rainy days, the soft light filtered through the stained glass windows creates a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere inside the basilica, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the details. Plus, with fewer crowds, you’ll have more space to explore and appreciate the architecture in peace.
ADDRESS: Calle de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
4. Discover the Las Arenas shopping center
Another great option to do in Barcelona when it rains is to visit this shopping center. But Las Arenas is not just any shopping center, it has a fascinating history. Originally built as a bullring, it hosted events until 1977, a past that is still visible in its circular shape and architectural details. Following a major renovation, it reopened in 2011 as one of the city’s most impressive shopping and leisure complexes.
One of its highlights is the roof terrace, a large circular viewing point that offers beautiful panoramic views of Barcelona, especially over Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc. While the terrace is best enjoyed on sunny days, the rest of the center is perfect for staying dry and entertaining when it rains.
The center is located right on Plaça d’Espanya, one of the best connected areas of the city. Important avenues such as Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Avinguda del Paral·lel start from here, making travel easier. Inside you’ll find a mix of fashion and jewelry stores like Mango and Pandora, as well as fantastic restaurants to enjoy a meal while it rains. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours browsing, shopping, and relaxing without worrying about the weather.
It is also a few steps from Montjuïc, where you can explore green spaces and emblematic places such as the Palau Sant Jordi and the Magic Fountain. If the rain lets up, or if you are lucky enough to see a rainbow, Montjuïc awaits you with open skies and stunning views.
ADDRESS: Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 385, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Related reading: The best cheap stores in Barcelona
5. Try the churros with chocolate from Petritxol Xocoa
Rainy days in Barcelona usually come accompanied by cooler weather, the perfect excuse to enjoy a classic hot chocolate with churros. And there is no better place for it than Petritxol Xocoa, a beloved place dedicated to the art of chocolate for more than 20 years. You can be sure that you will not be disappointed!
The cafeteria is located in the Gothic Quarter, on one of the most emblematic streets of the city, Petritxol Street, affectionately known as “Chocolate Street.” This nickname comes from the fact that it is where some of Barcelona’s oldest “granjas” (traditional cafes) first opened, serving the same hot churros with thick, rich chocolate that locals still love today.
While you’re in the area, take a moment to stroll through the narrow historic streets of the Gothic Quarter and discover the many small local shops that give this neighborhood its charm.
In addition to its famous chocolates and churros, Petritxol Xocoa also offers artisanal chocolates, cakes and smoothies, a sweet stop you won’t want to miss.
ADDRESS: Calle de Petritxol, 11, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Fountain: petritxol website
6. Enjoy watching a movie at the cinema.
Barcelona is home to a wide variety of cinemas spread throughout its many neighborhoods, making a rainy day the perfect excuse to explore a new area and end the day watching a movie on the big screen.
These are some of the most popular options:
Verdi Cinemas
Located in the lively Gràcia neighborhood, this is the perfect cinema if you feel like taking a walk through one of the most characterful areas of Barcelona. It is known for showing films in their original version and for its warm, local atmosphere: a true gem of the neighborhood.
ADDRESS: Carrer de Verdi, 32, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
Balmes multiplexes
Located right in the heart of the Eixample district, this cinema has 12 digital screens and a wide selection of films in their original version. It is also very well connected by public transport, whether by bus or FGC train, making it an easy and comfortable choice for a rainy afternoon.
ADDRESS: Carrer de Balmes, 422–424, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona
Maldá Cinema
Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, this small but charming cinema offers a more intimate and welcoming experience. It is perfect for those who enjoy independent cinema and a relaxed atmosphere. All screenings are in the original version with subtitles, which makes it ideal for both English and Spanish speakers.
ADDRESS: Calle del Pi, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Zumzeig Cinema
A non-profit cooperative cinema focusing on independent and thought-provoking films. It offers multidisciplinary programming in its original version and usually hosts cultural and social events such as debates, workshops and talks. It is an excellent option for those who want to combine cinema with a feeling of community.
ADDRESS: Carrer de Béjar, 53, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona
Charming rainy days in Barcelona
Here it is!
Even when the sky is covered in clouds, Barcelona never loses its charm. Its museums, restaurants, cinemas and historical corners invite you to enjoy the city in a calmer and more authentic way. Sometimes, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to discover the coziest and most intimate side of Barcelona. So grab your umbrella, go out and let Barcelona surprise you, rain or shine!
