Although summer usually means sunshine and heat, sometimes the sky surprises us with a grey, rainy day. But don’t let that stop you! Barcelona still has so much to offer when it rains. Want to discover it? Hola Barcelona takes you there!
A rainy day doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. On the contrary, it can be a great chance to discover a quieter, more intimate and welcoming side of Barcelona. Slow down, step out of your usual routine and enjoy a different kind of urban experience. Here are a few ideas to make the most of a rainy day in the city.
1. Dive into culture
Barcelona is full of museums and cultural venues where you can spend hours comfortably while the rain falls outside. A few must-visits:
- Picasso Museum: to explore the artist’s early years and creative evolution.
- Design Museum or Museum of World Cultures: less crowded, but full of fascinating collections.
- CaixaForum and the CCCB: varied programming, modern exhibitions and beautiful buildings.
Many of these venues also have cosy cafés inside – perfect for a stylish break.
2. Bookshops and libraries to get lost in
Rainy days are made for quiet moments and reading. Barcelona is full of charming bookshops and welcoming libraries where you can take a cultural break:
- La Central Bookshop (Raval, Mallorca or Consell de Cent): spacious, elegant, and with a carefully curated selection.
- Finestres Bookshop (Eixample): a paradise for readers, with nooks to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Jaume Fuster Library (Gràcia), Sagrada Família Library or Gabriel García Márquez Library: modern, bright, and ideal for reading or working in peace.
Check out our selection of the best libraries in Barcelona!
A good book, a peaceful space and the sound of the rain outside… can you think of a better plan?
3. Indoor shopping
If you feel like strolling and doing some shopping, take shelter in indoor markets and shopping centres:
- Sant Antoni Market: an architectural gem full of local life.
- El Corte Inglés at Plaça Catalunya or L’Illa Diagonal: great places to combine shopping and shelter.
- La Roca Village Shopping Express Tour: enjoy a full shopping day at La Roca Village with direct transportation from Barcelona on the comfortable Shopping Express service.
4. Enjoy a show
Rain can be the perfect excuse for a night at the theatre or cinema:
- Check out the listings at Teatre Goya, Poliorama or Romea, among others.
- At Cinema Verdi (Gràcia) or Cinemes Girona, you can catch original version films in a special setting.
Get around easily – even when it rains
Remember that with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card , you can move around the city easily, rain or shine. Forget the stress and use the city’s metro and bus network to comfortably reach any of these rainy-day ideas — plus, enjoy unlimited travel!
A rainy day in Barcelona can be magical if you approach it with curiosity. Grab your umbrella... and off you go!
