Barcelona is a city that’s worth visiting all year round, whether you come in the heat of summer or during the cooler months. Even though the weather can be a bit rainy towards the end of the year, there’s still plenty to enjoy! The city is full of things to do and see, and you’re bound to fall in love with its charm, whatever the season.
Here’s our list of the top things to do in Barcelona when it rains.
Related read: When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona?
Here’s an overview:
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’ll 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’s housed, was originally built in 1929 for the International Exhibition.
A visit to the MNAC isn’t just a must for art and history lovers; it also rewards you with some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. From its terrace, you can admire Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via, and even catch a glimpse of La Sagrada Família in the distance.
Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, 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 iconic Els 4Gats restaurant
This restaurant, located in the Ciutat Vella district, is one of the most historic spots in Barcelona. It first opened its doors in 1897, when three Catalan painters decided to create a unique venue 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 an amusing origin. When the founders told their friends they were opening a new restaurant, people joked that “only four cats would show up”, a Spanish expression meaning very few people. Amused by the comment, they decided to embrace the phrase and use it as the restaurant’s name.
Today, Els 4Gats is known for its homemade cannelloni and rice dishes, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients and inspired by traditional Catalan cuisine.
You’ll find it right in the heart of Barcelona, just a short walk from the lively Portal de l’Àngel shopping street and close to the Barcelona Cathedral, an architectural gem well worth a visit.
Address: Carrer de Montsió, 3. 08002 Barcelona
Related read: Autumn Dishes in Barcelona: 7 Must-Try Local Favorites
Source: Restaurant website
3. Enter the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
This is another spot you simply can’t miss when visiting Barcelona. Besides being Gaudí’s most famous masterpiece, what fascinates most visitors is how long it has been under construction. Work began back in 1882, and to this day, the Sagrada Família is still not finished.
Unlike any other church in the world, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind building. The project originally started thanks to private donations from the Spiritual Association of the Devotees of Saint Joseph, and the first architect wasn’t Gaudí, but Francisco de Paula del Villar. After several disagreements, he stepped down, and Gaudí took over, completely transforming the design.
A charming detail is that each façade tells a different chapter of Christ’s life, as if the church were a story carved in stone: the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory façades. If you look closely, you’ll notice figures, symbols, and geometric shapes all inspired by nature, one of Gaudí’s main sources of inspiration.
Through this design, Gaudí aimed 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 carry on his vision.
And if you climb one of its towers, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, the kind that make you want to come back again and again. On rainy days, the soft light filtering through the stained glass creates a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere inside the basilica—perfect for slowing down and soaking in the details. Plus, with fewer crowds, you’ll have more space to explore and appreciate the architecture in peace.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
4. Discover Las Arenas shopping center
Another great option for something to do in Barcelona when it rains is to visit this shopping center. But Las Arenas is not just any mall, it has a fascinating history. Originally built as a bullring, it hosted events until 1977, a past that’s still visible in its circular shape and architectural details. After 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 rooftop terrace, a large circular viewpoint 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 entertained when it rains.
The center sits right on Plaça d’Espanya, one of the city’s best-connected areas. From here, important avenues like Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Avinguda del Paral·lel begin, making it easy to get around. Inside, you’ll find a mix of fashion and jewellery shops such as Mango and Pandora, as well as great restaurants to enjoy a meal while the rain passes. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours browsing, shopping, and relaxing without worrying about the weather.
It’s also just a short walk from Montjuïc, where you can explore green spaces and iconic landmarks like the Palau Sant Jordi and the Magic Fountain. If the rain lets up—or if you’re lucky enough to catch a rainbow—Montjuïc awaits with open skies and stunning views.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 385, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Related read: Best Budget-Friendly Shops in Barcelona
5. Try Petritxol Xocoa’s churros with chocolate
Rainy days in Barcelona usually come with cooler weather, the perfect excuse to enjoy a classic hot chocolate with churros. And there’s no better place for it than Petritxol Xocoa, a beloved spot that’s been dedicated to the art of chocolate for over 20 years. You can be sure it won’t disappoint!
The café is located in the Gothic Quarter, on one of the city’s most iconic streets, Carrer Petritxol, affectionately known as “the chocolate street.” This nickname comes from the fact that it’s where some of Barcelona’s oldest “granjas” (traditional cafés) first opened, serving the same warm churros with thick, rich chocolate that locals still adore today.
While you’re in the area, take a moment to wander through the narrow historic streets of the Gothic Quarter and discover the many small, local shops that give this neighborhood its charm.
Besides their famous chocolate and churros, Petritxol Xocoa also offers handmade bonbons, cakes, and milkshakes, a sweet stop you won’t want to miss.
Address: Carrer de Petritxol, 11, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Source: Petritxol website
6. Enjoy watching a movie at the cinema
Barcelona is home to a wide variety of cinemas spread across its many neighbourhoods, making a rainy day the perfect excuse to explore a new area and finish the day watching a film on the big screen.
Here are some of the most popular options:
Cinemas Verdi
Located in the lively Gràcia neighborhood, this is the perfect cinema if you fancy a stroll through one of Barcelona’s most characterful areas. It’s known for showing films in their original version and for its warm, local atmosphere—a true neighborhood gem.
Address: Carrer de Verdi, 32, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
Balmes Multicines
Found right in the heart of the Eixample district, this cinema boasts 12 digital screens and a wide selection of original-version movies. It’s also very well connected by public transport, whether you come 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
Cinema Maldà
Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, this small but charming cinema offers a more intimate and cozy experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy independent films and a relaxed setting. All screenings are in the original version with subtitles, making it ideal for both English and Spanish speakers.
Address: Carrer del Pi, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Zumzeig Cinema
A non-profit, cooperative cinema that focuses on independent and thought-provoking films. It offers a multidisciplinary programme in the original version and often hosts cultural and social events such as debates, workshops and talks. It’s a great choice for those who want to combine cinema with a community feel.
Address: Carrer de Béjar, 53, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona
Charming Rainy Days in Barcelona
Here you have it!
Even when the sky is covered in clouds, Barcelona never loses its charm. Its museums, restaurants, cinemas and historic corners invite you to enjoy the city in a calmer, more authentic way. Sometimes, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to discover Barcelona’s cosier, more intimate side. So grab your umbrella, step outside, and let Barcelona surprise you—rain or shine!
