How to enjoy Barcelona - when you can't enjoy the weather!
Barcelona is famous for its revered soccer club, but sports is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why the city is a favourite among locals, tourists and vacationers alike. From breath taking aesthetics, to impressive architecture, culturally diverse galleries and delectable food and music that delights and tantalizes the senses.
But what if the weather isn’t as cooperative as your ambition for the day? Although Barcelona is well-known for its pleasant and mild climate, the weather can, at times, become unstable mid-season. If your sun-filled morning soon transforms into a wet and rainy afternoon, or if the weather heats up like an unbearable oven, fear not.
This guide will help you explore how to enjoy Barcelona even when you can’t enjoy the weather outdoors. Unsure of what to expect outdoors and need to plan ahead? World Weather Online provides real-time up to date forecasts to help you plan ahead.
Without further ado, below are our top picks for enjoying Barcelona when the weather is less than agreeable…
Explore Barcelona’s many museums
Barcelona is acclaimed for its beautiful streets and immaculate beaches, leaving many to forget entirely all that the city has to offer indoors. Museums house some of the world’s most cherished and stunning art, culture and more. Best of all, there is something for everyone! From romantic tours of artistic expression to kid-friendly explorations of science.
Prefer classical or modern art?
Picasso Museum: Discover Pablo Picasso in a way like no other with a visit to this museum dedicated to the life and works of one of the greats.
Miró Foundation: The world’s largest collection of the artists’ works can be found under the museum’s roofs. Enjoy its architectural décor and a selection you won’t want to miss.
National Museum of Catalan Art: Centuries of Catalan art are the hallmark of this unique art collection.
CaixaForum: A cultural centre with impressive exhibitions that will sweep you off your feet with their elegance and charm.
Contemporary art more your style?
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art: Transport yourself to a new world brimming with creativity and expression at MACBA Barcelona Centre for Contemporary Culture: Celebrate the contemporary culture of Barcelona and the creative expression of this unique region.
Need something kid-friendly?
CosmoCaixa: Science is fun and educational at this museum that the whole family will enjoy.
Barcelona Maritime Museum: Explore the high seas and all things nautical from the comfort of land at this maritime museum.
Are you a history buff?
City’s History Museum: Turn back time and explore the rich cultural history of Barcelona on this unique tour.
Into nature?
Natural Science Museum and Aquarium: Educational and exciting, learn about local natural environments and their inhabitants.
On a budget? – how about free!
Palau Robert: Although lesser known by most tourists, the free exhibitions and gardens are a perfect place to explore and discover on a budget.
Palau de la Virrenia: Always free, take a cultural break while exploring the Ramblas.
Enjoy a flamenco show!
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Seeing a show indoors is a sure-fire way to forget all about rainy, storming or oppressively hot weather outside. Although this particular style of music is traditionally known as Andalusian, the area boasts a number of places where you can catch a great show.
Options include but are not limited to:
· Tablao de Carmen in the Poble Espanyol
· Flamenco in the sublime art nouveau surroundings of Palau de la Música
· The Dalmases Palace
· The Palacio del Flamenco
· The intimate hall of Los Tarantos
· The hall of Los Tarantos
· The Feria de Abril in the spring
Shopping at La Maquinista
La Maquinista is the largest shopping centre in all of Catalonia, boasting over 242 shops all within a short walking distance and easy to manoeuvre without getting wet from the rain. The centre also features a large food court including a number of restaurants to wet your palate, take a break or enjoy a nice meal. If you’d like to make a day out of it, there is even a cinema where you can sit back and relax with a movie.
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day
Relax, you deserve it. Get pampered by the best that Barcelona has to offer. From the luxurious Hotel Omm’s elegant and modern spa amenities to the Aire de Barcelona Ancient Baths with complimentary mint tea, you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.
Options Include:
· Relaxation pools
· Hot tubs
· Massages
· Oils
· Aromatherapy
· Skin treatments
· Facials
· And more
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
Wake up to rainy weather? Take this opportunity to have a lazy morning breakfast or brunch in a cozy atmosphere.
WePudding is a local favourite, with impressive décor and child-friendly corner play area. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Alsur Café is revered for its decadent and delectable pastries and cakes, and if you’re ready for a heavier meal, Barcelo Raval is known for its expansive buffet.
Warm-up with a Barcelona classic
With rain often comes cool brisk weather. And when things cool down there is often nothing that hits the spot like a Barcelona favourite; traditionally brewed hot chocolate.
Known locally as xocolata desfeta, or beaten chocolate in English, this drink more closely resembles melted chocolate than the hot cocoa you may be used to back home. For the more culturally adventurous you can even try a suÃs, which comes covered in delightfully fresh cream.
If you don’t mind a little running around – try bar or cafe hopping in El Born
El Born represents one of the most trendy neighbourhoods in all of Barcelona. As an added bonus, it’s also one of the oldest and most charming. Get captivated by old historical buildings, narrow streets and lively scene. The area is brimming with unique local bars where you can enjoy lively entertainment and company, or relax by exploring cafes in the area.
The Passeig del Born always makes for a good lift-off point, followed by the Carrer del Rec and Carrer de Montacada. From there you’re off to the races!
Let someone else do the driving - hop on a bus for a tour!
If your spirits aren’t too dampened by the weather, consider enjoying a relaxing sightseeing day from the comfort of a dry and cosy bus. Drop on and drop off buses are readily available for sightseeing, allowing you to get a taste of all the area has to offer without the stress of navigating strange streets on your own.
Let loose your culinary spirit
Ready to learn how to prepare your very own authentic Spanish paella dish or Spanish tapas? The area boasts a number of professional and amateur cookery schools and one-day cooking classes, as well as guided tours of the local food markets.
Explore all that Barcelona has to offer!
We hope that you found this guide helpful and that you have an amazing trip. Don’t forget to tell us all about it when you get back!
Photo Courtesy: All the photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.
