Maybe you won’t have rain on your trip to Granada. That would be amazing! We did have rain, and the vast majority of things to do in Granada are outdoors. We spent a month there in January, and we got a mix of beautiful, sunny days and rainy, dreary days. We actually got out and enjoyed both realities, and you can, too! Here are the best things to do on a rainy day in Granada, Spain.
Spoiler alert: You will want an umbrella, no matter what!!
Peek into the Churches
Lean into those indoor activities! Granada has no shortage of churches, all of which are indoors. You should definitely check out Granada Cathedral, in all its splendor, but also pop into the Iglesia de AdoraciĂłn chapel next door while you’re at it. You can also stop into Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana, Basilica Virgin de las Angustias, Iglesia de San AntĂłn, and more. Many charge a fee (€4-7 Euros), but some are free to visit.
Keep reading: The Best FREE Things to Do in Granada, Spain
Pay a Visit to Ferdinand and Isabella
Along those same lines, get out of the rain and pay a visit to Ferdinand and Isabella–yes, of Christopher Columbus fame. They are interred here at the Capilla Real de Granada (Royal Chapel of Granada), and you can visit for as long as you like. No photos or videos are allowed inside, but they do have an excellent audio guide app to download for Apple and Google Play. I highly recommend using it! This was a great way to spend 30-45 minutes, depending on how long you want shelter from the rain.
(Coming soon) Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Granada
Do a Little Shopping
Dashing from shop to shop can be part of the fun! Buy yourself a pretty umbrella (€10-€12) and dive into your souvenir shopping. I hate shopping in general, but somehow, I love shopping in my travels. I shop for Christmas and birthday gifts for my friends and family all over the world, and I have to say, Granada has some of the best gifts. I spent a very rainy morning getting my shopping done, and it was a great way to use the time.
All the details: The Best Things to Buy in Granada
Spend Time in a Coffee Shop
Wow, y’all. Granada has dozens and dozens of coffee shops, and they’re all amazing! If you want latte art, go to Despiertoo and Magia Arabica. Need a pastry with your rainy day coffee? You want La Finca or Artisanos de Granada. Want the authentic Spanish coffee experience? Go to Mummo Cafe Bar. Looking for something cute and cozy? You want Stories. Because every rainy day is better with a coffee in hand.
All the details: These are the Best Coffee Shops in Granada
Book a Hammam
There is truly no better way to relax in Granada than to enjoy a hammam, or Turkish Bath. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Al-Andalus Hammam, which came highly recommended by locals. I was warm and cozy inside, especially knowing outside it was a cold and rainy day in January. Bring a bathing suit, and reserve your spot in advance! There are several hammams in Granada, thanks to its Middle Eastern history, so you will certainly be able to find one you love.
Sneak peek: What It’s Like at Al-Andalus Hammam
Dine Outdoors
No, really! I love how Europeans just live their lives outdoors, rain or shine, hot or cold. Nearly every restaurant has a terrace or other outdoor seating option, often under a tent, and always with heaters in the winter. If you like rain on a tin roof while you sleep, you’re going to love rain falling on a tent while you eat paella and tapas inside. We had some of our best meals outside in the rain!
Keep reading: How I Planned to Spend a Month Abroad with My Toddler
Attend a Flamenco Show
This was my daughter’s favorite thing! Flamenco dancing and singing started here in Granada, and you can see a flamenco show every night of the week. Some serve dinner, some are just the show, and some performances are even in a cave for the most authentic experience! This is one of the best things to do in Granada, rain or shine, but if it’s going to be raining outside, you really ought to take advantage of this type of indoor performance.
Read next: Your Guide to Flamenco in Granada
Visit the Patio Perfumery and Museum
This was one of my favorite things, and something I didn’t even know about until I arrived. Everything here is made with all-natural ingredients and by natural processes, and there are literally dozens of scents to try while you’re here. There will certainly be one for you! Prefer to create your own? You can make a reservation to do just that. You can also visit their free museum, and enjoy their beautiful patio while you’re here as well. It’s a lovely way to spend an hour or so on a rainy day.
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Spain
One Thing to Avoid: The Alhambra!
I know, I know, you may have had to book your Alhambra experience far in advance if you’re visiting in the high season (spring and fall). But if you’re able to be a little more flexible, avoid taking your visit to the Alhambra if there is rain in the forecast. It’s almost entirely an outdoor experience, and the rain will, quite literally, put a damper on your day. If you do have to visit and it’s going to be a rainy day, commit to preparing yourself for it. Bring an umbrella, wear a rain jacket, know that your shoes will be wet and muddy, and just enjoy the experience you have! The Alhambra is well worth your time and effort to visit, even in the rain, if it can’t be avoided.
(Coming soon) Get the scoop: Your Guide to the Alhambra in Granada
Want more? Check out my dedicated Spain Page!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
