You planned the perfect day exploring a new city, you’re going to knock out a handful of attractions. But, you wake up and it’s cloudy and drizzling and the weather channel tells you there will be showers and scattered thunderstorms the rest of the day. It feels like the day has been ruined, but what can you do? Well, a lot actually! This article will give you 9 rainy day travel activities that will work in any location.
Rainy Day ideas
1. Visit a museum
Rainy days are perfect for museum hopping. This is the perfect time to visit some of the more quirky museums that you typically wouldn’t go to. Check the museum website to verify if reservations are needed prior to heading out!
On our last trip to Paris, we spent a rainy day exploring the many small museums included with the Paris City Pass and found the Mussee National Gustave Moreau to be a true gem.
2. Markets and Shopping Centers
Visit an indoor market or shopping center. While we aren’t mall or shopping center goers at home, we love window shopping while visiting a new city.
Is there an outdoor market on your list? Don’t count it out, many outdoor markets have tents and gazebos set up and are doable in the rain.
3. Check out the local library or bookshop
Most large cities have beautiful public libraries or bookshops that are cozy and warm on a long day. Pick up a book, leaf through a magazine, or observe the architecture of the building. Many libraries and bookshops even have on-site cafes, so you can sit for a cup of tea and enjoy people-watching on a rainy travel day.
Many bookshops also sell postcards. Grab a postcard or two and share a quick memory of your travels so far with a friend or family member back home. Everyone loves happy mail and most shops will stamp and post it for you.
4. Grab a cup of a coffee
For a more dedicated spot go to a coffee or tea shop to chat or read. These are usually filled with people socializing, catching up, or even doing work. There’s nothing like some white noise to relax while you watch the raindrops fall.
5. Learn the local language
While enjoying your cup of coffee and watching the rain fall take a moment to learn the local language. Download an app such as Duolingo or Babbel and learn a few basic phrases. Bonus points if you can use it to order your second cup of coffee!
6. Cook a meal (or take a cooking class!)
If your accommodation include a kitchen, head to the local grocery store or market and grab ingredients to re-create a local dish with fresh ingredients. Whether it’s a fresh baguette for a salmon sandwich in Paris, fresh noodles for a soup in Thailand, or handmade tortillas for tacos in Mexico you can make a simple and delicious meal.
If you don’t have a kitchen or don’t know where to start on the meal, find a local cooking class. We love TripAdvisor and Airbnb Experiences for finding local classes. Many classes can be booked the day before or even the same day!
7. Relax at a day spa
A rainy travel day is a perfect time to recover from jet lag and give yourself some much-needed rest. We are all about balanced travel. So take an afternoon nap, visit a day spa for a massage or treat yourself to a manicure. Find the best spas and salons via *Trip Advisor*
8. Embrace the rain
Grab an umbrella and walk in the rain. Cities such as Paris and Amsterdam have a certain charm when its cloudy and raining. Its the perfect time to explore as there are fewer pedestrians and everything sparkles in the rain. Most hotels and vacation rentals offer complimentary umbrellas for guests or you can travel with your own.
This is our favorite travel umbrella. It has an auto open and close button and it is wide enough for two people to walk under.
9. Enjoy a long lunch
Truly enjoy the local cuisine with a long, slow lunch or dinner. Take your time, enjoy a nice conversation and order a drink or two. When traveling, it’s not uncommon to pack the itinerary to see as much as possible, a rainy day is a perfect opportunity to slow it down and create a lasting memory.
Rainy Days Can Be Good Days
A rainy day doesn’t have to stop your adventures. With a little flexibility, it may just be the best day of your trip!
