València is a city with more than 300 days of sunshine a year but from time to time it can also rain. We all know that when it's sunny we feel like going outside, strolling along the beach or enjoying an ice-cream, but there are also lots of different things to do on rainy days.
So here are a few:
1. Visiting the city's museums
If you wish to take shelter from the rain, València has more than 30 museums where you can escape from the rain.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a perfect plan both for grown-ups and the whole family, since all its buildings are fully covered and very close by. In the Oceanogràfic you can have fun discovering all the curiosities of the marine world; the Science Museum has different exhibitions for you to learn by experimenting and the Hemisfèric offers large-format digital projections with a 900-metre high concave screen.
You can also go to the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), which houses an excellent permanent collection of works by great artists, or you can go to the Bombas Gens art centre, a refurbished factory with eye-catching exhibitions that also offers workshops and guided tours.
Another option is to visit the Bancaja Cultural Centre.
2. Discovering historical sights
There are different historical landmarks such as La Lonja de la Seda, the Palau de la Generalitat or the Cathedral of Valencia that you can visit without having to get wet.
You can also discover the Church of San Nicolás and put yourself in a safe place under one of the most beautiful roofs in Valencia or go to the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas and fall in love with Valencian ceramics.
Although far from the city centre, the Monastery of San Miguel de Los Reyes is an essential stop due to its architectural beauty, its cultural and historical value and the fact that you won't get wet! On Saturdays and Sundays it also offers guided tours at 12 noon and 1pm.
3. Enjoy a movie at the cinema
Tienes una amplia cartelera disponible con diferentes películas para todos los gustos para que puedas relajarte y disfrutar de lo mejor del séptimo arte. Los Cines Lys o ABC Park, son algunas de las opciones más céntricas, aunque también puedes acercarte en coche a los cines de Kinepolis en Heron City, con proyecciones en 4DX o CINESA en Bonaire.
Si prefieres una opción más alternativa, puedes elegir alguna película de cine clásico en La Filmoteca o en versión original con o sin subtítulos en los Cines Babel.
There is a large selection of films available to suit all tastes so that you can relax and enjoy the best of the 7th art. Lys Cinemas or ABC Park are among the most centrally located options, although you can also drive to Kinepolis cinemas in Heron City, with screenings in 4DX or CINESA in Bonaire.
If you would prefer a more alternative option, you can choose a classic movie at La Filmoteca or in the original version with or with no subtitles at Babel Cinemas.
4. Go shopping
A shopping spree is also perfect for rainy days. In València's centre you can find the department stores of El Corte Inglés, where you will find everything you are looking for (fashion, decoration, gastronomy...) under one roof.
Some of the most accessible options are the shopping centres El Saler, Aqua Multiespacio, Nuevo Centro or Arena Multiespacio, both by public transport and by car, as they all have parking spaces and also offer leisure and restaurant facilities.
If you prefer to buy fresh, high quality gastronomic products from the region, you have to go to the Mercat Central, where you can find the perfect ingredients to make your own paella or enjoy the typical esmorzaret at Central Bar.
5. Drink hot chocolate
If you just want to fight the cold, go to the Colon Market. What's the menu? Hot chocolate with churros or, even more Valencian buñuelos (doughnuts). And if you prefer a horchata with fartons the place is Daniel, an iconic place for the most traditional Valencian drink.
El Café de las Horas (Conde de Almodóvar, 1) is another option to have a hot drink and dare with its delicious cakes. Relax over a cup of tea while watching the rain fall or who knows! a jug of Agua de València.
6. Going to see a play
In València you have a great theatrical offer. The Olympia Theatre or the Talia Theatre in the heart of València, offers an extensive programme that includes monologues, flamenco shows and musical performances. You can also go to La Rambleta where you can enjoy pure theatre, hypnosis or children's shows.
However, if you like opera or chamber music, you should go to the Palau de Les Arts or the Palau de la Música and enjoy their wonderful concerts.
7. Indulge your stomach with the finest gastronomy
Waiting for the spoon to drop in your hand? It is well known that the Mediterranean diet is one of the best in the world, without being affected by showers or storms. Valencian paella, eels in all i pebre, fideuà, clotxinas, esgarraet... Many traditional Valencian dishes flood the menus of the city's restaurants and bars, come and enjoy them!
