What to Do in Lisbon When It Rains

Rain in Lisbon doesn’t have to ruin your trip. In fact, after three winter visits — and more than a few umbrellas sacrificed to sudden Atlantic downpours — I’ve learned that the showers here are usually fast, dramatic, and intense. The trick is simple: duck inside somewhere beautiful, wait it out with a coffee or a slow wander, then head back to the cobbled streets once the sky clears and everything smells freshly washed.

Livraria Bertrand

One of my favorite rainy-day discoveries was Livraria Bertrand — officially the oldest operating bookstore in Europe. There’s something magical about browsing its endless rooms while rain taps against the windows. The wooden interiors, soft lighting, and quiet corners invite you to slow down, pick a book, and forget the weather entirely.

MAAT

If you’re in the mood for something contemporary, head to MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. You can easily spend hours exploring its thought-provoking exhibitions blending art, design, and technology. Just keep in mind that it sits right on the riverbank; during periods of high water levels it may close, so booking last minute on a rainy day is a smart move.

National Tile Museum

For a cozier cultural escape, the National Tile Museum is perfect. The azulejos are stunning, telling centuries of Portuguese history in blue and white. The café overlooking a leafy inner courtyard feels especially atmospheric in the rain — exotic, calm, and softly reflective.

Casa do Alentejo

Another hidden gem is Casa do Alentejo. Step inside and you’ll find a Moorish-style courtyard with intricate arches — completely free to enter. It’s small but breathtaking, and you can linger in the upstairs restaurant until the skies clear.

Banksy Museum

And for something unexpected, visit the Banksy Museum. Bold, rebellious, and politically charged, it’s an intense indoor experience — the perfect contrast to a grey Lisbon afternoon.

Rain or shine, Lisbon always delivers — sometimes even better under dramatic skies.

Author

Anton Levytsky is a Mediterranean travel expert and photographer based in Southern Europe. Fluent in eight languages, with a cinematic eye shaped by Italian film studies, he has explored 50+ towns and cities. Through lvtsk.com, he shares insider travel guides, fine dining experiences, and authentic cultural discoveries beyond typical tourist paths.