A weekend break in Barcelona is never enough time as there is so much to do and see. However if you are here for just a few days but the weather isn't too good it can be difficult to know what to do if you don't know the city too well. Once it starts to rain the beaches are definitely out and it's not much fun walking around window shopping or sightseeing in wet weather, even the street performers on Las Ramblas stay at home on a rainy day.

Being in the city for a limited time you won't want to waste a second so here are a few ideas that will keep you entertained and dry.

Before leaving your rental apartment plan your route carefully by studying a map of the metro transport system and locating those sights closest to the stations. Otherwise, if you have the money, just hop in a taxi! One attraction close to the metro is the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat and, as most of it is underground, it has a cosy and dry atmosphere. Reached through the 16th century mansion Casa Padellas, the ancient Rome city of Barcino was discovered by labourers whilst digging out the foundations, it's really atmospheric as you descend and find yourself looking down at 2000 year old streets, public baths and laundries. Exiting from here then brings you out into the Palau Reial which was formerly the royal palace.

If you like your food then the restaurants and coffee bars are great places to hang out in and perfect for people watching when it's cold and wet outside. There's an overwhelming choice of places to eat so really it comes down to what cuisine you want to try on the day. You'll find traditional Catalan style cuisine, regional specialities and Spanish cooking in the areas of the Barri Gotic, L'Eixample and El Raval, and seafood everywhere but particularly around La Barceloneta. Make sure you try out the tapas menu and stop off in a coffee shop or one of the numerous delicious chocolate cafes in the city for a special treat.

Shopping is always a popular past time when on holiday and if it's raining and Barcelona has more than a few superb shopping centres that will have you reaching for the credit card. Check out the newest shopping malls located at each end of the Avenida Diagonal, the L'illa Diagonal shopping center and the Diagonal Mar shopping centre. There's also the Maremagnum mall in the port of Barcelona which is the best pick for rainy days as it's close to lots of other entertainment including the 3D IMAX cinema.

The cinema is an exciting experience even though it's not in English, the visual effects are amazing and adults will enjoy it just as much as the kids. From here you can make your way to L'Aquérium de Barcelona, the most important Mediterranean marine leisure and education centre in the world with 11,000 marine animals and 450 different varieties, an 80 metre long underwater tunnel, 6 million litres of water and the only Oceanarium found in Europe.

There are heaps of fabulous museums to interest you but you can't miss out on the Picasso Museum in the Born area, once inside you'll forget its raining as it's large and remarkable enough to squander more than a few hours checking it out. Spend the morning with more than 3,800 Picasso originals that make up the permanent collection, a priceless group of works from the Blue Period, the series Las Meninas (1957) and a large collection of Picasso's prints.

If you have had enough of shopping and eating on your vacation then try out Aire de Barcelona, the Arabian-style baths near Ciutadella Park also found in the Born area of the city. Located in a renovated warehouse with stone arches it's a great setting for the hamman salt water floating baths, cold plunge pools, jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms. They also offer aromatherapy and massages on hot stones, you can go along just for a bath or incorporate it with a massage but make a reservation as the space is limited.

Rental apartments in Barcelona are affordable and a popular option for those who want to spend quality time in the city without paying a fortune. Whether you're visiting with your family or a friend or two it makes sense to book an apartment as they are more private and have everything you could possibly need for your holiday.