Most people come to the Algarve region of Portugal for sunny beach days and outdoor fun. Even though there are over 300 days of sunshine per year, this southern region of Portugal still experiences rainy days, especially from December to February. We absolutely love living in the Algarve town of Lagos throughout all the seasons. And because we don’t want a bad weather day to ruin your stay here, we’re sharing the best of Lagos, Portugal with our favorite indoor activities for rainy days!
The Best of Lagos – Rainy Day Activities:
This article was actually inspired by my mom (hi, Mom!) because she and my family came to visit Lagos, Portugal in February. Rainy season in Lagos (December-February) is also off season here – a time when many businesses close for an extended holiday.
Lagos is home to about 35k residents but has more than 400 bars and restaurants, so you can still find plenty of amazing places to visit, along with more affordable pricing, during these cooler months.
My recommendations for rainy day activities in Lagos are places that are usually open year round, but double check hours by looking at Google Maps or the restaurant’s website before making the trek in the rain for a visit! Many places in Lagos are closed one day a week as well (Sunday or Monday usually) – plan accordingly!
Ok… now for what you came for…
Cultural Encounters in Lagos, Portugal
1. Unlock History and Luxury at the Golden Church (Igreja de Santo António)
This 18th century church is home to a small museum and more gold in one church than I have ever seen in my life. The church itself is worth a visit even if you have no interest in the museum. That being said… the Museum of Lagos has some fascinating exhibits that highlight Lagos history, how the 1755 earthquake transformed the area, Portuguese artifacts, and art throughout the centuries.
The first time we visited the church was for an exclusive cello concert through Festival Pedra Dura. The second was with Mike’s mom as a visitor during off season. Both times were during cool, drizzly weather and it was the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Lagos.
Entrance to Igreja de Santo António cost €1,50 or €3, depending on your age. Get more details and check for special events on the Igreja de Santo António and Museu de Lagos website.
2. Discover Local Events through Município de Lagos
Do people that live in Portugal tend to pay higher taxes than US residents? Yes. Do we have an amazing local government that hosts free community events and concerts multiple times per week? Also yes.
I know not everyone in the world is on Facebook, but if you use it for just one purpose – let it be to follow the Município de Lagos Facebook page. The city constantly posts updates on weather, community events, and important announcements to this page. Oftentimes during rainy days, they’ll post activities that are going on safe from the rain or whether it’s a better idea to stay inside that day.
You can also access local community events on the Câmara Municipal (local government) events page if you don’t have a Facebook.
Entertainment and Fun Away From the Rain
1. DIY Book Club
Most apartments and hotels in Lagos have a balcony or large windows where you can look out at the rain. If you know the weather is going to be rainy during your stay in Lagos, there are plenty of cute books stores in the area that carry books in all languages. This one on the corner near Old Town Lagos is the perfect place to pick up a used book just in case it looks like rainy weather is coming soon. Then you’ll be ready to snuggle up, read a good book, and watch the rain pass by on your balcony.
2. Science Center with The Kids (Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos)
The Science Center in Lagos (Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos) is fun for all ages, but it’s especially fun if you’re looking for something to do with kids on a rainy day. The center has a variety of fun expositions that teach about local biodiversity and general science or technology as well as special events with hands-on activities.
We first went to the Science Center as part of Festival Pedra Dura for a special event where we could look through a telescope to see planets! I had actually never seen the rings of Saturn with my own eyes until this really fun event. Of course, that’s not a rainy day experience – but make sure to check for special events like this during your next trip to Lagos. The Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos isn’t just for kids!
Kids under 6 years old are free and a family ticket (2 adults + kids under 17) is €15 – or you can choose a family workshop ticket for €21, making this a relatively affordable rainy day in Lagos activity for the whole fam! More information, including hours and special events, can be found on the Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos website.
3. Lagos Cinema
Algarcine – Cinema de Lagos is located on Rua Cândido dos Reis. This historic cinema features two screens showcasing the latest films, many in their original language with Portuguese subtitles. Tickets are reasonably priced at €5 per person and there aren’t a lot of refreshment options so be sure to bring your own snacks!
Indulge in Culinary Delights of Lagos
As stated above, Lagos is home to 35k residents yet has over 400 bars and restaurants. The culture of Lagos (and Portugal in general) revolves around spending quality time with those you love while eating delicious foods. One of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Lagos is to stay warm in a cozy restaurant or pub while watching the rain pass by.
Watch the Rain from a Cozy Restaurant
Most restaurants in Lagos are designed for beautiful weather and have limited indoor seating. This list of restaurants includes our favorite places with indoor seating and a warm, cozy vibe that tend to be open year round.
1. PIE – craft beer and homemade pies
PIE lives up to its name by serving craft beer and deliciously warm pies (the English kind – not the American kind). Their creamy chicken pie is our go-to on the coldest of days. For those of you like me that weren’t as familiar with the UK-style of pies, think of them as a chicken pot pie (except you get to choose the meat) that’s entirely encompassed by flaky pastry.
PIE is closed for a very short period of time during the off-season, but I’m putting it as number one on the list because it will warm you up from the inside out, all while being cozy and away from the rain. PIE is located up a steep flight of stairs, so use caution after a few glasses of that craft beer (I’m talking to you, Mary)!
2. Eat Thai Lagos
EatThai has four locations throughout Portugal, serving consistently delicious Thai food with a deep menu. It’s located on the marina side of Lagos, which makes it a great place to eat warm noodles and soups while looking out at the rain on the water.
We normally opt for the indoor seating and love the way they present each dish, but our friends enjoy sitting on the covered patio on rainy days listening to the water drops fall onto the nearby boats and calcadas. In both experiences, this tasty Thai food is one that will, once again, keep you warm from the inside out (especially if you order one of their spicy items).
Pro tip: end the night with khao niew ma muang (mango sticky rice) or it doesn’t feel like a full Thai meal. Their main dishes also make for great leftovers!
EatThai is open year round and serves food later than most places on the marina side. You can get all the info on the EatThai Lagos website.
3. 7 Hills Indian Restaurant – Lagos
7 Hills Indian Restaurant is located very close to PIE and Shaker Bar in Old Town Lagos. There isn’t a huge indoor seating area, but it is so delicious and the garlic naan is one of my favorites I’ve tried! If the indoor seating is full on a rainy day, you can usually order 7 Hills for delivery on apps like Uber Eats, Glovo, and Bolt Food.
When I’m feeling like staying home on a rainy day in Lagos, my favorite thing is to get 7 Hills delivered directly to my door and have a warm, curry-filled feast while listening to the storm. Of course, I also tip on these days since most delivery drivers come by motorbike!
Whether you eat at the restaurant or at home, EatThai Lagos is a great spot to enjoy comfort food that’s packed with flavor. EatThai was open year round this season (2024-2025) but has closed during off-season in years past. They’ll typically post on the 7 Hills Indian Restaurant Lagos Instagram page with updates to their hours.
4. Restaurante Adega da Marina – Portuguese restaurant in Lagos
Restaurante Adega da Marina has plenty of indoor seating and Portuguese food that you can enjoy regardless of the weather. This is one of the most popular Portuguese restaurants in Lagos for visitors and consistently gets high marks. Adega da Marina has a higher price point than average for Portuguese food, but you can’t beat the location and lively atmosphere in the evenings.
Restaurante Adega da Marina is open year round, but they do close for about a week for maintenance. So make sure to check the Adega de Marina Facebook page for updates and changes to hours.
5. Restaurante o Pescador – Portuguese restaurant in Old Town Lagos
This restaurant came recommended to us by a local Portuguese friend that grew up in Lagos as a good place to get authentic Portuguese food but prepared in a way that is visitor-friendly. We took our friend, Betty from bettyabroadd, during her recent visit to Lagos. We drank vinho verde (green wine) while eating sardinhas no pão (sardines on bread) and bacalhau (cod) – it doesn’t get more Portuguese than that!
The restaurant has an indoor area that would be great on a rainy day in Lagos, but it’s usually closed off-season and tends to have longer wait times for tables. I had to share it just in case you’re here for a rare rainy summer day. Hours and info available on the Restaurante o Pescador Lagos Facebook page.
6. Happy Sumo – all-you-can-eat rodizio style sushi and Japanese food
There are several all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants located throughout Lagos, Portugal. So far, they’ve each been delicious and range in price from €10-20/person. Happy Sumo is one of our favorite places to eat during a rain storm because it has a large indoor seating area that overlooks the street and shops from above, making it feel like you’re in a rain cloud on those bad weather days without feeling like you’re stuck in the drizzle.
I know that sushi isn’t a top thought for many people on bad weather days, but Happy Sumo serves a lot of other options to keep you warm, including miso soup, grilled duck, sweet & sour chicken, gyoza, fried rice, and so much more – all of which are included at the set menu price.
You order at Happy Sumo by writing the number associated with your desired menu items on a piece of paper. The server will take your paper and bring your items to you as they’re prepared. You can keep on ordering as long as you keep on eating. But be weary of ordering too much – you will be charged for what you don’t finish! You pay per person at Happy Sumo Lagos, and prices vary depending on adult/child or lunch/dinner (ranging between €9-19). This is one of the few restaurants on our list that would easily be able to accommodate large parties.
Happy Sumo Lagos is located more inland than many of our other choices and is an easy spot to get dropped off by Uber or Bolt if you’re not looking to walk in the cold weather. That being said, we thoroughly enjoy our walks home after eating endless sushi to digest the feast we just had.
Have a Pint in the Pub
Even though I could eat all day, sometimes it’s nice to pop into a warm pub and just have a drink with friends. In Lagos, this is the typical way to spend your evening before and after going out to dinner. Like restaurants, most pubs and bars have limited indoor seating, so here are some of our favorite places to grab a pint in Lagos even when the weather is off.
1. Lighthouse – sports pub and live music
This is a UK-style pub with lots of live music, beer on tap, and sports like rugby and football on at all times. It’s one of the most fun casual places to grab a pint with friends, especially if you’re looking for a little extra entertainment!
The Lighthouse is located on the second floor near the marina, so you’ll have great views of the storms rolling by. This also means it’s a perfect place to wait out the weather before heading to your next destination.
2. Shaker Bar – all day happy hour in Old Town Lagos
Shaker Bar doesn’t have a large indoor space, but it’s a place that locals and visitors flock to for their seemingly-never-ending happy hour. Shaker Bar in Lagos is often open until 4am+, so you can stop by here for a quick drink at nearly any hour.
This bar is where we met most of our friends here in Lagos, so don’t be surprised if stopping in for a quick drink turns into a night of adventure with new friends!
Shaker Bar is located in Old Town Lagos between PIE and 7 Hills Indian Restaurant, making it the perfect stop during a rainy day before or after your cozy dinner.
3. Dove & Sea Dog (formerly Marina Bar)
Dove & Sea Dog, formerly known as Marina Bar, is our favorite spot to have a glass of vinho verde and a caneca regardless of weather. It has beautiful outdoor seating on the marina during sunny days and cozy indoor seating with floor-to-ceiling glass on rainy days in Lagos.
The staff is incredibly friendly and the happy hour pricing makes it a go-to for many visitors and locals that live on the marina side of town – the food caters towards visitors from the UK. Wednesday afternoons are their most popular €5/dozen wings special. Chicken wings are a very American food, so people from all over come to enjoy this affordable treat!
Check out the Dove & Sea Dog Lagos Facebook page for specials and more.
4. Lazy Jack’s – Lagos
Another favorite on rainy days is Lazy Jack’s. It’s located on the first floor near the Lighthouse and offers plenty of indoor seating with a covered patio.
We actually made fast friends while running for cover from the rain at Lazy Jack’s after first moving here. The four of us spent the weekend together watching rugby at the Lighthouse and talking about life on the road and sailing adventures. This restaurant/bar has live music Thursday-Sunday and special events throughout the year.
5. Forbidden Door – speakeasy in Old Town Lagos
Forbidden Door is a new speakeasy in Lagos that is the perfect place to forget about the weather outside. This fully-indoor bar is hidden in Old Town Lagos and has amazing specialty cocktails. They’re open Thursdays-Sundays during the winter, so check The Forbidden Door Instagram page for updates before making the walk in the rain to this cozy Lagos speakeasy.
Everything here is top quality and comes with higher price points with most cocktails costing €10+. The extra price is definitely worth it for the cozy, warm atmosphere and high end ingredients you won’t find in most places in Lagos (and Portugal in general).
FAQ: Making the Most of a Rainy day in Lagos
1. When is it most likely to rain in Lagos, Portugal?
February is the most rainy month in Lagos, but December and January tend to be quite rainy as well. Here’s a great little chart about weather in Lagos, Portugal so you can get all the details.
2. How do I order food for delivery in Portugal?
Food delivery in Lagos is easy with apps like:
Uber Eats – Covers a wide range of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.
Glovo – Offers food, groceries, and even pharmacy deliveries.
Bolt Food – A popular option with competitive delivery fees.
Most restaurants in Lagos close earlier than in big cities, so order before 10 PM for the best selection. Also, keep in mind that many delivery drivers use motorbikes, so tipping is appreciated, especially on rainy days. Click the hyperlink to save on your next order!
3. What are some popular indoor attractions in Lagos?
If the weather keeps you indoors, try these Lagos activities:
Igreja de Santo António & Museum of Lagos – A stunning baroque church with a small historical museum.
Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos – An interactive science center, great for kids and adults.
Lagos Cinema – Catch a movie in English (with Portuguese subtitles).
Município de Lagos Events – Free concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events hosted by the local government.
4. Can you recommend any kid-friendly activities for a rainy day?
Here are some great family-friendly indoor activities in Lagos:
Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos – Hands-on science exhibits and fun educational activities.
Lagos Zoo (Partially Indoors) – Some areas provide covered viewing spots for rainy days.
5. Do businesses close during the rain?
No, but some businesses may close early during the off-season (December–February). Many restaurants and shops in Lagos operate on reduced hours in the winter, so it’s always a good idea to check Google Maps or their social media pages for updated hours.
6. How do I navigate Lagos without knowing Portuguese?
Lagos is very tourist-friendly, and most people in restaurants, shops, and hotels speak English. However, here are some helpful tips:
Learn a few key phrases – “Obrigado/a” (thank you), “Com licença” (excuse me), and “Fala inglês?” (Do you speak English?) go a long way! If you’re wanting to learn more, we highly recommend our online self-paced Portuguese class: Portuguese with Anita . We work with Anita often and truly cannot recommend her courses enough!
Transportation – Transportation apps like Uber and Bolt are the easiest way to get around. You can also rent a car from places like Europcar, Luzcar, or even Avis/Budget.
Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, smiling and making an effort will always be appreciated!
Looking for something to do on a sunny day?!
We share a lot of content for things to do in Lagos on a sunny day, including the best beaches and where to find them. Here’s a YouTube showing what to do on a sunny day in Lagos, Portugal:
No matter the weather, Lagos is an incredible place to explore, unwind, and indulge. Rainy days here don’t have to mean staying cooped up – whether you’re diving into the city’s rich history, catching a movie, savoring delicious comfort food, or cozying up with a book, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time.
So if you find yourself in Lagos during a drizzle, embrace the slower pace, grab a drink, and enjoy a side of this beautiful town that many travelers overlook. And if the sun comes back out? Well, you know where to find us – out by the beach, soaking up those golden Algarve rays!
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