13 Things to Do in Lagos When it Rains

The Lagos Ciência Viva Centre aspires to teach children about the universe through wildly imaginative exhibits. Parents can join the fun as the science centre offers educational and interactive activities for all age groups. The centre’s primary mission is discovery and the staff blends science and technology to teach the history of Portuguese navigation.

From Astrolabe to GPS is the centre's main exhibition, with a hands-on approach puts you in the shoes of a Portuguese explorer. The family can work together to complete typical tasks onboard a vessel that's sailing the unchartered waters. Other activities include an outdoor playground for the youngest members of the family and guided visits to the geologic and palaeontological sites.

Mercado de Escravos is a modest museum in Lagos, occupying a 2-storey old building where slaves were sold in the past. The artefacts and photographs on display tell the stories of Africans who were brutally enslaved, as well as their eventual liberation. There are also cartographies mapping the route of where the slaves were taken and brought to.

On the 2nd floor of Mercado de Escravos, you’ll be given a handheld tablet that connects you to the displays, providing extended information on certain exhibits. Tickets cost about €3.

Few things are more blissful than rejuvenating your mind, body and soul with a spa treatment. For that, head to Spa Satsanga Lagos, a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Loosen up your tense muscles with a massage or make use of the jacuzzi, pool, and sauna in the spa complex.

If you don’t mind venturing out of Lagos, take a 30-minute drive to Swan Day Spa in Alvor, where you can enjoy a facial, massage or wellness treatments in a calming ambience. For a unique spa experience, Aguadream in Alvor offers different pools for a salt bath, exfoliating bath or thermal bath. Body and facial treatments, as well as detox programmes, are also available.

Igreja de Santo António (Santo Antonio Church) is listed as a Portuguese National Monument, with whitewashed exteriors that appear rather unassuming at first glance. Even so, stepping inside will reveal an impressive interior to rival the most renowned religious institutions across Europe. The Baroque gilded woodwork is a work of art complemented by ceiling frescoes and traditional azulejos.

The theme of the artwork inside depicts the life of St Anthony, offering explanations for visitors in both Portuguese and English. Returning outside, 2 bell towers are the most alluring element of its modest exterior. Previously owned by the military, the church now only holds 1 service annually to celebrate its Patron Saint in June.

Museu Municipal Dr José Formosinho in the Old Town is a museum detailing the history of Lagos. Attached to a Baroque church, the museum exhibits a quirky collection of pieces ranging from archaeological artefacts from the Neolithic, Roman and Islamic periods to weapons, 18th-century paintings to traditional costumes and more.

On a rainy day in Lagos, you can consider spending a couple of hours wandering from room to room to get an understanding of the local history. Your tour of the museum ends in the ornate church of Igreja de Santo Antonio, where the life of St. Anthony is depicted on the gilded wood carvings and oil paintings on the church walls.

Santa Maria Church, near Lagos’ Old Town harbour, bears characteristic white walls and a decorative masonry doorway dating back to the 16th century. However, this cathedral was established in 1498 and is a significant piece of local heritage.

As you enter the church, you’ll see a rectangular nave and a raised choir to your right. Behind the altar, a mural depicts a battle of 2 angels. You can spend a few peaceful moments of quiet contemplation here, as you admire the ceramic tiles framing the doorway, the intricate patterned carvings on the ceiling, as well as the frescos.

While St. Sebastian Church looks worn on the outside, its spectacular interior tells a different story. This 15th-century church is covered in gold on the inside, with a 19th-century altarpiece sculpted in marble in the main chapel. There’s also a collection of religious statues as well as 2 other chapels. A must-see is the interesting but macabre Chapel of Bones, where the walls and ceilings are framed with the skulls of monks.

You can walk up the stairs to the bell tower and be rewarded with a dazzling view of the old town and the sea. Entrance to St. Sebastian Church is about €1.50 but it’s free on Wednesdays.

Founded in 1951, Algarcine Cinemas de Lagos is reminiscent of a ‘50s style movie house with old-fashioned but comfy seats, a big screen and friendly staff. Whether rain or shine, you can always kill some time at this small cinema with 2 screening rooms showing a wide selection of undubbed English films. 

For about €4.50, you can watch some of the latest blockbusters here as you munch on popcorn. Surprisingly, there’s an interval during the movie, during which you can stretch your legs or get ice cream. Movie tickets go for about €4 on Mondays, which is even more of a bargain.

Lagos is a party town, with some of the best nightlife spots just a stone’s throw away from each other. Grab your friends and spend a night out, especially if it rains in Lagos, drinking and playing bar games. For pre-drinks, head to DCs, where you’ll get a free shot with every drink you purchase. You can also play a game of darts at this lively bar.

Once your evening is reasonably lubricated, head to Three Monkeys Bar, the most famous bar in town where you can play pool in a lively atmosphere. If you really want a challenge, start your night at Whytes Bar. You can score free drinks if you roll a dice with a number higher than the bartender’s – the Beat The Bartender game takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 10pm to midnight.