What To Do In Cologne On A Rainy Day

Both Cologne’s mild winters and the warmer summers are streaked with rainy days. But the city has tons of indoor activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for cultural, culinary or active pastimes for a soppy day, our guide has got you covered.

Learn new things at a museum

Cologne has a vast array of interesting museums for a culture-packed day. If you’re into art, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum and Museum Ludwig should go on your list. The two houses display a comprehensive collection of Impressionist and contemporary art, respectively. The artefacts at the Romano-Germanic Museum tell of the fascinating Roman history of Cologne, and the Chocolate Museum lures visitors with a look behind the scenes of chocolate-making and the chance to sample fresh chocolate from a 10-foot fountain.

Van Gogh’s The Drawbridge (1888) at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum

Sample the best of the local cuisine

And by local cuisine, we mean the local beer, Kölsch. Brewhouses have a long tradition in Cologne, and most of them only produce Kölsch. From the once 100 breweries, just over 20 still exist, but a handful of new ones have opened in recent years. A brewhouse tour takes you to some of the best, tells you about their history and the properties of each Kölsch brand – free beers included. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, local specialities such as Halve Hahn or Mettbrütche go well with a glass of Kölsch.

Kick back and relax at Neptunbad

The beautiful wellness centre in Ehrenfeld is the perfect spot to escape from a harsh and rainy winter day. Over an area of 16,400 square feet, Neptunbad offers everything you need to warm up and relax. A day pass costs approximately €34 and buys you access to the sauna and pool area. Massages and beauty treatments can be booked additionally.

Neptunbad, Neptunplatz 1, Cologne, +49 (0) 221 7100 71