What to Do in Cologne when it’s Raining – 20 Ideas

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Cologne is a lively city with plenty of things to see and do, but what happens when the rain starts pouring down?

Don’t worry, there’s no need to let bad weather ruin your plans. There are still many fun and interesting activities to enjoy in Cologne, even on a rainy day.

From museums and art galleries to indoor markets and cozy cafes, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained and dry.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Cologne and want to be prepared for all types of weather, keep reading to discover some of the best things to do when it’s raining.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW….

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Historical sights to see in Cologne when it’s raining

1. Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, which ist the most famous landmark of Cologne, is located in Cologne’s city center. It has two very tall spires that are 157 meters high, making it easy to see from all over the city.

Inside the cathedral, there are really beautiful stained glass windows, carvings, and valuable artwork. Some of the most special things in there are the Gero-Kreuz crucifix from the 10th century, the black marble high altar, and the gilded shrine of the Three Kings.

Visitors can climb to the top of one of the towers to see an amazing view of the city.

The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but it has been fixed up and looks just as nice as it used to. It’s a great place for people who love history, architecture, or just want to see some pretty views of Cologne.

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne

2. Ancient Roman tomb (Römergrab)

Römergrab is an ancient Roman tomb in Cologne-Weiden. It’s a well-preserved example of Roman architecture which was built 2,000 years ago.

Visitors can easily get there by public transport and explore the tomb while learning about its history through informational exhibits.

Römergrab is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Address: Aachener Str. 1328, 50859 Cologne

3. NS-Documentation Center

NS Documentation Center is a good place to visit in Cologne when it’s raining. You can learn about the history of Germany during the time of the Nazis, who ruled the country from 1933 to 1945.

The center also features exhibits on the resistance movements and people who tried to stop the Nazis, like Graf von Stauffenberg. He was a German army officer who helped plan a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944.

At the center, you can see photos, documents, and other materials that help you understand what life was like during this time in Germany.

It’s a good place to go if you want to learn about this period in history and the people who fought against the Nazis.

Address: Appellhofplatz 23-25, 50667 Cologne

4. Time Ride

Join TimeRide for an exciting journey through history and experience what it was like to be in Cologne in the 1920s.

You’ll spend 45 minutes traveling through different places and learning about the history of the city.

At the cinema, you’ll watch a short film that shows how Cologne changed during the 1920s. Then, you’ll visit a hatter’s store where you’ll learn about fashion from that time.

Finally, you’ll go on a virtual ride in Cologne’s first electric streetcar, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city before it was destroyed in World War II.

If you’re interested in history or just want to try something different, traveling through time with TimeRide is a great thing to do in Cologne when it’s raining.

Address: Alter Markt 36-42, 50667 Cologne

Museums to visit in Cologne when it’s raining

5. Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is a really fun place to go, no matter how old you are. You can learn all about how chocolate is made, from the bean to the bar.

The best part of the museum is the chocolate fountain, where you can dip biscuits into melted chocolate for a really delicious treat.

You can also buy different kinds of chocolate to take home with you in the museum shop.

If you want to relax, there’s a cafe where you can enjoy all sorts of chocolate snacks and drinks, like hot chocolate.

If you love chocolate or just want to find out more about it, the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is definitely a place you should go to.

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne

6. Romano-Germanic Museum

The Romano-Germanic Museum opened in 1974. It is located on the site of a former Roman villa, and displays a collection of Roman and prehistoric artifacts.

The museum was created from the fusion of two collections owned by the City of Cologne. The Museum of Prehistory and Early History and the Roman Department of the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

In its permanent exhibition you can see things that are 100,000 years old, from when people first lived in the area. The oldest things are tools and pottery used by hunters and gatherers.

The museum also has things from when people started living in villages and farming the land, and when the Romans took over the area.

Visitors can see things like a statue of the Emperor Augustus, a big monument, a stone arch, lots of Roman glass, beautiful gold and amber jewelry, and even things that were buried with people who died a long time ago.

If you are interested in history or just want to find out more about the ancient Cologne the museum is a good place to visit in Cologne when it’s raining.

Address: Am Hof 23, 50667 Cologne

7. Walraff Richartz Museum

If you are interested in art Wallraf Richartz Museum could be a place to do to.

The Museum has an impressive collection of European art, including medieval paintings, Baroque masters, French Realism, and Impressionism.

In addition, it has one of the widest collections of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist art in Germany, with works by famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh.

The modern building by architect Oswald Mathias Ungers offers a beautiful environment for the art with plenty of information and a print room on the second floor.

Visitors can enjoy the permanent collection, exhibitions, café, museum shop, and a beautiful view of the city from the third floor.

Address: Obenmarspforten 40, 50667 Cologne

8. Museum Ludwig

The Museum Ludwig in Cologne is a modern and contemporary art museum with one of the most important collections of 20th and 21st century art in the world. It is located near Cologne Cathedral.

The collection includes significant trends of twentieth-century and contemporary art such as the most extensive collection of Pop Art in Europe, one of the largest Picasso collections in the world, outstanding works from the Russian avant-garde, and one of the most important collections of German Expressionism.

Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Cologne

9. Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne is a place where you can learn about cultures from all around the world.

The museum has lots of interesting exhibitions about different people and places, and you can see all sorts of objects that people have used throughout history.

The museum also has a store where you can buy books, toys, and souvenirs, as well as a cafe where you can relax and have a drink or a snack.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just want to learn something new, the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum is definitely worth a visit!

Address: Cäcilienstraße 29-33, 50676 Cologne

Shopping Malls to go to in Cologne when it’s raining

10. Kalk Arcaden

Kalk Arcaden is a big shopping center in Cologne. It’s a great place to go if you want to buy clothes, shoes, electronics, or other things.

The shopping center has many different stores, including popular ones like H&M, Esprit, and Media Markt. You can find a lot of good deals and discounts in the stores, especially during sales.

In addition to the stores, there are also places to eat and drink, like cafes and restaurants. You can grab a quick snack or sit down for a full meal.

Kalk Arcaden is a good place to go if you want to spend some time indoors and do some shopping. It’s easily accessible by public transportation and has a big parking garage if you’re coming by car.

Address: Kalker Hauptstraße 55, 51103 Cologne

11. Rhein Center

Rhein Center is a big shopping mall located in Cologne, Germany. It’s a popular destination for people who want to shop for clothes, electronics, toys, and other items.

The mall has many different stores, including international brands like Adidas, Levi’s, and H&M. You can find a variety of products for all ages and tastes, from casual wear to luxury goods.

There are also plenty of places to eat and drink at Rhein Center. You can grab a quick snack or sit down for a full meal at one of the restaurants or cafes.

Rhein Center is easily accessible by public transportation and has a big parking garage if you’re coming by car.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Cologne.

Address: Aachener Str. 1253, 50858 Cologne

Spas to go to in Cologne when it’s raining

12. Claudius Therme

If you want to relax and recharge, head to Claudius Therme.

Claudius Therme is a beautiful thermal bath located in Rheinpark. You can enjoy different types of pools, saunas, steam rooms, and peaceful areas there.

There is also a special pool filled with salt from the Dead Sea, where you can float and feel weightless.

If you want to feel even more pampered, you can book massages and beauty treatments.

Whether you want to take a break from the stress of daily life or just want to treat yourself, Claudius Therme is the perfect place to go to in Cologne when it’s raining.

Address: Sachsenbergstraße 1, 50679 Cologne

13. Neptun Bad

Neptunbad is a unique bathhouse in Cologne where you can relax and unwind.

It’s important to note that you have to be naked to use the baths, and there aren’t separate changing rooms for men and women.

Inside, you can enjoy different types of saunas, including Finnish and Roman saunas, as well as a steam room. If you want to cool off, you can take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools.

The outside area is designed in a Japanese style, with a beautiful garden. You can also relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink or a snack.

Although it might feel unusual at first, being naked is a normal part of the Neptun Bad experience. If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening, Neptunbad is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Neptunplatz 1, 50823 Cologne

14. Agrippa Bad

Agrippa Bad is a popular swimming pool and sauna that offers two different areas for visitors.

The swimming pool area is great for a refreshing swim, with a large pool, a diving board, and a water slide. The sauna area is perfect for relaxation, with different types of saunas, steam rooms, and a hot tub.

It’s important to note that you can book each area separately, so you can choose which one you want to visit.

The swimming pool area is usually closed for three weeks in February for cleaning work, so it’s best to check before planning your visit.

Agrippa Bad is a great place to visit for people of all ages, whether you want to exercise, relax, or spend time with friends and family.

With separate areas for swimming and saunas, you can choose the experience that’s right for you.

Address: Kämmergasse 1, 50676 Cologne

Cinemas to go to in Cologne when it’s raining

15. Cinedom

Cinedom is a movie theater located in the heart of Cologne’s MediaPark. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of movies in their original language, as well as in German.

The theater has a modern design and a spacious interior, with 14 screens and comfortable seating for hundreds of people.

In addition to the latest blockbusters, Cinedom also offers special screenings and events throughout the year, including sneak previews and film festivals.

If you’re a movie lover and happen to be in Cologne, Cinedom is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Im Mediapark 1, 50670 Cologne

16. Residenz

Residenz cinema is a historic movie theater situated in the heart of Cologne’s city center, known for its classic design and cozy atmosphere.

With three screens, Residenz cinema offers an intimate movie-going experience with a total seating capacity of around 458 people.

The theater features comfortable armchairs, as well as a smaller screening room called “clubkino” with only 35 seats for a more private and exclusive experience.

Residenz cinema specializes in showing independent and art-house films, as well as international productions in their original language with German subtitles.

For movie lovers seeking a unique and personalized cinema experience, Residenz cinema is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 30 – 32, 50672 Cologne

17. Metropolis

Metropolis cinema is a popular movie theater located in the heart of Cologne.

One of the things that makes this cinema stand out is its exclusive presentation of movies in their original language, sometimes with subtitles.

The cinema is relatively small with three screening rooms, seating from 59 to 273 people.

If you’re in Cologne and looking for a cinema that values original language films and kid-friendly programming, Metropolis cinema is worth a visit.

Address: Ebertplatz 19, 50668 Cologne

Cafes to go to in Cologne when it’s raining

18. Salon Schmitz

Salon Schmitz is a popular cafe located in the trendy Belgian Quarter of Cologne. It is well-known among young people for its trendy and hip atmosphere.

The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and serves a variety of meals, including salads, quiche, and delicious ice cream.

Its outdoor seating area is a great place to people-watch and enjoy the lively neighborhood.

The indoor seating area is quote big and is therefore a nice place to go in Cologne when it’s raining.

Address: Aachener Str. 28, 50674 Cologne

19. Café Braun

Cafe Braun is a small but charming cafe located on Lindenstraße in Cologne.

They are known for their absolutely delicious cakes, which you can even grab to go. While the cafe itself is rather small, it has a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

In addition to their tasty cakes, they also serve a variety of drinks, including coffee and tea. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a relaxing place to grab a drink, Cafe Braun is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Lindenstraße 97, 50674 Cologne

20. Bastian’s

Bäckerei Bastians is a bakery located near Friesenplatz.

In addition to their freshly baked goods, the bakery also has a bistro where you can enjoy breakfast and various dishes.

The bistro serves up delicious food and drinks, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. It’s a great place to start your day or to take a break and refuel with some tasty food.

Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory snack, Bastians has something for everyone.

Address: Auf dem Berlich 3-5, 50667 Cologne

Frequently Asked Questions

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