Cologne's Rainy-Day Charm: Explore The City's Best Indoor Attractions

If you're in Cologne and the heavens have opened, there's no need to despair. The city has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. From cultural and culinary delights to more active pursuits, here's a round-up of the best things to do in Cologne when it's raining.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

If you're looking for something to do in Cologne on a rainy day, why not visit the Chocolate Museum? The museum offers a comprehensive exhibition of the history of cocoa, covering 5,000 years of its cultivation.

Here's what you can expect from your visit:

The Exhibition

The museum is located in the Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbour) and offers about 4,000 tours a year to its 650,000 visitors. The exhibition space spans 4,000 square metres and includes a diverse collection of historic items, a walk-through greenhouse, a chocolate fountain containing 200 kilograms of chocolate, an 18th and 19th-century collection of porcelain and silver, exhibits from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, and various kinds of historical industrial machinery.

The Chocolate

You'll have the chance to sample fresh chocolate from a 10-foot fountain and observe the manufacture of chocolate products in the glassed-in chocolate factory and atelier. The museum also has a chocolate-themed café where you can relax and enjoy delicious treats with a view of the Rhine.

The History

The Chocolate Museum, operated by Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH, was previously known as the Imhoff Chocolate Museum. It was founded by Hans Imhoff and inaugurated on 31 October 1993. The concept was initially viewed with scepticism, but an experiment by the chocolate manufacturer Stollwerck in 1998, featuring the famous chocolate fountain, attracted five times more visitors than expected, assuring the construction of the museum.

Practical Information

The museum is suitable for all ages and offers guided tours for school classes, weddings, gala events, chocolate courses, and special events for companies. It is located at Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne, and is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 18:00. The entrance fee is €13.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.

So, if you're in Cologne and looking for a sweet escape from the rain, be sure to check out the Chocolate Museum!

Explore the Cologne City Museum

If you're looking for something to do in Cologne on a rainy day, the Cologne City Museum is a great option to escape the rain and discover the city's rich history. Here's a detailed guide to help you explore this fascinating museum:

About the Cologne City Museum

The Kölnisches Stadtmuseum, or the Cologne City Museum, is dedicated to showcasing the evolution of Cologne through the centuries, from its Roman origins to the present day. The museum offers a wealth of exhibits and artefacts that provide a comprehensive overview of the city's social, economic, and cultural development. This summer, the museum relocated to the former Franz Sauer fashion house, offering a new and enhanced experience to visitors.

Exhibits and Artefacts

The Cologne City Museum boasts a diverse range of displays that appeal to a variety of interests. You'll find exhibits encompassing art, architecture, and historical objects, as well as interactive installations. Delve into the history of art by exploring the medieval paintings and French Realism on display, or admire the intricate details of architectural models and plans. Discover ancient tools and pottery used by hunters and gatherers, and trace the development of villages and farming in the region. The museum also showcases Roman artefacts, reflecting on Cologne's Roman heritage.

New Permanent Exhibition

With the recent relocation, the Cologne City Museum has introduced a new permanent exhibition that presents the story of the city in a fresh and engaging way. This exhibition offers a unique perspective on the city's history, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Cologne's transformation over time.

Practical Information

To make the most of your visit, here are some practical tips:

• Check the museum's website for opening hours and admission fees. There may be discounts available for certain groups, such as students or seniors.
• Consider purchasing the KölnCard, which offers free public transportation and discounts at various attractions, including museums. This card can help you save money during your trip.
• Plan your route to the museum using public transportation or by car, depending on your preference. The museum is easily accessible and located in the heart of the city.
• Allow yourself ample time to explore the museum. With its vast collection, you'll want to ensure you have enough time to appreciate all that it has to offer.

By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to exploring the Cologne City Museum and discovering the rich history of this vibrant city, even on a rainy day!

Take a dip in Claudius Therme

If you're looking for a relaxing activity on a rainy day in Cologne, consider taking a dip in Claudius Therme. This spa is the perfect place to unwind and escape the dreary weather. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Location and Hours

Claudius Therme is located in the heart of Cologne's Rheinpark, offering a beautiful view of the Cologne Cathedral. It is easily accessible and open every day of the year from 9 am to midnight, making it a convenient option for a rainy day activity.

Bathing Options

The thermal pools at Claudius Therme provide a unique bathing experience. You can choose from various pools, including indoor and outdoor options, healing water pools, swimming or sitting pools, hot tubs, drinking fountains, and even a hot-and-cold grotto. Tickets are sold for two-hour, four-hour, or full-day periods, so you can choose the duration that suits your preferences.

Sauna Facilities

In addition to the pools, Claudius Therme offers an extensive sauna world with three large sauna areas. You'll find a mild herbal steam bath, a panorama sauna with a view of the cathedral, Finnish saunas, the Seraglio Bath with beauty treatments, a Russian banya, and an earth wall sauna with a fireplace. There is something for everyone, regardless of your preferred type of sauna experience.

Wellness and Beauty Area

If you're looking for more than just a dip in the pool, Claudius Therme also offers a range of wellness and beauty treatments. You can book exclusive body treatments, wellness packages, and programmes that will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed. Their offerings include cosmetic treatments, modern body treatments, and stress-relieving massages.

Dining Options

Claudius Therme also has several dining options to enhance your experience. The "Eau de Cologne" restaurant offers a stylish atmosphere and a view of the Rheinpark. There are also restaurants in the gallery of the bath and the indoor sauna area. For a more casual option, the Rose Café serves drinks and snacks in a lounge setting within the historic Rose Terraces.

Tips for Your Visit

• Bathing suits are required in the thermal pools and bathing section, but they are not permitted in the saunas and showers.
• Mondays are reserved for women in the indoor sauna area, offering an exclusive programme with a ladies-only sauna and wellness treatments.
• Bring your own towel, robe, and slippers to save on rental fees.
• Take advantage of the free water aerobics and Kneipp courses offered at the spa.
• If you plan to dine at the restaurant, note that robes are required, so bring or rent one if needed.
• The spa offers physiotherapy services with a prescription or recommendation from your doctor, including medical massages and exercise pools for therapy.

Discover the Farina Fragrance Museum

If you're looking for something to do in Cologne on a rainy day, the Farina Fragrance Museum is an excellent choice. Founded in 1709, the museum is located in the historic Johann Maria Farina House, the oldest fragrance factory still standing, and sits opposite Cologne City Hall.

The Farina Fragrance Museum offers a detailed and fascinating insight into the world of perfume-making. Across several floors, you will discover the production methods and evolution of perfume through the ages, with a particular focus on Eau de Cologne. You will see various technical devices used in the past, such as distillation apparatus, as well as paintings, documents, and flacons that showcase the history of this iconic fragrance. The challenges of copyright infringement and the emergence of imitations are also explored, with some examples on display.

To visit the museum, you must join a guided tour, which is available in multiple languages. Reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased online. It's important to note that the historic building does not have a guest bathroom and is not barrier-free. When visiting, leave your bags and backpacks in the free lockers provided, and refrain from taking photos or videos inside the museum (photography is permitted in the historical shop).

The Farina Fragrance Museum provides a unique and fragrant journey through time, making it an ideal destination to escape the rain and immerse yourself in the captivating history of perfume.

Check out the Museum Ludwig

If you're looking for something to do in Cologne on a rainy day, why not check out the Museum Ludwig? Located near the Cologne Cathedral, the Museum Ludwig is a modern and contemporary art museum with one of the most important collections of 20th and 21st-century art in the world. The museum's diverse collection covers a wide range of art movements, including Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and Russian Avant-Garde.

Here's what you can expect to find in the museum:

• One of the largest collections of Pop Art in Europe, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and more.
• One of the largest Picasso collections in the world.
• Outstanding works from the Russian Avant-Garde.
• One of the most important collections of German Expressionism.

The Museum Ludwig is also just a short walk from the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artwork covering every genre from the 13th century through the 19th century. So, if you're an art lover, you can easily spend a rainy day exploring these two world-class museums in Cologne.

The Museum Ludwig is open Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, so it's a great option if you're looking for something to do on a rainy weekend. Be sure to pick up a map/guide at the entrance, as it will help you navigate the different floors and rooms in the most effective way.

Frequently asked questions