What to do in Colmar when it rains? My 7 ideas
Even when it's raining, there's plenty to do in Colmar. If you're just passing through and the weather's not cooperating, don't panic: there's plenty to do under cover. Here are my ideas for discovering Colmar in the rain.
| Activity | Ideal for | Budget | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Museums | Art lovers, families | € to €€ | Colmar City Pass to combine multiple visits |
| 2. Winstub | Comfort Food | €€ | Book the weekend |
| 3. Covered Market | Gourmet break | € | Closed on Monday |
| 4. Wine Tasting | Wine lovers | € | By reservation (Wednesday–Saturday) |
| 5. Tea Room | A Relaxing Moment | € | Quieter on weekdays |
| 6. Dominican Library | Curious, book lovers | Free | Closed on Sundays |
| 7. Cooking Classes | Want to learn? | €€ to €€€ | Reservations required; limited seating |
1. Visit Colmar’s museums
Is it raining? Don’t worry, you can explore the city’s museums. The best known is the Musée Unterlinden, housed in a former convent. It houses the famous Issenheim Altarpiece, as well as works of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Others include the Musée du Jouet, perfect if you’re with children (or just feeling nostalgic), or the Musée Bartholdi, dedicated to the creator of the Statue of Liberty. Visit our article dedicated to Colmar’s museums to find out more about each one.
💡 Local tip: If you plan to visit several museums in a row, the Colmar City Pass (Unterlinden, Bartholdi, Toy Museum, and others) lets you save a lot of money over 7 consecutive days.
- 📍 Unterlinden Museum: 1 rue d’Unterlinden 🔗 Learn more
- 📍 Bartholdi Museum: 30 rue des Marchands 🔗 View hours
- 📍 Toy Museum: 40 Rue Vauban 🔗 Learn more
2. Discover local gastronomy in a winstub
There’s nothing like a good Alsatian meal to warm you up, I guarantee it! Winstubs are typical Alsatian restaurants serving traditional dishes in a convivial atmosphere. Sauerkraut, baeckeoffe, tarte flambée, spätzle… All accompanied by a glass of Alsace wine, of course! In Colmar, you’ll easily find them in the historic center, with their woodsy decor and checkered tablecloths. Check out my article on my favorite restaurants in Colmar.
🍽️ Local tip: Reserve your table in advance—the winstubs in the city center fill up quickly on weekends.
3. Shopping at the Halles du Marché Couvert
Housed in an attractive brick and metal building, the Halles du Marché Couvert in Colmar is home to some fifteen stalls: cheese makers, bakers, market gardeners, grocers… You’ll come here to do your shopping as much as to enjoy a tasty meal, because the atmosphere is so friendly! In fact, some stalls even offer small “eat-on-the-go” formulas. Perfect for a gourmet break out of the rain, and to buy a few gourmet souvenirs from Alsace!
🧺 Local tip: Keep in mind that the Marché Couvert is closed on Mondays.
📍 13 rue des Écoles 🔗 View hours
Also on the blog
4. Take part in an Alsace wine tasting
Colmar is at the heart of Alsace’s vineyards: it’s even the capital of Alsace wines. Even in the rain, you can enjoy it! Several wineries offer wine tastings in the town center (visit Martin Jund, for example) or in the surrounding villages. It’s a great way to discover local grape varieties (riesling, gewurztraminer, pinot gris…) and talk to wine enthusiasts. You can also take advantage of a visit to the Musée des Vins d’Alsace for a tasting session.
🍷 Local tip: Wine tastings at Domaine Martin Jund are by reservation only, Wednesday through Saturday.
📍 12 rue de l’Ange 🔗 Visit the website
5. Relax in a café or tearoom
When it’s cold outside, you just want to relax in a cosy place. Colmar is home to some lovely tea rooms and cafés, perfect for reading, chatting or simply enjoying a good pastry. Some even offer rare teas or house specialties. A great way to warm up gently.
☕ Local tip: Go midday on a weekday if you’re looking for a quiet spot—these places are very popular on rainy weekends.
6. Discover the Dominican Library
A slightly secret place, but well worth a visit: the Bibliothèque des Dominicains. It houses rich ancient collections in a setting steeped in history. Even if you don’t plan to read for hours on end, it’s well worth a visit for its magnificent books, peaceful atmosphere and superb vaults… But also to visit the free museum space, dedicated to the history of books and images in Alsace from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
📚 Local tip: Admission to the museum is free, but the library is closed on Sundays.
📍 1 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance 🔗 View the schedule
7. Take a cooking class
Why not take advantage of the rain to learn something new? Several workshops in Colmar offer cooking classes, sometimes focusing on local specialties. The Musée Choco-Story also offers chocolate workshops. What better way to spend a convivial, gourmet moment!
👩🍳 Local tip: Cooking and chocolate workshops operate on a reservation-only basis with limited space (usually 8 to 15 people maximum), so it’s best to book in advance, especially on weekends.
📍 Choco-Story: 12 Place de la Cathédrale 🔗 Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions About Colmar in the Rain
What can you do in Colmar when it rains?
Head to the museums, a winstub for a warm meal, the Marché Couvert, a wine tasting, a tea room, the Dominican Library, or a cooking class: seven indoor activities spread throughout the historic center.
Are the museums in Colmar open year-round?
Most are open year-round, except for a few holidays and, occasionally, a short annual closure (often in January): it’s best to check the hours before you go.
Is the Colmar Covered Market open on Mondays?
No, it’s closed on Mondays. On other days, it’s usually open from the morning until late afternoon, with slightly different hours on Sundays.
Do you need to make a reservation for a wine tasting in Colmar?
Yes, it’s recommended: the wine cellars in the city center, such as Domaine Martin Jund, often require reservations.
How much time should I allow for visiting Colmar in the rain?
Plan on a full day to do several of these activities back-to-back, or focus on 3–4 of them for a half-day.