Living in Helsingborg is fantastic. The city is lovely, and there’s unexpectedly much to do for a city of this size. But like many places, if the weather is bad, it’s harder to find good activities.
As I get many visitors to the city, I sometimes get asked: What should one do in Helsingborg when the weather is bad? What are good indoor activities in Helsingborg?
So, I have recommended different things over the years, and I thought I would share this list online here so more people can find it. I have asked around a bit as well, to get input on it.
When the rain falls over Helsingborg, there’s no reason to stay inside and get bored. The city offers a range of indoor activities that suit all tastes and interests.
Classic Places in Helsingborg
- Kärnan – This medieval fortress tower offers a journey back in time, with various information on the different floors about the site’s significance over the years.
- Dunkers Kulturhus – A center for art and culture with exhibitions and events year-round.
Cozy and Special Cafés
Helsingborg has many lovely cafés, perfect to visit on rainy days.
- Zoegas Café 1886 – Experience genuine Helsingborg culture at this café, the locals’ living room with history dating back to 1886. This is the place where Zoégas grew, and here you can find unique coffee blends only available there! (Of course, I’m a bit biased as I co-own it, but still, it’s a place worth visiting.)
- Bruket Kaffebar – A charming café with a focus on sustainability and locally produced goods.
- Ebbas Fik – A retro-inspired café with a wonderful mix of 50s vibes and delicious pastries. A true experience!
- Margit Café – A homely café with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Fahlmans – A classic patisserie that has been a favorite among locals since 1914.
Small Museums in Helsingborg
There are several smaller museums in Helsingborg worth visiting:
- Idrottsmuseet – Explore Helsingborg’s sports history.
- Medicinhistoriska Museet – A unique insight into the history of healthcare.
- Grafiska Museet – Learn about the development of printing technology.
- Helsingborgs Brandkårsmuseum – Discover the history and work of the fire brigade.
Indoor Foodcourts and Markets
There are places with various food options, well worth a visit:
- Vagnhall 15 – A lively place with several food options under one roof in the old fire station.
- DM, Do More – A modern concept with a focus on Swedish and international food, locally produced.
Small Art Galleries and Studios in Helsingborg
There are several independent cultural venues to visit. They are not very large, so you can challenge yourself to visit all of them (they are within walking distance of each other, but bring a windproof umbrella).
- Kulturhotellet – A dynamic place for art and culture.
- Galleri Flesser – Explore works by local and national artists.
- Bellamonti Art – An intimate gallery with varied exhibitions.
- Karantänen – A place for art right by the sea.
Tura with the Ferry to Helsingør
A timeless pleasure in Helsingborg is taking the ferry to Helsingør. This is an activity in itself that is fun to do, and it’s doable even in rainy weather (though more challenging during a storm, but still possible). If you want to get off in Helsingør, you can visit several things there:
- M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark – Learn about the history and importance of maritime activities.
- Matværftet – Enjoy food from around the world in the old shipyard halls.
- Kronborg Castle – Explore this iconic castle, best known for its role in Hamlet. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical significance and preservation.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – One of Scandinavia’s leading art museums.
Courses and Tastings
For those who really want to do something, you can check if there are spots available for one of the following courses or tastings:
- Coffee Tasting at Zoegas Café – Learn everything about coffee and its history.
- Licorice Tasting with Ramlösa Lakritsfabrik – For licorice lovers or those curious about licorice.
- Chocolate Tasting at Chocolatte – Here are the best pralines, so take the chance to attend a chocolate and praline tasting.
- Ceramics Course with Claytivity – Try your hand at creating your own ceramics.
- Sourdough Course at Bruket Kaffebar – Learn to bake with sourdough.
Brunch Spots
If it’s summer rain, it’s lovely to have a long lunch. Here are some favorites I recommend (in addition to the cafés above, which all have great options as well):
- Madame Mustasch – An old environment with a wide selection for brunch.
- Brunchoteket – A popular brunch destination.
- Café Viva – A café near Mariakyrkan with a delightful brunch platter.
Restaurants and Bars
Helsingborg has too many great restaurants and bars to list them all. You almost can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. But personal favorites to eat at on rainy days are:
- Chay – A place people flock to for their fantastic food.
- Fria Bad & Bar – Rainy days can end with the most magical sunsets if the rain stops. Then you should eat here.
- South Indian – Authentic Chettinad cuisine with many unexpected flavors.
Activities for Children
If you’re in Helsingborg with children and looking for indoor activities, there are several:
- Tropikariet – An exciting place with exotic animals that fascinate children.
- FZD – Indoor activities with e-sports and regular sports. Here you can play computer games against each other, watch e-sports, or play basketball or other activities.
- Tryckeriet – A place with lots of different events for children and youth.
- Jutan – Here you can find boule, skateboarding, and parkour under one roof.
- Leo’s Lekland – A popular destination for children with lots of play and adventure.
I hope this list of indoor activities in Helsingborg can inspire you. If you have tips on more, leave a comment!