For the best things to do in Dortmund, its soccer team, beer culture, and rich industrial heritage easily come up. Entirely rebuilt after WWII, Dortmund has become an innovative city oriented toward the future. Described as a ‘green metropolis’ and voted one of the most sustainable cities in Germany, it converted many of its bygone industrial sites into museums and leisure facilities.
Featuring large parks such as Westfalenpark, museums like Binarium Dortmund and the German Football Museum, Dortmund is a city full of surprises for its visitors. The festive nature of German people can be seen in most of the brewery taverns that dot the city centre, as well as during the festive season when Dortmund hosts one of Germany's finest Christmas markets.
What are the best things to do in Dortmund?
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German Football Museum
An interactive museum where you can have a kickabout
- History
- Photo
Located near Dortmund Railway Station, the German Football Museum relates the history of the world’s most popular sport in Germany. This modern and interactive museum is so well done that even if you’re not a fan of the German team, you’ll fully enjoy the visit and learn a lot about soccer. The Fan Bistro and N11 Bar & Restaurant make the museum very inviting. You even can have a kickabout in the Fan Garden on clear days.
Location: Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Mapphoto by Kassandro (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 2
Westfalenpark
A breath of fresh air in a beautiful park
- Couples
- Families
Westfalenpark is the largest green area in Dortmund. Located in the south part of the city, the park covers an area of almost 500,000 sq m filled with a great range of attractions for adults and children. Flower gardens, animal park, kids’ playgrounds, children’s museum, cafés and restaurants, can be found between large lawn spaces interspersed with wooden areas and small lakes. Do not miss the ride in the small train around the park. If you're looking for a relaxing break, there's a variety of hotels situated near Westfalenpark and its surroundings.
Location: An der Buschmühle 3, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Map - 3
Alten Markt
Shopping in the heart of Dortmund
- Food
- History
- Photo
- Shoppers
Alten Markt means Old Market in German. Established since the 12th century, this lively square is the historical center of Dortmund. Today, surrounded by modern malls and restaurants, the historical aspect of the square can only be spotted in its northeast corner in which sits the Adler Apotheke, a pharmacy that opened at this location in 1392 (it’s now a museum). On clear days, you can take in the mood of the city while enjoying a coffee on the terrace of a restaurant like Cotton’s or Maximilian.
Location: Markt 3, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
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Westenhellweg
One of the busiest shopping streets in Germany
- Shoppers
Westenhellweg is a 750-meter-long street located in the heart of Dortmund. It’s rated as one of the busiest shopping streets in Germany. Framed by 5-storey buildings, Westenhellweg is like a semi-pedestrian corridor lined with boutiques selling almost everything from jewelry to fashion clothes to sportswear and more. World-famous brands such as H&M, Esprit and Rolex, as well as popular German department stores, can be found along this lively strip. Book your accommodations on Westenhellweg Street if you're planning a shopping spree.
Location: Westenhellweg, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
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Binarium Dortmund
Fun and games at the Digital Adventure Center
- History
Binarium Dortmund is a geek’s dream come true. Located in the northwest of the city, this museum is dedicated to video game culture and history. Settled in a large, austere red-brick building, Binarium Dortmund showcases most of the video games created since ‘Pong’, way back in the 1970s. Nintendo and Sega, Playstation and Xbox – you’ll find all the consoles that kept many of us glued to the screen during our teen years.
Location: Hülshof 28, 44369 Dortmund, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
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LWL Industrial Museum Zollern
A major spot on the European Route of Industrial Heritage
- Families
- History
- Photo
Also known as the Zollern Colliery, LWL Industrial Museum Zollern is a vast industrial complex converted into a museum. Located 10 km west of the city center, it boasts a splendid early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture made of iron framework and red bricks. Here, you’ll discover the arduous life and working conditions of the colliers and their family. An underground space named the Kids’ Cellar allows children to play at being miners. If you're traveling with the kids, check out the family-friendly accommodations in Dortmund.
Location: Grubenweg 5, 44388 Dortmund, Germany
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Map - 7
Dortmund Christmas Market
One of the most popular Christmas Markets in Germany
- Couples
- Families
- Food
- Photo
- Shoppers
Every year in December, the festive spirit takes over the industrial atmosphere of Dortmund with one of the most impressive Christmas Market in Germany. Over 300 stalls occupy the Old Market square on which a 45-meter Christmas tree is raised. Chocolate drops, gingerbread, hot mulled wine, and many other delicacies are on offer while you meander through the stalls selling handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. Fair rides and horse riding tours can also be enjoyed for the great pleasure of the children.
Location: Markt 3, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
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Westfalenhalle
Where one of the best German teams play
Fully named Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund, Borussia Dortmund is a major soccer team in the German league, the Bundesliga. You should not miss the chance to go and see them play at Westfalenhalle, the city’s stadium, while you are in Dortmund. The stadium is great and the atmosphere vibrant. Dortmund’s supporters behave like gentlemen and you will really enjoy the show, even if you’re not a soccer fan.
Location: Strobelallee 50, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
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