✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
Hey Wanderers! Explore Dortmund, an amazing spot waiting to be explored in Germany.
Dortmund, a hidden gem in the heart of Germany, enchants visitors with its rich culture and vibrant energy.
From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in local cuisine, there are endless possibilities for travelers to discover and embrace the true essence of Dortmund.
So, pack your bags and get ready to experience a city full of surprises and adventures.
One thing tourist destination Dortmund is known for is its vibrant football culture, with its famous stadium Signal Iduna Park attracting football fans from around the world.
In comparison to rothenburg ob der tauber, known for its preserved medieval old town, and mannheim, an industrial city with modern architecture, Dortmund offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy.
1. Signal Iduna Park
Signal Iduna Park, also known as Westfalenstadion, is a world-famous soccer stadium located in Dortmund, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can go on a guided tour of the stadium, explore the Borusseum museum, and catch a live soccer match featuring the hometown team, Borussia Dortmund.
Don’t miss: If you’re lucky enough to catch a match, don’t miss the chance to witness the famous “Yellow Wall” in action – this is the largest standing terrace in Europe and home to some of the most passionate soccer fans in the world.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets for guided tours or matches in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re a soccer fan, be sure to check out the Borusseum museum, which tells the story of Borussia Dortmund’s rich history.
Finally, take advantage of the opportunity to taste some of Germany’s famous beer and bratwurst in the stadium’s food stalls and beer gardens.
2. Westfalenpark
Westfalenpark is a large public park located in the city of Dortmund, Germany.
What to see or do: The park boasts of various attractions and activities for visitors including concert venues, children’s playground, rose gardens, Japanese garden, mini-golf course, and numerous walking paths.
Don’t miss: The Florian Tower, standing tall at 210 feet, offers a 360-degree view of the park and the surrounding city.
The park also has an open-air theater hosting music, dance, and theater performances in the summer.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park during the annual Dortmund May Day Fair when it is transformed into a huge carnival with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other thrilling rides.
The tower can be crowded during peak hours, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the rush.
Entrance to the park is free, but some attractions and events may charge a fee.
3. Dortmund Zoo
Dortmund Zoo is a favorite destination for animal lovers, featuring over 1,500 animals across 60 acres.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore themed habitats such as the Arctic with polar bears, Siberian tigers in the Asian rainforest or check out the penguins in their own Antarctic-style environment.
Don’t miss: The popular animal shows showcasing a variety of creatures from birds of prey to sea lions.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the zoo on weekdays or early morning on weekends.
4. Dortmunder U
A cultural center located in the heart of Dortmund, Germany, housed in a former brewery building that has been transformed into a hub for art, creativity, and technology.
What to see or do: Explore the multiple floors of exhibitions featuring contemporary art, digital media, interactive installations, and photography.
Attend a concert, theater performance, or film screening in one of the venue’s many event spaces.
Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the rooftop viewing platform.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the panoramic view from the rooftop.
Check the center’s events calendar ahead of time to plan your visit around a performance or exhibition that interests you.
Be sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding neighborhood, which is filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants.
5. Museum Ostwall
Museum Ostwall is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Dortmund, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum features an impressive collection of art from the Expressionism and post-1945 periods, including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Max Beckmann.
Visitors can explore the different exhibitions that highlight the artistic styles and movements from the past century.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the extensive collection of works by German expressionist artist Emil Schumacher.
The museum also boasts a beautiful sculpture garden and stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can take advantage of free admission on Wednesdays, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
The museum is easily accessible by public transportation and is located near other popular attractions in the area, such as the Dortmund U-Tower.
6. German Football Museum
The German Football Museum is a modern and interactive museum dedicated to the history and achievements of football in Germany, located in Dortmund.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover the evolution of football, its cultural significance, and the accomplishments of German teams and players on the national and international levels.
The museum features various multimedia installations, historical artifacts, and interactive games that make the experience fun and engaging for all ages.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the Hall of Fame, which honors Germany’s finest football players and coaches.
Visitors can also walk through a replica of a player’s tunnel, test their dribbling and passing skills, and immerse themselves in the excitement of a match through virtual reality technology.
Insider travel tips: To make the most of your visit, plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum.
If you’re a football fan, consider taking the guided tour, which provides fascinating insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
Also, make sure to check the museum’s calendar for special events and temporary exhibitions, which are often hosted throughout the year.
7. St Reinold’s Church
St Reinold’s Church is a historic church located in the city center of Dortmund, Germany.
It was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
What to see or do: The church features a unique blend of architectural styles, with Romanesque and Gothic elements, and is adorned with stunning stained-glass windows.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the church to learn more about its history and architecture.
Don’t miss: Be sure to look for the impressive bronze doors located at the main entrance, which depict scenes from the Bible.
Additionally, visitors can climb the church tower for panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, check the church’s schedule for organ concerts or other musical performances that are held regularly.
It’s also worth noting that the church can get quite crowded, so plan to arrive early to avoid long lines.
8. Florianturm
A tall radio tower located in the heart of Dortmund, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can ride the elevator to the top of the tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below.
The tower also features a restaurant and observation deck.
Don’t miss: The observation deck, which is 142 meters high and provides stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during a clear day to get the best views.
Plan your visit around sunset to see the city transform into a beautiful array of colors.
The tower can get busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
9. Museum of Art and Cultural History
The Museum of Art and Cultural History is a world-class museum located in the city of Dortmund, Germany, with an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of exhibits such as paintings, sculptures, costumes, and furniture from various periods, including the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as modern and contemporary art.
The museum also has a permanent exhibition that highlights the history and cultural heritage of the city of Dortmund and the surrounding region.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive exhibits is the collection of medieval art, featuring works from the 13th to 16th centuries, including rare altarpieces, sculptures, and paintings.
Insider travel tips: •Visitors can take advantage of the audio guides provided to get more detailed information about the exhibits.
10. BVB Museum
BVB Museum is a museum dedicated to the legendary soccer club Borussia Dortmund, located in their home stadium Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum features a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that document the club’s rich history and achievements.
Visitors can explore the club’s evolution since its founding in 1909, and learn about its greatest players, coaches, and moments.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to test your skills at the museum’s interactive stations, where you can take part in a penalty shootout, shoot a virtual free kick, or try to match the speed of the club’s fastest players.
Also, make sure to check out the trophy room, where you can see the team’s national and international championships.
Insider travel tips: – Consider visiting the museum on a non-game day, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit.
11. Dortmund Christmas Market
The Dortmund Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany.
It has been held annually since 1963, attracting visitors from all over the world.
What to see or do: Experience the festive atmosphere and browse through the numerous stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts, and delicious food and drinks.
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a stunning view of the city skyline and enjoy the live music and entertainment.
Don’t miss: The 45-meter-high Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments.Also, try the famous glühwein (mulled wine) and taste the traditional gingerbread, or lebkuchen.
Insider travel tips: Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.Visit during the week if possible, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
Take public transportation as parking can be difficult to find.Finally, dress warmly as temperatures can drop below freezing.
12. Haus Bodelschwingh
Haus Bodelschwingh is a historic castle located in the city of Dortmund, Germany.The castle was built during the medieval period and has since been renovated and restored.
What to see or do: Visitors to Haus Bodelschwingh can take guided tours of the castle and learn about its rich history and architecture.
The castle is also home to a museum that showcases the history of the Bodelschwingh family and their impact on the region.
Don’t miss: Be sure to explore the castle’s stunning gardens, which feature beautifully manicured lawns and colorful flowers.
The castle’s chapel is also a must-see, with its impressive stained glass windows and ornate decor.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the castle and the Bodelschwingh family, be sure to take one of the guided tours.
The castle also hosts special events throughout the year, so check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the castle and its surroundings.
13. The Brewery Museum Dortmund
The Brewery Museum Dortmund is a museum located in Dortmund, Germany, that showcases the history of beer brewing in the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of historic brewing equipment, bottles, and other beer-related artifacts.
There are also interactive exhibits, including a virtual brewery tour, where visitors can learn about the brewing process from start to finish.
Don’t miss: One of the highlight exhibits is the authentic old brewery, which has been preserved and shows how beer was brewed in the past.
Another must-see attraction is the beer garden, where visitors can enjoy a cold beer while surrounded by greenery.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning your visit, try to go on a guided tour, as the knowledgeable guides can provide an in-depth look at the history of beer brewing in Dortmund.
Also, check out the museum’s website for special events and beer tasting opportunities.Parking can be difficult, so consider taking public transportation or walking.
14. Botanischer Garten Rombergpark
The Botanischer Garten Rombergpark is a beautiful botanical garden located in Dortmund, Germany.
It spans over 65 hectares and contains a wide array of plant species from all over the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can go for a leisurely stroll through the garden, taking in the various landscapes that have been designed to showcase different types of plants.
There is a Japanese garden with a calming pond, a large rose garden with over 3,000 varieties of roses, and a medicinal herb garden containing traditional medicinal plants.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the garden is the Tropical House, which houses exotic plants from tropical regions.
Visitors can explore the lush interior of the house and see giant palms, cacti, and unusual tropical fruits.
There is also a butterfly house where visitors can observe a variety of colorful butterflies.
Insider travel tips: • The garden is free to visit, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers.
15. Dortmund Concert Hall
The Dortmund Concert Hall, also known as Konzerthaus Dortmund, is a modern concert venue that hosts a variety of musical performances including classical, jazz, and world music.
What to see or do: Enjoy a world-class concert experience in one of the five different halls, each with unique architecture and acoustics.
The main concert hall boasts a seating capacity of 1,500 and features a stunning organ with 9,000 pipes.
Check the schedule to see what performances are available during your visit.
Don’t miss: The Konzerthaus Dortmund is known for its exceptional acoustics and has won numerous awards for its sound quality.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear music performed in the concert venue’s world-class halls.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
It’s recommended to arrive early to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere and grab a drink at the concert hall’s bar.
Parking can be expensive and limited, so consider taking public transportation or walking to the venue if possible.