8 Best Things to Do in Dortmund

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 football. 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.

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.

Alten Markt means Old Market in German. Established since the 12th century, this lively square is the historical centre of Dortmund. Today, surrounded by modern shopping centres 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. 

Westenhellweg is a 750-metre-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 jewellery 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 accommodation on Westenhellweg Street if you're planning a shopping spree.

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.

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 centre, 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 travelling with the kids, check out the family-friendly accommodation in Dortmund.

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-metre 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.