Things to do in Dortmund

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Dortmund
Dortmund City Centre which includes signage
Thier-Galerie showing shopping and interior views
DASA Working World Exhibition
Dortmund City Centre featuring street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Dortmund Attractions

Do you appreciate delicious food or shopping? Or perhaps you just prefer to make your way around a new city like a genuine local. When spending time in Dortmund, it doesn't really matter what your preferences are — this enthralling metropolis has all the experiences and sights you could ever wish for.

Discover what makes Dortmund tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {21 fun activities in Dortmund fun activities in Dortmund}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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What to do in Dortmund

Free Things to Do in Dortmund

Touring on a budget in Dortmund? Spend time, not your paycheck, on great experiences.

Children Museum Adlerturm - Stroll the halls and appreciate the interesting displays at this museum.

Steinwache Memorial and Museum - If you're captivated by history and heritage, this is one stop you really shouldn't miss.

Hansaplatz - Stroll the streets and immerse yourself in the character and charm of this popular local hangout.

Phoenix Lake - Spend a while close to the water to rest and regain your energy.

St. Reinold's Church - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply lose yourself in the serene atmosphere at this sacred site.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden - Grab your picnic blanket, pack some food and find a shady spot to be at one with nature.

Things to Do in Dortmund with Kids

Nothing tops spending quality time together with the family. Dortmund boasts a thrilling selection of family friendly experiences that the whole gang will want to try:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dortmund? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dortmund

Germany Super Cup Final FCB vs BvB. From the yellow wall.

Signal Iduna Park

5/5(9 reviews)

Catch an event at Signal Iduna Park during your trip to Dortmund. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Signal Iduna Park
Westfalenpark Dortmund showing a park

Westfalenpark Dortmund

4.5/5(8 reviews)

After visiting Westfalenpark Dortmund, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Dortmund. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Westfalenpark Dortmund
Dortmund

German Football Museum

Whether you call the game football, soccer or Fußball, this museum provides interesting information and endless fun related to the sport loved around the world.

German Football Museum
Dortmund Christmas Market

Dortmund Christmas Market

5/5(2 reviews)

During your visit to Dortmund, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Dortmund Christmas Market. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Dortmund Christmas Market
Thier-Galerie showing shopping and interior views

Thier-Galerie

5/5(2 reviews)

Spend hours shopping in stylish boutiques and snacking in numerous food outlets at one of central Dortmund’s sleekest and most popular shopping malls.

Thier-Galerie
Dortmund City Centre which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Westenhellweg Street

During your trip to Dortmund, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Westenhellweg Street. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Westenhellweg Street
Dortmund Concert Hall which includes interior views and a bar

Dortmund Concert Hall

The winged rhinoceros, with its expert ear and graceful touches, is the symbol of a sleek and modern theater known for its excellent sound.

Dortmund Concert Hall
Best place in Dortmund, Germany!

Phoenix Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Phoenix Lake during your travels in Dortmund. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Phoenix Lake
Dortmund

Dortmunder U

Find Dortmund’s creative heart in this former brewery, which now houses art exhibitions, cultural institutions and research facilities in one iconic building.

Dortmunder U

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Dortmund

Dortmund City Centre featuring street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

Dortmund City Centre

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

At the center of the largest city in the Ruhr Valley, this inner spot developed a reputation for beer, steel and one of the world’s most iconic soccer clubs.

Dortmund City Centre
Museum of Art and Cultural History featuring heritage architecture

Innenstadt-West

Forward-looking and innovative, this Dortmund district has a restless energy on display downtown, with unique museums, shopping and restaurants.

Innenstadt-West
Petrikirche showing heritage architecture, landscape views and a city

Innenstadt-Ost

If you're spending time in Innenstadt-Ost, check out sights like Florian Tower or German Cookbook Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Maerkische Strasse U-Bahn or Kohlgartenstrasse U-Bahn.

Innenstadt-Ost
Dortmund Brewery Museum which includes interior views

Innenstadt-Nord

If you're spending time in Innenstadt-Nord, check out sights like Dortmund Brewery Museum or Resistance & Persecution Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Muensterstrasse U-Bahn or Lortzingstrasse U-Bahn.

Innenstadt-Nord
Rombergpark Botanical Garden

Hombruch

Hombruch is well-liked for its gardens and zoo. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Dortmund Zoo and Theater Olpketal are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Eierkampstrasse U-Bahn or Harkortstrasse U-Bahn to get around.

Hombruch
Dortmund

City-Ost

If you're spending time in City-Ost, check out sights like Dortmund Christmas Market or Hansaplatz and hop on the metro to see more the city at Reinoldikirche U-Bahn or Stadtgarten U-Bahn.

City-Ost
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Dortmund

Bochum showing a city, modern architecture and outdoor eating

Bochum

Photo "Hagen" by Frank Vincentz (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Hagen

Photo by Stephanie Böhm

Unna

Photo "Luenen" by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jorge Franganillo (CC BY)

Luenen

Photo "Herdecke" by Karlunun (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Karlunun (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Herdecke

St. Marienkirche featuring a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views

Witten

Photo "Schwerte" by Timmaexx (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Timmaexx (CC BY)

Schwerte

Photo "Waltrop" by giggel (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by giggel (CC BY)

Waltrop

Frequently asked questions

Is Dortmund worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Dortmund is explore German Football Museum. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's family-friendly attractions and culture.
How do I spend a day in Dortmund?
Start your day with a visit to German Football Museum and Bodelschwingh Castle. Then, explore other parts of Dortmund for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dortmund?
The top tourist attraction in Dortmund is German Football Museum, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Dortmund?
Three days will give you enough time to check out many city sights, like German Football Museum, Bodelschwingh Castle and Theater Dortmund. The average stay in Dortmund is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Essen isn't far away.
Is Dortmund a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Dortmund. Several key attractions, such as German Football Museum and Theater Dortmund, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Dortmund's best neighborhoods, Innenstadt-West is 2 miles away from downtown, while Dortmund City Centre is 0.1 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Dortmund with kids?
Deciding what to do in Dortmund with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Dortmund for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Dortmund for adults including DAB Brewery and Westenhellweg Street.
Are there free things to do in Dortmund?
From checking out parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Dortmund. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Children Museum Adlerturm is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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