Things to Do in Bielefeld: Insider Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Vacation in Bielefeld

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you’ll need before traveling to Bielefeld.

Our Hotel Recommendations

Here are our hotel picks in Bielefeld for every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Bielefeld

Our Expert

Hey everyone, and many thanks for letting me be part of your Hometown Love series! I’m Caro, and I blog at Leben à la carte about my travels and the globetrotter lifestyle. Since 2011, my husband Simon and I have been living in Bielefeld.

Before we pack up and head off on a round-the-world trip, it’s time to share a few insider tips from the heart of East Westphalia.

Even though the rumor stubbornly persists: Bielefeld actually exists. Don’t worry, you can visit with a clear conscience. No black hole will open up and swallow you — promise!

Bielefeld in Three Words

• Puddingtown
• Sparrenburg
• Bielefeldverschwörung

Why Go There?

Isn’t it reason enough to take a ton of pseudo-funny photos? Like, basically in front of the train station sign “Bielefeld Hbf,” the city limits sign, the labeled door of Bielefeld University, and so on. Nah, just kiddin’ — about 10 million other people have already had that idea, haha.

Even though the city, with its roughly 330,000 residents, can’t quite compete with city-trip classics like Berlin, Hamburg, and the like (which is largely because cities without water somehow have worse cards by nature…), there’s quite a bit to discover: beautiful hiking trails through the Teutoburg Forest, lively city festivals, a charming historic center with lovely architecture, and much more.

Unique to Bielefeld

A giant vanilla pudding, from which you can get a fresh pudding made at the push of a button! Bielefeld is the birthplace of the Dr. Oetker company, which is famous worldwide primarily for inventing ready-to-use baking powder.

These days, the product range has expanded well beyond baking ingredients to include desserts and frozen pizzas — which, funnily enough, are even shipped to Italy.

For 12 euros, you can join an interactive tour at the Dr. Oetker Welt — but heads up: these are so popular that they’re usually booked out three months in advance!

Things to Do in Bielefeld: Sights and Activities

Must-Sees

First and foremost, Bielefeld’s landmark: perched atop the “mountain” (yes, yes, I know — every Swiss person is laughing right now) is the Sparrenburg, which offers a fantastic view over the city. It’s also a great spot for a stroll along the promenade.

From there, head down toward the city, where you can admire the building facades at the Alter Markt, which glow beautifully in the sunlight.

Depending on your mood, you can either grab a Hugo or something similar at one of the many bars right there on the square — or keep going all the way to Kesselbrink, grab a drink from a kiosk, and sit on the “Kessel” to watch the kids on the massive outdoor skate park!

On a Rainy Day

With guests, I’d go to the sauna, haha. Probably to our regular sauna in the neighboring town of Herford, but the Ishara on Bielefelder Boulevard is also perfect for a relaxing few hours — East Westphalia is a true sauna paradise!

We’re not museum people at all, so even on a rainy day we’d rather do something else (even though the Museum Hülsmann, for example, occasionally has really cool special exhibitions, and the Kunsthalle has a solid reputation).

The various theaters and movie theaters would be more our thing — plus Bielefeld has been stepping it up lately: there’s laser tag, escape games, and 3D mini golf, the “Loom” shopping center that opened in 2017, and an indoor trampoline park.

With Kids

No question: head to the Tierpark! “Olderdissen” features exclusively native animal species, which I think is fantastic — there’s really no need to keep a polar bear in a cage in Europe. The animal park is free (donations welcome), very spacious, and makes for a wonderful outing — not just for families with kids.

Alternatively, in good weather, the climbing park on Johannisberg and the natural swimming pool in Quelle are great options. If the weather doesn’t cooperate (which, unfortunately, isn’t all that rare in East Westphalia), there’s also the natural history museum namu, which is set up interactively and designed specifically for younger visitors.

Best Day Trip

Here’s the thing: you don’t actually have to leave Bielefeld to get out of the city. Despite its status as a large city and its considerable population, I like to call East Westphalia’s center a “big village.”

Bielefeld stretches about 20 kilometers from north to south and is divided in the middle by the Teutoburg Forest.

There are countless great hiking trails there that lead right through nature. Interested? Then take a look here and browse through the various options.

Not into hiking? Bielefeld has plenty of beautiful parks where you can spend the day when the sun is shining. My favorites: Oetkerpark (Bürgerpark) and Nordpark.

For Relaxation

I already mentioned Olderdissen, didn’t I? Yes. I did. It’s clearly the perfect place when you want to completely unplug. If even the wide paths of the animal park feel too noisy and tiring, just head next door to the Botanical Garden, where you can sit on a bench among the flower beds with a good book.

I also highly recommend the beach bar Santa Maria in summer. The beach was set up on the top deck of a parking garage — lounge music, modern pallet furniture, bean bags, deck chairs, and much more invite you to kick back and relax.

Best Viewpoint

Johannisberg vs. Sparrenburg? I can’t really decide. Hmm, actually I can: Johannisberg!

From up there you get a truly spectacular panorama, you can see the Sparrenburg from a distance, and especially in the evening you can take incredibly beautiful photos — at least if you’re a better photographer than I am and know your way around night shots.

And then there’s the free-fall tower that stood on the Leinewebermarkt right in the middle of Rathausplatz — 85 meters straight down on the “Hangover.” I’m not sure what was better: the incredible view of the entire city, or the adrenaline rush that followed as we plummeted downward?!

Dear city of Bielefeld: I’m lobbying for the tower to come back every year from now on. Or how about building a permanent one as a proper tourist attraction?!

Best Photo Spot

Beyond the panoramic views at the Sparrenburg and on Johannisberg, my favorite place to photograph is the Alter Markt. The heart of Bielefeld’s old quarter is lined with a theater, numerous restaurants, and above all: the landmark-protected building facades.

Simply beautiful — especially at dusk and in autumn, when the leaves change color and everything is bathed in warm light.

Craziest Activity

What city can actually claim to have its own song? Yep, Bielefeld. If you go out partying here (especially at Stereo on the Boulevard), it’s usually only a matter of time before a “Sexy, sexy” blasts from the speakers and reveals all the “real” Bielefeldians.

The not-so-glamorous neighborhood of Baumheide is something like the Bielefeld equivalent of Cologne-Kalk and inspired the band Hardsoul to come up with some seriously colorful lyrics for the song “Pumpen” — all about antisocial party behavior, excessive gym visits, drug use, etc. So: get ready and… Action, yeah, Action, yeah!

Best Event of the Year

My absolute favorite event is the Sparrenburgfest! Every year at the end of July, a medieval market takes place around the Sparrenburg, where performers transport visitors back to bygone times. Not quite as grand as the Mittelalter Phantasie Spectaculum, but with a one-of-a-kind setting around the castle walls and at just €7 admission (€5 reduced), it’s significantly more affordable.

I also love, as already mentioned, the Leinewebermarkt — this always takes place at the end of May and stretches across the entire Bielefeld old town. Concerts, open-air parties, street food, carnival rides — there’s genuinely something for every taste. Truly another great reason to stop by “Liebefeld.”

Food and Drink in Bielefeld

Culinary Specialty

A typical East Westphalian dish is Pickert. These are pancakes made from a potato yeast dough, and the best place to try them in Bielefeld is at the Seekrug on Obersee.

And the best part: in summer, you should head right next door to the Seekrug! Düne 13 is a fantastic beach bar waiting for you, complete with delicious cocktails, chill-out sounds, beach volleyball courts, and stylish seating areas!

Best Burger

In my opinion, the best burgers in Bielefeld by far are at Wilde Kuh! It has two locations: one near Kesselbrink, and one in the restaurant hub around Arndtstraße.

I prefer the latter, because the surrounding area is always buzzing with activity at the many spots nearby. The vegetarian burger options are also really tasty, by the way!

Best Ice Cream

I’m a huge frozen yogurt fan and love Yomaro near the Rathaus! Alternatively, there’s a Giovanni L ice cream café at the Alter Markt, which serves the most delicious and exciting flavors in the city. Cucumber-mint, black vanilla, or basil-lime are just a few items on the daily menu that you absolutely have to try.

A little under-the-radar pick outside of downtown: at the residential building on Teutoburger Straße 45, there’s been a Garten Eis Cafe since the ’80s, where you can enjoy great ice cream in a cozy, family atmosphere at very affordable prices.

Best Breakfast

If you like Turkish breakfast, Piro is the place for you. They offer a very good breakfast buffet at extremely low prices. Also highly recommended is Moccaklatsch, where you can put together your own breakfast — including vegetarian and vegan options.

Favorite Restaurants

Las Tapas: This charming Spanish restaurant serves affordable and seriously good tapas. Be sure to order a carafe of sangria — feel free to do so in Spanish, since all the staff speak both German and Spanish.

Moccaklatsch: Not just great for breakfast. Cozy atmosphere with sofas that feel like grandma’s living room, friendly (and sometimes endearingly scatterbrained) service, delicious food, and student-friendly prices. My go-to dish: the vegan spinach dumplings!

Rancho Steakhouse: The only reason I slightly regret going vegetarian these days, haha. We’ve rarely been to such a good steakhouse! Tip for meat lovers: order the rump steak medium-rare — it’ll be served on a hot, sizzling stone. Relief for vegetarians: the salads, baked potatoes, and grilled vegetables are fantastic too!

Favorite Bars

Three Sixty: This huge sports bar on the Boulevard not only has great snacks but also excellent cocktails! Happy hour runs daily from 9 PM, with a wide selection that doesn’t sacrifice quality in the slightest. My favorites: Moscow Mule and Mojito!

Irish Pub: Wednesdays and Fridays are karaoke nights, and the other evenings feature various themed nights (Quiz Night, Irish Music, …) — cocktails always 2 for 1. Classic Irish pub atmosphere, I love it there!

Plan B and GegenÜber: Not really MY favorite bars, but always a popular hangout spot for our group of friends. Laid-back atmosphere, packed to the gills late into the night, and they have a magnetic pull on just about every student in the area.

Best Midnight Snack

Please, please tell me you’re talking about the weekend?! During the week, options are unfortunately pretty slim if you want to eat something in the middle of the night, haha.

Otherwise, you absolutely have to stop by Krispy Kebab on the edge of the old town: they have the best döner in the city and a vegetarian alternative with roasted vegetables!

Where to Stay in Bielefeld

Hotel Recommendation

Until recently, I wouldn’t have been able to answer this question at all — when do you ever need a hotel in your own city?

But since we’ve already given up our apartment and are staying with family and friends before our round-the-world trip begins, I’m sure we’ll be checking into Bielefeld hotels more often in the near future.

Highly recommended is the Mercure on Johannisberg — excellent value for money (four stars and a double room with breakfast from €69!), great location, comfortable rooms, cozy beds, friendly service, free parking, and a delicious breakfast. You can easily overlook the somewhat dated bathrooms!

Budget Accommodations

Since I don’t find the youth hostel particularly appealing (it has a bit of a hospital feel to me…) and there are no “real” hostels with dorm rooms in Bielefeld, I’d recommend Airbnb. There are lots of nice private rooms available, sometimes at very affordable prices.

Alternatively, the Couchsurfing community in Bielefeld is fairly active, so you should be able to find someone without too much trouble who’ll let you crash at their place and, ideally, show you around the city too.

Off to Bielefeld!