Things to Do in Dortmund: The Best Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Trip to Dortmund

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before heading to Dortmund.

Location

Dortmund is located in western Germany.

The city is part of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Since NRW is so densely populated, plenty of major cities are within easy reach of Dortmund.

By car, you can reach Essen in just about 30 minutes.

Duisburg or Düsseldorf are each just under an hour away.

Our Hotel Picks

Here are our hotel recommendations in Dortmund for every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Dortmund

Our Expert

Hi, I’m Christina and last year I founded Glückauf Wanderlust. Why am I a Dortmund expert? I grew up here and spent nearly 25 years in the city.

Even though I haven’t lived here for a few years now, my heart belongs to my hometown — and I’m excited to introduce you to it today!

Dortmund in Three Words

Warm, down-to-earth, straightforward.

Why Go There?

Because Dortmund has a fascinating history that leaves a real impression. Because it’s gone through a transformation you can genuinely learn something from.

It’s honestly hard to imagine how people here used to work amid beer, soccer, coal, and steel — even I, as a true Ruhr Valley kid, only know all of that from photos and stories my family told me.

But when you’re actually standing at these places — whether it’s the decommissioned Zollern colliery, the Hansa coking plant, or what was once Germany’s largest brewery (now the U) — I’m always amazed at how hard these people worked, how much physical labor they put in, how they stuck together, what they built, and above all: that they never gave up!

What Makes Dortmund Unique

The Yellow Wall at the Westfalenstadion! Europe’s largest standing terrace is internationally famous, and even though it’s had some negative headlines lately: there’s an incredible feeling that comes from standing here with 25,000 Borussia fans and witnessing firsthand how deeply they live the spirit of togetherness — and with what passion and conviction they stand behind their club.

Things to Do in Dortmund: Sights and Activities

Must-Sees

1. The Florian Tower in Westfalenpark

The Florian — or “der lange Lulatsch” (the tall beanpole), as locals affectionately call it — was built for the Federal Garden Show in the 1950s and was actually the tallest building in Germany at the time.

It’s since become one of the city’s most important landmarks, with an observation deck offering a full 360° panorama. Don’t skip it!

2. The Zollern Colliery

What makes the Zollern Colliery so special is its architecture. In its heyday, mining companies used extraordinary buildings to make an impression and edge out the competition.

The guided tours here are seriously worth it. At 40 euros you’ll need to dig a little deeper into your pockets than a few years ago — but it’s absolutely worth it!

3. The Dortmunder U

And then there’s the Dortmunder U, which Christina already mentioned: what was once Germany’s largest brewery. People tend to think of Bavaria when it comes to big breweries, but very few know that Dortmund was still the beer capital of Europe as recently as the mid-1970s, producing over 7 million hectoliters.

Today it’s a center for art and creativity, with a cinema, rotating exhibitions, three restaurants, and a rooftop terrace with a great view over the city. Pretty cool, right?

On a Rainy Day

The Brewery Museum of the former Hansa Brewery and Hövels are exactly where you want to be.

What could be better on a rainy day than learning all about brewing traditions and then settling in at Hövels — a wonderfully rustic tavern — with a house-brewed beer? Christina also recommends the Depot. There are so many ways to spend a great day here.

From design and flea markets to theater performances and exhibitions, the old tram depot has a genuinely diverse lineup. And of course — as already mentioned — the Dortmunder U or the Zollern Colliery.

For soccer fans, head to the Borusseum, the BVB museum, or the German Football Museum at the main train station.

With Kids

At the DASA Working World Exhibition, the emphasis is on hands-on learning and trying things out. Think of it as an interactive world for young and old alike — highly recommended!

The nearly 2-kilometer-long adventure trail in Westfalenpark, with stations for climbing, balancing, building, and exploring, was Christina’s personal favorite spot in Dortmund as a kid — right alongside the zoo.

Her last tip is the black-light indoor mini-golf course Glowing Rooms. With 3D glasses, you dive into various fantasy worlds rendered in neon colors. Christina hasn’t been herself yet, but she’s heard great things.

Best Day Trip

Hop on a bike and ride through the fields around Dortmund. Did you know the Ruhr region has Germany’s first dedicated bicycle highway? The first 6 kilometers between Mülheim an der Ruhr and Essen opened in 2015.

The express bike route runs straight through the Ruhr from Duisburg through Dortmund to Hamm. A great option for commuters, leisure cyclists, and visitors alike!

For Relaxation

The event ship Herr Walter, with its city beach at the harbor, is one of the most wonderful spots in Dortmund to switch off.

Whether you’re below deck or with your feet in the sand: it’s a feel-good place well away from the city buzz.

Otherwise, Phoenixsee in Hörde is a great shout. A walk around the lake or a picnic on the shore is perfect for letting your mind unwind — at least on weekdays.

On weekends, Phoenixsee gets pretty busy. Water clearly has a magnetic pull on Dortmunders — ever since the lake was created in 2010 on the former grounds of the Phoenix-West steelworks, it’s become one of the most popular weekend destinations in the city.

Best Viewpoint

Besides the Florian Tower in Westfalenpark, it’s without a doubt the Syberg. From here you look out over the Ruhr Valley and Hengsteysee into an incredible expanse — no wonder it’s such a popular day-trip destination!

Best Photo Spot

Head straight to the industrial monuments: the Hansa coking plant, the Phoenix-West blast furnace, the Zollern Colliery, the Depot, and the old harbor office in the northern part of the city.

The character of these places is simply one of a kind.

Craziest Activity

Absolutely clear! The craziest thing you could do is show up on the south terrace of the Westfalenstadion wearing a Bayern or Schalke jersey!

Best Event of the Year

Depends on what you’re into. If you love music and festivals, you definitely don’t want to miss the Juicy Beats Festival and its weekly DJ picnics in July and August in various parks!

If culture is more your thing, check out ExtraSchicht — the Night of Industrial Culture. It’s a really cool event held across the entire Ruhr region, with such a diverse mix of shows, live music, guided tours, interactive activities, and art that choosing what to do is genuinely the hardest part.

Food and Drink in Dortmund

Local Culinary Specialty

“Gehste inne Stadt, wat macht dich da satt? ‘Ne Currywurst!” What Grönemeyer sang in his classic from the ’80s is still just as true 35 years later!

Best enjoyed at Wurst mit Soße at Phoenixsee. Pair it with one of the local Dortmund beers — Brinkhoff’s or Kronen are your best bets — and for dessert, a mixed candy bag “vonne Bude” from the kiosk.

Best Burger

Christina recommends Roadstop at Hohensyburg! The vibe is great — the place is set up as an American diner motel. Unfortunately, most of the other burger joints in Dortmund didn’t survive the hype.

Best Ice Cream

Eiswerk on Kleppingstraße and Saarlandstraße. The ice cream is homemade and the selection is creative and always changing.

Every month a new creation is introduced as the flavor of the month for four weeks. Great concept — and absolutely delicious!

Best Breakfast

For a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, head to the Kreuzstraße or Saarlandstraße neighborhood. There are several small cafés here with extensive breakfast menus.

Christina’s favorite is Kieztörtchen in the Kreuzviertel. The café makes everything from scratch using regional products, and on weekends you can fill up at a delicious breakfast buffet.

Favorite Restaurants

Hofcafe: The menu is concise, but what makes it special is the daily changing selection. Christina once had an incredibly good panini and soup of the day here.

Kitchen Club: She could eat her way through the entire menu. The restaurant puts a strong emphasis on healthy eating and has a genuinely creative touch with its dishes.

Hövels: a down-to-earth restaurant with its own brewery and hearty, regional food. The Westphalian schnitzel with fried potatoes, fried egg, and beer sauce is a personal favorite.

Going Out in the Evening?

Herr Walter: not a traditional bar, but Christina’s favorite spot for an evening beer or cocktail.

Kumpel Erich: a mix between a classic pub and a bar with a wide selection of beers. If you enjoy watching soccer, this is exactly the right place on Saturday afternoons!

Happyhappydingdong: a student bar in the city center with a great vibe. On BVB match days they even open on Sundays.

Midnight Snack

Head to Brückstraße. Here you’ll find everything your heart desires after a night out — from döner to pizza to baked potatoes and loaded baguettes.

Where to Stay in Dortmund

Our Hotel Pick

The Hotel Biedermeier at Hohensyburg is a charming, small hotel in a quiet location. As a conference hotel and popular wedding venue, it’s especially well-suited for couples and business travelers. Prices for a double room range from **80 to 130 euros** per person.

Budget Option

The A&O Hostel on Königswall, very close to the main train station. If you’re after affordable lodging in a central spot, this hostel is a solid choice.