Dortmund

Recommended Time to Visit Dortmund (Germany)

• 1-2 days: Perfect for exploring the city’s highlights, such as the Signal Iduna Park, Westfalenpark, and the Museum of Art and Art History.
• 3-4 days: Ideal for diving deeper into Dortmund’s cultural scene, exploring nearby areas like the Druidenstein or Phoenix Lake, and enjoying local cuisine.
• 5+ days: Great for a full exploration of Dortmund and the surrounding Ruhr area, with day trips to other cities like Essen, Duisburg, or Bochum.

Dortmund 1-Day Itinerary (Highlights Trip)

Morning: Explore the City’s Iconic Sights

• Signal Iduna Park: Start your day with a visit to Signal Iduna Park, also known as Westfalenstadion, the home of Borussia Dortmund. Even if you’re not a football fan, the stadium tour is a must. Learn about the history of the club, visit the locker rooms, and explore the massive stands that hold one of the most passionate fanbases in Europe.
• Westfalenpark: After visiting the stadium, head over to Westfalenpark, one of Dortmund’s largest and most beautiful parks. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through lush gardens, admire the Florian Tower, or simply unwind by the lakeside. In the spring and summer months, this park is perfect for outdoor activities.

Late Morning: Discover Dortmund’s Museums

• Museum of Art and Art History: If you appreciate art, make sure to visit the Museum of Art and Art History. The museum showcases a range of works from classical to contemporary art, including works by Max Liebermann and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.
• Dortmund U-Tower: Located in the heart of the city, the Dortmund U-Tower is a former brewery that has been transformed into a cultural center. It houses the U-Turm, a museum of visual arts, and offers a great panoramic view of the city from its rooftop.

Afternoon: Local Flavor & Shopping

• Kaiserstraße & Innenstadt: Explore Kaiserstraße for a taste of Dortmund’s modern urban life. The area is home to local shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re into shopping, head to Schneiderstraße or Westenhellweg, which are lined with both big-name stores and independent boutiques.
• Lunch at a Traditional Beer Hall: Dortmund is famous for its beer, and no trip is complete without tasting a local brew. Head to a traditional beer hall or brewery, like Bierhaus an der Brüderstraße or Wenkers am Markt, to enjoy hearty German food paired with a glass of Dortmund’s iconic DAB beer.

Evening: Enjoy Dortmund’s Nightlife

• Alter Markt: In the evening, visit the Alter Markt (Old Market Square), a lively hub in the city center with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner and drinks while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic square.
• Nightlife in Dortmund: For a more vibrant night out, explore the nightlife in the Kreuzviertel or Südviertel neighborhoods, where you can find lively pubs, cool bars, and even nightclubs. If you’re into craft beer, check out Craft Beer Corner.

Dortmund 2-3 Day Itinerary (More In-Depth)

Day 2: Explore the Industrial Heritage & Surroundings

• German Football Museum: If you’re a football enthusiast, the German Football Museum is a must-see. Learn about the country’s football history, from World Cup victories to legendary players, with interactive displays and memorabilia.
• Phoenix Lake: Spend the afternoon by Phoenix Lake, a man-made lake that has become one of the most attractive leisure areas in Dortmund. You can enjoy a relaxing walk or rent a bike to explore the surrounding park and its impressive modern architecture. The lake area also has cafes and restaurants to sit and relax by the water.

Day 3: Day Trip to Nearby Cities

• Take a day trip to nearby Essen, home to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases Germany’s industrial heritage.
• Alternatively, visit Bochum to check out the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum, the world’s largest mining museum, or head to Duisburg to explore the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a former industrial site now turned into a stunning public park.

Dortmund Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn (April-May and September-October) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Avoid the winter months if you’re not fond of cold temperatures and limited daylight.
• What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and an umbrella (Dortmund gets quite a bit of rain, especially in autumn).
• Getting Around: Dortmund has a well-connected public transportation system with buses, trams, and the metro. You can easily get around the city using a day pass or individual tickets.
• Local Food & Drink: Don’t miss trying Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), Currywurst, and Westfälischer Pickert (a type of potato cake). Also, enjoy a glass of DAB beer, which is brewed in Dortmund.