Dortmund is one of the largest and most important cities in the richest and most developed German province of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The city is not very popular as a tourist destination but nowadays this is changing rapidly.
Over the last decade the city has transformed from a center of heavy industry and coal mining into a modern and innovative cultural and financial hub.
As everything is within easy reach, you could visit every single place in Dortmund within a week.
Here’s what to do while you’re here:
1. Visit Westfalenpark
Westfalenpark is the largest landmark of Dortmund.
The park is located in the southeastern part of the city, within a walking distance of the city center.
This is an excellent place to relax and to walk for hours.
It is a great option if you want to spend outside the entire day with your friends or family.
2. Get to the Top of the Florian Tower
The Florian Tower is one of Dortmund’s biggest attractions.
It is also within the borders of Westfalenpark.
The building rises to a height of 208.56 meters.
It is the 14th highest structure in Germany and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
3. Visit the Zoo
The Dortmund Zoo is among the most attractive in Europe.
It is famous for its enormous variety of animal species from South America.
The environment in the park is created to be as similar as possible to the natural habitat of the animals.
4. Visit the Church of St. Reinold
The construction of St. Reinold’s church started in 1250.
The building was completely finished 20 years later, in 1270.
It rises over the downtown of Dortmund and reveals a stunning panorama to the city.
You will be able to visit the church as an individual tourist or as a part of tourist group.
Do not miss to get to the top and enjoy the most beautiful view in the area.
5. Signal Iduna Park
Opened on April 2, 1974, Signal Iduna Park is the football stadium of one of the most famous European teams, Borussia Dortmund.
The stadium is the seventh largest in Europe and the 32nd largest in the world.
6. Shopping
Dortmund is among the top shopping destinations in Germany.
Here you will find hundreds of boutiques and shops as well as several larger shopping centers, such as the Tier Gallery.
The city is famous for offering absolutely everything but at better prices than other major German cities.
7. Visit the Christmas Bazaar
Dortmund’s Christmas Bazaar is one the most popular in Germany and in Europe.
It takes place between the late November and New Year.
With its more than 200 pavilions, it welcomes visitors until December 31st.
8. Go to the Hoenn Siegburg Castle
Hoen Siegburg Castle is one of the most impressive sights of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The building was completed in the 700th year, but today there are only ruins of the impressive stone building.
9. Do Not Miss the Port
The port of Dortmund is the largest river port in Europe.
Although not an entertainment area such as those of the Mediterranean cities of Valencia and Barcelona, the place is closely related to the history and development of Dortmund.
10. Visit the U-Tower
Built in 1926-1927, the U-Tower is the oldest tall building in Dortmund.
Today, this is the place to find numerous works of art from different periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.
11. Explore the German Football Museum
Since Dortmund is one of the European football capitals, every trip to the city should include a visit to the German Football Museum.
It was opened on October 23, 2015.
12. Visit the tower “Dortmund for kids”
The tower “Dortmund for kids” is a building of exceptional historical and architectural value.
It was completed in the 14th century, and today it offers the opportunity to introduce to your kids the history of Dortmund in an entertaining and easy to understand way.
13. The Old Town Hall at the Friedensplatz
The Old Town Hall of Dortmund is located at the famous Friedensplatz.
It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
It was built in 1899.
The facade is known for its extremely rare red limestone, which is typical for this area.