2025/08/07
Dortmund

Things to Do in Dortmund: The Perfect Weekend in the Ruhr Metropolis

Dortmund is so much more than football and beer. This vibrant city in the Ruhr region surprises visitors with creative neighbourhoods, green spaces, and exciting indoor activities. Whether you're in town for a Borussia Dortmund match, a trade fair, or to visit JP Performance – you might find yourself asking: What else is there to do in Dortmund? Here are our top tips for spending a fantastic weekend in the city!

Street Food, Beer & Culture: Dortmund’s Coolest Neighbourhoods

Kreuzviertel – young, creative, lively

If you're into hip vibes, Kreuzviertel is the place to be. Trendy cafés line the streets, independent boutiques invite you in, and bars buzz with life. In the evenings, the area becomes a popular hangout for both locals and visitors.

Kreuzviertel Highlights:

  • Herr Walter: A laid-back bar on a boat
  • Café Lotte: Cosy breakfast in a living-room setting
  • Bonnie & Kleid: Vintage gems and concept store charm

Nordstadt – street art & world cuisine

Multicultural and full of character – Nordstadt offers Turkish bakeries, Vietnamese street food, international supermarkets and bold street art murals.

Don’t miss:

  • Colourful street art tours
  • Weekly market at Borsigplatz
  • Roxy Cinema: Retro film house with flair

Unionviertel – creative & edgy

The creative heart of Dortmund. Former industrial buildings have been transformed into studios, start-ups, and galleries. Urban and full of ideas.

Top spots:

  • Dortmunder U: Cultural centre with exhibitions and rooftop bar
  • Rekorder: Artsy bar with changing events
  • Union Gewerbehof: Hub for sustainable local businesses

Green Spaces & Relaxation in the City

Westfalenpark – views and serenity

A Dortmund classic. Enjoy a relaxing walk, hire a pedal boat, or take the cable car up to the Florianturm for the best view of the city.

Rombergpark – peaceful botanical garden

Germany’s largest botanical garden is perfect for a quiet stroll beneath ancient trees and around small lakes, with exotic plants all around.

Phoenix-See – modern oasis

Once a steelworks site, today Phoenix Lake sparkles with life. The promenade is ideal for walking, jogging, or sipping an Aperol Spritz by the water.

Insider tips:

  • SUP board rental by the lake
  • Namu Café: Sustainable treats with a view
  • Sunset views from the north side of the lake

Indoor Activities in Dortmund – When It Rains

DASA Working World Exhibition

This interactive museum is anything but boring. Learn how work has changed – with flight simulators and hands-on exhibits. A true highlight for indoor activities in Dortmund.

Museum Ostwall in the Dortmunder U

Contemporary art in a striking setting. The Museum Ostwall features 20th and 21st-century works – from Fluxus to photography.

Trampolining, Escape Rooms & More

Looking for action? Try:

  • Superfly Dortmund: Massive trampoline fun
  • TeamEscape Dortmund: Brain-teasing group experiences
  • VR Lounge: Dive into virtual reality

Nights Out in Dortmund: Eat, Drink, Party

Eating out – our top picks

Whether vegan, hearty or international – Dortmund has plenty of food options to suit every taste.

  • Burgerado: Legendary vegan burgers
  • Pfefferkorn: A traditional steakhouse
  • Chinesischer Garten: Authentic hotpot experience
  • Food Lovers Market at Depot (occasionally): The best of street food

Bars, Pubs & Clubs

  • Subrosa: Live music & alternative crowd
  • Sissikingkong: Bar, gallery and event space
  • Spirit: Cocktails and DJs until late

Local Beer Culture:
Dortmund was once Europe's beer capital – enjoy traditional brews at Hövels or Wenkers brewery pubs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Dortmund

What can you do in Dortmund when it rains?
Check out DASA, the Dortmunder U, escape rooms and museums – all great indoor options.

Which neighbourhoods are the most interesting?
Kreuzviertel, Nordstadt and Unionviertel stand out with street food, art and authentic flair.

Are there any green areas in Dortmund?
Yes! Westfalenpark, Rombergpark and Phoenix Lake are perfect for outdoor relaxation.

Dortmund is worth exploring!

Dortmund is full of surprises – from creative districts and nature spots to cultural highlights. Use our weekend guide to discover the city beyond football and industry clichés. And best of all: a&o Hostel Dortmund Hauptbahnhof is the perfect base for your trip. Central, affordable and well-connected – ideal for city explorers!

Book your stay now and explore Dortmund: a&o Dortmund Hauptbahnhof

Fancy a shopping trip to Cologne? Check out our insider tips for Cologne here!

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