Dortmund, located in the heart of Germany’s industrial Ruhr region, is a hidden gem full of surprises. With a population of nearly 600,000 people, it’s Germany’s eighth-largest city and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. You might know Dortmund for its world-famous football team or its famous beer, but there’s so much more to this city than just those two things. It offers a brilliant mix of cultural sights, breathtaking parks, and entertainment activities that are perfect for solo travelers, couples or families. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best attractions and things to do in Dortmund, so you can make the most out of your visit to this vibrant city.
The 3 Best Activities in Dortmund
- Dortmund Self Guided Tour Through Bvb S Signal Iduna Park
- Ruhr Area 48h Welcomecard Incl Local Transport and Museums
- Dortmund 24 Hour Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket
The 3 Best Activities in Dortmund
1. Dortmund Self Guided Tour Through Bvb S Signal Iduna Park

Enjoy a self-guided tour through the Signal Iduna Park, one of the most iconic football stadiums in Germany and home to BVB. Your tour starts at Foyer West, where you will receive instructions on how to explore the stadium on your own. Follow the instruction signs throughout the stadium to discover the players’ changing rooms, the player tunnel, the coaching zone, and the famous “yellow wall”.
Along the route, you’ll learn fun facts about the Signal Iduna Park and the club. Don’t miss the “mix zone,” where rival teams meet each other for the first time. Although you can’t step onto the field or touch the grass, you’ll still get up close to the actual field. The tour lasts for approximately 60 minutes.
2. Ruhr Area 48h Welcomecard Incl Local Transport and Museums

Discover the Metropole Ruhr at your own pace with the Ruhr Area 48h Welcomecard. This card includes a local transportation ticket valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours and provides free access to 35+ tourist attractions in the Ruhr Metropolitan Area. With the flexibility to choose your own itinerary, you can visit attractions that interest you the most, such as the Aquarius Wassermuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr and the Binarium D, where you can enjoy a 50% discount from the regular entrance price. Don’t miss out on experiencing the best of the Ruhr area during your visit!
3. Dortmund 24 Hour Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

See Dortmund’s highlights on a bus tour and admire the views from the open top of the bus. Explore the city’s famous sights and learn more about its history, including its coal and steel industry. With a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, you can get on and off at any of the 13 stops along the route, allowing you to explore the most popular attractions of the city of Dortmund in one day by bus. An audioguide is available for commentary in 10 languages. This unique tour through the city is a great way to discover the main attractions of Dortmund from the deck of an open-top bus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dortmund
Dortmund is a beautiful city located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. It is the eighth largest city in Germany and attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Dortmund, here are some frequently asked questions about the city:1. What is the best time of year to visit Dortmund?
The best time to visit Dortmund is during the summer months, from June to August. The temperatures are warm, and the city is bustling with activities and events. However, if you are on a tight budget, consider visiting during the off-season months of November to February when the hotel rates are cheaper.2. How do I get to Dortmund?
Dortmund has excellent transport links and can be easily reached by plane or train. Dortmund Airport, located just outside the city, has flights to many major European cities. If you prefer to travel by train, Dortmund has two train stations, Dortmund Hauptbahnhof and Dortmund-Scharnhorst. Both stations have regular connections to cities across Germany and Europe.3. What are the top attractions in Dortmund?
Dortmund has plenty of attractions to keep you busy during your visit. Some top attractions include:- Dortmund Zoo
- Dortmund U-Tower
- Signal Iduna Park
- Rombergpark
- Museum Ostwall
4. What is the local cuisine like in Dortmund?
Dortmund is known for its hearty cuisine, and you can’t leave without trying some traditional German dishes. The most popular dishes in Dortmund include:- Currywurst
- Schnitzel
- Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes)
- Himmel und Erde (apples, potatoes, and black pudding)
- Reibekuchen (potato pancakes)
5. What is the nightlife like in Dortmund?
Dortmund has a vibrant nightlife scene. You can find everything from trendy bars to nightclubs and music venues. Some popular spots include the Club Nightrooms, the U-Turm, and the Adlib Club.6. What is the public transportation system like in Dortmund?
Dortmund has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The system is affordable and easy to use, with tickets available for purchase at most stations.7. What is the shopping scene like in Dortmund?
Dortmund has a diverse shopping scene with everything from trendy boutiques to large shopping centers. Some popular shopping destinations in Dortmund include the Thier-Galerie, the Kaiserviertel, and the Westenhellweg.8. Are there any festivals or events in Dortmund?
Dortmund is known for its many festivals and events throughout the year. Some popular events include the Dortmund Christmas Market, the Juicy Beats Festival, and the Mayday Festival.9. What are some day trips from Dortmund?
Dortmund is located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, making it a great base for day trips. Some popular day trips from Dortmund include:- The city of Cologne
- The historic city of Münster
- Burg Hohenzollern castle
- The beautiful city of Düsseldorf