Stay & explore Dortmund
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The vibrant and hospitable city of Dortmund, nestled in the centre of North Rhine-Westphalia, eagerly awaits football fans from across the globe. That's no surprise, given that football plays a significant role in the hearts of the more than 600,000 locals, thanks to the internationally renowned powerhouse club Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund residents give a warm welcome to visitors and love to share their enthusiasm! Start off on the right foot by finding common ground with the locals, try out regional delicacies, explore the city’s exciting industrial culture and of course, embrace football festivities together!
The city prides itself on excellence, with smart industries employing a high percentage of the population, more than 50,000 students learning and researching for the future and a wealth of cultural offerings earning an outstanding reputation globally.
✨ Host City ambassadors
⚽ A member of Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller joined Dortmund on a free transfer in 2002 and ended up staying with the club for 16 years, winning two German titles.
⚽ A central defender and local ambassador, Annike Krahn earned 137 caps for Germany from 2005 to 2016, during which she won a World Cup and two EUROs, as well as a UEFA Women’s Cup with Duisburg in 2008/09.
💡 Helpful tips when visiting
🗣️ Sprinkle a little Deutsch: German might not be the easiest language to learn, but a simple "Bitte" (please) and "Danke" (thank you) will go a long way with the locals.
💶 Cash matters: While debit cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand is wise. It's especially helpful at independent eateries, bakeries and markets, where cash is still king.
🪙 Tipping etiquette: Tipping is customary in Germany. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill, and in bars, leaving a modest tip for excellent service is appreciated.
💧 Stay hydrated: German tap water is safe and delicious. Carry a reusable bottle, allowing you to refill at public drinking fountains.
🏪 Lazy Sundays: Most shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead and get your shopping done on Saturdays. Don’t worry, restaurants and attractions remain open.
Recycle like a champion ♻️
Germany takes recycling seriously – and it’s great for your wallet too!
🪙 Did you know that you pay a refundable deposit on your bottle in Germany? Simply bring them back to any supermarket to claim 25ct for every PET bottle and 8ct for every glass bottle.
🚮 Be like the Germans and sort your waste into different bins to score eco-friendly points during your stay.
👀 What to do
Football and Dortmund are inseparable. It's only fitting that the official German Football Museum is situated right here in the city. Located conveniently at the central train station, it invites you to dive into the history of the Bundesliga and the national team - in a way that's vivid, emotional, and interactive. For EURO 2024, an impressive experience awaits all football fans!
Check out the official website | Open in Google Maps
Formerly the towering building of a local brewery, now a hub for art and creativity, but still captivates visitors. Art from the 20th and 21st centuries, research, education, and media transform this beloved city landmark into a unique spot for innovation. At the top sits the gleaming golden 'U', while below, Adolf Winkelmann's Flying Images captivates the attention of visitors. Plus there's a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Dortmund.
Check out the official website | Open in Google Maps
Immerse yourself in a world where famous works by renowned artists fill the space from floor to ceiling. The monumental digital exhibitions in the former gas blower hall of the Phoenix West blast furnace amaze all visitors. A guided tour includes a skywalk over an old gas pipeline leading to a blast furnace ascent, culminating in a spectacular panoramic view over Dortmund, a fitting reward for your effort.
Check out the official website | Open in Google Maps
To truly experience Dortmund, a visit to one of the local pubs is a must. Catering to all tastes, from traditional to modern, there’s the right dish or drink for everyone. Dive deep into local culture and get to know the one thing that truly makes Dortmund what it is – the people!
Once a steelworks, now a beloved recreational destination. A new reservoir on the former steel production site has become a cherished landmark in the city. Whether for walking, jogging, cycling or skating, locals converge on the 3.2km-long pedestrian and bike paths. Restaurants, bistros, and cafés along the promenade offer perfect spots for indulgence, and there are even water sports available.
Check out the official website | Open in Google Maps
🛏️ Where to stay - powered by Booking.com
Accommodation guides 🌟
We’ve partnered up with Booking.com to help you find the perfect accommodation for your budget and travel needs. Check out the location and budget guides below to find out which areas and types of accommodation are most suitable for you to stay in.
💶 Dortmund accommodation budget guide
Although Dortmund is one of Germany’s largest cities, it tends to be more affordable for accommodation than more tourist-heavy cities. However, due to the high demand during EURO 2024, it's essential to plan ahead and ensure you find a place to stay that suits your budget. Be clever and explore the options available ahead of time. 💡
🛏️ Hostels from €40/night*
🏘️ Rental apartments from €80/night*
🏨 Hotels from €50/night*
⭐ Luxury hotels from €90/night*
*Rates may increase closer to the tournament. Book early for the best deals ⬇️
📍 Dortmund accommodation location guide
With your 36 Hour Travel Pass, you’ll be able to travel across the entire VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) and VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) networks at no additional cost on matchday and the day after. This includes Cologne, Gelsenkirchen and Düsseldorf, so it’s worth exploring accommodation options in these cities too.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near BVB Stadion Dortmund, then consider looking at accommodation options in the Westfalenhalle neighbourhood. Known for its namesake convention centre, Westfalenhalle is close to the stadium and offers the shortest journey time.
From Westfalenhalle, a walk to the stadium takes around 10 minutes and you can reach the Fan Zone Friedensplatz with a 10-minute U-Bahn ride.
Dortmund’s city centre, locally referred to as the Innenstadt, is where you’ll find numerous notable sights like the historic Alter Markt square and 13th-century St. Reinold's Church. It’s also home to the German Football Museum, where you can explore the sport’s global impact through various interactive exhibitions. If you’re looking to stay in a central location, you can take a look at the wide range of hotels, apartments and hostels within the Innenstadt.
Fan Zone Friedensplatz can be reached in around 10 minutes on foot, while BVB Stadion Dortmund is just over 20 minutes by U-Bahn.
Characterised by its Wilhelminian-style buildings, Kreuzviertel is known for its many pubs and bars frequented by fans before and after matches. You’ll also find a few nightclubs and late-night eateries serving classic currywurst. There are numerous highly rated hotels, apartments and hostels that you can book for your stay in Dortmund.
Fan Zone Friedensplatz can be reached in around 10 to 15 minutes on foot from both neighbourhoods, while BVB Stadion Dortmund is just over 20 minutes by U-Bahn.
Dortmund Central Station is the city’s main transport hub and is located within the Innenstadt. The station offers high-speed trains (ICE), regional services and access to the S-Bahn rail network, making it easy to reach different parts of the city. There is also a large variety of dining options, convenience stores and luggage storage facilities located inside the station. You can find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels situated close to the station.
The electric atmosphere of Fan Zone Friedensplatz is only a 10-minute walk away, while BVB Stadion Dortmund is just over 20 minutes by U-Bahn.
🍴 What to eat & drink
Your EURO 2024 adventure won’t be complete without indulging in some local delicacies. Take the time to explore the Dortmund food scene during EURO 2024 and get a taste of some of these Westphalian classics.
One of Dortmund's quintessential street foods, Pommes Schranke consists of fries topped with mayonnaise and ketchup in a way that it visually resembles a railroad barrier (“Schranke”). Goes great with currywurst too!
Dortmund's specialty. A combination of a salty baked roll filled with seasoned minced pork and onions.
A time-honoured Westphalian beef stew. Infused with a peppery blend of spices, it offers a comforting taste of Dortmund's culinary heritage in every bite.
Those who venture into Dortmund's pubs before and after the match will feel the special bond between the people of Dortmund and their favourite drink: beer. In all restaurants and pubs, many different local beers are available.
🌃 Night owls will have a blast in Dortmund. Whether you prefer cosy corner pubs, rooftop bars or clubs, Dortmund has the right spot for every music taste. Many of Dortmund's clubs are located within the city's historic walls, the former fortifications, or in close proximity to them.
But it's not just in the city centre; you can also find trendy venues to dance the night away at Dortmund's harbour in the Nordstadt district or at Phoenix West. There are pubs to enjoy Dortmund's beer culture and excellent cocktails available from the stadium through the Kreuzviertel district to the city centre.
Want to take a closer look at all the action in advance? Check out the city’s event page.
🏳️🌈 Dortmund is a city of diversity and LGBTQI+ culture is naturally part of it. The city of Dortmund also offers a list of LGBTQI+ events on their website.
ℹ️ ️Tourist and emergency info
With the abundance of things to see and do in the city, make sure to read Dortmund's official tourism page for regular updates and ideas when planning your trip.
Tourist-Information Dortmund
Kampstraße 80
44137 Dortmund
Phone: +49 231 5019500
Email: touristinfo@dortmund.de
Local emergency services 🚨
Sometimes, unforeseen accidents happen. We want you to stay safe in Dortmund, so if you are involved in an emergency of any kind, immediately dial 112, the European emergency number free of charge to receive assistance from police, fire or ambulance service.