Planning to go on a vacation in Bochum, Germany? If you’re researching the things that you can do, then you are at the right place! We are here to share our recommendations and tips for anybody looking forward to a trip to Bochum. The city is situated in the western part of Germany and is the sixth-largest in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. “What can you expect?” you might ask. Well, it is rich in history, and if you wish to learn more, you can visit several of its museums for in-depth knowledge of its past. In addition, there are several interesting spots and activities you shouldn’t miss, such as playing LaserTag, shopping, admiring the gothic-style buildings, and so much more! And that is why you should scroll down to check our list of things to do in Bochum, Germany.
1. Visit Bochum City Hall for vintage feels
If you’re into vintage architecture, we suggest paying Bochum City Hall a visit. Its construction took four years (1927 - 1931), and its Renaissance architectural style was designed by Karl Roth. The interior of the building is adorned with high-end decorations and there are statues made of stones and bronze around it, which is something that architecture enthusiasts will appreciate. This is a great plan to begin with.
Bochum City Hall
Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz, 44777 Bochum, Germany
Website: Bochum City Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8am - 4pm; Thu: 8am - 6pm; Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Check out the Gothic architecture of Propsteikirche St. Peter and Paul
If you are a Gothic-style architectural junkie, then going to the Provost St. Peter and Paul will give you a high. It is one of the oldest churches in Bochum, and it was also the only church in the area until the mid-1600s. Despite catching fire twice, one in 1517, and the second time in 1920, the church remained standing, ready to fascinate tourists and locals alike. With its hundreds of years of history, this place is definitely worth visiting.
Propsteikirche St. Peter und Paul
Address: Untere Marktstraße 9, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Propsteikirche St. Peter und Paul
Opening hours: 8am - 6:30pm (daily)
3. Explore the Ruhr
The Ruhr is an urbanized area in the Northern parts of Rhine-Westphalia. It is composed of several cities joined together to form one large urbanized zone. This is a great place to learn more about Germany’s industrial history, starting from the power of steam until the advent of electricity and the digital age. It is also known for its cultural centers where you can learn even more about science, technology, and the history of Germany.
The Ruhr
Address: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Website: The Ruhr
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4. Dive into interesting history at German Mining Museum
Another great place to visit is the German Mining Museum where you’ll get to know more about Germany’s mining industry. It is one of the most frequented museums in Germany, with over 365,000 visitors annually. The museum organizes events for children, as well as for older audiences. So if you happen to be traveling with your kids, and you think that they are naturally curious and has a thing for historical facts and figures, you might as well bring them to this educational spot to stimulate their natural geniuses! None of you will leave unhappy.
German Mining Museum
Address: Am Bergbaumuseum 28, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: German Mining Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm ; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7.35 USD onwards
5. Discover fascinating concepts at Zeiss Planetarium Bochum
If you’ve dreamt of becoming an astronaut as a child, and you still have some fascination about the outer space, most likely than not, you will enjoy paying Zeiss Planetarium a visit. This is where you will learn about planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies. You can also take part in its various space-themed events and various programs for both kids and adults. It can also serve as a great dating spot if your partner shares your fascination with all things ‘space’.
Zeiss Planetarium Bochum
Address: Castroper Str. 67, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: Zeiss Planetarium Bochum
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 8pm; Mon - Tue: 9am - 3:30pm; Wed: 9am - 8:15pm; Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 12:30pm - 9pm
Price: 7.35 USD onwards
6. Check out the Botanical Garden of Ruhr University Bochum
If you just want to take things slow, relax and focus on yourself, we suggest you immerse in the peacefulness of the present moment. The best way to do that is to head to the Botanical Garden of Ruhr University. It has a wide range of plants that will help you chill down. Interestingly, it is a great spot to take your partner out on a date. The peace and quiet set a lovely mood. You can even take a few shots to post on Instagram, as the Botanical Garden has several instagrammable spots.
Botanical Garden of Ruhr University Bochum
Address: Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Website: Botanical Garden of Ruhr University Bochum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
7. Admire 20th-century art at Kunstmuseum Bochum
Posted by Kunstmuseum Bochum on Monday, 27 May 2019
If you fancy artsy stuff, going to Kunstmuseum Bochum may be worth your time! They host art-related events, exhibitions, and they also have a museum where you can appreciate and admire the paintings, sculpture and other forms of art created by creative individuals who find joy in expressing themselves through their chosen art form. In addition, Kunstmuseum Bochum accepts kids who want to learn arts, so while you’re in Germany and you think that you have the time and luxury of enrolling your kids in an art class during your temporary stay, why not?
Kunstmuseum Bochum
Address: Kortumstraße 147, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Kunstmuseum Bochum
Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.83 USD onwards
8. Spend time at Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum
Auf Tuchfühlung mit sanften Riesen. Einmal unsere Seychellen-Riesenschildkröten hautnah erleben – das ist ab sofort...
Posted by Tierpark + Fossilium Bochum on Sunday, 14 October 2018
If you’re an animal lover, there are a wide variety of animals that you’ll marvel at in Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum. Big or small, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, aquatic and land-loving creatures, and a whole lot more! You’ll get the chance to meet and greet them all! Aside from their live animals, they also have a museum where you’ll learn more about dinosaur fossils. They even have a playground where kiddos can play!
Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum
Address: Klinikstraße 49, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD onwards
9. Visit Stiepeler Dorfkirche: one of the oldest buildings
One of the oldest buildings in Bochum, Stiepeler Dorkfirche has been standing for over a thousand years. It is one of those places where you’ll feel that you are connected with the history of humanity, and are actively participating in the creation of the next chapter of the story of our race. You’ll appreciate the murals on the walls of the church which was made in the medieval times and serves as the link to the past. Be rest assured that you’d want to take some pictures to share on your social media account.
Stiepeler Dorfkirche
Address: Brockhauser Str. 74a, 44797 Bochum, Germany
Website: Stiepeler Dorfkirche
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
10. Shop to your heart's content at Ruhr Park
If you want to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local food, the best place to be is at Ruhr Park. With the shopping center’s 140 and more shops, you won’t easily run out of places to explore and buy some goodies from! And because we are in the age of social media, we’d best mention that this park has several of Instagram-worthy spots where you can take a shot of yourself or with your travel buddies and share your adventures in Bochum with your followers.
Ruhr Park
Address: Am Einkaufszentrum 1, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: Ruhr Park
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 9:30pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
11. Grab a beer at Altes Brauhaus Rietkötter
Brauhaus Rietkötter has been serving the people of Bochum since 1777, making it the oldest brewery and residential old house in Germany. They serve high-quality beer and other alcoholic beverages, but it isn’t just booze that this brewery is famous for! They also serve a wide variety of sumptuous and delicious meals that both locals and tourists will surely enjoy. Plus, isn’t it an honor to drink or dine in a historic bar and restaurant?
Brauhaus Rietkötter
Address: Große Beckstraße 7, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Altes Brauhaus Rietkötter
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)
12. Explore the history of locomotives at Bochum Dahlhausen Railway Museum
One of those childhood fascinations that may still exist inside all of us is our fascination with trains. More likely than not, you have played with trains as a kid. Now that you’ve grown up a bit, it wouldn’t be proper to still play with toy trains, but it is certainly proper to learn more about real trains and its history. That’s why going to Dahlhausen Railway Museum is going to be worth it! They have around 120 rail vehicles that you’ll learn more about. They even have a variety of freight cars and locomotives to explore.
Dahlhausen Railway Museum
Address: Dr.-C.-Otto-Straße 191, 44879 Bochum, Germany
Website: Dahlhausen Railway Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Sat)
Price: 9.03 USD
13. Take a stroll in the Geologischer Garten
Geological Garden is where you can take a stroll with your significant other and share sweet nothings, only important to you two. It can also be a place to be alone with yourself, just being and doing nothing but appreciating your presence in Bochum. You’ll be surrounded by trees, grasses, and other beautiful sights to see. That will help you contemplate the beauty of life. But if you’re in the mood of learning more about geology, you can seek and find knowledge about the coal layers, the ginkgo trees and the mammoth tree that gives us a glimpse of life from 300 million years back.
Geologischer Garten
Address: Querenburger Str. 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
Website: Geologischer Garten
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Go bar hopping in Bermuda Triangle
Bermuda Triangle, also known as Bermudadreieck, is a place bustling with people, bars, and a ton of food establishments. If you like to party hard and all night long, this is probably the best place to be. Since it has several bars, you can hop from one to the next very conveniently. There are also several events that are being held in Bermudadreieck, the most notable being the Bochum Total, as it is the biggest music festival in the whole of Europe.
Bermudadreieck
Address: Kortumstraße 2, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Bermudadreieck
15. Head to BoTag- Bochum Lasertag with your squad
If you want a modern activity to spend your time in Bochum, try going to BoTag and play a futuristic game called laser tag with your friends! Up to 20 players divided into two teams can play. And if you get tired shooting laser beams, they also offer several other activities for you and your gang, such as an arcade, escape room, VR movies, and a whole lot more! Playing these games is, without a doubt, fun and exciting. However, it will drain your energy, so if you need to recharge, they also serve sumptuous dishes. This is a unique one-stop-shop and gaming center!
BoTag- Bochum Lasertag
Address: Herner Str. 221-223, 44809 Bochum, Germany
Website: BoTag- Bochum Lasertag
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Price: 11.30 USD onwards
16. Try delicious German food at Livingroom
Heute: King Prawn Night. ??
Posted by LIVINGROOM BOCHUM on Tuesday, 4 July 2017
A tour isn’t complete without having a taste of the local food. At Livingroom, they offer premium German dishes for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a herbivore, carnivore, or an omnivore, they have what you eat. They also have a wide variety of wines to choose from, so bring out the wine connoisseur in you and have a taste of as many wines as your tolerance can handle! Wondering if they’ve got beer? You bet they do! Beer is a big part of German culture after all!
Livingroom
Address: Luisenstraße 9-13, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Livingroom
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 3.95 USD onwards
17. Sample one of the best currywurst at Dönninghaus
Have you ever tasted one of the most famous German fast food called currywurst? Whether you will be, or you’re already in Bochum, might as well go to Dönninghaus to get your hands on order or two of these steamed and dried sausage with ketchup, partnered with fries and a large glass of beer! Dönninghaus earned the Meister-Stücke 2018 award for having a top-notch quality in food preparation, validating why this fast food is as famous as it is!
Dönninghaus
Address: Brückstraße 49, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Dönninghaus
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:30am - 1pm, 3pm - 6:30pm, Fri: 7:30am - 6:30pm; Sat: 7:30am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 9.60 USD
18. Check out the famous Bochum Bell
The Bochum Bell is almost hard to miss as it is just in front of the City Hall. The bell was presented as a gift from Bochum to the city of Sheffield during the city’s 35th anniversary of twinning with Bochum. Around the garden where the bell is situated are plaques to commemorate several events in German history. This is one of those places in Bochum to contemplate on human history. Of course, you may take a picture or two as a souvenir of your visit to this part of Germany.
Bochum Bell
Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz, 44777 Bochum, Germany
19. Get a rejuvenating treatment at Medi Therme
❤️Valentinstag Special ? Schenkt Zeit zu Zweit ? Schenke' einem geliebten ? Menschen einen romantischen und...
Posted by Medi Therme Sauna Bochum on Wednesday, 30 January 2019
If you ever get too tired from all the activities you will be doing in Bochum and you’d feel like you need to pamper yourself, your best bet is Medi Therme, the Mediterranean inspired sauna and spa, located in Kohlleppelsweg. It’s a one-stop wellness center, and they offer, ayurvedic-style massage, steam baths, and they even have their own gym, pool, and a restaurant!
Medi Therme
Address: Kohlleppelsweg 45, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: Medi Therme
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 29 USD onwards
20. Stay at the historic Hotel Restaurant Zum Neuling
Operating since the early 1900s, Zum Neuling started out as a pub for miners. During the second world war, the pub was used as a temporary place to stay for refugees. After the war, the business came back, became ever so successful, and it grew and evolved into a hotel and restaurant that serves fine food for both locals and visitors. If you want to be a part of the history of Zum Neuling, you should definitely dine or stay here at least once.
Zum Neuling
Address: Neulingstraße 42, 44795 Bochum, Germany
Website: Zum Neuling
Opening hours: Fri - Tue: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm (closed on Wed & Thu)
Price: 79.08 USD
21. Check out the nightlife scene at Zeche Bochum
Posted by Zeche Bochum on Sunday, 14 April 2019
If you want to party all night long, Zeche Bochum a great place to be. They host many themed events, such as 80’s Pop Wave, and 90s and 2000s party. They’re also frequently hosting concerts of different genres of music, such as rock, and classical music. They also hold tributes to iconic bands and artists, such as Metallica, Blue Brothers, and even Roxette. With all these fun and exciting events, There’s never going to be a dull moment with your friends at Zeche!
Zeche Bochum
Address: Prinz-Regent-Straße 50-60, 44795 Bochum, Germany
Website: Zeche Bochum
Price: 5.64 USD onwards
22. Catch a show at Starlight Express Theatre
Watch spectacular theatrical shows at the Starlight Express Theatre. They employ state-of-the-art techniques for their shows, such as the usage of drones, projectors, and other advanced tools to make each performance as grand as it can be. They also have a fan shop. From this shop, you can buy various Starlight Express merchandise, such as CD, shirts, bracelet, and headphones.
Starlight Express Theatre
Address: Stadionring 24, 44791 Bochum, Germany
Website: Starlight Express Theatre
Price: 169.46 USD
23. Visit Haus Kemnade
A multi-purpose castle that accommodates the hungry, the music lover, the artistic, and the historians. Yes, Haus Kemnade is a venue for various events, such as weddings, exhibitions, and other special occasions. They even have their own restaurant inside for people who’re dreaming of eating inside a castle! Of course, visiting a castle in the modern times would not be complete without snapping a photo to share on your social media account! The beauty of Haus Kemnade ought to be shared!
Haus Kemnade
Address: An der Kemnade 10, 45527 Hattingen, Germany
Website: Haus Kemnade
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
24. Relax by the beautiful Lake Kemnade
While you’re in Haus Kemnade, drop by to the nearby beautiful lake called Lake Kemnade. You have several options on how you want to spend your time here; just relax and enjoy the scenic views, or swim in its waters, or perhaps play water sports, such as longboarding or paddleboarding with your friends. You can also join a bicycle tour and learn more about the history of Lake Kemnade.
Lake Kemnade
Address: An der Kemnade 10, 45527 Hattingen, Germany
Website: Lake Kemnade
25. Grab a few drinks at Hufeisen
Probably one of the first things that come to people’s minds when they hear the word Germany is beer. Yes, beer is a big part of German culture. And in Bochum, one of the most famous places to get your beer is from Hufeisen. From the ambiance, the quality of the beer, and the friendly staff, this is definitely the pub to be! So gather your travel buddies together to share a happy hour or two at Hufeisen!
Hufeisen
Address: Hellweg 11, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Hufeisen
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 7pm - 3am (closed from Sun - Wed)
Price: 3 USD onwards
26. Enjoy canoeing in Ruhr River
Do you love exploring? How does canoeing in the Ruhr river sound to you? They welcome both experienced and inexperienced guests, as the river is calm, so you wouldn’t have a hard time paddling through its waters. The starting point will be from Bochum Dahlhausen and ends at Essen Steele, and the duration of the tour is around two hours. Just remember to bring sunglasses, spare clothes, and sturdy footwear. You can book this tour through the link below.
Canoe Calm Tour
Website: Canoe Calm Tour
Price: 67.72 USD
27. Commemorate the Holocaust victims at Stumbling Stones
The Stolpersteine of stumbling blocks are scattered across many European countries, mostly in Germany. They were mostly made by the German artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Each plaque has the name, date of birth and date of death of an individual written on it. You can visit one of these plaques in Bochum and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust by offering a flower and your prayers. It is a place where you can contemplate on the events of the past, and how we should do everything we can to preserve the peace of the current times.
Stumbling Stones
Address: Kortumstraße 65, Bochum
Website: Stumbling Stones
28. Soak up the calming atmosphere of Chinesischer Garten
If you love relaxing ambiances, such as Japanese gardens, or botanical parks, check out the beauty of the Chinesischer Garten right next to the Ruhr University. It would serve as your cooling-down activity just before the end of your vacation in Bochum. This is where you can contemplate on the experiences that came your way, the people you met, and the places of Bochum that made an impression on you. The ambiance is relaxing enough for you to ponder upon the details of your journey and the lessons that you’ll bring back home.
Chinesischer Garten
Address: Universitätsstrasse 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
Website: Chinesischer Garten
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
29. Tee off at Bochumer Golfclub
From sightseeing, visiting museums, and church hopping, the list of activities that will keep you busy in Bochum goes on. And to add to our list, you can also play the world-famous sport at the Bochumer Golfclub. Its golf course is known for its rising and falling routes, which gives seasoned golf players a challenge and polishes the skills of casual and beginner golfers. Just a friendly reminder; you must be physically prepared when you play in this golf club!
Bochumer Golfclub
Address: Im Mailand 127, 44797 Bochum, Germany
Website: Bochumer Golfclub
Opening hours: Mon: 8:30am - 2pm; Tue - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 33.87 USD onwards
30. Chill out at Cotton Club
If you just want to chill out and play some billiards or maybe throw some darts, then you should definitely be at the Cotton Club. You can drink ice-cold and flavorful beer while enjoying the games that this gaming center offers. Aside from the games and beers, they also offer foods to fill up the void of your stomach! They know that alcohol consumption cannot go without finger-food and if required, something more, and they’re prepared for that!
Cotton Club
Address: Kortumstrasse 1, 44787 Bochum, Germany
Website: Cotton Club
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 3pm
Price: 11.30 USD onwards
Wrapping it up
So, that’s a lot of things to do in Bochum, Germany! We’ve covered parks, museums, bars, tours and places where you can taste the special flavor of Bochum, and that’s only us listing a few! That being said, there’s never going to be a dull moment for you and your travel buddies in this lovely part of Germany! These are but suggestions, there are a ton of activities and places of interest in Bochum that you need to discover yourself! After reading this article, your next step is to prepare the things that you’ll need for your grand Bochum adventure!
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