Things to do in Dortmund
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Top 10 attractions in Dortmund
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a water village where canals replace roads. Because of its crisscrossing waterways and lush greenery, it is known as the "Venice of the North." The village's name comes from the large number of goat horns unearthed by early residents while digging for peat; "Geytenhoren" in Dutch means "goat horn," which was later simplified to Giethoorn. The lake district where the village is located is itself a mark left by centuries of peat extraction, with the excavated trenches gradually developing into today's canal network. A major scenic view in the village is the thatched-roof farmhouses built along the river—the roofs are covered with reeds, complemented by wooden exterior walls and meticulously maintained gardens, scattered along both banks of the canal and connected by numerous small wooden bridges. Boating along the canals is the core way to experience the village; traveling through the tranquil waterways by small boat allows you to enjoy the view of the thatched-roof houses and pastoral scenery from the water. In addition to the waterways, you can also cycle along the forest paths to experience the village's pastoral atmosphere from another perspective.Netherlands · Giethoorn
Zeche Zollverein
Zeche Zollverein is located in the north of Essen and is a historic industrial monument that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. The Zollverein Coal Mine was established in 1847 and stands as a significant testament to the Ruhr region's industrial boom driven by coal mining. The coking plant within the industrial complex was long considered one of the most advanced in Europe. A distinctive feature of the site is the Shaft XII headframe, known as theEiffel Towerof the Ruhr. Construction of the headframe began in 1928, and it became operational in 1932, once serving as one of the largest mines in Europe. Upon its completion, the complex was hailed as the most modern and beautiful coal mine architecture in the world.Essen · 29.4km from Dortmund
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schansis a historic village built along the Zaan River. Since the 1960s, historic buildings from across the Zaan region have been relocated here, gradually forming its current appearance and recreating the scene of the Zaan region during its industrial heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Zaan region was once a major industrial hub in Western Europe, where hundreds of windmills historically operated along the river simultaneously, serving industrial functions such as sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard. Today, several traditional windmills still operate along the river in Zaanse Schans, each serving different functions like sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard, with some open for visitors to explore inside. Iconic green wooden houses, warehouses, and craft workshops line the riverbank, creating a distinctively Dutch pastoral scene. The village features a clog workshop where visitors can watch the entire process of traditional clog carving; the cheese workshop showcases the craft of making Dutch cheese, with fresh products available for tasting. Additionally, traditional craft venues such as a bakery museum and a pewter casting workshop are scattered throughout. Taking a boat tour along the Zaan River is another way to experience it; with windmills slowly turning and wooden houses dotting the banks, looking back at the entire village from the water is a classic perspective of Zaanse Schans. People still live here today, and strolling through the village allows you to experience traditional Dutch industrial and craft culture while seeing a picture of a living, working historic village.Netherlands · Zaandam
Grand-Place of Brussels
Grand-Place of Brussels is the urban heart of Brussels and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. The square is rectangular, approx. 100 m long and nearly 70 m wide, and is paved with granite. Most of the surrounding buildings were built in the late 17th century and still preserve their original appearance, bringing together a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV. One of the striking buildings on the square is the Brussels Town Hall, a typical Gothic building that reached its current scale after multiple expansions and renovations. The top of its spire is decorated with a sculpture of Saint Michael slaying a demon. The building with spires opposite the Town Hall is known as the "King's House" and now houses the Brussels City Museum. The gilded bronze statue of Everard 't Serclaes in a corner of the square is also worth noting; it commemorates the Brussels folk hero Everard 't Serclaes and depicts the scene of his death. Other buildings surrounding the square mostly belonged to historical guilds, and the facade of each guild building is decorated with sculptures of figures revered by the guild or symbolic animals. During the day, you can savor the beauty of the architecture. After nightfall, when the lights come on, the murals and carvings on the buildings shine brilliantly under the illumination, making it a great place for night photography.Belgium · Brussels
Rheinauhafen District
Rheinauhafen District is a waterfront neighborhood transformed from an old freight port. The riverside promenade is lined with modern buildings, interspersed with cafes, galleries, and art spaces. The remnants of the port era and the newly built glass facades complement each other, showcasing a modern urban style. The district's core landmark consists of three high-rise buildings known as the "Crane Houses," standing approx. 60m tall, with an inverted L-shape that echoes the area's history as a freight terminal. Historical remnants, such as the Bayenturm tower dating back to the Middle Ages, are also preserved along the route. Looking north along the river, the silhouettes of the cathedral and the iron bridge are clearly visible, with classical spires and modern architecture framed together. At dusk, the sunset reflects on the river surface, and strolling along the path offers a panoramic view of the city on both banks, forming a waterfront view that blends industrial memories with a stylish atmosphere.Cologne · 73.9km from Dortmund
Red Light District Amsterdam Centrum
Red Light District Amsterdam CentrumIt is a well-preserved area in Amsterdam with many beautiful historic buildings. If you're craving Asian cuisine, you can also find restaurants here as there's a small Chinatown inside. One thing to remember when touring: Photography of the woman in the window is strictly prohibited. You might get arrested for this. You should also watch out for pickpockets, because this is a place where many people gather.Netherlands · Amsterdam
Canals of Amsterdam
The Canals of Amsterdam link over 100 islands, forming a network of waterways spanning hundreds of kilometers with more than 160 canals and 1,200 bridges. Its main attractions are concentrated within a roughly 1.5 km radius of the canal belt. Amsterdam residents live on the water. The city is intertwined with its waterways, creating a naturally harmonious landscape. The gentleman's canal is the first of the three main canals in the center of Amsterdam. Its fashionable section, called the golden bend (GoldenBend), features many double-width mansions, inner gardens and carriage houses. The emperor canal is the second of the three main canals in the center of Amsterdam, and also the widest one, located between the gentleman canal and the prince canal. It was named after Maximilian I, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The prince canal is the third main canal in Amsterdam, and also the longer one. Most buildings along the canal were built during the Dutch Golden Age. Scenic attractions along the canal include the Noorderkerk, Noordermarkt, Anne Frank House and other attractions.Netherlands · Amsterdam
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is one of the symbols of Brussels. This bronze statue stands in a niche on a street corner in the old town, depicting a little boy with his hands on his hips, urinating into a basin. Its history dates back to the mid-15th century, and it was redesigned and cast by sculptor Duquesnoy in 1619. The statue currently standing in the original spot is a later replica, while the original is preserved in the City Museum near the Grand Place. It is only about 0.5m tall, much smaller than many tourists imagine, yet it is considered a symbol of Brussels along with the Atomium and the Grand Place, and is packed year-round with tourists holding cameras.Belgium · Brussels
Rheinuferpromenade
Rheinuferpromenade is a waterfront promenade with a total length of approx. 1.5 km. In the 1990s, the road along this shoreline was moved into an underground tunnel, and the embankment was redesigned as a pedestrian space, becoming a waterfront destination shared by locals and visitors alike. The promenade is divided into two levels: the upper level is a tree-lined path flanked by rows of plane trees, with benches along the way. From the grand steps at Burgplatz or beside the old Rhine water gauge, you can descend to the lower embankment at water level, where the boat docks are located. On a clear day, sitting by the railing and looking out, you can enjoy views of the opposite bank, the iron bridge across the river, and passing boats. Watching the sunset while feeling the river breeze in the evening is a signature experience. Extending along the river, it passes by the City Hall and ends at the State Parliament building, the Rhine Tower, and the Media Harbour, connecting a beautiful waterfront panorama from the historic district to the modern harbor area.Dusseldorf · 57.9km from Dortmund
Rhine River
Rhine Riveroriginates in the Swiss Alps and flows through the heart of Western Europe, spanning over 1,200 km.Since the 19th-century Romantic era, this area has become a romantic icon in the works of poets and painters, with its scenery of ancient castles, vineyards, and riverside towns, connecting many historic cities along its banks. Its most essential section is concentrated in the Middle Rhine Valley: dozens of ancient castles and fortresses are scattered along the banks, the reefs at the river bends hold ancient legends and poems, and vineyards are layered among the steep slate slopes, forming a magnificent natural and cultural landscape of the valley. Both banks are accompanied by walking trails and cycling paths, with numerous wine towns distributed along the way. The "Rhine in Flames" fireworks event, presented in turn by several towns along the river, has continued for many years and is a characteristic cultural event long held in this area, showcasing the rich atmosphere of the river basin.Germany · Germersheim
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Free things to do in Dortmund
Giethoorn
Netherlands · GiethoornZeche Zollverein
Essen · 29.4km from DortmundZaanse Schans
Netherlands · ZaandamGrand-Place of Brussels
Belgium · BrusselsRheinauhafen District
Cologne · 73.9km from DortmundRed Light District Amsterdam Centrum
Netherlands · AmsterdamCanals of Amsterdam
Netherlands · AmsterdamManneken Pis
Belgium · BrusselsRheinuferpromenade
Dusseldorf · 57.9km from DortmundRhine River
Germany · Germersheim
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What travellers say about Dortmund
YoYo_0T9A3B0L1 May 2026
5.0
Giethoorn truly resembles a fairytale town, with more waterways than roads, and small boats moored in front of every house. Low houses with reed-roofed roofs line the waterways, their gardens meticulously manicured. Renting a boat and rowing yourself is the most relaxing way to experience it, slowly gliding under small bridges, with meadows and wild ducks on either side. The main street is somewhat commercialized, but turning into the side streets brings tranquility, with only the sound of oars paddling through the water. It's best to visit on a sunny day; the slippery roads can be quite inconvenient on rainy days.
Giethoorn
Lukas06304 September 2022
5.0
A famous tourist attraction in the Ruhr area of Germany
Zeche Zollverein
SUNSHINE ONUS20 April 2025
5.0
A famous attraction that is worth visiting. Today the weather is nice and sunny, with plenty of sunshine, which is suitable for taking pictures. This is a famous windmill attraction. Along the lake path, you can enjoy various windmills, cultural landscapes and some cheese huts. Some windmills are workers and run under the action of wind. I took a lot of photos and enjoyed the picturesque windmill village.
Zaanse Schans
AnaTravels9415 March 2025
5.0
The place is gorgeous! we were there after Christmas and it matches with the Christmas tree so perfectly! Visit and just enjoy the view!
Grand-Place of Brussels
老少皆宜（）2 March 2023
5.0
Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.
Rheinauhafen District
MARK MORDOVTSEV24 May 2026
5.0
The Red Light District is one of the most unique and famous areas in Amsterdam, but I recommend visiting with respect for local people and rules. The atmosphere at night is very lively and interesting, especially with the canals, lights, and historic streets. I also suggest exploring the nearby cafes and smaller streets because some of the best views and authentic Amsterdam vibes are outside the busiest tourist spots.One important thing to remember is that photography of workers behind the windows is strictly forbidden and should always be respected. Overall, this area is much more than nightlife - it is also an important historical and cultural part of Amsterdam with a very unique atmosphere.The photo was taken in the Red Light District area in Amsterdam Centrum, near the famous canals and historic streets close to Oude Kerk (Old Church). This part of the city is easy to explore on foot from Amsterdam Central Station, which is around 10-15 minutes away walking distance. The area is surrounded by narrow canals, old Dutch buildings, cafes, bars, and nightlife attractions. Evening and nighttime are the most atmospheric times for photos because the neon lights reflect beautifully on the canals and create the classic Amsterdam nightlife atmosphere.
Red Light District Amsterdam Centrum
EmperorXi18 February 2025
4.0
It's very good! One of beautiful spots in Europe. Kind Dutch people, and everyone can speak English. Recommend for travelers
Canals of Amsterdam
Njohns138 September 2023
4.0
you cannot take a trip to Belgium without visiting their cheeky little statues!
Manneken Pis
梦露夫人31 March 2022
5.0
Our home is right on the banks of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, so we come to this park and walk along the river every day. The banks of the Rhine are both beautiful and useful. There are various activities here every Sunday, sometimes food gatherings, sometimes antique car exhibitions, which are quite fun.
Rheinuferpromenade
