Bochum 3-Day Itinerary

Historic 16th-century gabled building with a red sandstone façade, now serving as a cultural centre. The ground-floor lobby and historic courtyard are open to the public without charge.

🕐 Mon-Fri 8:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-14:00

💡 Pop inside on weekdays to see the restored Renaissance staircase. For free, pick up a self-guided walking tour map from the tourist info desk inside – it covers 10 other free sights within 15 minutes' walk.

An imposing 1920s brick building with a tall clock tower. The grand foyer and council chamber are open to the public during office hours.

🕐 Mon-Thu: 8:00-16:00; Fri: 8:00-14:00

💡 The tower is not usually open, but the foyer has free exhibitions of local history. Visit just before lunch for fewer people.

Kümmel Kopp · ££

Zur Krone · ££

A striking 19th-century red-brick building with a clock tower. Free to view from outside. Inside, the foyer and staircase are accessible during office hours.

🕐 Exterior always viewable; interior: Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00

💡 The building looks best in late afternoon light. Walk around the back to see the small courtyard with a fountain.

A large, well-maintained English-style park with ponds, rose gardens, and mature trees. Popular for walking, picnics, and spotting local wildlife.

🕐 Daily 06:00-22:00 (gates open year-round)

💡 Visit during spring for the rhododendron blooms, or bring a flask and sit by the main pond — it's quieter than the city centre.

A large green space with a small lake, rose garden, and walking paths. Used for festivals and markets throughout the year.

🕐 24 hours

💡 The café near the lake has decent coffee and cake, but if you want a proper meal, bring a picnic. The playground is small but good for kids under 10.

World's largest mining museum with an above-ground exhibition and a real underground mine tour. The surface exhibitions and outdoor area are free; the underground tour costs a small fee.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30, Mon closed (free areas accessible during museum hours)

💡 Skip the paid underground tour if you're on a strict budget — the free outdoor pithead and machinery displays are just as impressive.

Mr. Sicily

Altes Höntroper Brauhaus

A large, family-friendly park with a lake, playground, skate park, and open lawns. Hosts regular concerts and the Bochum Total festival in summer.

💡 Visit on Sunday mornings for the free tai chi group near the lake. The park's beer garden is inexpensive and serves local Bergmann beer.

A large, grassy park with old trees, a pond, and walking paths. Free concerts occasionally in summer. A solid spot for a picnic or a jog.

💡 Bring your own food. The on-site café is overpriced. Check the city events calendar for free summer open-air theatre performances.

Historic 19th-century town hall with a striking neo-Renaissance facade. The foyer and public areas are open to visitors without charge.

💡 Pop in on a weekday morning when the tourist crowds are thin — the building is still used for council business, so you can see local government in action.

A large, well-kept park with wide lawns, old trees, a rose garden, and a small lake. Good for a quiet walk or picnic.

💡 The kiosk near the lake sells cheap coffee and ice cream. Check for free summer concerts in the bandstand.

Athena

Alvarezki