Read our complete guide to visiting Dortmund for Euro 2024 and discover all you need to know to make it a trip to remember. Find out more.
With Euro 2024 fast-approaching, Dortmund is getting ready to host a summer of a lifetime for visiting football fans. If you’re visiting the city for the tournament, whether for a single game, the entire event, or simply to soak up the atmosphere at the fan zone, you’re in the right place!
As part of our complete guide to Euro 2024, we’ve created the comprehensive introduction to each host city, including, in this piece, all the best things to do in Dortmund, as well as where to eat, visit, and day-trip.
So, without further ado, explore what to do in Dortmund for the Euros, or discover all the latest Euro 2024 odds ahead of your trip!
In this guide:
· Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Dortmund?
· Visiting Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park
· Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Dortmund?
· How to get from Dortmund airport to the city centre
· Where to stay in Dortmund for Euro 2024
· How to travel in Dortmund
· Where to eat in Dortmund
· Dortmund’s most picturesque photo spots
· The best day trips from Dortmund
· Final things to know before visiting Dortmund for the Euros
· Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Dortmund?
Dortmund is due to host six Euro 2024 matches over the course of the tournament, including four group games and a crucial semi-final clash that’ll see one team earn a place in the final two.
Of the teams playing group games in Dortmund, the standout is recent World Cup finalists France, who are joined by Portugal, Poland, Türkiye, Albania, Georgia, and, of course, Euro 2020 winner Italy who will be hoping to retain their title.
Visiting Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park
The home of 2022/23 Bundesliga runner-up, Borussia Dortmund, the 66,000-seater Signal Iduna Park (this is a reduced capacity for international games) is located just outside the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport. You may also know this stadium by other names, such as the Westfalenstadion or BVB Stadion Dortmund.
How to get to Signal Iduna Park
Positioned just a couple of kilometres south of the city centre, the Westfalenstadion is highly accessible via public transport, with a nearby U-Bahn station taking you within a ten-minute walk of the arena. Alternatively, you can walk there from central Dortmund in just over 35 minutes.
As far as travel instructions go, catch the U45 from Kampstraße to Westfalenhallen U, which will take you within a 8-10-minute walk of the arena.
If you do choose to walk to the game form Dortmund, you’ll pretty much follow Hohe Strasse southwards from the city centre, and you should soon catch sight of the stadium.
Where to park at Signal Iduna Park
Within and around the Signal Iduna Park complex, there are reportedly 10,000 paid parking spaces, so, in theory, you can be accommodated if you’re driving to the game.
However, though the arena has parking facilities, official guidance is to instead travel via public transport – to avoid unnecessary road traffic and ensure a smooth and seamless journey. Of course, if you’re in need of disability parking, this can be arranged, with accessible bays clearly signposted – you’ll just need to display your permit.
Signal Iduna Park history
The biggest stadium in Germany and the seventh-largest in all of Europe, the Westfalenstadion has been the home of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund since its construction in 1974.
Though the venue was originally built to house the ever-growing Dortmund fanbase, the scale of the project immediately earned it a place as a host venue for the 1974 World Cup – a tournament West Germany famously triumphed in. Since, it’s also played a shining role in the 2006 World Cup, hosting six games including Italy’s win over Germany in the semi-final.
A world-famous venue with a legendary atmosphere, the BVB Stadion Dortmund is home to an iconic 24,000+ capacity single-tier stand, which has affectionately earned a reputation for generating a wall of pure passion. Visiting and experiencing ‘The Yellow Wall’ in person should sit atop any football fan’s list of fun things to do in Dortmund and Germany.
Best Signal Iduna Park selfie spots
Any visit to a venue as breathtaking as Signal Iduna Park isn’t complete without a selection of selfies to remind you of the trip. Some of the best places to visit around Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion include:
· South stand: The fabled Dortmund south stand is as iconic as it gets in football photography, and one of the best things to see in Dortmund. An imposing single-tier stand that accommodates 25,000 fans, even a relatively muted game generates a deafening atmosphere!
· Signal Iduna Park sign: You’re visiting one of Europe’s most celebrated stadiums, so you better stop to snap a selfie with the large sign outside the arena!
· Westfalenhallen: If you’re getting the train to the arena, you’re already passing this way, so make sure to grab a picture that captures the full scale of the stadium from distance.
Refreshments at the Signal Iduna Park
On a standard matchday at the Signal Iduna Park, the stadium offers an incredible 167 independent food stalls – the most of all Euro 2024 venues – which equates to a stand per 396 attendees. For context, the next-best rate is Leipzig, which offers a stall per 1,028 supporters.
Meanwhile, in terms of the cost of food and drink in Dortmund, expect a relatively affordable experience, with bratwursts priced at just €3.50 (this is the second-cheapest hot dog of all tournament venues) and soft drinks €4.60.
Signal Iduna Park rules
There are various rules and restrictions in place for fans visiting Signal Iduna Park, most of which are standard across German football, but some of which are from UEFA. Before visiting Dortmund’s stadium, familiarise yourself with the main regulations, including:
· Bags: You won’t be able to enter the Signal Iduna Park with any bags bigger than A4 size. If you attempt to enter with a large bag, you may not be permitted entry.
· Power banks: Small power banks are allowed in the stadium, but it shouldn’t be bigger than a ‘standard’ phone size.
· Smoking: Smoking isn’t allowed at the Signal Iduna Park, and there won’t be dedicated smoking areas. The smoking ban applies to all Euro 2024 venues.
· Flags: You can enter the Signal Iduna Park with small flags (no bigger than 2m x 1.5m), but flagpoles longer than one metre may not be permitted.
· Cameras: Professional cameras aren’t allowed in football grounds for Euro 2024, but small cameras (and smartphones) are of course welcome!
· ID: You’ll need to bring a valid form of identification with you to the Signal Iduna Park, to be allowed entry.
Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Dortmund?
Euro 2024 is a celebration of European football, and Germany’s throwing a party! If you’re in Dortmund, make sure to head to the football festival at either Friedensplatz or Westfalenpark. Both locations will be showing all Germany games, those played at the BVB Stadion, and the Final, but to guarantee a showing of any extra games, your best bet is Friedensplatz.
How to get to the Euro 2024 Dortmund fan zone
Friedensplatz is very central, with the nearest U-Bahn stop being ‘Stadtgarten’. This is a three-minute ride from Dortmund Hauptbahnhof – or you could walk the same journey in a quarter of an hour.
Westfalenpark is a little further out of the city, about a 45-50-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof. If you’re getting the train, catch the U47 from Dortmund Hbf to Märkische Straße, which will take around 7 minutes.
Dortmund fan zone entry requirements
Just like the other host cities, there aren’t any specific entry requirements when visiting the official Euro 2024 Dortmund fan zone. Entry is free to all and you’re encouraged to visit!
Euro 2024 fan zone activities
Across the two Dortmund Euro 2024 party locations, expect various football activities for kids and grown-ups, lots of music and entertainment, and plenty of food and drink! At Friedensplatz, you can catch all 51 games across the entire tournament, from the opener to the final, whereas the Westfalenpark festival will likely only show Germany games, those played at the Signal Iduna Park, and the final.
Other places to watch Euro 2024 in Dortmund
With football fever taking over Dortmund, there’ll be fun around every corner. But if you’d rather steer clear of the packed-out festivals, you could always catch a game at one of the city’s many pubs. For example, some of the best sports bars in Dortmund include:
· Manhattan Sportsbar Dortmund (4.4-rated on Google, from 240+ reviews)
· Sportbar Eving (4.3-rated on Google, from 80+ reviews)
· Wenkers am Markt (4.4-rated on Google, from 2,400+ reviews)
How to get from Dortmund airport to the city centre
When visiting Dortmund, you may fly directly into the city’s local airport. If so, you have a few options as to how to get to Dortmund:
· Airport shuttle bus: Dortmund airport offers a shuttle bus service during opening hours, with adult single tickets to the city centre costing €10.00. Just be aware that you may have to use cash to purchase a ticket from the driver, but you can buy in advance from a ticket machine using card or contactless.
· U-Bahn: While there’s no direct train from Dortmund airport, you can get the 490 bus to Aplerbeck U, where you can then catch a U-Bahn to the Hauptbahnhof on the U47 line.
· Taxi: The most direct way to travel to your destination is by taxi. You can either hail a cab outside arrivals, or order an Uber or Bolt ride from your app.
Alternatively, there’s every chance you’ve flown into another airport based in a nearby city. If this is the case, and you’ve flown to:
· Dusseldorf: From D-Flughafen Bf, get the train to Dortmund Hbf, which should take about 45 minutes.
· Cologne: You can get a direct train from Cologne airport to Dortmund Hbf, which takes less than two hours.
Where to stay in Dortmund for Euro 2024
A warm and friendly city with a rich heritage, Dortmund is ready to welcome fans from all over Europe for the latest edition of the Euros. But where exactly are the best places to stay in Dortmund?
Innenstadt-West
Located a couple of kilometres west of Dortmund city centre, Innenstadt-West is a bustling hub with a plethora of trendy shops and eateries, as well as an enviable nightlife. Here, you’re also close to lots of the city’s museums and galleries.
Innenstadt-Ost
A few kilometres east of the city centre, Innenstadt-Ost is another popular place to stay in Dortmund. Not quite as lively as the western district, Innenstadt-Ost is ideal if you’re after a slightly quieter experience, while still enjoying a range of restaurants and cultural hotspots.
Kreuzviertel
A couple of kilometres south of the city centre, Kreuzviertel is one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods. An up-and-coming area that’s home to various galleries, cafes, and independent shops, even if you choose to stay elsewhere, make sure to drop in for a visit!
Hombruch
Positioned just over 5 kilometres south of Dortmund Hbf, and about a half an hour walk from the Signal Iduna Park, Hombruch is a relatively residential area that’s well-loved for its peaceful streets and green spaces. Though, be aware that because the district is located a little way out of the city, your options for bars and restaurants on the doorstep are slightly more limited!
How to travel in Dortmund
As a relatively compact city with various pedestrian zones, most visitors find Dortmund to be quite walkable. However, it also boasts a reliable public transport network:
· U-Bahn: The Dortmund U-Bahn runs on eight lines, covering 125 interconnected stations. Some stops are underground, while others are surface-level.
· S-Bahn: While Dortmund doesn’t have its own dedicated S-Bahn system, the wider regional Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn passes through the city. What this means, though, is that you can easily access the wider area, if you’re looking for a day trip from Dortmund.
· Bus: Of course, if for any reason you can’t reach your destination by train, you can take advantage of Dortmund’s expansive bus network that covers almost-all areas of the city.
Dortmund public transport tips and tricks
Dortmund has a reliable public transport network, but there are a few tips and tricks to be aware of as a visitor.
· Validate your ticket: As is the case across Germany, you’ll need to validate your train ticket before getting on. Fortunately, there are many machines dotted around the station, including near the platform. Unfortunately, if you don’t validate before travel, your ticket won’t count, and you might have to pay a fine if caught by an inspector!
· Purchase tickets before boarding: In Germany, it’s mandatory to buy travel tickets before boarding a train – and they won’t be available on-board. So, head to a ticket machine or help desk before boarding, to buy your Dortmund transport pass.
· Group travel: Dortmund’s rail system is part of the wider Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) network, which offers 24-hour passes for groups of up to five people (as long as you’re travelling together).
· Free travel for match ticket holders: UEFA is offering 36-hour travel across Dortmund’s rail network free of charge for Euro 2024 match ticket holders. This will run from 6am on the gameday to 6pm the following evening.
Where to eat in Dortmund
Fortunately for fans visiting Dortmund, the city is relatively affordable when it comes to dining out – especially compared to the likes of Munich.
Naturally, the cost of eating and drinking will vary depending on your chosen cuisine and location, but as a rule of thumb, you can reasonably expect to spend between €12-15 for a standard main meal at a typical mid-range Dortmund eatery.
If you’re in need of a little foodie inspiration, some of the best places to eat in Dortmund include:
· German: For traditional and authentic German cuisine, there are a couple of standout establishments to consider. First up, Schwelgern – Wilsbergstraße is a cosy eatery that’s been featured in various online articles as offering some of the best Westphalian cuisine. Alternatively, Speisekammer is another favourite among those looking for German dining, with a range of local options.
· Spanish: If you fancy a taste of Spain, make sure to head to Tapas & More or Chuzo, both of which are highly-rated for their service, quality, and price. Authenticity is the name of the game with both choices, so take your pick depending on where you’re based!
· Italian: You really can’t go wrong with an Italian, whether you fancy pizza, pasta, or steak – or simply favour an extensive wine list! L’Osteria Dortmund, Ciccio’s, and Gallo Nero are all exceptional examples of great Italian dining in Dortmund.
· Burgers: Finally, if you’re after burgers, look into the menus at Big Boost Burger, Burgerrausch Dortmund, and Grill 69. With unique toppings, a good selection of drinks and sides, and healthy portions, you’re sure to satisfy any post-game craving!
The best döner kebabs in Dortmund
Though Dortmund might not necessarily be on the same level as Berlin – unofficially dubbed the kebab capital of the world – it certainly holds its own when it comes to the famous takeaway.
But where can you find the best döner in Dortmund? To help you out, we’ve identified some of the top-rated establishments:
· Has Urfa: 4.2-rated on Google, from 2,230+ reviews
· Ali Baba: 4.6-rated on Google, from 980+ reviews
· Istanbul Grill: 4.5-rated on Google, from 165+ reviews
· King of Kebap: 4.4-rated on Google, from 315+ reviews
· Dönerland: 4.6-rated on Google, from 460+ reviews
Dortmund’s most picturesque photo spots
A former industrial powerhouse and an important part of the Rhine-Ruhr region, Dortmund is full of hidden gems and stunning photo spots. For instance, some of the best places to visit in Dortmund include:
· Fussballmuseum: The German national football museum is located in Dortmund, literally moments from the Hauptbahnhof, so if you’re visiting the city by train it really couldn’t be more convenient! Though the museum does require you to pay entry, it’s one of the top things to do in Dortmund for any football fan, and you’re sure to get some prized selfies in front of famous jerseys and timeless memorabilia.
· Dortmund U Tower: An iconic symbol of the city, the famous ‘U Tower’ is just a short walk from the Dortmund central station, so well-worth a quick visit to grab a selfie.
· Church of St. Reinoldi: This historic church features a tall, climbable tower. Get to the top and you’ve got gorgeous views over the entire city, perfect for a breathtaking selfie or Insta-worthy photo.
· Westenhellweg Pedestrian Zone: This lively pedestrianised zone is constantly alive and bustling, providing the perfect snapshot of everyday-Dortmund, so make sure to capture the energy of the city.
The best day trips from Dortmund
While you could absolutely spend a whole trip in Dortmund, soaking up the culture and festival-feeling, if you’re visiting the region for an extended period of time, there’s every chance you might also want to explore a little!
Some of the best day trips from Dortmund include:
· Münster: For a day trip from Dortmund, consider the historic city of Münster, known for its popular old town – including the impressive cathedral – long list of museums, and shopping district. About half an hour’s train ride from Dortmund, this is a quick and enjoyable day out.
· Biggesee: About an hour’s drive from Dortmund (though quite a bit longer on train), you’ll find a stunning lake spot called Biggesee. It’s a popular location for biking, walking, wild swimming, and even windsurfing – just some of the fun things to do in Dortmund’s surrounding area!
· Arnsberg Forest Nature Park: If you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of city living for the day, why not head to the Nature Park? It’s less than an hour away by car or train, and offers a range of hikes, bike routes, and boat rides for all capabilities.
· Bochum: The industrial city of Bochum is a popular day trip destination from Dortmund, with plenty of history and culture to absorb. It’s also home to one of the largest theatres in Germany, the Schauspielhaus Bochum.
Final things to know before visiting Dortmund for the Euros
From the weather to language and payment methods, we’ve pulled together some essential things to know ahead of your visit to Dortmund for Euro 2024!
Weather in Dortmund
During June and July, Dortmund enjoys good weather with highs typically falling between 22-24°C. However, temperatures will likely drop to 13-14°C on an evening, so bring some layers if you’re out late.
Language
Like many cities in Germany, locals to Dortmund will likely have good-to-excellent English language skills, with many people even being fluent. So, you shouldn’t have too much trouble communicating during your stay. However, it’s useful to have a few key phrases in your back pocket, just in case!
· Hallo (Hello)
· Bitte (Please)
· Tschüss (Bye!)
· Danke (Thanks)
· Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
· Sprechen sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
· Ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand)
Dortmund payment information
Before visiting Dortmund for Euro 2024, make sure to read up on local tipping and payment culture, so you’re not caught out. For example:
· Tipping: In Dortmund, much like Germany as a whole, it’s polite and sometimes even customary to tip when eating out. Though almost-expected, this gratuity is based on experience, so the amount you tip will depend on the level of service. In a typical case, a suggested tip of 10% of the total bill would be suitable, but don’t feel you need to stick to this rigidly.
· Cash or card: Most shops and restaurants in Dortmund will accept card payments, but it’s always useful to carry around some spare change for public transport, small shops and cafes, or street vendors.
Hospital in Dortmund
While you’d of course hope to not need to make a hospital visit when travelling to Dortmund for Euro 2024, it’s useful to know where to find the emergency room if required. Examples of A&E hospitals in Dortmund include:
· Knappschaftskrankenhaus Dortmund: A few miles east of Dortmund city centre, this hospital offers a dedicated accident and emergency department.
· St. Johannes-Hospital Dortmund: Located in the city centre, less than a kilometre south of the main central station, this hospital offers emergency care.
· Hospital Dortmund: Located quite centrally, about a 20-minute walk from the Hbf, this hospital offers emergency care.
Before you visit Dortmund, it’s useful to also note that Germany’s medical emergency number is 112, and the local word for hospital is Krankenhaus.
Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
With the help of our nifty travel guide, you should now know exactly what to do in Dortmund and how to get around the city during Euro 2024. And if you’re planning on city-hopping throughout the tournament, be sure to check out our other guides which explore the things to do and see in each of the other host locations:
· Berlin
· Cologne
· Hamburg
· Leipzig
· Munich
