At the center of the largest city in the Ruhr Valley, this inner spot developed a reputation for beer, steel and one of the world’s most iconic soccer clubs.

Dortmund City Centre is the cultural heart of the municipality, where you’ll find many of its finest churches, theaters and museums. Parks beautify the city’s leafy central ring, much of which was destroyed in World War II. For a real sense of local traditions, visit during the festive season and attend the Dortmund Christmas Market.

Watch an operatic or dramatic performance at the Dortmund Concert Hall. For sophisticated shows, choose the Theater Dortmund and marvel at the domed design of its Dortmund Opera House, which stands on the spot of a former synagogue.

Bring your family to the adjacent City Park Dortmund on a sunny day and set up a picnic. Admire the park’s impressive central fountain and inspect sculptures dotted around the site. On a rainy day, try the Thier-Galerie shopping mall, which has numerous stores, cafés and chocolate shops.

Stop at the German Football Museum on the northern boundary of the ring and see the trophies in its Treasure Chamber. Kick a ball around on The Pitch and discover everything about soccer. A little east, find the Museum of Art and Cultural History, where period furniture and tools explain the city’s past.

In the center of the district is glorious St. Reinold’s Church, one of the oldest active churches in the city. Notice its tall green spire rising from behind the historic buildings of Old Market Square. Head west for the spacious Hansaplatz, where rallies, a weekly market and other events take place.

A ring-road wraps around the circular Dortmund City Centre. Arrive at the Dortmund Hbf station at the northern tip of the zone and walk south. Get around the district on foot or take a bus to one of the stops here. Visit some of the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Innenstadt-Nord, home to the Brewery-Museum Dortmund.