Searching for the best places to go shopping in Dortmund? This beautiful city in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region is a shopper’s paradise. The main shopping street of Dortmund, Westenhellweg attracts about 10,000 people every hour.

Shopaholics visiting Dortmund will be delighted to hear that areas like Ostenhellweg, Kleppingstraße, and Brückstraße are also home to many popular fashion boutiques, department stores, and souvenir shops. Whether you are looking for handmade handcrafts, world-famous brands, or special gifts to bring back home, our guide to the best places to go shopping in Dortmund has got you covered.

  • 1

    Westenhellweg

    The main shopping street in Dortmund

    Westenhellweg
    • Shoppers

    Westenhellweg is the main shopping quarter in Dortmund. This 750-metre-long street located in the heart of the city is ranked as one of the busiest shopping areas in all of Germany. On this street, you will find everything from sportswear and fashion to jewellery and souvenirs.

    You’ll discover internationally-known department stores like Zara, H&M, C&A, and Karstadt, as well as perfumeries, bookshops, and shoe shops. In addition to world-famous brands, Westenhellweg also offers many restaurants and cafés where you can relax after your shopping spree.

    Map

    photo by Rutger van der Maar (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Ostenhellweg

    A picturesque street that’s great for jewellery and souvenirs

    Ostenhellweg
    • Shoppers

    Ostenhellweg was an ancient trade route back in the 12th century. Nowadays, this picturesque street in Dortmund that borders directly on the Westenhellweg is a popular area for shopping. Although it is much shorter than Westenhellweg, Ostenhellweg offers something for every shopaholic visiting the city of Dortmund.

    Expect to find well-known brands such as C&A, Depot, Maisons du Monde, DM, and TK Maxx. Besides popular brands, this street is lined with local shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, and second-hand clothes. In the evening, have a memorable dining experience at one of the restaurants and bars on Ostenhellweg. We recommend booking a table at Alex Restaurant, Kartoffel Pott, or Al Afandi.

    Map

    photo by Eurext (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 3

    Thier-Galerie

    A modern shopping mall with well-known department stores

    Thier-Galerie
    • Shoppers

    Opened in 2011, Thier-Galerie is situated on the site of the former Thier brewery. This 4-storey shopping centre with a sales area of nearly 33,000 square metres and space for about 150 shops is Dortmund's best-known shopping address.

    Visitors can look forward to shopping at popular department stores and boutiques and dining at fast food outlets on the upper floor. There is a Starbucks on the lower floor at the main entrance. You will find Thier-Galerie in the southwest of the inner city.

    Location: Westenhellweg 102-106, 44137 Dortmund, Germany

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Map
  • 4

    Kleppingstraße

    Home to trendy boutiques and upscale clothing stores

    Kleppingstraße
    • Shoppers

    Kleppingstraße is a popular shopping street known for its upscale clothing stores and accessory boutiques. It is definitely not a classic shopping area like Westenhellweg, where you will find major brands from all over the world. Instead, Kleppingstraße is home to owner-managed boutiques, arts and crafts shops, fine-dining establishments, and chic cafés.

    Shopaholics who wish to purchase high-end clothes from small boutiques and purchase unique souvenirs will instantly fall in love with Kleppingstraße. Are you in the mood for some local or International cuisine after shopping? Check out Pasta Heaven and the Cantine Souvlaki Bar.

    Map
  • 5

    Brückstraße

    An alternative area with hip owner-operated fashion shops and boutiques

    Brückstraße
    • Shoppers

    Brückstraße is one of Dortmund’s newest and trendiest shopping areas. There is a somewhat different shopping experience here. Brückstraße district in Dortmund attracts the under-25 crowd ranging from artists to musicians who come here to shop from individual, owner-operated retailers.

    You will find this cool district a stone’s throw from Wallring road, just around the city centre. In addition to hip boutiques and fashion shops for the trendy crowd, Brückstraße also offers plenty of cafés, snack bars, and restaurants. Culture lovers will definitely want to stop by the Dortmund Konzerthaus.

    Map

    photo by Lucas Kaufmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Alter Markt

    The best place in Dortmund to try local foods

    Alter Markt
    • Shoppers

    Alter Markt is one of the best areas in Dortmund to sample the local cuisine. In the summer months, this large pedestrianised area that dates back to the 12th century attracts both locals and tourists who come here to sample regional and exotic foods.

    You will find many delightful cafés, pubs, and bistros at Alter Markt. Order ribs from Der Thüringer or enjoy a hearty breakfast at Maximilian. The area is often used for city festivals and attracts football fans on match day.

    Map
  • 7

    Juwelier Gerwi oHG

    A unique Jewellery store in the centre of the city

    Juwelier Gerwi oHG
    • Shoppers

    Juwelier Gerwi oHG is one of the finest jewellery stores in Dortmund. If you wish to shop for major jewellery brands like Cluse, Viventy, Ti Sento, Boccia, and DoDo, you’ve come to the right place.

    In addition to all the usual suspects that you would find in a store like this, this first-class jewellery shop is also known for selling excellent watches at affordable prices. Visitors will find world-famous watch brands such as Guess, Pro Trek, Casio, Breitling, G-Shock, and Ebel.

    Location: Lühringhof 6, 44137 Dortmund, Germany

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +49 (0)70231915301

    Map
  • 8

    Harkortbogen-Center

    Shopping mall with department stores, fast food outlets, and a huge grocery shop

    Harkortbogen-Center
    • Shoppers

    Harkortbogen-Center is a great place to do your shopping in Dortmund, especially if you wish to avoid large crowds of shoppers at places like Thier-Galerie and Westenhellweg. Harkortbogen-Center is basically a Kaufland plus many different shops.

    Whether you wish to shop for footwear at Deichmann shoes, purchase groceries at Kaufland, check out a few jewellery and watch stores, or get a massage at a Thai massage parlour, Harkortbogen-Center offers plenty to choose from. In case you get hungry, get something from the American snack bar or try freshly-made pastries from the Grove bakery.

    Location: Harkortstraße 105, 44225 Dortmund, Germany

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Map
  • 9

    Designer Outlet in Dortmund

    The best place to score second-hand designer fashion

    Designer Outlet in Dortmund
    • Shoppers

    Designer Outlet in Dortmund offers a giant selection of second-hand designer fashion at reasonable prices. This shop constantly carries more than 200 brands including everything from Prada and Armani to Lacoste.

    Whether you wish to get a stylish suit, want to shop for everyday jeans, or need a cocktail dress, you’ll find everything you need at Designer Outlet in Dortmund. Visitors will also find accessories like evening handbags, jewellery, scarves, and much more at this outlet in the city centre.

    Location: Hohe Str. 39, 44139 Dortmund, Germany

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday 12 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +49 (0)15251432280

    Map
  • 10

    Dortmund Christmas Market

    The largest Christmas market in Germany

    Dortmund Christmas Market
    • Shoppers

    Dortmund Christmas Market is one of the largest in all of Germany. With a weight of 40,000 kilograms, a height of 45 metres, and with nearly 50,000 ornaments and lamps, the Christmas tree at this event is the largest natural Christmas tree in the world.

    The good news is that this Christmas market in Dortmund is split across 10 different areas, but all of them are located within the city centre. Expect to find about 300 stands selling everything from toys and Christmas decorations to arts and crafts. No visit to this Christmas market in Dortmund is complete without trying local drinks and culinary treats like mulled wine, bratwurst, and roasted almonds. The Christmas Market in Dortmund is held from the end of November to New Year’s Eve.

    Map
Dejan Badnjarevic | Contributing Writer