Westphalian Industrial Museum - Hannover Colliery & Knirps "children's mine"

The 200-year history of industrialisation is brought to life at eight former industrial sites. Together with the Rhenish Industrial Museum, it forms part of a collection of museums that are unique in Europe. One of these historical sites is the Hannover Colliery, which contains a series of exhibits on the development of the industrial Ruhr area. At Knirps "children's mine", kids can learn about mining through interactive exhibits.

Jahrhunderthalle (Century Hall) Bochum

This impressive hall built in 1902 and was restored during the Emscher Park International Construction Exhibition and is currently used for exhibitions and sporting events. The airy steel construction is one of the leading venues for the RuhrTriennale festival.

Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

This triple-naved hall church reconstructed in the Westphalian Gothic style was originally built during the time of Emperor Charlemagne between 785 and 800. Its 68-metre high steeple is the city's most famous landmark. Inside the church are many fascinating works of art from various periods in history including a Romanesque font from around 1175, the high altar with a statue of Christ dating from 1352 and the reliquary shrine of St. Perpetua and her slave St. Felicity.

Donninghaus

You haven't really been to Germany until you've tried a currywurst, a classic fast-food dish of pork sausage drenched in ketchup and curry powder - the perfect snack after a night of beer drinking. This all-day and late-night kiosk, situated in the heart of the pub district, is a cult favourite for the best currywurst in the Ruhrgebiet.

Restaurant Livingroom

An airy, stylish place with white walls and modern art, Livingroom offers an eclectic international menu of meat and fish dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences. There's an extensive wine list and, depending on your mood, you can sit in one of several different areas of the huge space.

Restaurants Tapas

Spain's signature dish has made its way to the Ruhrgebiet at this stylish tapas and wine bar. If you can't make a choice from the three dozen vegetarian and meat/fish selections in the menu's tapas section, try one of the rotating weekly specials, with or without the specifically recommended Spanish wines.

Restaurant Taverna

Bochum's first Greek restaurant offers fresh, moderately priced dishes of fish, meat and vegetables - no greasy gyros here - in a brightly-coloured dining room that brings to mind a Mediterranean villa overlooking the wine-dark sea. You might even catch the jovial host playing guitar for his guests. A beer garden offers al fresco dining in summer.

Bochum has lots of modern malls as well as a wide variety of shopping streets, making it the perfect destination for an extended shopping spree.

Bochum City Point shopping mall

Bochum City Point covers five floors and has more than 40 outlets selling clothing, textiles, services and food. It is situated in the city centre on Kortumstrasse, Bochum's main shopping street.

Ruhr-Park shopping centre

The Ruhr-Park shopping centre was opened in November 1964 and is currently the largest in Germany. It has become an integral part of Bochum's cityscape and is regarded by locals and visitors alike as a regional institution.

The Bermudadreieck (Bermuda Triangle)

This Bochum hot spot is the epicentre of the city's late-night entertainment. It is, of course, famous to the locals, but also well-known beyond the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. The Bermuda Triangle is named for its three sides: the Südring, Viktoria Straße and the railroad tracks. Over sixty bars are situated here, not to mention a multitude of international and native restaurants, lounges, cinemas and clubs.

Cotton Club (Kortum Straße)

This fun Bochum bar has more than just a fine selection of beer and other alcoholic drinks. In the retro-1940s atmosphere, you'll find more than twenty snooker and pool tables. If that's not your thing, you can also choose from an assortment of other games. Play a board game, throw some darts or check out what's on one of their nine TVs.

You can also just sit back and listen to the background music. The style is usually retro as well - swing, blues or jazz.

Zeche (Prinz-Regent-Straße 50)

This 1980s cultural icon is still a big hit with those who like to hit the clubs. There's always something happening in the two halls, whether it's a regular concert event or just your usual dance-the-night-away music groove.

360 Grad (Kohlleppelsweg 45)

Another Bochum night club with a famous name and reputation is the 360 Grad. With three different venues, there's always something new and exciting to choose from. The 360 Grad prides itself on lesser-known DJ talent and its regular guests. Don't forget to check out the cocktail bar, and the bistro if all that dancing has made you peckish.You can find this hot spot near Ruhr Park and Meditherme.