big-ish town in the Northern Rhine Region that feels more like a small one. There’s not much to see in terms of tourist attractions; a mining and a railway museum. The charm of Bochum is just hanging out. Cheap Airbnb’s, good food and plenty of dive bars combine to make it a great location to jump off to other NWR cities like Gelsenkirchen and Dortmund.

The Gelsenkirchen Zoo offers a good day trip, while not huge it’s just big enough to spend a few hours looking at the seals, giraffes, tigers, and hippos. Even in winter, it’s a good destination (if you dress warmly).

1. Things to see

I arrived in Bochum chasing the perfect Christmas Market. Each Christmas market has a unique character – Bochum’s market has it’s own charm, spreading out through the inner city center at night. Every turn seems to bring more kiosks of mulled wine, gifts, and yummy things to eat. The people in Bochum seem to party a little harder than other markets I’ve been to.

Unfortunately, I had to go to the hospital here for my travel companion and I’ll have to say that was less than a positive experience. The staff were unwilling to help, or even to let us through some of the inner doors, we had to wait for clinic hours and everything must be done precisely by the rules outlined by signs (in German). It didn’t seem to matter how severe the issue was, I have a feeling if a man were crawling in the hospital with his legs half hanging off and happened to choose the ‘exit’ entrance they would stern-faced shake their head, point – and make him crawl to the ‘entrance’ door. Maybe that’s just the culture. Rules, lots of rules.

Christmas Market

Yellow tree

Around Bochum

Train life

Nativity scene

View from Airbnb

Bochum isn’t very photogenic, but it’s fun

Excellent view from Kitchen 😉

2. Nightlife

Most of the action takes place in the Bermuda Triangle (Bermuda3eck), just 5 minutes walk from Central Station. There are supposedly 75 bars, restaurants, and cafes in this area. Most of these are pretty much dive bars and therein lies their appeal. I only found a dozen or so bars, but they were dark and grungy and good for a few drinks each night.

Alcohol keeps you warm, right?!

3. Spend

There are a few cool shops on Bruderstrabe to buy kitsch and unique collectibles along with several bookshops and tattoo parlors and all the bar seemed to have Shisha pipes outside to appeal to the local demographic.

4. Food

I tended to stock up at the supermarket on cheap and delicious fruits and snacks, however, NhyStar Vietnamese (on Bruderstrabe) serves excellent Vietnamese spring and summer rolls.

Vietnamese and train food

5. Getting Around

If you’re just using Bochum as a base, would probably help to stay near the HBF (station), you’ll be able to walk to everything. If you need to go further afield taxis aren’t that expensive.

6. Costs

Airbnb’s in Bochum can be had for 1/2 the price of other larger cities, and there are enough bars and restaurants to keep you busy when you’re in town.

7. Tips

If you can’t find an Airbnb There’s an IBIS in the train station that will work in a pinch. It’s not luxury but the connection to the station can’t be beaten.

Bochum is probably a town most travelers would overlook in favor of bigger cities like Dusseldorf, however, there’s a good vibe here if you’re looking to try someplace a little off the beaten track and want to save some money on accommodation.