Bielefeld Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sparrenberg Castle featuring a city, heritage architecture and landscape views
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Sparrenberg Castle showing heritage elements
Sparrenberg Castle showing a city, a park and landscape views

Bielefeld is a charming city with more to offer than you might think: cultural sights, local events, an interesting industrial history and a pleasant historical centre. 

Always an industrial capital, Bielefeld began as “the city of linen,” its population making a living from textile production. Today it is home to major companies like food manufacturer Dr. Oetker and leather products company Möller Group. Many students choose Bielefeld for its famed centers of study, among them the popular photography school at the University of Applied Sciences.

No visit is complete without a tour of Dr. Oetker World. Bielefeld is best known for its links with Dr. Oetker, famous for its oven pizzas and pre-packaged baking mixes. On the tour, you can gain insight into the company’s history, and of course eat some sweet treats. The company defines the city to a certain extent, but don't let that make you think there are no other sights to see.

The Old Market Place in the center of town is what really captures the essence of the city. Beautifully restored townhouses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the square and residents of all ages come out just to sit and talk. You can often find something going on there, like the annual Wine Festival in September or the Christmas Market in December. The Theater am Alten Markt, just off the square, offers operas, plays and musicals, as well as events for children.

Many families live in the city, giving it a very friendly and down-to-earth vibe. One of the most enjoyable things to do, with kids or without, is to visit the Bielefeld Zoo. It is located very close to the forest, easily accessible by bus from the city, and is absolutely free. Finish off the visit with a bite to eat in the restaurant, or enjoy a bratwurst outside.

Many don’t even know about Bielefeld today, or think of it only as an industrial center. Even though it isn’t brimming with things to do, the city is a quaint and friendly town that’s worth seeing for sights in addition to Dr. Oetker’s realm.

LÉGÈRE EXPRESS Bielefeld
LÉGÈRE EXPRESS Bielefeld
Kavalleriestrasse 9, Bielefeld, Nordrhein Westfalen
The price is £65 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
£65
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions City Bowling Bielefeld and Spindle Fountain ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (323 reviews)
"Love the concept, email confirming the reservation was confusing because it said I'd get another email with checking instructions and I never did receive another email"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

LÉGÈRE EXPRESS Bielefeld
LÉGÈRE HOTEL Bielefeld
LÉGÈRE HOTEL Bielefeld
Neumarkt 2, Bielefeld
The price is £87 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£87
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions City Bowling Bielefeld and Spindle Fountain are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (324 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 5 Apr 2025

LÉGÈRE HOTEL Bielefeld
Steigenberger Hotel Bielefelder Hof
Steigenberger Hotel Bielefelder Hof
4.5 out of 5
Am Bahnhof 3, Bielefeld, NW
The price is £103 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
£103
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (566 reviews)
"Perfect for our requirements for a short stay."

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Steigenberger Hotel Bielefelder Hof
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
STAYERY Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof
STAYERY Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof
Herforder Str. 69, Bielefeld, NRW
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions City Bowling Bielefeld ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (86 reviews)
"Nice and pleasant stay, great breakfast at the nearby bakery."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2023

STAYERY Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof
Boardinghouse City Home
Boardinghouse City Home
Jöllenbecker Str. 36, Bielefeld, NRW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Spindle Fountain and City Bowling Bielefeld ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"The WiFi in the room never worked, my room was never cleaned over the 4 nights I stayed. Bin never cleaned or changed. Towels never changed bathroom not cleaned once. Parking was good and a good price."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2023

Boardinghouse City Home
KEYLESS Boardinghouse
KEYLESS Boardinghouse
Detmolder Str. 524, Bielefeld, NRW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bielefeld. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Bielefeld Japanese Garden and Bielefeld Hospital ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
"Die Unterkunft war gut. Es gab lediglich zwei Kritikpunkte. Zum einen war keine Minibar/Kühlschrank im Zimmer vorhanden, obwohl es auf der Website so angegeben war und zum anderen war es im Zimmer, aufgrund der Lage an der Straße und die Lage direkt im Treppenhaus sehr laut, sodass man ab 6 Uhr nicht ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

KEYLESS Boardinghouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bielefeld

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

If you want somewhere quiet to enjoy coffee and excellent Kuchen when in the city centre, try Café Möller opposite the main post office. The interior hasn't changed for over 30 years, and is still clean and very pleasant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very clean great transport system.lovely atmosphere

Cities near Bielefeld