There are many things to do in Bochum, Germany. It was once a very large coal mining town, now you can take tours of the coal mines and learn the history of the coal mining business in the Ruhr region of Germany. You can go to see and climb a tower that is in the city center. There is a planetarium that will allow you access. You can enjoy biking along the country paths and beside streams. You can check out the nightlife that is fueled by the university students. Or you can enjoy one of the many festivals.

There are several options for shopping in Bochum, Germany. Although Bochum doesn't have the touristic flare in shopping there are still several places that you can go. They do have a mall but what Bochum has to offer is the advantages of shopping in a medium sized town. You can buy the things that the Germans actually use, instead of what a tourist trap wants you to think that they wear and use. Another advantage is that you pay the same price that the average German pays instead of the increased price for travelers.

Like most of Europe, car parking in Bochum is a relatively new idea. There are several places to park for a semi nominal fee. It all depends on what the purpose of your visit is. Are you planning on staying primarily in Bochum or are you planning on traveling around and seeing the other surrounding towns? Taking a car offers the advantage of being able to travel when and where you want, but remember that Germany's transportation system is still largely based on walking. You will probably save yourself time, money and headache by taking public transportation.

A Bochum hotel rating can be the typical Holiday inn type to the extravagance of the Ritz. Among the many hotels you may want to think about staying in, one of the local, old German style hotel can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. If you are traveling on a budget, or you would like to meet a lot of interesting people, then you may want to think about staying at the hostel. There is also many a Bochum restaurant in which you can find German style cooking. Like most German towns though, a good bet for the best meal that you have ever had is one of the many local German bakeries.