Things To Do
in Leverkusen
Leverkusen is a Rhine River city in North Rhine-Westphalia anchored by Bayer's corporate presence. It blends modern industry with green spaces, cycling routes, and a compact town center that is easy to explore on foot. In districts like Opladen and Schlebusch, you can find markets, local pubs, and cultural sites such as Schloss Morsbroich.
Its proximity to Cologne and Düsseldorf makes it a convenient base for exploring the Rhine-Ruhr region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the City Hall, an impressive example of neo-Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the nearby pedestrian zone, absorbing the charming atmosphere and local shops. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional German breakfast featuring fresh bread rolls, cheeses, and cold cuts.
After lunch, head to the Bayer Cultural Center, where you can explore art exhibitions and gain insight into the local culture. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens of the nearby Bayer Park, enjoying the seasonal blooms. Don’t forget to visit the historic buildings within the park that tell the story of the city’s industrial heritage.
As the sun sets, dine at a local restaurant offering classic German cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like Sauerbraten or Bratwurst. Enjoy a glass of local beer while soaking in the lively ambiance of the city. Finish your day with a peaceful walk along the Rhine River, taking in the twilight views.
Start your day at the Museum Morsbroich, renowned for its modern art collection and picturesque park setting. Wander through the exhibitions, appreciating both contemporary and historical pieces. Enjoy a light brunch at the museum café, surrounded by artistic inspiration.
Continue your cultural exploration by visiting the nearby Schloss Burg, a stunning medieval castle offering guided tours. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its fascinating history while capturing stunning photos of the architecture. Afterward, stop at a local bakery to sample traditional German pastries.
Attend a performance at the Bayer Theater, where you can enjoy a variety of shows ranging from opera to ballet. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as you mingle with locals who share a passion for the arts. After the show, unwind with a nightcap at a nearby bar, reflecting on the cultural experiences of the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚎1-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏠Monthly rent (1-bedroom in city center) | $900-1300 |
| 🧘Gym or fitness club monthly | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong accessibility to Cologne and Düsseldorf via rail
- Green spaces and parks within the city
- Home to Bayer and a distinct corporate identity
- Family-friendly neighborhoods with good services
- Limited nightlife compared to larger nearby cities
- Smaller dining scene than Cologne or Düsseldorf
- Seasonal traffic around peak travel times
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Zahlen, bitte." - The check, please.
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Guten Tag" - Good day
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Leverkusen
Visit one of these nice places.
A 17th-century castle with a modern sculpture garden and reflective ponds – ideal for architectural and landscape photography.
The iconic oversized Bayer cross on the company campus creates striking silhouettes at sunset.
The Rhine riverbank provides wide open views, boats, and you can capture the contrast of industry and nature.
Food in Leverkusen
Leverkusen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A marinated pot roast served with a sweet-sour gravy, typically with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Must-Try!
A Rhineland classic of mashed potatoes topped with applesauce (heaven and earth) and sometimes black pudding.
Street-food staples; pair currywurst with crispy potato pancakes at casual spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and prepared foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Germans typically greet with a handshake; use formal Sie in business and when meeting strangers; switch to first-name only with permission.
Be mindful of quiet hours in residential areas and avoid loud conversations late at night.
Punctuality is valued in appointments and public transport.
Safety
Tipping in Leverkusen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or tipping 5-10% for good service is common, paid in cash or added to the card payment.
Cash is widely accepted, but credit/debit cards and contactless payments are common in stores and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, blooming parks, and pleasant city walks; showers are possible, so pack a light jacket.
Warm days with outdoor cafés and riverfront strolls; occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated.
Cooler days with colorful foliage in parks and nearby woodlands; great for photo walks.
Chill with occasional frost; urban lighting and Christmas markets in nearby Cologne/Düsseldorf provide warmth and ambiance.
Leverkusen at Night
Hiking in Leverkusen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails in the nearby Bergisches Land with forests, gentle hills, and views over the Rhine region.
Long-distance trail along the Wupper valley with moderate elevation and forested sections.
Riverside trails along the Rhine with easy to moderate terrain suitable for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Leverkusen by plane.
A major regional airport about 20-30 minutes from Leverkusen by rail or car; easy connections to European destinations.
A larger hub about 20-40 minutes away by regional train and road; frequent international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The city has a strong core population with families and professionals.
Significant Turkish, Polish, and other European communities contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen is the main club; football matches are a highlight for locals and visitors.
Popular for both commuting and leisure along river paths and in nearby hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Leverkusen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Rhine region dishes can be adapted with vegetables, potatoes, and mushrooms; ask for meat-free soups and salads, and many places offer veggie schnitzel or mushroom-based dishes.