Things To Do
in Oberhausen
Oberhausen is a dynamic city in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, built on a legacy of coal and steel. Today it blends industrial heritage with modern culture, shopping, and family-friendly attractions. The centerpiece is Centro, one of Europe’s largest shopping and entertainment complexes, anchored by the iconic Gasometer Oberhausen.
The city is well connected to the wider Ruhr area, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby Duisburg, Essen, and Düsseldorf.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at one of the local cafes in Centro Oberhausen, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and a cup of coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the shopping center, admiring its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by the unique shops and boutiques to pick up some souvenirs.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby Gasometer, an impressive former gas holder turned exhibition space. Walk through its breathtaking exhibitions that often focus on environmental themes and stunning photography. Afterward, take a relaxing walk around the surrounding Landschaftspark, where you can enjoy beautiful greenery and art installations.
As the sun sets, dine at one of the many international restaurants in the Centro Oberhausen, sampling local German dishes or diverse global cuisine. After dinner, catch a movie at the cinema within the complex or enjoy live music at a nearby venue. End your evening with a peaceful walk around the illuminated shopping center, soaking in the lively ambiance.
Begin your day with a visit to the Ludwig Gallery, located in the historic building of the former Oberhausen City Hall. Explore the contemporary art exhibitions showcasing both local and international artists, allowing yourself to get lost in the creative expressions. Enjoy a coffee at the gallery café afterward while reflecting on the artworks you just viewed.
After lunch, take a short walk to the nearby Oberhausen Town Hall, an architectural gem rich in history. Join a guided tour to learn about its fascinating past and see its splendid interiors. Spend the rest of the afternoon in the surrounding park, perfect for a leisurely walk or a moment of relaxation on a bench.
In the evening, head to a traditional German beer garden for an authentic dining experience. Try some local brews alongside hearty dishes like schnitzel or bratwurst, immersing yourself in the regional flavors. After dinner, explore the nearby streets for live music or cultural events that may be happening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🧺Grocery cart (basic weekly shop) | $40-70 |
| 🚆Public transport daily pass | $6-11 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to the Ruhr area and neighboring cities
- Iconic Gasometer and Centro make for a memorable visit
- Parks and river walks provide easy outdoor options
- Family-friendly attractions and reasonable prices
- Less nightlife variety than bigger nearby cities
- Some areas are car-dependent and traffic can be congested
- Limited direct lake scenery compared to other regions
- Smaller cultural calendar outside major events
- "Guten Tag" - Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Wo ist der Hauptbahnhof?" - Where is the main train station?
Places to Visit in Oberhausen
Visit one of these nice places.
The large red brick gas holder offers dramatic industrial silhouettes and panoramic city views from the observation deck.
Modern architecture and reflective surfaces provide dynamic opportunities for photography.
Historic streets and market life offer charming street photography and night shots.
Industrial heritage along the canal gives gritty, atmospheric images.
Food in Oberhausen
Oberhausen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A marinated roast with a sweet-sour gravy, a regional specialty.
Must-Try!
Kale with sausage, a popular winter dish across the Ruhr.
Fried sausage with curry-ketchup, a Ruhr staple enjoyed on walks and in markets.
Potato salad typically served with cold cuts or sausages.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market square with fresh produce and regional snacks on market days.
A wide range of international street food in Europe’s largest shopping center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments; punctuality is valued.
A handshake is common when meeting; greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'.
While German is the default, English is commonly understood in hotels and restaurants; learning a few phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Oberhausen
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good; rounding up for taxis is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; great for outdoor markets, parks, and riverside walks.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage; ideal for city walks and photography in parks.
Cold with shorter days; festive markets in December; many indoor attractions are popular.
Mild weather with increasing sunshine; blooms in parks and along the waterways.
Oberhausen at Night
Hiking in Oberhausen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive parkland near Recklinghausen and Castrop-Rauxel with trails through woodlands and heath.
Riverside and industrial heritage trails along the Emscher corridor with easy hikes and viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Oberhausen by plane.
Major international airport about 25-40 minutes by train from Oberhausen with frequent connections to Europe and beyond.
Smaller international airport roughly 40-60 minutes away by car or rail.
Regional airport offering several European routes, about 1-1.5 hours away by road and rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Diverse mix of families, students, and working professionals.
Significant immigrant groups contributing to local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Long-running local club with history in the German football leagues.
Popular regional sports with local clubs and community teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oberhausen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian options; choose salads, grilled veggies, or cheese dishes; request meat-free broths and sauces if needed.