population: 0.36 million

extension: 145.4 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Bochum and looking for museums to visit, I would recommend checking out the Museum of Art and Cultural History, located in the city center. Additionally, the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum (German Mining Museum) is also a popular choice for those interested in the history of mining and industry in Germany.

If you're interested in visiting other museums in the area, you might consider heading to nearby cities like Essen, Dortmund, or Düsseldorf, which all have several museums worth exploring. For example, in Essen, you could visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses several museums dedicated to the history of coal mining in the region.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular local dishes to try in Bochum, Germany include:

1. Currywurst: This is a classic German dish consisting of a sausage that's sliced and served with a curry-flavored ketchup sauce.
2. Pumpernickel bread: A dark, dense rye bread that's a staple in many German households and often served as an accompaniment to soups and stews.
3. Grünkohl mit Pinkel: A hearty stew made with kale and a type of smoked sausage known as "pinkel."
4. Schnitzel: A thin, breaded cutlet of meat (usually pork or veal) that's pan-fried and often served with potatoes and a side salad.
5. Sauerbraten: A traditional German pot roast that's marinated in vinegar and spices for several days before being slow-cooked and served with gravy and dumplings.

There are also many other regional specialties to try in the surrounding cities and towns, such as Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) in Dortmund, and Himmel und Ääd (mashed potatoes with applesauce and black pudding) in Cologne.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals in Bochum enjoy:

1. Visit the Ruhr Park - A popular shopping center with over 150 stores, restaurants and cafes.
2. Take a stroll at Westpark - A beautiful park with ponds, gardens, and plenty of walking trails.
3. Check out Bermuda3Eck - A lively area with bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
4. Go to Planetarium Bochum - An indoor planetarium where you can watch shows about astronomy and space.
5. Explore the Botanischer Garten (Botanical Garden) - A peaceful oasis within the city where you can relax and enjoy nature.
6. Attend an event at Jahrhunderthalle Bochum - A historic venue that hosts concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
7. Visit Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum - A zoo with a focus on animals from the region and a fossil museum on-site.

I hope these suggestions help you have a great time in Bochum like a local!