This North Rhine-Westphalia city, founded in 12 BC by Romans, has grown into a cultural center with 260,000 residents and houses the historic Rheydt Palace museum.
Mönchengladbach sits in North Rhine-Westphalia, where you'll find Andy Warhol's art pieces in the white geometric Abteiberg Museum, watch Bundesliga matches at Borussia-Park, and walk through medieval rooms of Rheydt Castle. The city's Bunter Garten has specific areas for medicinal herbs, stone collections, and an aviary with parrots, flamingos, and local bird species.
Art Collections at Abteiberg Museum
The white geometric Abteiberg Museum sits on a hill above the old town, built in 1982 to architect Hans Hollein's design. Inside, you'll find major works by Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, and Man Ray. Take the six-kilometer art walk from the museum through the city to see 30 public artworks in courtyards, parks, and squares. The museum opens Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
Match Days at Borussia-Park
Watch Bundesliga matches at the 54,057-seat Borussia-Park, home to Borussia Mönchengladbach. The team's fans, who call themselves "Die Fohlen" (The Foals), fill the stadium during home games. Before matches, join supporters at the Sports Bar to watch pre-game coverage and try a Laugenbrezel (pretzel) or currywurst.
Exploring Bunter Garten
Walk through distinct sections of Bunter Garten: touch and smell herbs in the medicinal garden, explore rock formations in the stone garden, and follow textured paths in the tactile garden. The aviary contains parrots, flamingos, and local bird species. Connected paths lead to Schloss Wickrath, where geometric flower beds and herb gardens reflect medieval garden design.
Architectural Landmarks
Step into the 13th-century Romanesque cathedral to see the early Gothic choir by Gerhard von Riehl and descend into the 10th-century crypt. At Rheydt Castle, walk through Renaissance-era rooms with period furniture and artwork. The 1663 town hall, originally a Benedictine abbey, maintains its Baroque façade with ornate stone carvings.
Evening Entertainment
Head to Waldhausener Strasse for bars and music venues. Projekt 42 hosts live bands, poetry readings, and weekly jam sessions. Around Alter Markt, stop at the 17th-century St. Vith inn to try dark beers from traditional recipes. Local DJs and bands perform at nearby venues until late night.
Local Shopping Districts
Walk along Hindenburgstraße to find independent bookstores, cobblers, and food shops selling regional specialties. The Minto shopping center spans four floors with 100 shops and cafes. In small neighborhood stores, shop owners sell unpackaged foods and locally made crafts while sharing tips about the city.
