Things to do in Rostock

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Rostock which includes a garden and a city as well as a small group of people
New Market showing heritage elements and a city
Rostock which includes street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
New Market which includes a city, a sunset and heritage elements
Rostock which includes heritage architecture
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Rostock must see attractions

1. Warnemunde Beach

Understand why Germans think of Warnemuende Beach in the Baltic as a superb destination for a beach vacation. Long and wide and covered in soft sand, the beach is one of Germany’s best-loved sailing destinations, renowned for its calm waters and strong winds. Rent a sailboat and set off. The water may be cold, but it is a welcome relief on a hot summer’s day, especially after a rousing game of beach soccer on the sand.
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Warnemunde Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town

2. New Market

The New Market, despite its name, has been the center of Rostock since the 13th century and remains a focal point for civic life. Crowned by a strikingly pink town hall and surrounded by patricians’ homes painted and decorated to look almost like cakes, it is a delightful place to start or end a day visiting Rostock’s Old Town. Shop for local produce in the daily market, have breakfast or lunch in one of the restaurants or simply sit back and watch the activity as the trams rumble through and people mill about.
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New Market showing heritage elements and a city

3. Kröpeliner Tor

On the northwestern corner of Rostock’s Old Town, the Kröpeliner Tor is certainly an imposing sight. Rising 175 feet (54 meters) above the city, it served as one of the entrances during the glory days of the Hanseatic League, from the 13th century onward. Sit in the adjacent park as you admire its stepped gables and black tile roof, imagining the procession that once passed inside and out.
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Kröpeliner Tor featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

4. University of Rostock

As one of the Baltic’s oldest universities, the University of Rostock has shaped the city’s character since its founding. Rostock’s ambiance is deeply affected by its status as a university town, home to 14,000 students. The town’s pride in its university shows the devotion that locals give to the institution. Go for a walk or learn something new in this historic and preeminent academy.
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University of Rostock which includes heritage architecture, a garden and picnicing

5. Town Hall Rostock

One of Rostock’s most famous buildings, the Town Hall may be the oldest brick Gothic town hall in Germany. In the 13th century, it was simply three gabled houses, but was expanded and enhanced over time, culminating in the addition of its unique pastel pink façade and the gallery the runs the length of the building. Rostockers once came here to trade. Unfortunate students out late at night without a lantern were imprisoned. Join students, locals and tourists mingling here more casually now, all in appreciation of the Town Hall’s architecture and history.
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Town Hall showing night scenes and heritage architecture

What to do in Rostock

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rostock

Warnemunde Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

Warnemunde Beach

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Play volleyball, sail or just relax on the sand of this beloved northern beach, once the foremost vacation destination of Eastern Germans.

Warnemunde Beach
Rostock Christmas Market

Rostock Christmas Market

5/5(1 review)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Rostock Christmas Market during your visit to Rostock. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.

Rostock Christmas Market
IGA Park

IGA Park

4/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at IGA Park, a lovely green space in Schmarl. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

IGA Park
New Market showing heritage elements and a city

New Market

5/5(4 reviews)

Start your day of explorations in Rostock at this large pedestrian-only plaza, lined with restaurants and historic buildings that make for pretty photos.

New Market
Kröpeliner Tor featuring street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Kröpeliner Tor

4/5(2 reviews)

Once an essential part of the city’s fortifications, this tower is now best known for its brick Gothic architecture and the local history group that meets inside.

Kröpeliner Tor
University of Rostock which includes heritage architecture, a garden and picnicing

University of Rostock

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Go back to school on your visit to Rostock, where you can admire a famous zoological collection, a botanic garden and impressive 19th-century architecture.

University of Rostock
Town Hall showing night scenes and heritage architecture

Town Hall Rostock

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Behind its pink façade, this historic civic building conceals treasures, from Hanseatic murals to a medieval restaurant and a secret snake statue bringing good luck.

Town Hall Rostock
Warnemuende Kur Park showing a garden

Warnemuende Kur Park

Spend a sunny day exploring this picturesque green space, a community hub that is within easy walking distance of Warnemünde’s biggest attractions.

Warnemuende Kur Park
Marienkirche featuring heritage architecture

St. Mary's Church

5/5(3 reviews)

A famed astrological clock, a magnificent wooden altar and a collection of Baltic religious art fill this church next to Rostock’s New Market.

St. Mary's Church

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Rostock

Warnemuende Church which includes heritage architecture, outdoor eating and a church or cathedral

Warnemünde

5/5(6 area reviews)

Part of Rostock, this town has one of the Baltic’s widest and sandiest beaches and is the gateway to the entire region.

Warnemünde
Warnemünde

Hohe Düne

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Hohe Düne. You might want to make time for a stop at Marina Warnemuende or Hohe Düne Beach.

Hohe Düne
Ferienhäuser Strand Resort Markgrafenheide
Photo by Miwa (CC BY)

Markgrafenheide

While Markgrafenheide might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Markgrafenheide Beach and Marina Warnemuende.

Markgrafenheide
Warnemünde from Kap Geinitzort
Photo by Okruz (CC BY-SA)

Diedrichshagen

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Diedrichshagen. You might want to make time for a stop at Warnemunde Beach or Wilhelmshöhe.

Diedrichshagen
New Market which includes a city, a sunset and heritage elements

Stadtmitte

Unique features of Stadtmitte include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Town Hall Rostock or Rostock Christmas Market while you're exploring the area.

Stadtmitte
Rostock which includes street scenes and a square or plaza as well as a small group of people

Nördliche Altstadt

If you're spending some time in Nördliche Altstadt, Kröpeliner Tor and New Market are top sights worth seeing.

Nördliche Altstadt

Popular day trips from Rostock

Graal Mueritz showing general coastal views

Graal Mueritz

Photo "Papendorf" by Ana Secura (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ana Secura (CC BY)

Papendorf

Frequently asked questions

Is Rostock worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Rostock is explore Markgrafenheide Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's history and views.
How do I spend a day in Rostock?
After you've visited major attractions like Markgrafenheide Beach and Hohe Düne Beach, spend some time exploring the retail and food options in Rostock.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rostock?
Markgrafenheide Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Rostock and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Rostock?
Three days is enough for a short break in Rostock — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you really want to experience it all, hang around for at least seven to ten days to discover some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in Rostock with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Rostock with kids.

What to do in Rostock for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Rostock. Whether you're into traditional cuisine, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Rostock?
There's a range of cheap things to do in Rostock. Roam the parks or catch free shows and events. Rostock offers lots of budget-friendly experiences that let you enjoy this area without spending a lot.