Essen Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local tips in Essen, Germany. Our comprehensive travel guide includes hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Essen

Essen is a bustling city in the heart of the Ruhr area, one of the most densely populated regions in Germany. Formerly a center of coal and steel production, Essen has reinvented itself into a hub for culture, art, and innovation. With a rich history and vibrant present-day scene, this metropolis has something to offer every traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Essen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Essen is a city of culture and art. The Museum Folkwang houses a stunning collection of European art, ranging from the 19th century to modern-times. The historical Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-visit for history buffs. Kettwig, a picturesque old town, shows the typical architectural diversity and the flair of the industrial age.

Natural Attractions of Essen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Aside from its museums and historical sites, Essen offers several outdoor adventures. Baldeneysee Lake is a popular destination for boating and biking, while Grugapark, a 75-hectare park in the heart of the city is a perfect place to relax and enjoy various events. The observation tower of the tetrahedron in Bottrop rewarding visitors with a stunning view over the entire Ruhr area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Essen

Essen is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of scenic trails for hiking and biking. The RuhrtalRadweg is a 230-kilometer cycling trail that runs from the Ruhr area to the Rhine, and the Emscher Park cycle path is ideal for exploring the city’s industrial heritage.

Best Things to Do in Essen: Activities and Tours

Apart from the cultural attractions, Essen offers various fun activities. For thrill-seekers, Welt der Wunder Science Center features interactive exhibits and an indoor ropes course. Film fans will love the Lichtburg, a stunning art deco movie theater featuring classic and new movies. The organizers of the extraordinary ‘Zollverein Sunset Tour’ lead visitors on a fascinating walk through the historic mines complex and take you to places you wouldn’t be able to visit on your own.

Week-Long Itinerary for Essen

A week in Essen gives you the chance to explore the best of the Ruhr area, including the cities of Dortmund and Bochum. Spend some time visiting landmarks like the Alte Synagoge, the big Jewish museum and cultural center, sealife in Oberhausen or the industrial museums of the neighboring cities, after that, enjoy the delicious food in the evening.

Day Activity
1 Visit Museum Folkwang
2 Explore Kettwig and Baldeneysee lake
3 Tour the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex
4 Hike the RuhrtalRadweg
5 Discover the Emscher Park cycle path
6 Visit Welt der Wunder Science Center
7 Watch a movie at the Lichtburg Theater

Food and Drink Scene of Essen

Must-Try Dishes

Essen has a range of delicious local specialties, and it is hard to try them all. Some must-have dishes include Rübenkraut, a beet syrup that is a popular spread on bread, and the Flönz is a type of black pudding traditionally served with apple puree.

Local Beverages

Beer is an essential part of Essen’s drinking culture, and beer gardens such as the Grugahalle Beer Garden serve local varieties to locals and tourists. In addition to beer, the city is home to several vineyards, producing wines with fruity flavors.

Where to Stay in Essen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Essen has an accommodation option for every budget, ranging from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels. The Sheraton Essen Hotel and Boutique-Hotel & Boardinghouse GEORGES are two top-rated hotels in the city that offer excellent amenities and convenient locations.

What to Buy in Essen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When shopping in Essen, visitors can expect to find a range of locally-made products, including ceramics, beer mugs, and delicious cherry liqueur. For a unique gift, head to the Red Dot Design Museum Shop where you can find rarities, gadgets, and other design-related products to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Essen

While Essen is an international city, it still maintains its regional identity. Locals are proud of their city’s industrial heritage and enjoy sharing it with visitors. Visitors should greet locals with a friendly “Guten Tag,” and expect a healthy dose of frankness.

Best Time to Visit Essen

The best time to visit Essen is during the summer months when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are plentiful. During this time, the city comes to life with various cultural festivals, including the Essen Light Festival and the International Short Film Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Essen

Do:

  • Try regional specialties such as Flönz and Rübenkraut.
  • Explore the city’s historical and cultural sites, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex.
  • Engage with locals, who are friendly and proud of their city’s heritage.

Don’t:

  • Ignore traffic signs and laws.
  • Leave valuable belongings unattended in public places.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Essen

Essen is generally a safe destination for travelers. As with any city, visitors should remain vigilant when walking alone at night or in less-populated areas. In addition, it is always a good idea to secure valuables when walking or using public transportation.

Health in Essen

Germany has a high standard of health care, and Essen is no exception. Visitors can find pharmacies throughout the city, and hospitals like the Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus provide medical treatment for various ailments.

Getting to Essen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Essen

Düsseldorf Airport is the closest international airport to Essen. It is a 25-minute drive from the city center and is well connected via public transportation.

Bus Stations Near Essen

The central bus station in Essen, ZOB, is located near the city center and provides connections to neighboring cities and towns.

Other Options

Essen is well-connected via trains, with several direct routes to major cities in Germany. It is also possible to rent a car and travel at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Essen

Essen has an excellent transportation system, with buses, trains, and trams running throughout the city. Visitors can purchase day or week passes for affordable rates or rent bicycles to explore the city on their own.

Where to Go Next from Essen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Essen is an excellent hub for exploring the surrounding region. Dortmund, Bochum and Duisburg are only short drives away. Visitors can also explore the neighboring cities and towns via train or car.

Conclusion

Essen is a dynamic and vibrant city that offers something for every traveler. With its rich history, cultural sites, outdoor adventures, and delicious food and drink scene, Essen has become one of Germany’s most inviting cities. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a week, Essen will leave you with lasting memories.

Winding tower of Winding tower of "Zollverein" pit—Essen's most iconic landmark Aerial view of Villa Hügel Aerial view of Villa Hügel View of Grugapark botanical garden from a tower inside the park View of Grugapark botanical garden from a tower inside the park