Essen Holidays

Things to do in and around Essen

Essen offers a delightful blend of activities perfect for business, family, and entertainment-themed holidays. Visitors can enjoy shopping at various shopping centres and malls, catch a performance at the theatre, or explore local amusement parks. With a rich array of attractions and activity centres, Essen is an ideal destination for anyone seeking engaging experiences in this vibrant city.

Shopping

In Essen, you can visit the Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum Shopping Mall, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Additionally, Westfield Centro, located 9.7km away, and Bermuda3Eck, 14.5km from Essen, provide fantastic city vibes and family-friendly experiences if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Veltins-Arena, located 11.3km from Essen, offers an exhilarating atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Similarly, Rudolf Weber-Arena, 9.7km away, pulsates with sporting energy. For a different vibe, Zeche Carl in Essen provides a lively setting for music concerts and entertainment, ideal for a vibrant night out.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Alpincenter Bottrop, located 8.0km from Essen, where you can enjoy the snowy slopes indoors with family. Alternatively, dive into adventure at AQUApark Oberhausen, situated 9.7km away, featuring exciting water slides and family-friendly entertainment.

For climbing enthusiasts, Kletterhalle Bergwerk, 29.0km from Essen, offers a fantastic outdoor climbing experience, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a chance to test their skills in a sports-focused environment.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife in Essen by visiting the Philharmonie Essen for captivating performances, or immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere at Aalto-Musiktheater. For a vibrant show, don’t miss the Colosseum Theater, where romance and entertainment blend seamlessly under the dazzling lights.

Find the best attractions in and around Essen

Essen caters to a variety of vacation styles, including business, family, and entertainment. Visitors can explore a range of popular attractions such as conference venues, museums, and urban parks, providing cultural and outdoor experiences for all. Whether you’re travelling with family or seeking a taste of local culture, Essen offers a wealth of engaging activities to ensure a memorable visit.

• Messe Essen: This modern conference venue is a hub for business and trade events, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with innovative exhibitions and networking opportunities. The architecture is striking, and the venue hosts various international fairs, making it an essential stop for those interested in the commercial pulse of the region.
• Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic coal mine embodies the industrial heritage of the Ruhr area. Visitors can explore its impressive architecture and learn about its cultural significance, making it a fascinating journey into Germany's industrial past.
• Cranger Kirmes: Located 14.5km away, this lively fairground is perfect for families. With thrilling rides, games, and traditional German fare, Cranger Kirmes offers a joyful outdoor experience that captures the essence of local festivities.

Best time to go to Essen

The best time to visit Essen can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Essen falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Essen falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	50.4°F (10.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Essen

Essen provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. You can enjoy free attractions like the Cranger Kirmes and explore the city on foot or by utilising affordable public transport options such as trams, subways, and buses. For accommodation, the best value is generally found from July to August and December, with Fridays being the cheapest nights to stay. Consider booking one month in advance or seeking last-minute deals on Expedia. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Essen are July to August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Essen is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Essen is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Essen is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make savings by combining your hotel reservation in Essen with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.