Things to do in Essen

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Essen travel guide

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What to do in Essen

Popular places to visit

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

Explore a complex described as the most beautiful coal mine in the world to find captivating museums and learn about Essen’s fascinating industrial heritage.

Baldeneysee

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Baldeneysee during your travels in Essen. Take in the theatre scene while you're in the area.

Grugapark Botanical Garden

Go on a botanical tour of the world and indulge your senses in the beautifully maintained displays of this garden in Essen’s large municipal park.

Ruhr Museum

Discover the rich cultural and natural history of the Ruhr region when you peruse the exhibits in this repurposed building in the former Zollverein coal mine.

Folkwang Museum

Photography, modern art and German posters are among the themes in this museum, which combines three major collections into one wide-ranging survey.

Aalto-Musiktheater

Enjoy a night of opera or ballet in this landmark theater that incorporates contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art acoustics into its design.

Red Dot Design Museum

First-rate contemporary design is the theme that unites the exhibits on display at this museum, which is housed within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Messe Essen

Learn about the events happening in Messe Essen during your trip to Essen. Take in the theatre scene while you're in the area.

Grugahalle

You can enjoy a show at Grugahalle on your trip to Essen. Take in the theatre scene while you're in the area.

Areas of Essen

Stadtkern

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and bars, there's plenty to explore in Stadtkern. Top attractions like Philharmonie Essen and Limbecker Platz are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Ruettenscheid

4/5(6 area reviews)

Ruettenscheid is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around.

This is a handheld long exposure of the waterfall in the Grugapark.

Stadtbezirke II

If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke II, check out sights like Grugahalle or Grugapark Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.

Stadtbezirke I

While you're in Stadtbezirke I, take in top sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.

Suedviertel

Get to know Suedviertel and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Aalto-Musiktheater and Folkwang Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Philharmonie U-Bahn or Bismarckplatz U-Bahn to get around the city.

view of the Ruhr region from the tetraeder in Bottrop

Bredeney

Bredeney is well liked for its beaches and restaurants. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Villa Hugel and Seaside Beach Baldeney are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Essen-Hügel S-Bahn or Kruppallee Essen Station to get around.

Oberhausen

Ratingen

Bochum

Gelsenkirchen

Frequently asked questions

Is Essen worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Essen is visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's views and family-friendly attractions.

How do I spend a day in Essen?

When you've checked off major attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen and Seaside Beach Baldeney, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Essen.

What is the top tourist attraction in Essen?

The top tourist attraction in Essen is LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen, so be sure to add it to your agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Essen?

You can easily enjoy top sights like Seaside Beach Baldeney, AQUApark Oberhausen and Metronom Theatre with a three-day stay in Essen. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and head to Düsseldorf.

Is Essen a walkable city?

It depends on what you plan to see and do in Essen. Several key attractions, such as Colosseum Theatre and Essen Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Essen's best neighbourhoods, Stadtbezirke I is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Stadtkern is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Essen with kids?

If you're looking for activities and attractions for all the family, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Essen with kids.

What to do in Essen for adults?

Grugahalle and Red Dot Design Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Essen. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Essen?

One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Essen is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Baldeneysee is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.