Things to do in Essen

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Essen
Essen
Essen
Essen
Essen
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What to do in Essen

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Essen

Ruettenscheid

Ruettenscheid

4/5(2 area reviews)

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Ruettenscheid. Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around the larger area.

Ruettenscheid
Stadtkern

Stadtkern

4.5/5(8 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.

Stadtkern
Stadtbezirke I

Stadtbezirke I

If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke I, check out sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz and hop on the metro to see more the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.

Stadtbezirke I
Suedviertel

Suedviertel

3/5(1 area review)

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Suedviertel. Aalto-Musiktheater and Folkwang Museum are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Philharmonie U-Bahn or Bismarckplatz U-Bahn to get around the larger area.

Suedviertel
view of the Ruhr region from the tetraeder in Bottrop

Bredeney

Get to know Bredeney and its many features like its beaches and restaurants. You might want to explore sights like Villa Hugel and Seaside Beach Baldeney, and you can jump on the metro at Essen-Hügel S-Bahn or Kruppallee Essen Station to get around the city.

Bredeney
Kettwig

Kettwig

5/5(5 area reviews)

Historic sites and restaurants are just a few features Kettwig is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Kettwig S-Bahn or Kettwig Stausee S-Bahn.

Kettwig

Popular day trips from Essen

Oberhausen

Oberhausen

Ratingen

Ratingen

Bochum

Bochum

Bottrop

Bottrop

castle borbeck essen germany

Gelsenkirchen

muelheim an der ruhr germany high defintion panorama

Muelheim an der Ruhr

Hattingen in North Rhine Westphalia by Germany - Cityscape

Hattingen

Maschinenhalle der ehemaligen Zeche Zweckel in Gladbeck, Ruhrgebiet, Deutschland

Gladbeck

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 Theater with a three-day stay in Essen. On average, most travelers 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 Theater and Essen Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Essen's best neighborhoods, Stadtbezirke I is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Stadtkern is 0.16 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without taking your wallet out. Baldeneysee is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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