Things to Do in Essen, Germany: Insider Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for Your Trip to Essen

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you’ll need before visiting Essen.

Location

Essen is located in western Germany in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, right in the heart of the Ruhr region.

After Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund, Essen is the fourth-largest city in NRW and part of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region.

From Essen, the nearest city is never far away: Düsseldorf and Dortmund are about 35 kilometers away, Duisburg is 20 minutes by car, and Gelsenkirchen is right around the corner.

Our Hotel Recommendations

Here are our hotel picks in Essen for every budget:

Travel Guides

Prefer traveling with something tangible in your bag? There’s a solid selection of travel guides covering Essen. Here are our favorite travel guides for Essen:

This travel guide gives you an overview of the classic sights, hotels, and restaurants in Essen. You’ll also find plenty of insider tips, cycling routes, and culinary recommendations.

Essen erleben
This happiness-themed guide introduces you to trendy restaurants and cafés and recommends walks through the many parks or along the Ruhr River. In Essen, a great moment is always just around the corner.

Glücksorte in Essen
If you enjoy hiking or walking, the BaldeneySteig and the Kettwiger Panoramasteig might be right up your alley. This hiking guide offers tips on places to eat, overnight stays, and points of interest along various loop trails.

Urbane Steige in Essen

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Essen, Germany

Our Expert

Hey, I’m Sherin, and in 2013 I moved from Hamburg to Essen — and I’ve been here ever since.

From the beautiful Hanseatic city to the Ruhr? Sounds crazy, some might think. But so much that was wonderful was waiting for me here.

Essen wasn’t entirely unfamiliar to me either: I grew up right around the corner — between Düsseldorf in the Rhineland and Essen in the Ruhr region.

And I’ve truly fallen in love with this city. Calling it home is no exaggeration, and I’m excited to share lots of tips for visiting Essen with you.

Essen in Three Words

Colorful, warm-hearted, urban and village-like all at once (okay, not quite three words, hehe).

Why Go There?

The Ruhr region’s reputation has certainly changed over the past two decades. But time and again I meet people who have never been and still picture smoke rising from massive chimneys of the coal industry.

The end of coal mining in the Ruhr region wasn’t all that long ago — the last mine closed in December 2018 — but industry no longer defines the cityscape. The memory of it, however, lives on in a wealth of cultural sites.

So why should you visit Essen? Come for a city trip to this Ruhr metropolis and I promise: you’ll head home with a completely different impression!

What Makes Essen Unique

Art-house cinema has a long tradition in Essen. In the city center you’ll find the Lichtburg, Germany’s largest and most historically significant movie palace.

And the Galerie Cinema in Essen-Rüttenscheid has something unique of its own: it’s not only the smallest, but also the oldest art-house cinema in the Ruhr region, with just 45 seats.

Industrial heritage in abundance with UNESCO World Heritage status awaits you at Zeche Zollverein.

The small corner shops that have cult status throughout the Ruhr region — similar to the late-night shops in Berlin — go by many names: Trinkhalle, Stehcafé, Kiosk, Bude, Büdchen.

Football culture lives on at the bar “11 Freunde,” which you may recognize from TV: Sport 1 broadcast the Fantalk with Thomas Helmer from there until 2018.

Even more history and cult status? In Essen-Holsterhausen you can check out Germany’s oldest gas station, dating back to 1924.

Things to Do in Essen, Germany

Must-Sees

This is definitely not an under-the-radar pick, but: the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein is simply not to be missed.

It’s a massive complex where you can easily spend an entire day. Alongside the impressive headframe tower, you’ll find museums, galleries, guided tours, restaurants, playgrounds, concerts, dance theater, and street food festivals.

Be sure to check the Zeche Zollverein events calendar before you go.

On a Rainy Day

When it rains, treat yourself to a cozy day at the movies — complete with premieres and celebrities — at the Lichtburg. The main auditorium seats 1,250 people in red velvet-covered chairs.

Or join a maximum of 44 other guests at the smallest Ruhr region cinema in Essen-Rüttenscheid at the Galerie Cinema.

Essen also has some lovely museums and historic sites worth visiting on rainy days, such as the Villa Hügel.

With Kids

Go rowing or pedal boating on the Ruhr, or run wild on the many playgrounds in Gruga Park.

The Gruga is a huge park right in the middle of Essen-Rüttenscheid. Since the late 1920s, it has hosted multiple horticultural shows.

The last house designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser also stands in Gruga Park. The Hundertwasser House with its golden tower is best photographed from the bridge between the Orangerie and the Botanical Garden.

For kids, there are playgrounds, small and large animals, the Grugabahn miniature railway, and lots of nature-themed activities.

On rainy days, the Phänomania Erfahrungsfeld in Essen-Schonnebeck is a great choice: a children’s museum where kids can run their own experiments.

Fair warning — things get quite lively in there and the noise level is impressive. But even as an adult you can have a blast, because there’s so much to touch and try out.

Best Day Trip

I recommend the area around Baldeneysee, a lake that stretches across several neighborhoods of Essen. You can go for a stroll, hike, take an excursion boat with the White Fleet, row your own boat, or sip cocktails on the beach. Stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing are also possible.

Around the regatta course you’ll find restaurants, a small high ropes course, and a man-made beach, the Seaside Beach.

My tip: Bring your own food and find a spot on the meadows or benches right by the lake — it’s the perfect place to let your mind wander.

To Relax

Your best bet is to find a spot around Baldeneysee or along the Ruhr. If you want peace and quiet, avoid the area around the regatta course.

In the Essen-Heisingen neighborhood, the lake is much more peaceful. The Ruhr is beautiful and tranquil in many directions. If you’re not traveling by car, take the S-Bahn 6 or a bus line to reach the lake and the Ruhr.

In northeastern Essen, you can visit the Mechtenberg Landscape Park and walk across three city boundaries at once: the fields, forests, and hills stretch across the Ruhr region cities of Essen, Bochum, and Gelsenkirchen.

At Bauer Budde, you can stop in at the café, shop at the farm store, and visit the petting zoo.

Best Viewpoints

Without a doubt: a slag heap! There are plenty of them in the Ruhr region. These heaps were formed from the waste material of coal mining.

In northern Essen, in the Altenessen neighborhood, you’ll find the Schurenbachhalde. On top of it — as on almost every slag heap in the Ruhr — there’s a piece of public art. In this case, the “Bramme für das Ruhrgebiet” — a 15-meter-tall rusty monolith. Even more impressive, though, is the genuinely stunning panorama over Essen’s skyline.

A cluster of high-rises also surrounds the main train station in Essen’s city center. Just a few hundred meters away, you can ride up to the 22nd floor of the new city hall and enjoy the vista from above.

You’ll get a lovely view of fields, river, and forest from the Korte Klippe at Baldeneysee in Essen-Heisingen.

Best Photo Spot

Truly a tough one — by now all the secret spots and lost places have made their way into travel guides and blogs.

Here are two ideas for you:

With a little imagination, you can get a Central Park vibe right in Essen — just like in New York City. In the Stadtpark, on the bank of the pond looking out over the water toward Opernplatz, greenery and flowers surround you while the blue sky reflects in the glass of the skyscrapers on the horizon. A fantastic shot.

Otherwise, the entire grounds of Zeche Zollverein are a real treasure trove for hobby photographers. Virtually every stone there has already been turned into a photo subject. If you want to see more than the average visitor, it will cost you a bit of money — but it’s absolutely worth it. On a photo walk at Zeche Zollverein, a guide will show you spots that would otherwise stay hidden.

Craziest Activity

Did I mention Zeche Zollverein already? Yes, sorry. But ice skating in winter and sunbathing by the pool in summer between the headframe tower and the coking plant is pretty impressive, isn’t it?

And from what I’ve heard — since I haven’t done it myself — the Essen City Trail has something decidedly wild about it: this sightseeing run takes participants not just past Essen’s highlights, but right through them.

Whether it’s a popcorn break at the Lichtburg movie palace or a selfie with the mayor of Essen at city hall — the organizers always come up with something new.

Best Annual Event

Every year on Whit Monday, Essen hosts a long-standing free outdoor event: the Werden Open-Air. Artists such as the Mighty Oaks, The Whitest Boy Alive, Biffy Clyro, and Die Orsons have all performed there.

On a musical note — though in a somewhat different way — the bar Banditen wie wir in Essen-Rüttenscheid hosts several events a year: at the Banditen Playback Show and the Advent Sing-Along, everyone gets a turn on the big, glittery stage. Great people and a great atmosphere.

And finally, something cultural: the ExtraSchicht — Night of Industrial Culture connects the major industrial monuments across the entire Ruhr region once a year, always on the last Saturday in June.

With shuttle buses, you can travel from spot to spot and take in a variety of events at unique venues — like the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum, the Duisburg inner harbor, or Zeche Carl in Essen — all with a single ticket.

Best Museum

If you’re into art, the Museum Folkwang is the place for you — it’s one of Germany’s most renowned art museums, with an extensive collection and rotating exhibitions by major artists.

You also shouldn’t miss the Ruhr Museum on the grounds of Zeche Zollverein. Here you’ll find the natural and cultural history of the Ruhr region presented in a modern, anything-but-dusty permanent exhibition. In my opinion, it’s simply part of any city trip to Essen.

Much smaller but very unusual is the Museum Soul of Africa in Essen-Rüttenscheid. Here you’ll learn everything about the African continent, its people, culture, and history — with a special focus on the Voodoo tradition.

Favorite Neighborhood

You can take a leisurely stroll through the historic town centers of Essen-Werden or Essen-Kettwig — always close to the Ruhr.

Not by the water, but with a distinctly hipster vibe, are the neighborhoods of Essen-Rüttenscheid and Essen-Süd. There you can eat out, go out, and shop in small boutiques.

The Mädchenviertel, with its many colorful old buildings, is simply lovely to walk through.

Food and Drink in Essen

Culinary Specialty

You should treat yourself to a mixed bag from the corner kiosk, with both sweet and sour Bömskes (candies). Beyond that, the dining scene is truly extensive and varied.

For a special and particularly delicious pizza, head to Zodiac in Essen Süd: tomato sauce on whole-grain spelt dough with only vegetarian or vegan toppings.

And pair it with a genuine Essen pilsner, the Stauder beer. It tastes great — honestly, really honestly!

Favorite Restaurants

Pottsalat is a true one-of-a-kind. Independent of any chain or delivery service, this place has made a real name for itself. Only catch: there’s no restaurant. You can have your food delivered or pick it up. Definitely try “Frank sein Salat” — developed with TV chef Frank Rosin. It features sweet potato tahini balls, red lentils, and feta cheese.

I only recently discovered Curry Masala in Essen-Frohnhausen. As the name suggests, you’ll find Asian curries on the menu — lots of them, prepared in a variety of styles. Give the Kathmandu Nepali Curry a try!

I’d also recommend Moji in Essen-Werden with its great vegetarian and vegan dishes, Karawane with Oriental delicacies, and PAN’s Bebop, which probably has the most cheerful staff in the city and the most delicious savory waffles piled high with toppings.

Best Burger

Like in every other major city, burger joints have been popping up like mushrooms here too.

The options are enormous, but if I have to pick the best burger in town, here are my two favorites:

First, 200g Grill & Bar in Essen-Holsterhausen — with a really great selection of vegan and vegetarian burgers.

Otherwise, I’d also suggest Tofino in Essen-Süd.

Best Ice Cream

In Essen-Rüttenscheid, I can recommend two ice cream shops at once.

Classic spaghetti ice cream or banana splits are available at Mörchens Eis.

Hand-held ice cream is available at I am Love on Moltkestraße in Essen-Süd. It originally came from Bochum and is my personal favorite — seriously delicious. Flavors like Black Sesame, Tehran, Salted Caramel, or Date are a must-try.

My tip: Take your ice cream and walk about 1.5 minutes around the corner to Isenbergplatz to the Goldbar. There you’re welcome to sit in a beach chair with your ice cream and order a cappuccino to go with it.

Best Breakfast

Oh, I love going out for breakfast and can hardly make up my mind here either. Here are three recommendations.

Café Livres in Essen-Süd — make sure to try the scones. They’re made fresh and you’ll need to wait 20 minutes. Worth every minute, I promise.

At Zweibar, I recommend the breakfast burger. Lots of delicious ingredients inside a pretzel roll. Vegetarian options available too.

Le Chat Noir is actually a wine bar and French bistro that doesn’t open until 6 p.m. On Saturdays, they also serve a wonderful breakfast — reservations recommended.

I’d also recommend Zweibar and Le Chat Noir for a relaxed end to your evening.

Going Out at Night?

In Essen’s city center and in the neighborhoods of Rüttenscheid and Süd, you’ll find the most bars, pubs, and clubs.

At the Temple Bar, head to “The Banquet” for indie classics, or disco, funk, and wave at the ’80s parties.

The bar Banditen wie wir has a reputation as an artists’ hangout. I love it there even without being an artist. The spirits selection is enormous.

At Zweibar, you can not only enjoy a great breakfast and a meal, but also dance during Soul Squad nights.

Those who prefer something rockier will be happy at Süd-Rock in Essen-Süd, Café Nord, or Turock in the city center.

Electronic music fans will get their fix at the Goethebunker in Essen-Rüttenscheid.

If you just want to go out for a drink, you can switch venues every hour in Rüttenscheid — from Essen’s oldest pub, Ampütte, to the trendy cocktail bar Fcuk Yoga.

Where to Stay in Essen

Our Hotel Recommendation

The location of the Unperfekthotel, directly across from the Limbecker Platz shopping center with its subway station, is ideal for a city trip to Essen. You’ll find single and double rooms, as well as a shared apartment-style hotel with space for six to 14 people. From the rooftop terrace, you also get a lovely view over the city.

At the end of 2020, the Moxy City Hotel opened in Essen. The location right near the main train station is great, though I can’t say anything about the quality just yet.

Camping and pitching a tent along the Ruhr is possible at various sites. Ruhrcamping is one of the largest and offers a converted wagon hotel, a restored minibus with a rooftop tent, and vacation rentals.

My final tip: Essen is a wonderful city for cycling. You can ride for miles along old rail trails or on an ever-growing network of bike lanes. So, come to Essen, bring your bike, a good appetite, and a love of (industrial) culture!