Things to do in Essen

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern glass building with a landscaped garden in front.
A modern building with a glass facade, a pedestrian bridge, and a large tree.
A modern building with glass windows, surrounded by well-maintained greenery and outdoor seating areas.
A pedestrian bridge with a metal railing and a concrete walkway.
A modern building with a unique facade, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Oberhausen Tickets

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Oberhausen Tickets

P1,440
per adult
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Oberhausen Tickets
Dusseldorf Airport Same Day Luggage Services

Dusseldorf Airport Same Day Luggage Services (1 Traveler 1 Bag)

P8,439
per traveler
Dusseldorf Airport Same Day Luggage Services (1 Traveler 1 Bag)
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

P1,545
per adult
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth
Digital scavenger hunt around the Zeche Zollverein in Essen

Private city rally around the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen

P2,803
per traveler
Private city rally around the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Private audio book city rally around Duisburg’s inner harbour

Private audio book city rally around Duisburg’s inner harbour

P2,803
per traveler
Private audio book city rally around Duisburg’s inner harbour
See all activities in Essen
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Essen

Stay near popular Essen attractions

An industrial area with a canal reflecting structures and greenery.

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

9.0/10 (217 reviews)
This UNESCO-listed complex showcases stunning Bauhaus industrial architecture from Germany's coal mining heyday. Explore the transformed cultural hub through guided tours and visit the Ruhr Museum for regional insights.
See properties

Where to stay in Essen

Find the best Essen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Essen
Learn more about Essen
A colorful building with a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a winding path.

Ruettenscheid

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.

A Grillo-Theater with illuminated spherical decorations and a tree in front.
Photo by Annette Loske
Open Photo by Annette Loske

Stadtkern

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.

A cobblestone street lined with traditional half-timbered buildings and a clear blue sky.

Werden

Check out the monuments during your time in Werden. Hop around the Essen area on the metro at Essen-Werden S-Bahn to see top sights like Essen Luciuskirche and Basilica St. Ludgerus.

A modern building with a glass tower and a flat-roofed structure in a green park.

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.

A modern building with a curved facade, large windows, and a covered entrance area.

Suedviertel

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Suedviertel. Folkwang Museum and Aalto-Musiktheater 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.

CITY POINT building with CITY POINT and H&M signs, a Starbucks Coffee shop, and various other storefronts.

Bochum

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.