Things to do in Essen

Activities, attractions and tours

Essen
Essen
Essen
Essen
Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

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What to do in Essen

Popular places to visit

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

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.

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site
Grugapark Botanical Garden

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.

Grugapark Botanical Garden
Folkwang Museum

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.

Folkwang Museum
Red Dot Design Museum

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.

Red Dot Design Museum
Aalto Theatre

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.

Aalto-Musiktheater
Ruhr Museum

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.

Ruhr Museum
Ruhr

Ruhr

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ruhr during your travels in Essen.

Ruhr

Messe Essen

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

Messe Essen

Baldeneysee

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

Baldeneysee

Areas of Essen

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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.

Ruettenscheid
Essen

Stadtkern

Noted for its shopping and bars, there's plenty to explore in Stadtkern. Top attractions like Philharmonie Essen and International Christmas Market Essen 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
Essen

Stadtbezirke I

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

Stadtbezirke I
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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.

Suedviertel
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Kettwig

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
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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 the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.

Stadtbezirke II
Bochum showing modern architecture, a city and street scenes

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.