Things to do in Essen

Activities, attractions and tours

Essen
Essen
Essen
Essen
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.

Most popular experiences in Essen

Tours & day trips

See all 37 activities
Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 985 per adult
Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission TicketOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 4 activities
Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&children

Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&children

Activity duration is 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 6,998 per traveler*
Airbus Flightsimulator | Flying Experience | adults&childrenOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area

Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,440 per adult
Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr areaOpens in new tab

What to do in Essen

Stay near popular Essen attractions

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

4.5/5 (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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bochum

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.