Location: Essen
Top Things to do in Essen
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
Essen began in the mid-9th century as home to a women's abbey, then during the Renaissance became an important coal mining town and later a major steel production center. The famed metal-working Krupp family opened their first foundry here in 1810. One of Essen's most interesting places is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, once the largest colliery in the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts 800,000 visitors a year, often hosting art exhibitions and performances.
Restaurants in Essen
1. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,414 reviews
Reviewed By KarinvanB
They are still re-opening/re-arranging areas of the old mines for the people. You can get on the terrain without paying a fee and just walk around. There is also a cycling path. I would suggest to visit the museum. The very long escalator is a highlight itself. There is plenty to see. You can have a drink afterwards at the cafe. Plenty of parkingspaces. The area is also good accessable by train. Everywhere in Essen you see pictures of the Zollverein. Happy I finally got to meet it, in real life????.
2. Villa Hugel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 590 reviews
Reviewed By SERGUEY1969 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Very Nice Krupp Family House located in the Park nearby the river. Historical Place with more than 100 years History. I was pleased to be there.
3. Museum Folkwang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By samuel8248 - Nuremberg, Germany
So far the best art museum I've visited in Germany. Amazing permanent collection. Way better than expected. Beautiful artworks
4. Ruhr Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By 355stefang - Brussels, Belgium
The Ruhr Museum is easily one of the best and most interesting museums I have ever visited anywhere in the world. Naturally, the fact the museum is in a HUGE, old industrial building is in itself extremely interesting. It's almost like one day the machines were just switched off, and then the next day a museum bloomed inside. Spread out over several floors, you will have to spend a day or even two to really see and read everything in the museum (most description cards were only in German, if I remember correctly, but there was also English for much of the museum). You can also go to the rooftop for wonderful views of the Zollverein complex. Obligatory giftshop and toilets available inside, as well. In the museum you'll gain an understanding of the impact the Ruhr Gebiet (Ruhr Valley/Area) had on the local population - how it was essentially their livelihood - and a good understanding of the impact industrialization has had on the environment, and what's being done about it today. There are numerous mining objects, countless gems, rocks, animals, etc., so many you'd think you actually went to a natural history museum. I can't express how fantastic this museum was. There is so much to see and the building itself and old mining machinery just make this an awesome experience. Highly recommended!
5. Daktari
6. Botanischer Garten Grugapark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
Reviewed By KarinvanB
I took the metro to the park. There are 2 stations. From Gruga/Messe West it is only a few steps to the park. I enjoyed my early morning run here. I could just go through the gate without paying a fee. The park is beautiful! You can walk, run, place. Enjoy the water, statues and nature. For the kids there are trampolines and playgrounds. You can enjoy a coffee or snack at one of the bistros. It is nice to walk by the Ronald McDonald Haus designed by the architect Hundertwasser. There is also a path especially created for wheelchairs/strollers.
7. Alte Synagoge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By isabella_deruiter - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
What an amazing place is that. It used to be a synagogue and nowadays it's a center of information about Jewish life and culture in general. Definitely take the audioguide, it's superb. There are different parts of the exhibition you can visit. There is one about the history of this place, one about the history of the Jews in Essen, furthermore there is information about Jewish holidays and about Jewish life and traditions. Did you know how many Hebrew words we integrated in our language? How the different holidays are being celebrated? How a thora roll is being made? I have learned so many new things by coming here. The place is very welcoming and the displays are interesting, multimedial and modern. You can even learn some Jewish folk dances! Just follow the instructions and watch yourself in the mirror. I would recommend everybody to have a look here, it's really a hidden gem in the city of Essen. Suitable for all ages.
8. Essener Dom
9. Old Town Kettwig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By hestervanaalst - Elst, The Netherlands
Really nice old part of the city to walk through. Nice promenade along the river, nice half wooden houses and nice little cafes for a good cup of coffee. We walked there for an hour of two.
10. Baldeneysee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By KarinvanB
The lake is pretty long. Approx. 8 km. You can enjoy a walk along the water. Or cycle around the lake on the good path. There is even a bridge (for walkers/cyclists only) to cross the lake. There are several places where you can stop for drinks, snacks & meals. Or bring your own to have a picknick, or sit on one of the many benches. On a sunny day, you can rent a sunbed/deckchair. When it gets too hot, just go into the water. There a designated areas where you are allowed to swim (although the water did not look too clean to me). If you are more into sports/activities: just rent a boat, go surfing, standup paddling, etc. You do not pay an entrance- or parking fee. You can also get to the lake by train. Railwaystation: Essen-Hügel.
