Things To Do
in Essen

Expansive heathland and shifting sand dunes offer wide landscapes, moody skies and seasonal colours — excellent at sunrise or golden hour.

Picturesque town centre scenes with cafés, the town hall and everyday local life — good for street and architectural photography.

Rural lanes and cross-border trails provide rustic scenes, fences, beech avenues and quiet farmland — ideal for intimate landscape and lifestyle shots.

Small forests and parks around Essen give opportunities for macro, nature and autumn-colour photography.

A slow-cooked beef stew made with beer and onions, served with fries or mashed potatoes; widely available at local brasseries and cosy restaurants.

Must-Try!

A Belgian favourite in season (late spring to autumn), often found on menus in towns across Antwerp province; best enjoyed with a local pilsner or Belgian ale.

Crispy fries with a choice of sauces, and small fried snacks (croquettes, bitterballen-style items) from local fry-shops or market stalls.

Available from bakeries and cafés for breakfast or dessert; try with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

A neighbourhood market (day varies) selling fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, breads and prepared foods — great for sampling local produce and quick bites.

Small fry-shops and street-food kiosks around the town square and transport hubs offering classic Belgian fries, frikandel and other fried snacks.

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language. Greet people with a polite 'Hoi' or 'Goedendag' and use formal phrases like 'alstublieft' and 'dank u' when appropriate. Many people speak good English, but attempting Dutch greetings is appreciated.

Belgians value punctuality — be on time for appointments and tours.

Keep noise levels moderate, especially in residential areas; follow cycling and pedestrian rules and be mindful on public transport.

Municipal recycling is common; follow local rules for waste separation and avoid littering in natural areas.

Service is usually included in the bill but it’s customary to round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service at cafés or restaurants. For taxis and small services, rounding up is common.

Belgium uses the euro. Credit/debit cards (chip-and-PIN) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common too. Carry some cash for small fry-shops, market stalls and rural vendors.

Mild temperatures and blooming heathland make spring a pleasant time for walking and cycling; expect occasional rain and rapidly changing weather, so pack layers and a waterproof.

Warm but rarely hot inland coastal weather, with long daylight hours — ideal for outdoor activities and visiting nearby cities. Popular spots and trails can be busier on fine weekends.

Cooler weather and colourful foliage around woodland and heathland; good season for photographers and quieter walks. Bring warm layers and a windproof jacket.

Chilly, damp and overcast days are common; snow is possible but not guaranteed. Indoor cultural activities and cosy cafés are preferable; roads can be slick in icy conditions.

Closest small international airport serving regional flights and some European routes; convenient for transfers to Essen by car or train via Antwerp.

Belgium’s main international airport near Brussels with extensive flight connections; easily reachable by train or car in under two hours depending on connections.

Low-cost carrier airport in the Netherlands often convenient for international visitors; reachable by car or public transport from Essen for budget flights.

Additional international options in the Netherlands — Schiphol (Amsterdam) is the largest and offers the widest range of flights but is further away; Rotterdam The Hague is a smaller alternative.

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and many restaurants; ask for vegetable stews, salads, omelettes and meat-free versions of classics. Larger towns nearby offer more specialised vegetarian and vegan eateries.

Vegan choices are growing but less ubiquitous in small towns — plan ahead or visit Antwerp for a wider selection. Most places will adapt dishes on request.

Gluten-free options are increasingly available, but always inform staff when ordering; bakeries and fry-shops may have cross-contamination risks.

Staff in Belgian restaurants usually understand common allergens; carry translations if you have severe allergies and double-check ingredients.