Essen,
Essen is a vibrant city located in the western part of Germany, known for its industrial history and cultural heritage. It is home to the iconic Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city boasts an eclectic mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, offering visitors a fascinating blend of past and present.
Essen also hosts various cultural events, museums, and parks, making it a dynamic destination for locals and tourists alike.
Places to visit
Key Phrases
Speak like a local
- "Guten Morgen" - Good Morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Discovering Essen
morning:Start your day with a visit to the Grugapark, a beautiful and diverse park with a great variety of plants. Later, explore the Villa Hügel, a magnificent mansion that provides insight into the city's history. Don't forget to have breakfast at Miamamia, a cozy café with delicious pastries.
afternoon:In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Museum Folkwang to admire its impressive collection of modern art. Then, head to the Krupp-Park to enjoy a peaceful walk and great views of the lake. For lunch, try some traditional German dishes at Altfränkische Weinstube.
evening:Wrap up your day with a visit to Rü, a trendy area filled with bars and restaurants perfect for a night-out. 🌃
Cultural Exploration
morning:Start by visiting the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers fascinating insights into the industrial history of the region. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Meerkamp, a popular spot known for its delicious German cuisine.
afternoon:Spend the afternoon at the Red Dot Design Museum, where you can admire innovative design pieces from around the world. Then, head to the Philharmonie Essen to catch a classical music performance. For a quick bite, try some local street food at Markt 51.
evening:In the evening, head to the Rüttenscheider Stern, a lively area with a vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of bars and pubs. 🌃
Nature and Relaxation
morning:Start your day with a visit to Grillo-Theater, a historic theater in the heart of Essen. Then, take a relaxing walk through the Grugapark and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café Extrablatt.
afternoon:Spend your afternoon at the Botanischer Garten Grugapark, home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Afterward, take a boat tour on Baldeneysee Lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery. For lunch, try the delectable dishes at HopfenSack.
evening:End your day with a visit to the trendy Rüttenscheider Straße, known for its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, perfect for a fun night-out. 🌃
Food and Art Exploration
morning:Begin your day with a visit to the Museum Folkwang, renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Then, explore the Stadtgarten, a beautiful park with delightful flower beds. Have a scrumptious breakfast at Café Livres, a cozy café with a great selection of pastries and coffee.
afternoon:In the afternoon, visit the RWE Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Essen and beyond. Then, head to the Aalto-Theater to catch a mesmerizing performance. For a delightful lunch, try the gourmet sandwiches at Slüüp.
evening:Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant district of Rüttenscheider Stern, filled with lively bars and pubs perfect for a memorable night-out. 🌃
Essen Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Rinderroulade
A traditional dish of thinly sliced beef rolled around a filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles, slowly braised until tender. Best enjoyed with rich gravy and a side of red cabbage and potatoes. Recommended at Gasthaus Brauerei Jacob in the old town.
Must-Try!
Currywurst
A beloved German fast food classic featuring pork sausage sliced and smothered in a tangy curry ketchup, often served with fries. Head to Pommes Freunde for a delicious rendition of this iconic dish.
Himmel und Äd
A regional specialty translating to 'Heaven and Earth', blending mashed potatoes ('earth'), apple sauce ('heaven'), and black pudding. The best version is found at Haus Brauweiler, a charming tavern known for its authentic Ruhr cuisine.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Essen Street Food Market
Located in the trendy area around Girardet Haus, this vibrant market features a diverse range of international street food offerings, from Korean bibimbap to Mexican tacos and more. Open on weekends, it's a haven for foodies seeking global flavors.
Markttag am Weberplatz
Every Tuesday and Friday, Weberplatz hosts a bustling market showcasing local produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and a variety of snacks such as bratwurst and pretzels. It's a great place to savor the local ingredients and mingle with the residents.
Things to do in Essen
Unique local experiences...
Pet sitters in Essen
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!