A Family-Friendly Adventure in Essen: 2 Days of Fun!

Discover family fun in Essen, Germany - the perfect destination for all ages!

19 July 2023

Essen, Germany is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a plethora of opportunities for fun and exploration. From its world-class museums such as Zeche Zollverein and the Ruhr Museum, to its beautiful green spaces like Grugapark with its botanical garden and playgrounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the city boasts various family-friendly attractions including the Essen Zoo and the exhilarating Movie Park Germany, guaranteeing an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Essen's Cultural Gems

  • Start your day at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, an architectural marvel that’ll make your jaw drop!
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Grugapark, with its blooming flora and charming lake, perfect for a picnic.
  • Discover the Museum Folkwang, a treasure trove of art, showcasing masterpieces from Monet to Warhol.
  • Don't miss the Villa Hügel, a palatial mansion where you can pretend to be a 19th-century aristocrat for a moment or two.
  • Treat your taste buds at Rüttenscheider Sternchen, a cozy restaurant with mouthwatering local cuisine to satisfy your hunger.
Day 2

Family Fun Galore!

  • Dive into the enchanting world of Deutsches Bergbau-Museum, filled with interactive exhibits that explain the wonders of mining.
  • Embark on a quest to capture the essence of ancient times at the Ruhr Museum, located in the stunning Zeche Zollverein.
  • Head over to Grillo-Theater, where mesmerizing performances will transport you to another dimension.
  • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Grugabad, a sprawling water park where you can splash, slide, and soak up the sun.
  • Indulge in a memorable dinner at Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, where you can savor traditional German fare and handcrafted beer.
  • Hotel Recommendation:
  • For a family-friendly stay, book a room at Hotel Frohnhausen. With its charming atmosphere and excellent amenities, it's the perfect home away from home for your adventure in Essen. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, a delicious breakfast, and friendly staff ready to make your stay unforgettable.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Essen by plane is to fly into Düsseldorf International Airport and take the regional express train (RE1) to Essen Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 30 minutes.

Car

Driving to Essen is relatively easy, with the city being well-connected to Germany's motorway network. The A40 and A52 both pass through Essen, making it easily accessible from cities such as Dortmund and Düsseldorf.

Train

Essen is well-connected by rail, with Essen Hauptbahnhof being the main train station. It is possible to take a train from almost anywhere in Germany to Essen. The fastest route is via high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt, which takes around 2.5 hours.

Boat

As Essen is situated inland, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, it is possible to take a boat trip along the nearby Rhine River, which passes through Düsseldorf and Duisburg, both of which are easily accessible from Essen via train or car.

Bus

There are many bus companies that operate routes to and from Essen. Flixbus and Eurolines are two popular options, with both offering services to nearby cities such as Amsterdam and Brussels.

Destination

Essen

Welcome to the land of sausages, sauerkraut, and beer, where Essen, the city that sounds like you're eating, awaits you with open arms (and full stomachs!). Just don't be fooled by the name, it's not all about the food here - though it is pretty delicious.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Romantic Long Weekend in Essen, Germany

Essen, Germany, is a cozy city that offers plenty of romantic activities for couples. Visitors can explore the beautiful botanical gardens, take a stroll and enjoy a coffee in one of the many charming cafés, or indulge in the local cuisine at a candlelit dinner. Among the top attractions are the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, the Museum Folkwang, and the Grugapark park and garden.

Essen on a Budget: A Thrifty Adventure!

Essen, Germany can be a budget-friendly trip with its inexpensive accommodations and low-cost food options. Visitors can explore the city's history and culture through free walking tours and cheaper admission to museums and attractions. To save on transportation costs, visitors can use the city's extensive public transportation system, and for a cheap souvenir, they can shop at the local markets and thrift stores.

Essen, Germany: 3 Days of Quirky Fun!

Essen, Germany offers a family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun activities for all ages. Explore the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Germany's industrial history, or visit the beautiful Grugapark filled with lush gardens, playgrounds, and a mini zoo. Unleash your inner child at Movie Park Germany, an exhilarating amusement park with thrilling rides and beloved movie-themed attractions.

Essen in a Weekend: Romance, Castles, and Cuisine

Essen offers a charming and less crowded getaway for couples that want to escape the hustle and bustle of other popular German cities. Visitors can explore the city's rich history through its museums and architectural landmarks or indulge in its culinary scene. The city's beautiful parks, gardens, and lakes offer several romantic spots to enjoy a peaceful moment with your partner.