Essen in a Weekend: Romance, Castles, and Cuisine

Fall in love all over again in Essen, Germany.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Art, Parks and Romance

  • Check into your hotel, the Mintrops Stadt Hotel Margarethenhöhe, located in a historic district with charming cobblestone streets.
  • Visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is now a cultural center hosting art exhibitions and events.
  • Take a romantic stroll through the Grugapark, a 70-hectare park with gardens, lakes, and a forest. Stop at the rose garden for great photo opportunities.
  • Indulge in some authentic German cuisine at Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei. Try their crispy pork knuckle and wash it down with their homemade beer.
  • End the day with a splendid view of the city from the observation deck of the ThyssenKrupp towerthe highest building in Essen.
Day 2

Castles, Shopping and Food

  • Head to Schloss Borbeck, a stunning castle with a moat that was once home to nobility. Take a guided tour and learn about its history and legends.
  • Discover the charming borough of Kettwig, known for its small boutiques and shops. Stroll along the Ruhr river while searching for unique souvenirs.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Café Muckefuck, a cozy café with delicious cakes and pastries. The apple pie and cheesecake are a must-try.
  • For dinner, treat yourself to a delightful meal at Hugenpöttchen. This restaurant occupies a 400-year-old half-timbered house and serves up exquisite French-inspired cuisine with a regional twist.
  • Finally, end your trip on a high note with drinks at the rooftop bar of the Limbecker Platz shopping mall. Sip on a cocktail while enjoying the cityscape.

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

2-Day Fun Plan to Discover Essen, Germany

As a tourist, a trip to Essen, Germany would offer an experience of rich industrial heritage blended with modern advancements. The city boasts of multiple art galleries and museums showcasing contemporary art and history. The Zeche Zollverein coal mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presents a remarkable exhibit of the city's industrial past.

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.

5-Day Adventure in Essen, Germany

Essen, Germany is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists seeking stunning architecture and delicious food. Its wide range of restaurants serving authentic German cuisine and modern international fare promises to delight even the most discriminating palates. Don't miss visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, an iconic landmark that showcases the city's rich industrial heritage.

Thrifty Essen: 3 Perfect Days on a Budget

Essen, Germany is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers with its numerous affordable attractions and reasonably priced accommodations. Visitors can explore the city's rich industrial heritage at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy the green spaces of Grugapark, a sprawling urban park. Additionally, the city is home to several museums and galleries, many of which offer free admission on certain days.