Essen, Germany: 2 days of budget-friendly fun!

Discover the charm of Essen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Essen, Germany is a great city for an affordable trip as it has plenty of free attractions such as the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hostels and budget hotels are available in the city to help reduce costs further. Visitors can enjoy the city's traditional German food scene and explore its numerous parks without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Industrial Wonders

  • Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Nord, a cozy little spot serving up delicious German pastries and coffee.
  • Visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into Essen's industrial past.
  • Enjoy a stroll around the Museum Folkwang, one of Germany's top art museums exhibiting contemporary art, photography and design.
  • Head to Krupp Park and explore the lush greenery and sculptural art installations.
  • Have dinner at Essen pur, a local favorite for traditional German cuisine at affordable prices.
  • Finish off the day with a pint of beer at Kettwiger Brauhaus, a cozy pub serving up a variety of locally brewed beers.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at Hotel Kessing, a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center.
Day 2

City Vibes

  • Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Solo, a cozy spot with a fantastic selection of breakfast items.
  • Explore the city center and check out some of Essen's architectural wonders, such as the Philharmonie concert hall and the impressive Rathaus (city hall).
  • Visit Alpincenter Bottrop, an indoor ski resort located just outside of Essen. It's a unique experience worth trying, especially for those who've never skied before.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Grugapark, a vast expanse of greenery with beautiful gardens and a small lake.
  • Have dinner at La Piazza, a casual Italian restaurant known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and cozy atmosphere.
  • After dinner, head to the Carambolage Bar for a nightcap and some live music.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at Hotel Atelier Garni, a charming boutique hotel located in the trendy Rüttenscheid district.

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

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Essen, Germany: 2 days of budget-friendly fun!

Essen, Germany is a great city for an affordable trip as it has plenty of free attractions such as the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hostels and budget hotels are available in the city to help reduce costs further. Visitors can enjoy the city's traditional German food scene and explore its numerous parks without breaking the bank.