Essen, Germany: 3 Days of Quirky Fun!

Discover family fun in Essen, Germany – where culture meets adventure!

19 July 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Essen's Quirky Side

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Livres, where pancakes are piled high and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
  • Immerse yourself in art at Museum Folkwang, where masterpieces by Van Gogh and Picasso await your admiration.
  • Take a stroll through the Grugapark, a lush green oasis where you can frolic amidst blooming flowers, hidden ponds, and whimsical sculptures.
  • Feed your inner bookworm at the Book Market in the southern part of the city, where you can browse through stacks of literature treasures.
  • End your day with a delicious dinner at Balinese Dream, a wacky restaurant with colorful decor, serving up delightful Indonesian cuisine.
Day 2

Industrial Marvels and Culinary Delights

  • Marvel at the industrial architecture of Zeche Zollverein, a former coal mine turned UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit Gasometer, a massive gas holder transformed into an awe-inspiring exhibition space, showcasing breathtaking installations.
  • Treat yourself to a scrumptious lunch at "Brauhaus Henninger", a traditional German brewery serving mouthwatering sausages and pretzels.
  • Explore the Folkwang Museum, where photography, sculpture, and design intertwine to create a visual feast for your artistic appetite.
  • Unwind in style at the Limbecker Platz, Essen's largest shopping center, where you can shop till you drop and find everything your heart desires.
Day 3

Nature and Family Fun

  • Start your day with a trip to Baldeneysee, a stunning lake perfect for a leisurely bicycle ride or a tranquil picnic by the water.
  • Delve into the mysteries of the universe at the Zeiss Planetarium, where dazzling star shows will leave you gazing in awe.
  • Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch at "Curry & Chili", a quirky little eatery known for serving delicious homemade currywurst.
  • Take the kids to Movie Park Germany, a thrilling amusement park with heart-stopping roller coasters and beloved movie-themed attractions.
  • End your trip on a sweet note with a visit to Rüttenscheid, a charming neighborhood known for its delightful cafés and irresistible ice cream parlors.

Length of stay

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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

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.

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.

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.

5-Day Essen Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

Explore the industrial beauty of Essen, Germany on a limited budget trip. Visit the famous Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and the Museum Folkwang. Dine at the local food markets and stay at affordable hostels or Airbnbs for an economical stay.