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

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.

Essen: A Romantic Day of Art and Culture

Explore the charming city of Essen with your significant other and fall in love with the historic architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Take a romantic stroll through the beautiful Grugapark and enjoy the stunning botanical gardens and water features. Treat yourselves to a luxurious stay in a cozy boutique hotel and create unforgettable memories together in this charming German city.

Essen in a Day: History, Art, and Cuisine

A trip to Essen, Germany can provide a delightful blend of history, culture and gastronomic experiences. Visitors can explore the city's industrial past at the Ruhr Museum, admire contemporary art at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, and sample traditional German cuisine at local restaurants. The city also boasts impressive green spaces, such as the Grugapark Botanical Garden, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

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.