Escape for a Romantic Long Weekend in Essen

Fall in love with Essen, Germany: where romance meets rich culture.

22 April 2023

Essen, Germany is a perfect destination for a romantic trip. This vibrant city offers amazing sights, cozy restaurants, and plenty of romantic spots to explore. From admiring the stunning architecture to witnessing beautiful sunsets over the city, your trip to Essen will be filled with unforgettable experiences.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Essen

  • Start the day with a stroll in the beautiful Grugapark and enjoy the calming sounds of nature.
  • Head to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the history of coal mining in the region.
  • Visit the Villa Hügel, a grand mansion that was once the residence of the legendary Krupp family, and get an insight into their luxurious lifestyle.
  • In the evening, dine at the Rüttenscheider Markt, a lively street food market with an array of local specialties to choose from.
  • Wind down with a nightcap at the cozy TIBS cocktail bar, known for its unique concoctions.
  • Hotel recommendation: Sheraton Essen Hotel
Day 2

A Day in Bochum

  • Take a short train ride to Bochum, a vibrant city with a range of cultural attractions.
  • Stop by the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum to learn about the history of mining in Germany.
  • Head to the Schauspielhaus, a theater that hosts a range of performances throughout the year.
  • Stroll along the Bermuda3Eck, the lively neighborhood known for its bars and restaurants.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Ruhr Park shopping center.
  • Head back to Essen for a romantic dinner at the Michelin-starred Schote restaurant.
  • Hotel recommendation: Boutique-Hotel & Boardinghouse Georges
Day 3

A Day of Art and Nature

  • Start the day with a visit to the impressive Museum Folkwang, which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Take a stroll in the Grugapark again to admire the blooming flowers and greenery.
  • Head to the Baldeneysee, a picturesque lake perfect for a picnic and some water sports.
  • In the afternoon, relax at the Rüttenscheider Sternchen, a cozy café known for its delicious cakes and coffee.
  • End the day with a concert or show at the nearby Philharmonie Essen.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Maximilians
  • Enjoy your romantic getaway in Essen!

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

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.

3 Days in Essen: Industrial Heritage & Parks

As a tourist, a trip to Essen, Germany allows you to truly immerse yourself in the heart of the Ruhr Valley. You can explore the city's industrial heritage, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, you can enjoy the many parks and restaurants that the city has to offer.

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 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.