Thrifty Essen: 3 Perfect Days on a Budget
Discover Essen's hidden gems without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in to Ibis Budget Hotel for affordable and convenient accommodation.
- Visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the Museum Folkwang, showcasing modern and contemporary art.
- Satisfy your appetite at the flea market-turned-foodie paradise, Street Food Thursday.
- Cap off the night with a locally brewed beer at Brauhaus Henninger.
- Get to know the city's history at the Essen Historical Museum.
- Spend time strolling through the charming botanical gardens at Grugapark.
- Head to the Philharmonic Hall for a taste of classical music.
- Experience traditional German cuisine at Gaststätte Kupferdreh.
- Catch a movie at the iconic Lichtburg cinema.
- Take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Baldeneysee.
- Visit the Villa Hügel estate, formerly owned by one of Germany's wealthiest families.
- Admire the intricate architecture of the Essen Cathedral.
- Grab lunch and a refreshing drink at the street food market in Stadtwald.
- End your trip at the Essen Christmas Market (only available during winter months) for some heartwarming holiday cheer.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.