• Countries
• Germany
• Essen

Essen-joy: A Budget-friendly 4 Day Adventure

Experience the charm and culture of Essen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visiting Essen on a limited budget is still achievable. The city boasts a wealth of free or low-cost attractions and activities, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and the Museum Folkwang. Finding affordable accommodation and dining options is also possible with a bit of research and planning.

Travel plan

• Check into the budget-friendly Art Hotel Körschen, located near Essen's main train station.
• Head to the Museum Folkwang, which houses an impressive collection of art from the 19th century to the present day.
• Take a stroll through Grugapark, a picturesque botanical garden filled with colorful flowers and exotic trees.
• Grab lunch at Rüttenscheider Markt, a bustling outdoor market with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to street food.
• Visit the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the region.
• End the day with a pint at Brauhaus im Füchschen, a local brewery that's been serving up delicious beers since the 18th century.

• Start the day with a traditional German breakfast at Café Livres, a cozy café with a book-lined interior.
• Visit the Villa Hügel, a historic mansion that once belonged to the Krupp family, one of the most powerful industrial families in Germany.
• Explore the Red Dot Design Museum, which showcases cutting-edge contemporary design from around the world.
• Check out the Stadtbibliothek Essen, a modern library housed in a striking glass building.
• Stop for lunch at Kartoffel Keller, a rustic restaurant serving up hearty German potato dishes.
• Spend the evening at the Aalto-Theater, a stunning venue for opera, ballet, and classical music.

• Start the day with a cup of coffee and homemade pastries at Café Gnosa, a quirky café with retro decor.
• Take a food tour with Eat the World Essen, which will take you to some of the city's best hidden food spots.
• Visit the Welterbe-Steig, a scenic walkway through the Ruhr region with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Stop for lunch at Spaghetti & Stars, a cozy Italian restaurant that's been a local favorite for over two decades.
• Get a taste of Germany's famous beer culture at Brauerei Schumacher, a historic brewery with a laid-back atmosphere.
• End the night with a cocktail and live music at Hotel Shanghai, a trendy bar and nightclub in the city center.

• Start the day with a yoga class at Yoga Vidya, a peaceful yoga center located in a historic building.
• Visit the Botanischer Garten Grugapark, a beautiful park with over 4,000 species of plants.
• Take a bike ride through the Ruhr Valley, a picturesque area with plenty of bike paths and scenic routes.
• Stop for lunch at Ristorante Da Peppone, a family-owned Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and pizza.
• Spend the afternoon at the Grugabad, a large outdoor swimming pool and sauna complex.
• End the trip with a relaxing massage at the Thai Paradise Spa, a luxurious spa with treatments inspired by Thailand.