Essen on a Budget: A Thrifty Adventure!

Experience Essen's culture and cuisine without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Essen on a Shoestring

  • Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at Café Extrablatt, a local favorite with a great patio for people watching.
  • Walk to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning industrial architecture and multimedia exhibits. Admission is only €5.
  • Grab a cheap but delicious lunch at Alforno's, a cozy Italian joint with amazing pizza and pasta.
  • Visit the Museum Folkwang for a dose of art and culture. Admission is free on Fridays after 2pm.
  • End your day at Nanas Neustart, a funky bar with a relaxed vibe, cheap drinks, and live music on weekends. Don't miss the homemade schnapps.

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

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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.

Escape for a Romantic Long Weekend in Essen

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.

Essen's Eclectic Charm: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip!

Essen, Germany is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip filled with cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Explore the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, where children can learn about the region's industrial heritage through interactive exhibits. Visit the Grugapark, a sprawling botanical garden offering playgrounds, a petting zoo, and lovely picnic spots, providing a perfect setting for a fun-filled day with the family.

Essen-joy: A Budget-friendly 4 Day Adventure

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.