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.

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.

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.

More travel plans

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.

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 Escapades: A 5-day Adventure for the Whole Family

Experience a memorable family trip to Essen, Germany, where you can explore an array of family-friendly attractions. Discover the fascinating Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Enjoy a day at the Grugapark, a stunning botanical garden boasting playgrounds, a zoo, and a miniature train ride, ensuring endless fun for the entire family.

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.