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

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.

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.

Essen: A Romantic Day of Art and Culture

Explore the charming city of Essen with your significant other and fall in love with the historic architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Take a romantic stroll through the beautiful Grugapark and enjoy the stunning botanical gardens and water features. Treat yourselves to a luxurious stay in a cozy boutique hotel and create unforgettable memories together in this charming German city.

Essen, Germany: 2 days of budget-friendly fun!

Essen, Germany is a great city for an affordable trip as it has plenty of free attractions such as the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hostels and budget hotels are available in the city to help reduce costs further. Visitors can enjoy the city's traditional German food scene and explore its numerous parks without breaking the bank.