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Gelsenkirchen on a Budget: 3 Days of Adventure!

Experience the heart of Germany's Ruhr region without breaking the bank in Gelsenkirchen.

21 June 2023

Gelsenkirchen is a picturesque city in Germany and is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. Even if you have a limited budget, there are plenty of things to see and do in Gelsenkirchen, such as visiting the Veltins Arena, home to the Schalke 04 football club, and exploring the local food scene for some delicious German cuisine. You can also enjoy a number of free cultural events throughout the year, such as festivals, carnivals, and concerts.

Travel plan

• - Start the day with a German breakfast at Café Extrablatt, serving fresh bread, jam, cold cuts and cheese.
• Visit the iconic Veltins-Arena, home to Schalke04 football club. Guided tours available.
• - Learn about mining history at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO site with a museum and exhibitions.
• Head to the city centre and wander through the market square, Rathaus (City Hall) and the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
• - Take a stroll in the Nordsternpark, a green oasis with a lake, sculptures, and a biergarten for a cold beer.
• Hotel recommendation: Ibis Gelsenkirchen, affordable and near the city centre.

• - Visit the Musiktheater im Revier, an architectural gem with a varied programme of opera, ballet and theatre.
• - Explore the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, a modern art museum with a collection of Picasso, Münter, and contemporary artists.
• Have lunch at Pfefferkorn, a cosy tavern with traditional German dishes like schnitzel and sauerbraten.
• - Discover the Old Castle, a romantic ruin with a park that hosts summer concerts, art shows and light festivals.
• - End the day at the Zoom Erlebniswelt, a family-friendly zoo with polar bears, tigers, and indoor rainforest.

• - Take a short train ride to Essen and visit the Zeche Zollern, a stunning industrial heritage site with a museum and park.
• - Enjoy the green oasis of Grugapark, with botanical gardens, lakes, and playgrounds.
• - Have lunch at Stauder's brewery, tasting the famous local Pils.
• - Visit the Museum Folkwang, a world-class collection of painting, sculpture, and photography.
• - End the day at the Ipanema Beach, a beach in the city centre with sand, palm trees, and cocktails.
• Hotel recommendation: B&B Hotel Essen, comfortable and close to the train station.
• Gelsenkirchen may not be on every traveller’s bucket list, but this industrial city has a lot to offer. With fascinating museums, lively parks, and delicious food, Gelsenkirchen is definitely worth a visit for anyone seeking to discover the authentic German culture.