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Gelsenkirchen in 5 - The perfect itinerary

Experience the culture, cuisine, and history of Gelsenkirchen.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Gelsenkirchen, Germany will offer a great blend of modern attractions and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Ruhr Museum to learn about the city's industrial past or relax at the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a zoo with an impressive collection of animals from around the world. A must-visit attraction is the VELTINS-Arena, home to the famous Schalke 04 football club, which offers guided tours and behind-the-scenes access.

Travel plan

• Check into the stylish Wyndham Garden hotel located just outside the city center.
• Visit the nearby Revierpark Nienhausen, a beautiful park with a boating lake and mini-golf.
• Head into the city center to explore the Schloss Horst, a stunning Renaissance castle with a moat and gardens.
• Stop for a traditional German dinner at Zur Mühle, a cozy restaurant serving hearty pork dishes and local beers.
• Finish the day with a stroll around the Stadtgarten, a picturesque park with lovely views of Gelsenkirchen.

• Start the day at the ZOOM Museum, an interactive and engaging museum focusing on culture and art.
• Head to the nearby Schalke 04 Veltins-Arena, one of the largest and most modern football stadiums in Europe.
• Lunch at the trendy Kulturraum café, known for its organic and locally sourced food and drink.
• Spend the afternoon at the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, a fantastic art museum with works from world-renowned artists.
• End the day with dinner at the elegant Fiddlers Pub, a charming Irish gastro pub serving scrumptious fish and chips along with a wide range of beers.

• Visit the landmark Nordsternpark, a former coal mine turned park with historical exhibits and impressive garden sculptures.
• Take a trip on the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO-listed industrial complex with a museum, galleries, and a striking red coal-washing plant.
• Lunch at the cozy Restaurant Athos that offers authentic Greek cuisine.
• Explore the Ruhr Museum, a fascinating exhibition of the region’s industrial history and culture.
• Finish the day with a beer at the popular Trinkhalle, a quirky bar serving beers from all over Germany.

• Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium where you can see a wide range of sea creatures and learn about their habitats.
• Head to the indoor theme park Innovationspark Zollverein, a great place to keep the kids entertained with various games and leisure activities.
• Lunch at the colorful Bolerode Food Truck, serving a variety of tasty international dishes.
• Spend the afternoon at the Movie Park Germany, with roller coasters and other attractions as well as live entertainment shows.
• Dine at the affordable and tasty Casa Ria, a family-friendly Portuguese restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes.

• Spend the morning enjoying breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
• Take a relaxing walk around the nearby Botanical Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden with different plant species.
• Visit the lively Schloss Berge, a castle that’s now a cultural center with various concerts, exhibitions, and musical events.
• Have a goodbye lunch at the cozy Brauhaus am Ring, a traditional German brewery and restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace.
• Depart Gelsenkirchen with fond memories of your time in one of Germany’s most intriguing cities.