• Countries
• Germany
• Gelsenkirchen

Discover the Best of Gelsenkirchen in 5 Days

Affordable adventures await in lively Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

21 June 2023

Gelsenkirchen, Germany offers a fun and affordable getaway for travelers on a budget. Walk through the city center and see historic architecture, visit the ZOOM Adventure World and see exotic animals up close, or take a stroll through the tree-lined Riemke Market Square. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as youth hostels or affordable guesthouses.

Travel plan

• Check-in at Hotel Schloss Westerholt, a charming castle converted into a budget-friendly hotel.
• Take a stroll around the sprawling Nordsternpark, a former industrial site now transformed into a scenic park with a lake and a stunning gasometer.
• Visit the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a gigantic zoo that lets you explore different regions of the world, from Alaska to Asia, in a single day.
• Grab a bite at Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza, a cozy Italian restaurant known for its mouthwatering pizzas and authentic pasta.

• Head to the Ruhr Museum, a museum showcasing the industrial heritage of the Ruhr area, and its transformation into a cultural and ecological park.
• Wander around the cobbled streets of Essen's old town, packed with charming shops, cafes and restaurants.
• Visit the Museum Folkwang, an art museum with an extensive collection of European art, from the Renaissance to contemporary times.
• Treat yourself to a traditional German dinner at Brauhaus Stiege, a cozy brewery restaurant serving hearty dishes and refreshing beer.

• Take a short trip to Schalke, a neighboring city famous for its football club and its lively atmosphere.
• Check out the Veltins Arena, Schalke's impressive stadium, and go behind the scenes with a guided tour.
• Discover the Schalke Mining Museum, a museum dedicated to the mining history of the region, and its impact on the local culture.
• Have a schnitzel and a beer at Zur Haltestelle, a rustic tavern with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

• Spend the morning at Bismarckhöhe, a hilltop park with a stunning view over the city, and a monument to the legendary chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
• Visit the Schloss Horst, a baroque palace with a picturesque lake and a fanciful garden.
• Explore the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, an art museum showcasing contemporary art from around the world.
• Try some international cuisine at El Goya, a trendy restaurant with a diverse menu of Spanish, Italian and Mexican dishes.

• Check-out from Hotel Schloss Westerholt, and take a last look at its beautiful surroundings.
• Head to Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of the region's coal mining history.
• Grab a quick lunch at the Zollverein canteen, a minimalist restaurant with a stunning industrial architecture.
• Say goodbye to Gelsenkirchen, and plan your next adventure in one of Germany's most fascinating regions.