Gelsenkirchen: A Buzzing Budget Day Trip!

Explore Gelsenkirchen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Gelsenkirchen, located in the heart of the Ruhr area, offers ample opportunities for exploring the local culture and attractions. On a limited budget, visitors can stay in one of the various budget hotels or hostels, and visit the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a fun-filled zoo park that offers up-close encounters with exotic animals. In addition, visitors can also explore the city's historical landmarks, like the Schloss Horst, a stunning castle that dates back to the 15th century.

Day trip plan

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Day

The Gelsenkirchen Experience

  • Start the day at the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a wonderful zoo with a range of animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and kangaroos.
  • Take a stroll through the Stadtgarten Park and enjoy the beautiful greenery, trees, and flowers, and grab a coffee at the café.
  • Visit the Schloss Horst, a beautiful castle built in 1664, and explore its stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Grab lunch at the Wursthaus Schreiner, a local pub with classic German cuisine and drinks at reasonable prices.
  • Head to the Veltins Arena, the home of the FC Schalke 04 team, and take the stadium tour, where you’ll see behind the scenes and learn about the team’s history.
  • Finish the day with some traditional German beer and live music at the Bürgertreff Resse, a lively pub with a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Remember to take time to appreciate the natural beauty and architecture that Gelsenkirchen has to offer, with a mix of modern and classic sights waiting to be explored.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by plane is to fly to Düsseldorf International Airport and then take a train from Düsseldorf Flughafen Station to Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof.

Car

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by car is to drive on the A2 highway and take the exit to Gelsenkirchen.

Train

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by train is to take a train to Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof, which is the main train station in the city.

Boat

There are no waterways that lead to Gelsenkirchen, Germany so traveling by boat is not an option.

Bus

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by bus is to take a coach from any major city in Germany to Gelsenkirchen Busbahnhof, which is the central bus station in the city.

More travel plans

Discover the Best of Gelsenkirchen in 5 Days

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.

Gelsenkirchen in 5 - The perfect itinerary

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.

Art, culture and fun in Gelsenkirchen for 2 Days

Gelsenkirchen is a small city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, known for its old industrial sites and the Schloss Berge castle. Its large park, Stadtgarten, is perfect for romantic walks and picnics. Visit the music and theatre venue Musiktheater im Revier for a cultured evening out, followed by dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city centre.

Weekend Adventure: Gelsenkirchen's Hidden Gems

A visit to Gelsenkirchen in Germany would provide tourists with an opportunity to explore its famous attractions such as the Veltins-Arena and the ZOOM Erlebniswelt. The city is also home to several museums that showcase its rich cultural history such as the Bergbau Museum and the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen. Additionally, tourists can indulge in traditional German cuisine and beer at the numerous restaurants and bars located throughout the city.