Things to do in Essen
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What to do in Essen
Popular places to visit
Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site
Explore a complex described as the most beautiful coal mine in the world to find captivating museums and learn about Essen’s fascinating industrial heritage.
Folkwang Museum
Photography, modern art and German posters are among the themes in this museum, which combines three major collections into one wide-ranging survey.
Red Dot Design Museum
First-rate contemporary design is the theme that unites the exhibits on display at this museum, which is housed within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grugapark Botanical Garden
Go on a botanical tour of the world and indulge your senses in the beautifully maintained displays of this garden in Essen’s large municipal park.
Ruhr Museum
Discover the rich cultural and natural history of the Ruhr region when you peruse the exhibits in this repurposed building in the former Zollverein coal mine.
Aalto-Musiktheater
Enjoy a night of opera or ballet in this landmark theater that incorporates contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art acoustics into its design.
Messe Essen
Learn about the events happening at Messe Essen during your trip to Essen. Take in the theater scene while you're in the area.
Baldeneysee
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Baldeneysee during your travels in Essen. Take in the theater scene while you're in the area.
Areas of Essen
Stadtbezirke I
If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke I, check out sights like Philharmonie Essen or International Christmas Market Essen and hop on the metro to see more the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.
Stadtbezirke II
If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke II, check out sights like Grugahalle or Grugapark Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.
Stadtkern
Noted for its shopping and bars, there's plenty to explore in Stadtkern. Top attractions like Philharmonie Essen and International Christmas Market Essen are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn to see more of the city.
Ruettenscheid
The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Ruettenscheid. Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around the larger area.
Kettwig
Historic sites and restaurants are just a few features Kettwig is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Kettwig S-Bahn or Kettwig Stausee S-Bahn.
Stadtbezirk III
When in Stadtbezirk III and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Grugapark Botanical Garden or Grugahalle and hop on the metro to see more the city at Laubenweg U-Bahn or Halbe Hoehe U-Bahn.
