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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Schloss Borbeck
After visiting Schloss Borbeck, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Essen. Take in the theatre scene while you're in the area.
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.
Old Synagogue
Find out about the history of Essen with a stop at Old Synagogue. Experience the area's theatre scene and live music.
Areas of Essen
Ruettenscheid
Ruettenscheid is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around.
Kettwig
Historical 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.
Stadtkern
Noted for its shopping and bars, there's plenty to explore in Stadtkern. Top attractions like Philharmonie Essen and Limbecker Platz 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.
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 of the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.
Stadtbezirke I
While you're in Stadtbezirke I, take in top sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.
Stadtbezirke IX
While you're in Stadtbezirke IX, take in top sights like Seaside Beach Baldeney or Baldeneysee, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Essen-Werden S-Bahn or Essen-Hügel S-Bahn.
