Things to do in Essen
Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
What to do in Essen
Discover the most popular places to visit in Essen
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stadtgarten
Modern and innovative works of art and a pair of playgrounds grace the grassy patches of the largest and oldest park in central Essen.
Schloss Borbeck
After visiting Schloss Borbeck, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Essen. Take in the theater scene while you're in the area.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Essen
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.
Stadtbezirke I
If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke I, check out sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz and hop on the metro to see more the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.
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.
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 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.
Suedviertel
The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Suedviertel. Aalto-Musiktheater and Folkwang Museum are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Philharmonie U-Bahn or Bismarckplatz U-Bahn to get around the larger area.
