Places to visit in Essen

Top Things to Do in Essen, Germany

Places to Visit in Essen


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Essen

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

What travellers are saying

  • RIchard035
    Northwood, UK1,318 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Zollverein is a huge former industrial complex that has now been converted into a number of museums about the industrial heritage of the site and the area. You could easily spend a whole day here. There are also walks around the vast grounds. You can get here easily by S-Bahn from the centre of Essen. There is at least one cafe on the site.
    Written 17 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rachelle Ann E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As a girl who loves museum Folkwang is a safe haven. Free of charge but everything is so classy. The place gives you a classic and stylish vibe. Had a great day together with my fam! 🥰
    Written 26 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wuschof
    Essen, Germany2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Every visit with another programm was really fantastic. The theatre is cozy and nicely decorated. The service i very good an as well as food and beverages. I would visit the GOP Variete Theater always again.
    Written 7 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany2,930 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was finally able to return to Essen, Germany for an annual conference that was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID. I deliberately chose the hotel I did because it was right next to the amazingyy peaceful garden of Eden. When I was here in 2019, my wife had to remain in the states to care for her ailing father. He died right before I arrived in Essen. I was so torn up that I walked through this park in an absolute downpour for several hours trying to come to grips with not being able to be there for my wife. Life is that way. I was now able to walk through this park on a warm, sunny day with a different perspective even though we are all still facing COVID. This is literally one of the most beautiful places to simply enjoy the wonderful creations of flora and fauna. This time they had a wonderful exhibit called Fearless Women. Spend time with nature and you will leave here in a peaceful, easy feeling...if I can quote the Eagles.
    Written 12 September 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NemoTraveler
    Aarhus, Denmark687 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Villa Hügel was the residence of the Krupp Family from 1873 until after WWII. It is beautifully located on a hill (Hügel in German) in a green park about 7 kilometers south of downtown Essen.

    Today it is possible to visit the Main Building, which was the residence of the family, and the Guest House. The latter now serves as a museum, housing an extensive historical collection of exhibits from the Krupp companies. Everything has been beautifully restored and the museum gives excellent insight into the industrial and political development in Germany in this period of time.
    Written 20 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sebastien M
    Hamburg, Germany2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just fantastic! A lot of activities for jung children to understand fundamentals of physics!
    And the team is just amazing, nice and authentic.
    Will definitely go again there
    Written 24 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Doctor_When
    Droitwich, UK124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic museum related to mining, industry, and the local environment, with good English-language support and awe-inspiring architecture. The museum is housed in a massive structure, with much of the equipment and switchgear still intact - it reminded me a little of Magna in Sheffield for the sheer scale of the buildings. Fascinating exhibits of art, artefacts, and historically significant items abound. It's really quite diverse and interesting - I could have easily spent all day here. The café is also pretty good, and not too expensive. Sadly, the Design Museum was closed when I visited, but I am assured this is also impressive for those interested in form and function. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
    Written 13 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Magdalena
    Velbert, Germany30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a really nice place for a peaceful walk with the family - both along the river and in the old town. There are information signs next to the particular interesting objects in the old town but unfortunately only in German.
    Written 27 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JXXXR
    United Kingdom4,898 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Baldeneysee is a large area of water located around 10 minutes on train from the centre of Essen. This is not a must however it's a fantastic spot for a nice walk on a warm day. Only the photo's can do it justice.
    Written 30 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Starelle2014
    York, UK36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We watched the amazing Aalto Ballett perform two ballets last week in their wonderful theatre and loved both of them. The first ballet ''Rock Around Barock'' was such fun and the dancers performed with the rock band Mallett who were great musicians. The theatre never ceases to surprise us when a huge screen appeared just before the interval. The second ballet was ''Don Quixote'' with its fine scenery and sets that made you feel like you were in Espania together with the wonderful costumes. I would love to go back to Aalto Theatre to see Aalto Ballett perform these two ballets again.
    Written 4 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Louise S
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a pretty little village. Reminds me of a quaker style set up. Pretty central square with market on Wednesday and Saturday. Hotel on one end with M restaurant. We enjoyed a drink sitting in the sunshine.

    Easy to walk to Grugapark from here.
    Written 21 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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