2025 Essen Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Come and discover one of the greenest cities in Germany, at the heart of the Ruhr region. Whether you're planning a city break, a family holiday or a visit to a trade fair, Essen has so much to offer – from shopping in buzzing city streets to hiking and cycling in beautiful scenery, from art, culture and top-notch museums and theatres to industrial heritage at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein – Essen got it all!

"Exploring Germany's Industrial Past: A Review of the Zollverein Coal Mine" The Zollverein Coal Mine is a unique and interesting cultural attraction in the city of Essen, Germany. Visitors can learn about the history of coal mining in the region and see the remains of the once-great industrial complex. The site has been beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the industrial achievements of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum and cultural center that have been created on the site are well-done and provide a variety of activities and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. Overall, the Zollverein Coal Mine is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of industry and the Industrial Revolution.#2023travelwish #urbanexplorer

#Travel itinerary 08:30 - 09:00 Arrive at Essen Central Station Arrive at Essen Hauptbahnhof (Essen Central Station) by train or car. There are many cafes around the station, so it's a good place to take a break. 09:00 - 11:00 Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Heritage Site (Zeche Zollverein) This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the largest coal mine in Europe, and is now an industrial museum and art space. Recommended visits: • Ruhr Museum • Red brick factory buildings and giant gearwheels - a great photo spot • Book a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of German industrial history Tip: We recommend booking a tour in English or German in advance on the official website! 11:30 - 12:30 Lunch: Butterbrotbar (near Zollverein) A clean restaurant where you can taste trendy German sandwiches and soups. Casual atmosphere and reasonable prices! 13:00 - 14:30 Museum Folkwang Free museum of modern and classical art! Main collection: • Works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, etc. German modern art exhibitions • Various permanent and special exhibitions Movement: Approximately 20 minutes by tram or bus from Zollverein 15:00 - 16:00 Essen Cathedral & Golden Madonna (Essener Dom & Goldene Madonna) A cathedral with a thousand years of history located in the center of Essen. The ‘Golden Madonna’ here is one of the oldest statues of the Virgin Mary in Europe. • Free admission • Healing in a quiet and pious atmosphere 16:00 - 17:00 City walk & café time Walk along Kettwiger Straße (shopping street) or spend some leisurely time with hand-drip coffee and cake at Coffee Pirates café. 17:30 - 18:30 Dinner recommendation: Restaurant Pfefferkorn A traditional German restaurant in the Ruhr region, where we recommend the following menus: • Ruhr-style stew (Ruhrgebiet Eintopf) • German sausage platter • Local beer or apple wine 19:00 End of the tour / Return to the station A day filled with traces of industry and the scent of art, a day trip to Essen is complete!

| A super detailed guide. Hey everyone👋, today I'm bringing you a two-day Duisburg, Germany travel guide, guaranteed to make your trip smooth and fun😎! 🚗【Getting There & Itinerary】 👉Arrival: Duisburg is super convenient to get to, no matter where you're coming from. If you're flying✈️, fly to nearby Ruhrgebiet Airport. From there, it's a short taxi or bus ride to the city center. If you prefer taking the train🚄, enjoy the scenery along the way and experience the charm of different cities. 👉Accommodation: Book your hotel in advance. There are various prices and styles in and around Duisburg city center, depending on your budget and preferences. If you like the hustle and bustle, stay in the city center, where shops and restaurants are just outside your door. If you prefer peace and quiet, hotels near residential areas offer great value. 👉Overall Itinerary: I suggest exploring the city center's attractions on the first day after arrival. On the second day, visit the unique industrial landscapes in the surrounding areas and relax. 🌟【Day 1: Duisburg City Tour】 👉Morning: - Ruhr Museum: This is a must-see! You'll find many exhibits related to industrial changes, including tools and clothing used by miners, giving you a deep understanding of that historical period. It's truly impressive. - Stroll through Duisburg City Center: After the museum, take a walk in the city center. See the bustling commercial streets and the historic buildings like the City Hall and churches. The Gothic churches are magnificent. Take some photos📷 and experience the city's blend of tranquility and vibrancy. 🍔Lunch: After a morning of sightseeing, you'll be hungry. Try some local specialties. German sausages are a must, with various flavors. They're incredibly juicy and delicious. Pair them with a refreshing German beer🍺 for a truly satisfying meal. 👉Afternoon: - Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (Art Collection North Rhine-Westphalia): An art lover's paradise! It houses both modern and historical art collections, from abstract paintings and sculptures to classical oil paintings. You can immerse yourself in the world of art for hours. - River Cruise: After lunch, take a boat trip along the Duisburg canals🚤. Enjoy the scenery on both sides of the canal, including old buildings, trees, and flowers. It's picturesque, so remember to take photos. 🌃Evening: Explore the night market in the city center, buy some souvenirs, and try various snacks. If you like shopping, the nearby shopping street offers a wide range of brands. Shop till you drop, then head back to the hotel. 🌟【Day 2: Industrial Landscapes and Leisure Activities】 👉Morning: - Duisburg Nord Port: This place is unique! A former industrial area, it has been preserved as a distinctive landscape. The rusty steel frames and huge factory buildings exude the charm of industrial heritage. It's a great spot for taking industrial-style photos📸. - Explore nearby parks and green spaces, such as Ruhrpark: After visiting the port, enjoy the natural scenery in the park. Immerse yourself in the greenery and fresh air. Find a spot on the grass, look at the blue sky and white clouds, and relax. 🍽️Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and try other local specialties. You might discover new culinary treasures. 👉Afternoon: - Time for leisure activities! If the weather is nice, cycling🚲 or hiking🚶‍♀️ are great options. Stroll along the riverside or park paths, enjoy the scenery, exercise, and relax. If you want to unwind completely, visit a nearby spa or thermal bath. 🌃Evening: If you have the energy, visit the night market again for souvenirs. If you're tired, take a walk near the hotel, experience the tranquility of the city at night, and end your trip on a perfect note. ⚠️【Important Notes】 👉Weather: Check the local weather forecast before departure. If it's sunny, bring sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn. If it's raining, bring an umbrella and raincoat. 👉Ticket Booking: Some attractions are popular, so book tickets or activity slots in advance to avoid disappointment. 👉Environmental Protection and Safety: Protect the environment, don't litter, and don't damage public facilities. Follow local traffic rules, be careful when crossing the road, and avoid making loud noises in public places. Be a responsible tourist. This guide is pretty detailed, right? I hope it helps you have a wonderful trip to Duisburg💖. Save it now!

| An awesome travel guide. Hey everyone 👋, today I'm going to be your "tour guide" and take you on an adventure to a hidden gem in western Germany - Duisburg 🎉! This place is extraordinary, boasting both rich history and culture, and awe-inspiring industrial heritage. It's like a mysterious treasure chest, full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Come along with me on this fantastic journey 😎! 🌟 [Inner Harbor: Journey Through Industrial History] First, let's head to the Inner Harbor. Wow 😍, stepping into this place feels like stepping into a time capsule. Huge cargo ships rest quietly along the shore, and the steel mills, though weathered by time, still exude an aura of grandeur. Standing here, you can almost hear the roar of machinery from the past and see the busy figures of workers. It's as if time has flowed back to the era of booming industrial development. This powerful blend of industry and history is something you truly have to experience firsthand. 🌟 [Ruhr Museum: A Treasure Trove of City Stories] If you're curious about Duisburg's past, the Ruhr Museum is an absolute must-see 📜! Stepping inside is like falling into a time warp, with diverse exhibitions unfolding the city's transformation. From early mining development to industrial prosperity and its current revitalization, each stage is meticulously documented with historical materials, precious artifacts, and vivid scene recreations. After a visit, you'll feel like a Duisburg "history buff," with a newfound appreciation for this city. 🌟 [Stadtpark: A Tranquil Urban Oasis] Feeling tired? Don't worry, Stadtpark is your "recharge station" 🌳. As you enter this lush green space, the fresh air washes over you like an invigorating spa treatment. Find a bench, sit down, close your eyes, listen to the cheerful chirping of birds, and feel the gentle breeze on your face. All your fatigue will melt away. Here, you can fully enjoy a moment of tranquility. 🌟 [Lehmbruck Museum: A Creative Hub for Inspiration] Art lovers, rejoice 🎉! The Lehmbruck Museum is your paradise. Inside, you'll find a dazzling array of modern art in various styles: paintings, sculptures, installations... Each piece is like a magical box, waiting to be opened and unleash a wealth of inspiration and creativity. Standing before these works, you'll marvel at the artists' boundless imagination and immerse yourself in the ocean of art, reluctant to leave. 🌟 [German Sausage: A Taste of Germany] You can't visit Germany without trying the famous sausages 😋! Duisburg's sausages are exceptional, with a dizzying variety, including Munich Weisswurst, Thuringian Bratwurst, Currywurst... Each has its own unique flavor. Take a bite, and the rich aroma of meat fills your mouth. The skin is crispy, the inside juicy, and paired with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, it's simply divine. Your culinary adventure starts here! 😎 [Personal Tips] Every step in Duisburg is full of surprises. The city's rich history is like a fine wine, getting better with age, while its modern dynamism breathes new life into it. If you're planning a trip here, what are you most excited to experience? Is it journeying through industrial history, immersing yourself in art, or indulging in German sausages? Share your travel plans in the comments section. I'm waiting to hear from you!

| The ultimate travel guide is here, save it now. Hey everyone👋, today I'm going to recommend a super interesting city in western Germany - Duisburg🎉! It's one of the leading cities in the Ruhr area, with a rich history and culture waiting to be discovered, and its unique industrial heritage is truly exceptional. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply a foodie, Duisburg has something for everyone. Follow this guide, and I guarantee you'll have a fantastic time in Duisburg💯! 🌟【Unveiling the Hidden Gems】 👉Duisburg Inner Harbor: Wow😍, as a world-renowned port city, the Inner Harbor here is a natural setting for industrial-style blockbusters! As soon as you step in, you'll see huge cargo ships, imposing steel mills, and railway bridges spanning the sky, standing like "steel giants," with a strong industrial atmosphere that makes you feel as if you can hear the roar of machines from bygone years. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor, snap some photos📷, and you'll get super cool pictures that will earn you tons of likes on your social media. 👉Ruhr Museum: Want to delve deeper into the past and present of Duisburg and the Ruhr area? Then you must visit this place👍! The museum is like a historical "treasure chest," filled with rich artifacts and ancient industrial equipment, showcasing the city's story from early mining to later industrial prosperity. Every exhibit tells a story, and after visiting, you'll feel like you've just finished reading a detailed history book, with your knowledge greatly enhanced! 👉Stadtpark: Tired of sightseeing and want to find a "paradise" to rest your feet? Stadtpark is your best choice🌳! As soon as you enter, the lush trees provide shade like a natural umbrella, birds sing cheerfully, and the fragrance of flowers fills the air. Find a bench, sit down, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and embrace the beauty of nature. Your body and mind will be instantly healed. 👉Art Museums: Art lovers, rejoice🎉! Duisburg has so many art museums that you'll be spoiled for choice. From the Lehmbruck Museum to the Museum Küppersmühle für Moderne Kunst, the works inside are diverse and fascinating. Abstract sculptures challenge your imagination, modern paintings open your artistic mind, and strolling through them is like stepping into a magical world of art, experiencing the unparalleled charm of art. 🍔【Culinary Delights of Duisburg】 👉German Sausage: Don't miss out on the sausages in Duisburg😋! The variety of sausages here is beyond imagination, and each one has a unique and delicious taste. Bite into the juicy, sizzling sausage, pair it with a refreshing German beer🍺, and the taste is simply divine. Your taste buds will be ignited, leaving you wanting more. 👉Black Forest Cake: Sweet tooths, take note! You can find authentic German Black Forest cake here. The rich chocolate coating is like a gorgeous coat for the cake, and the inside is soft and fluffy. One bite, and the sweet and sour cherries, the creamy sweetness, and the rich chocolate intertwine on your tongue, leaving a lingering aftertaste. You'll definitely want another slice. 👉Beer Culture Experience: In Germany, beer is the soul, and Duisburg takes beer culture to a whole new level🌸! Step into various pubs and savor authentic German beer with its rich malt aroma. There are also often interesting beer culture events, such as beer stein-holding competitions, where the passionate and unrestrained side of Germans is fully displayed. Join in, and you're guaranteed to have a blast. 🚌【Convenient Transportation】 👉Airplane: No matter where you're coming from, you can easily fly to Düsseldorf Airport or Cologne Bonn Airport near Duisburg✈️. Don't worry after landing; buses, subways, and taxis are readily available, and you can easily transfer to your destination. 👉Train: Germany's railway system is incredibly developed, and you can reach Duisburg Central Station by train🚄. After arriving, buses and taxis are on standby to take you to various attractions, ensuring smooth travel. 👉Public Transportation: Duisburg's public transportation is super convenient! The subway is lightning fast, the bus routes cover the entire city, taxis are readily available, and if you don't want to walk, you can rent a bicycle🚲 and enjoy a leisurely ride through the city streets, admiring the scenery along the way. In short, this guide covers all aspects of Duisburg and hopefully helps you embark on a pleasant and unforgettable journey. Save this guide, find some time, and set off💖. I believe you'll fall in love with this city!

#favouriteitinerary Step into the past at Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most iconic industrial landmarks. Explore the impressive coal mining complex, wander through the Red Dot Design Museum, and learn about the region’s history at the Ruhr Museum. The site’s striking architecture and industrial charm offer a fascinating glimpse into the Ruhr region’s transformation from coal mining to cultural hub.

| Sheraton is the best. Guys, the best part of my trip to Essen, Germany was staying at the Sheraton Essen Hotel. I have to tell you all about it! 🚗The location is so convenient! The hotel is in the city center, surrounded by several subway stations. Whether you want to visit Essen Cathedral to experience the weight of history or go to the Red Dot Design Museum to see avant-garde design, you can get there easily. 🏨As soon as you step into the lobby, the high ceiling and gorgeous chandelier create a great atmosphere. Check-in at the front desk was quick, and the staff were friendly and professional. They even gave me a welcome drink. 🛏The room is simple and modern, yet cozy. The bedding is soft and comfortable, and I slept soundly through the night. The bathroom is separate from the shower, and the toiletries are great quality, gentle, and smell nice. 🍽The hotel restaurant is amazing! There are lots of breakfast options, including German sausages, fresh bread, and delicious desserts. Dinner is authentic German food. The pan-fried pork knuckle has a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Paired with sauerkraut, it's so satisfying.

🎄Christmas market in Essen, Germany 🚃30 minutes by RE from Dusseldorf The Christmas market is right outside the station A 2km road lined with various shops, illuminations, and attractions I went on Sunday the 22nd and it was quiet so I was able to walk around at my leisure If you go on a weekday or Saturday, you can enjoy shopping while you're there 🐠Salmon sandwich, Flamlachs 9€ 🍷Mulled wine 6.5€, return the mug and get a 2.5€ refund

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event The works of Van Gogh, Matisse, Kirchner, and Franz Marc that you can see at the Folkwang Museum always leave a strong impression no matter how many times you see them. If you want to meet artists who express themselves in their own unique style, I recommend the Folkwsng Museum. 📍Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent When visiting art galleries, I think it's more fun to see the works of new artists. This time, I learned about MAX PEIFFER WATENPHUL and PHUNG-TIEN PHAN. In particular, the Vietnamese artist's work was interesting because it fused Asian and German cultures. I already knew about OTTO DIX, but this was the first time I saw his work depicting baby Nelly. I was surprised because the colors were brighter than the works of Otto Dix, which I usually knew. I recommend the Folkwang Art Museum, where it's even more fun to see the works of new artists. Address 📍Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent It's a high-class Turkish restaurant. The price is wicked, but the atmosphere is high-class, and the seafood is delicious, so I recommend it for events with your family. 🍽️Restaurant tablo 📍Huyssenallee 5, 45128 Essen ⏱️Opening hours Monday: 16:30 – 23:30 Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 – 23:30 Friday: 12:00 – 24:00 Saturday: 16:30 – 24:00 Sunday: 16:30 – 23:00

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event If your shoes break while traveling, you can buy new sneakers. If you need comfortable sneakers, we recommend them. Schuhhaus Böhmer 📍Kettwiger Str. 13, 45127 Essen ☑️Opening hours Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event It's a delicious French restaurant. I recommend it for a cozy date. Paul's Brasserie 📍Huyssenallee 7, 45128 Essen 🕑Opening hours Closed Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays Tuesday-Friday 12:00-15:00, 18:00-22:30 Saturday 18:00-22:30

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent If Korea has Tanghulu, Germany has snacks made with fruits dipped in chocolate syrup, almonds made with melted sugar like caramel with cinnamon and various other flavors, and crepes filled with Nutella and eaten with fruits. They are all delicious, so I recommend you go check them out when the Christmas market opens and try them.

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event You can already feel the Christmas atmosphere in front of Essen Central Station. They are selling food and snacks that you can only see at the Christmas market, so I feel like enjoying fall a little more. If you want to try sweet snacks in Germany, I recommend it.

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent Essen Hauptbahnhof Essen Central Station was under renovation. The ceiling was completely torn off and covered with something like netting, so I was worried about safety accidents. And there were so many users that it felt like I was in a big market, so I felt a bit disoriented. I recommend that you be careful not to get pickpocketed.

#Special hotel accommodation event review Vincent van Gogh, the representative impressionist artist, the painting of Paul Signac, the new impressionist artist, and Paul Gauguin, who made a name for himself in the late impressionist movement, and Max Beckmann, the expressionist artist. I recommend this because you can feel the beauty of the diversity of art by looking at the paintings of the artists, who leave their paintings differently according to their personalities, just as everyone in this world is different.

you could also see the paintings of Theo van Rysselberghe, the Surrealist artist Max Ernst, Fritz Winter, and Max Liebermann. There were both famous and lesser-known paintings, and it was convenient to see them all in one place for free. Highly recommended.

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent I felt good about being able to see the works of the famous artist Piet Mondrian. I think I looked at the works of other artists with a sense of respect because they were minimalistic, colorful, and creative. Even though there were quite a lot of visitors to the museum, the space was spacious, so I was able to look around leisurely. I recommend going there for a date on the weekend.

Museum Folkwang is one of the must-visit museums in Germany, in my opinion. I've visited museums in major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich, and I find Museum Folkwang particularly impressive. The building is beautiful, and the variety of artworks on display is remarkable. Plus, the fact that admission is free is a significant advantage. I highly recommend visiting this museum!

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event This is the Essen Folkwang Museum, which you can visit for free in Germany. The permanent exhibition is free, and the special exhibitions that change every season cost 10 euros, so I recommend visiting if you are traveling to the northern part of Germany. #germanytrip

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event Museum Folkwang where you can see paintings by the famous painter Gauguin from Tahiti, a Pacific island. I was happy to see it because I had seen it in another art museum. I saw Ferdinand Hodler's spring work for the first time, and I recommend visiting the art museum because it sometimes feels like you are receiving therapy through paintings that capture the vitality of nature in spring.

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event Museum Folkwang was a place where I could focus on appreciating the artworks thanks to the quiet and high-ceilinged exhibition space. It is recommended because even first-time visitors to the museum can easily understand the artworks with an audio guide.

#Special hotel stay event I was able to see works of art inspired by Africa in Europe during the colonial era. Even if you go there now, you can see works of art that show how Europeans viewed Africa, a mysterious land, and I recommend it because you can learn how German society deals with the legacy of colonial history.

#Special Hotel Accommodation Event I liked the pretty flowers at the information desk at Museum Folkwang in Essen. What I especially liked was the courtyard between the art galleries, and the beautiful maple trees and tall trees in the garden were so pretty that I thought it would be nice to make a photo zone. I recommend it to those who are interested in art and architecture.

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent The autumn scenery and architecture of Essen, Germany were beautiful. I think the classic European buildings look even better in the city. The sculpture behind Essen Central Station seemed to tell us that Essen used to be a coal mining city. I recommend taking an autumn walk in the city while looking at the beautiful buildings.

#SpecialHotelAccommodationEvent Essen Philharmonic is a good place to get off at Essen Central Station and walk around the city. There are also many great cafes and delicious restaurants around Essen Philharmonic, so I recommend it for a place to eat before or after the performance. 📍Huyssenallee 53, 45128 Essen