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 in Messe Essen during your trip to Essen. Take in the theatre 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 theatre scene while you're in the area.
Seaside Beach Baldeney
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Seaside Beach Baldeney during your travels in Essen?
Areas of Essen
Stadtbezirke I
While you're in Stadtbezirke I, take in top sights like Philharmonie Essen or International Christmas Market Essen, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz 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
Ruettenscheid is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Grugahalle and Red Dot Design Museum are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around.
Stadtbezirke II
If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke II, check out sights like Grugahalle or Red Dot Design Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.
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.
Steele
Even though there aren't top sights in Steele, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like International Christmas Market Essen. Jump on the metro at Essen-Steele S-Bahn to see more of the city.
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