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Essen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

Winding tower of "Zollverein" pit—Essen's most iconic landmark

Understand

Get in

By plane

Nearby airports include:

By car

Essen is located on Autobahn 40.

By train

Essen can be reached quite easily by train. There are many express connections to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt as well as many other major German cities.

You may reach many neighbouring cities in the Ruhr metropolitan area by regional trains. There are also multiple international connections per day to Bruxelles and Paris via the Thalys trains.

  • 1 Essen Central Station. Essen Central Station (Q135607) on Wikidata Essen Hauptbahnhof on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

By bus

Essen is part of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr bus and train system.See also Mülheimer Verkehrsgesellschaf

  • 2 Long distance bus station (Fernbusbahnhof). Most long distance buses start near the railway central station. (updated Nov 2019)

By boat

The Rhine river transportation system can be reached via the Herne Kanal. Weiße Flotte Baldeney operate ships on the Ruhr river.

Get around

Map
Map of Essen

Essen has a extensive Stadtbahn (light rail), tram, bus and night bus system. You can find more information about fares and a journey planner at the VRR website.

See

  • 1 Zeche Zollverein, Arendahls Wiese, ☏ +49 201 2 4 6 8 10, . Grounds 06:00-16:00; Visitor Centre/Museum 10:00-18:00. Called the most beautiful coal mine in the world (in fact, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Zollverein nowadays hosts diverse cultural highlights including an outstanding design centre and several museums. It is also famous for its Bauhaus architecture. Museum+special exhibits €10. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex (Q122026) on Wikidata Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2017)
  • 2 Red Dot Design Museum, Gelsenkirchener Straße 181 (just beside Zeche Zollverein). Collection of 2000 exemplary pieces of product design. Red dot design museum (Q2797779) on Wikidata 
  • 3 Museum Folkwang, Goethestraße 41, ☏ +49 201-8845000. Known for the exhibits covering the history of photography and for paintings from all eras. Museum Folkwang (Q125634) on Wikidata Museum Folkwang on Wikipedia 
Aerial view of Villa Hügel
  • 4 Villa Hügel, Hügel 15, ☏ +49 201-616290, fax: +49 201-6162911, . Krupp family historical chateau, art history museum and concert venue. After visiting the chateau, have a nice stroll or a boat tour across the Baldeney lake. Villa Hügel (Q674670) on Wikidata Villa Hügel on Wikipedia 
  • Kettwig Historical District featuring 17th and 18th century streets and buildings.
  • Synagogue and Jewish Museum
  • 5 Historic city of Werden. Nice historic city centre with small shops and restaurants. From the historic city centre, it's just a couple of metres to the Werden Abbey, which was founded end of the 8th century. Werden (Q258391) on Wikidata Werden, Essen on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2015)
  • 6 Grugapark. Open all year round from 09:00 until nightfall. Botanical garden (including playgrounds, waterfall, park railway, look-out tower, various animals, restaurants). €3 (some of the parks attractions may have shorter opening hours and additional fees). Grugapark (Q896516) on Wikidata Grugapark on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2015)
  • 7 Aalto Opera House (Aalto Theater), Opernplatz 10, 45128 Essen, ☏ +49 201 81 22-200. Interesting piece of architecture by Alvar Aalto (Finland). Aalto Theatre (Q300975) on Wikidata Aalto Theatre on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 8 St. Ludgerus Basilica. St.-Ludgerus Basilica (Q2801504) on Wikidata (updated Nov 2019)
  • 9 Essen Minster Cathedral (Essener Münster). 14th-century cathedral and treasure museum. Essen Minster (Q135737) on Wikidata Essen Minster on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)
  • 10 Hespertalbahn. Historic train between Kupferdreh and Haus Scheppen. Hesper Valley Railway (Q1476282) on Wikidata Hesper Valley Railway on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

Do

View of Grugapark botanical garden from a tower inside the park
  • International Christmas Market from late November to early December the streets and historic alleys of the city centre are filled with over 200 arts and crafts stalls.
  • Essen Light Weeks. 
  • Enjoy Essen ("Essen genießen", this is a word play since "Essen" translates to "food" as well). Gourmet highlights in autumn. 
  • 1 Lake Baldeney (Baldeneysee) (Essen-Hügel and Essen-Kupferdreh stations). Boat rentals, sailing, canoeing, gastronomy. Baldeneysee (Q450084) on Wikidata Baldeneysee on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2015)

Theatre and concerts

Art

Small, but vivid: the art scene in Essen. Galleries allocate on the whole city region, with a concentration around the Museum Folkwang:

Cinema

  • Behind the shopping centre Limbecker Platz there is a Cinemaxx-Kino, with 5,370 seats, it is the biggest multiplex cinema in Germany.
  • Essener Filmkunsttheater. Group of various smaller cinemas: filmstudio, Eulenspiegel, Astra-Theater, Galerie Cinema, with ambitious programs. 
  • 4 Lichtburg, Kettwiger Str. 36, 45127, ☏ +49 201 23 10 23. With 1,250 seats, it is the biggest and oldest cinema hall in Germany. Lichtburg (Q14515310) on Wikidata Lichtburg_(Essen) on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

Spa and massage

Learn

The University of Duisburg-Essen is part of a consortium of three universities in the Ruhr-area (University of Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, and Dortmund) and Germany's largest academic hub.

Work

If you are working for a place that is easy going for digital nomads, have a look at

  • 1 KaBü anna Rü, Annastr. 51 (at one of the liveliest places in Rüttenscheid, Annastraße at Klarastraße). during roughly on working days during daytime. This is a cafe combined with a coworking space, in the nice district of Rüttenscheid. (updated Jun 2017)
  • 2 Unperfekthaus. It has a permanent coworking place and offers day tickets within its house. Unperfekthaus (Q2496653) on Wikidata (updated Jun 2017)

Buy

Many shops are found in the city centre pedestrian zone. A big shopping-mall "Limbecker Platz" in the western part of the city centre opened in summer 2008. Also pay attention to the "Rüttenscheid"-district with lot of small boutiques.

  • 1 City centre pedestrian zone. (updated Sep 2015)
  • 2 Rüttenscheid district. Probably Essen's trendiest district, with lots of smaller specialised shops, cafes, and restaurants mainly along the main shopping and strolling promenade, Rüttenscheider Straße. (updated Sep 2015)
  • 3 Limbecker Platz. Large shopping mall. Limbecker Platz (Q1825363) on Wikidata Limbecker Platz (Einkaufszentrum) on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

Eat

Budget

Mid-range

  • 3 Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhöhe - Restaurant M, Steile Str. 46 (U-17: Laubenweg), ☏ +49 201-43860, fax: +49 201-4386100. 12:00-14:30 and 18:00-22:30. Asian. 
  • Gummersbach, Fürstenbergstr. 2 (Tram 105: Heißener Str), ☏ +49 201-676464. W-M 17:00-22:30. French; reservations recommended (ECcard accepted). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 4 Capobianco, Rottstr. 7, ☏ +49 201-226603. M-Sa 12:00-15:00 and 17:30-00:00, Su 12:00-00:00. Classic/Italian. Vegetarian options. Reservations recommended. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 5 Hülsmannshof, Lehnsgrund 14 a (U 17: Laubenweg), ☏ +49 201-871250. 11:30–14:30 and 17:30-22:00. Home cooking. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Stop-Club vis à vis, Schmiedestr. 5,, ☏ +49 201-235453. M-Sa 17:00-23:30. Reservation recommended. International. Vegetarian options. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 6 Lukas, Prinz-Friedrich-Str. 1,, ☏ +49 201-848353. Daily 18:00-23:00. Indian (accepts ECcard). (updated Jan 2016)
  • 7 Ange d'Or Junior, Ruhrtalstr. 326 (S6: Kettwig), ☏ +49 2054-2307. W-Su 18:30-22:30. Italian. Vegetarian options. (updated Jan 2016)
  • La Cena, Haumannplatz 32 (Tram 106: Landgericht), ☏ +49 201-2790269. M-Sa 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00. Italian. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 8 Landhaus Schnitzler, Nöckersberg 65, ☏ +49 201-848140. W-F 12:00-15:00, 18:00-22:30; Sa 18:00-22:30, Su 12:00-21:00. Italian, German, International. (updated Jan 2016)
  • L'Opera, Theaterpassage/Hirschlandplatz (U11/17/18: Hirschlandplatz), ☏ +49 201-239124. Daily 12AM-11PM. Italian. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Oase Due, Rüttenscheider Str. 189 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr), ☏ +49 201-790640. Mon-Sat 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11:30PM. Italian. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Cavallino Rosso, Velberter Str. 126, ☏ +49 201-404977. Daily 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11PM.. Mediterranean. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 9 Gummersbach, Fürstenbergstr. 2 (Tram 105: Heißener Str.), ☏ +49 201-676464. W-M 5-10:30PM Reservation recommended.. Mediterranean, accepts ECcard.. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 10 Hannappel, Dahlhauser Str. 173 (S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14 / S 3 / S 9 / Tram 103 / 109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164: Breloher Steig), ☏ +49 201-534506. W-M 5:30-10PM. Mediterranean. accepts ECcard,. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 11 Jagdhaus Schellenberg, Heisinger Str. 170a, ☏ +49 201-437870. Mediterranean. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 12 Casino Zollverein, Gelsenkirchener Str. 181 (Tram 107: Zollverein), ☏ +49 201-830240. Tue-Fri 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30-10:30PM, Sat-Sun 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30PM-midnight.. Nouveau cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 13 Mintrops Landhotel - Mumm, Schwarzensteinweg 81 (SB 15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine), ☏ +49 201-571710. 12AM-2PM, 6-11PM.. Nouveau/international cuisine. Vegetarian options. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 14 Parkhaus Hügel, Freiherr-vom-Stein-Str. 209 (S6: Essen-Hügel), ☏ +49 201-471091. 11:30AM–10:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • raum.eins, Rüttenscheider Str. 154, ☏ +49 201-4553747. Mon-Thu 12AM-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM, Fri 12AM-2:30PM, 6-11PM, Sat 6-11PM.. Nouveau/International cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Résidence - Püree, Auf der Forst 1, ☏ +49 2054-95590. Tue-Fri 6:3010PM. Nouveau/International cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 15 Schloss Hugenpoet - Hugenpöttchen, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ☏ +49 2054-12040. 12AM-11:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 16 Kockshusen, Pilgrimsteig 51, ☏ +49 201-3601166. W-M 11:30AM-10PM. Regional. Accepts ECcard. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Kölner Hof, Duisburger Str. 20, ☏ +49 201-763430. Wed-Sun 12AM-2PM, 6-10PM.. Regional, dogs not welcome. accepts ECcard. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Landhaus-Knappmann - Frankenheim-Brauhaus, Ringstr. 198, ☏ +49 2054-7809. M-F 4-12PM; Sat/Sun 11AM-midnight.. Regional. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Schote, Emmastr. 25 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr), ☏ +49 201-780107. Tue-Sun 6-11PM.. Regional. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Landhaus Schnitzler, Nöckersberg 65, ☏ +49 201-848140. Wen-Fri 12AM-3PM, 6-10:30PM; Sat 6-10:30PM; Sun 12AM-9PM. Seasonal. 
  • 17 Der Löwe, Kopstadtplatz, 13. Kopstadtplatz. Bavarian-style restaurant. 

Splurge

  • 18 La Grappa, Rellinghauser Str. 4 (Tram 105/106: Aalto Theater), ☏ +49 201-231766. M-F 11:30–14:30, 17:30-23:30; Sa 17:30-23:30. Italian/nouveau cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Schloss Hugenpoet, Nesselrode, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ☏ +49 2054-12040. Th-M 6:30-10PM. International food. Dogs not welcome. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Résidence, Auf der Forst 1, ☏ +49 2054-95590. Tu-Sa 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Schloss Hugenpoet-Nesselrode, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ☏ +49 2054-12040. Th-M 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine. Dogs not welcome. (updated Jan 2016)

Drink

  • Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, Girardetstr. 2 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or S6: Kettwig, then Bus 142: Girardet Haus), ☏ +49 201-790060. Reservation recommended. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Isenbergplatz, Isenbergstraße 12. 09:00-02:00. Five bars around a big playground. Meeting place for students, families, punks and managers. Urban culture centre of Essen. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 1 Daktari, Juliusstraße 2 (located 5 minutes away from main station), ☏ +49 201-2698595. 19:00-04:00. A small bar with large and delicious cocktails & long drinks. (updated Nov 2019)

Sleep

Budget

Out of the city

  • Das Park Hotel, Emscherinsel, Bottrop-Ebel (S9 stop Bottrop). Completely automated (i.e. only bookable online) concrete drain tubes with beds inside, you book and you're given a code for the door. Honour based system; contribute as many euros as you wish to the project. The project may have been discontinued as their booking webpage is gone. Honour system, contribute as many euros as you wish to the project. (updated Sep 2017)
  • Zimmervermietung Ruth Schläger, Am Wildbach 7, Kettwig, ☏ +49 2054-971648, fax: +49 2054-971649, . 

Mid-range

  • Europa, Hindenburgstr. 35, ☏ +49 201-232041, fax: +49 201-232656. From €70/night. 
  • Jägerhof, Hauptstr. 23 (S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mülheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mülheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental, then Bus 142/151/190: Kettwiger Markt), ☏ +49 2054-84011, fax: +49 2054-80984. (updated Jan 2016)
  • 5 Mintrops Landhotel Burgaltendorf (Schwarzensteinweg 81, SB15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine.), ☏ +49 201-571710, fax: +49 201-5717147, . Nice and calm place, but in the bushes 
  • 6 Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhöhe, Steile Str. 46 (U17: Laubenweg), ☏ +49 201-43860, fax: +49 201-4386100. Hotel in former villa of the Krupp family. Nice & calm & good breakfast 
  • Résidence, Auf der Forst 1, ☏ +49 2054-95590, fax: +49 2054-82501, . (S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mülheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mülheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental, then Bus 142/151/190: Ringstr.) No dogs. 
  • Ruhr-Hotel, Krawehlstr. 42 (Tram 106: Zweigertstr), ☏ +49 201-778053, fax: +49 201-780283. 
  • Scandic Hotel, Theodor-Althoff-Str. 5 (U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or U 17: Margarethenhöhe or Tram 101/107: Bredeney or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or S6: Essen-Werden or SB19: Werdener Markt or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or SB66: Velbert Willy-Brandt-Platz, then Bus 142/169: Sommerburgstr), ☏ +49 201-7690, fax: +49 201-7691143. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Top Hotel Essener Hof, Teichstr. 2 (stop: Essen Hbf), ☏ +49 201-24250, fax: +49 201-2425751, . No dogs. 
  • Top Rema-Hotel Essen, Viehofer Platz 5 (Tram 101/103/105/109: Rheinischer Platz), ☏ +49 201-105610, fax: +49 201-236685. (updated Jan 2016)
  • Villa Vogelsang, Antonienallee 1, ☏ +49 201-8536600, fax: +49 201-8536605, . (S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14, S3/9, Tram 103/109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164/184: Carl-Wolf-Str.). 
  • 7 GHotel. Central, just beside the Essen Central station. You can watch the train passing by from your window, yet calm due to good isolation (updated Nov 2019)

City Centre

  • 8 Unperfekthotel, Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 18 (from U/tram Berliner Platz this is located "behind" the big shopping mall), ☏ +49 201 47 09 16-0, . A hotel run by a creative project, having a nice rooftop terrace. (updated May 2017)
  • 9 Mövenpick Hotel Essen, Am Hauptbahnhof 2 (stop: Essen Hbf), ☏ +49 201-17080, fax: +49 201-1708173. 

Messe/Gruga area (around trade fair centre) and Rüttenscheid

Splurge

  • Holiday Inn Essen City Centre, Frohnhauser Str. 6., ☏ +49 201-24070, fax: +49 201-2407240. 
  • 11 Mercure Plaza, Bismarckstr. 48-50 (U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau), ☏ +49 201-878580, fax: +49 201-87858700. Hotel beside the Folkwang museum. Business style with good breakfast 
  • Schloss Hugenpoet (August-Thyssen-Str. 51, RE1 / RE2 / RE6 / RE11 / S1 / S3 / U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf, then Bus 132: Am Biestenkamp, then Taxi which should be reserved in advance.), ☏ +49 2054-12040, fax: +49 2054-120450. 
  • 12 Sheraton, Huyssenallee 55 (U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau), ☏ +49 201-10070, fax: +49 201-1007777. 
  • Welcome Hotel Ruhr Residenz, Schützenbahn 58 (Tram 106/107: Viehofer Platz), ☏ +49 201-17790, fax: +49 201-1779199, . 
  • 13 Atlantic Hotel, Norbertstraße 2a (just beside Essen congress and fairs center), ☏ +49 201 946280. Place for proms (and wannabes), but best breakfast in town. (updated Sep 2015)

Connect

  • 3 Essen Tourism Office Im Handelshof, Am Hauptbahnhof 2, ☏ +49 201-19433. M-F 09:00-17:30, Sa 10:00-13:00, closed on Sundays and bank holidays. (updated Nov 2019)

Stay safe

Despite its impressive economy, Essen has a surprisingly high crime rate by German standards. The poor northern suburbs of Essen (especially Altendorf, Altenessen and Karnap) suffer from occasional, potentially armed, robberies at night. Be aware of pickpockets on the Christmas Market and watch your bags in crowded bars and near the train station. Aggravated assaults have also been reported.

Cope

Religious services

Holy mass in Catholic churches at the centre:

  • Hohe Domkirche, Münster, An St. Quintin 3 (5-10 min north from central station). Sa 18:30; Su 07:30*, 10:00, 16:00*, 19:00; (*in the Anbetungskirche: M-F 07:00, 10:00, 17:30 (except Sa)).
  • St. Engelbert, Fischerstraße 12 (10 min south from central station). Sa 6:15PM; Su 9:45AM, 14:00 (English); M 7:30PM; Tu 09:00; W 09:15; F 18:00.
  • St. Ignatius, An Sankt Ignatius 8 (10 min southwest from central station). [dead link] Sa 09:00, 17:00; Su 11:15, 18:00; Tu Th F 19:00.

Index of Catholic churches in the Diocesis of Essen:

Go next

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