The Top 20 Things to See and Do in Essen, Germany

Easily Essen’s most famous site, the Zollverin ensemble is a massive 100-hectare abandoned coal mine that was in action from 1847 to 1993. Today, this UNESCO site welcomes visitors to explore its amazing architecture and machinery on a self-guided (free) or group tour (paid).

Zollverein, Zeche Zollverein, Essen, Germany +49 0201 246810

Zollverin Coal Mine Industrial Complex | © Divebalu / Pixabay

Ruhr Museum, a part of the Zollverin complex, used to be a coal washery in the bygone times. The museum walks visitors through the inception, evolution and gradual decline of industry in the Ruhr region. You also get a peek into the lives of the workers who made their living from the mines. The museum also has a fascinating collection of information and artifacts of geological and chemical interest.

Grugapark, the green lungs of Essen, has lovely themed gardens, a sculpture garden, flocks of exotic birds, a petting farm, a spa, a splash pool, playgrounds, cafes and even offers pony rides. An adorable train takes visitors on an enjoyable journey through the park.

Grugapark Essen, Virchowstr. 167a, Essen, Germany +49 020188 83 106

Ponies in Grugapark | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons

The Basilica of St. Ludgerus appeals to architecture enthusiasts because of its elegant Ottonian and Romanesque architecture. Inside, you can see ancient murals and beautiful baroque altars from the 17th and 18th centuries. This is also the final resting place of the 8th-century Saint Ludger.

Brückstraße 77, Essen, Germany +49 201 490050

The magnificent Neoclassical palace, Villa Hügel, was commissioned in the late 19th century by the most famous son of Essen, industrialist Alfred Krupp. This 269-room ornate mansion was fitted with all the modern luxury amenities long before their use was common. The Villa offers public tours.

Museum Folkwang is famous for its admirable collection of art spanning all major European movements. Alongside famous paintings from legendary artists, the museum houses 340,000 graphics from the GDR, Weimar Republic and Germany.

Red Dot Design Museum boasts unique, futuristic designs across several categories, including home appliances, vehicles, tools, electronics and furniture. The museum is a hall of fame for winners of the internationally-reputed Red Dot Design Award, and includes designs by iconic brands like Apple, Lenovo and BMW among others.

Tourists, religious or otherwise, make it a point to visit Essen Minster because of the Golden Madonna of Essen, the oldest sculpture of Mary in the world. This incredible sculpture was created in the year 980 and is done in gold leafs.

Kettwiger Str. 42, Essen, Germany +49 0201 2204206

Essen Minster | © Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons

The treasury chamber at the Essen Minster is significant because of its ancient and priceless liturgical objects. Nowhere else would you get the chance to see for yourself such a mind-boggling range of Ottonian artifacts from the 10th and 11th centuries, including a ceremonial sword and 16 ancient Burgundian brooches.

Once home to the Imperial Abbots, this castle sits like a painting in the midst of lush English gardens, on a moat. You can catch an event at the halls of Schloss Borbeck or take a leisurely walk in the woodlands surrounding the castle.

Schloßstraße 101, Essen, Germany +49 201 681425

Schloss Borbeck | © Sir Gawain / Wikimedia Commons

The Old Synagogue, which was plundered and heavily damaged by the Nazis, was lovingly reconstructed after the war and today stands as a beautiful center for Jewish culture. Take a tour of the museum for a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions, customs, history and holidays. The architecture of the synagogue is unique because of its sound-amplifying effect.

Schützenbahn 1, Essen, Germany

Old Synagogue | © Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The most famous concert hall of Essen, Philharmonie is known for its outstanding acoustics. Internationally-famous classical musicians regularly perform at Philharmonie. So, when you are in town, make sure that you look up their schedule.

Essen, Germany

Aalto Theater, Essen’s Opera House, is often agreed to be one of the best opera houses in the entire country. Behind the wavy walls of this Opera House, gifted artists of global repute perform on a regular basis.

Aalto Musiktheater – Theater & Philharmonie Essen, Opernplatz 10, Essen, Germany +49 0201 81220

Margarethenhöhe is among the most important garden suburbs in Europe, and Germany’s first garden city. This 115-acre philanthropic project was funded by the Foundation of Margarethe Kruppe, wife of famous entrepreneur Friedrich Alfred Krupp. It consists of beautifully-designed houses, schools, shops and restaurants, and surrounded by miles upon miles of protected woodlands.
Essen, Germany

Margarethenhöhe | © YvoBentele / Wikimedia Commons

Daily, every full hour between 9 am and 8 pm, the carillon on the Glockenspiel chimes traditional German folk songs. During Christmas, the Glockenspiel does its part in spreading festive cheer by playing Christmas carols.

Rathenaustraße 7, Essen, Germany

Glockenspiel | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons

Limbecker Platz, Essen’s biggest mall, is the perfect place for some retail therapy. It houses almost all brands you can think of over three sprawling floors. Alongside, the mall has lots of great restaurants, cafes and bistros.

Limbecker Pl. 1a, Essen, Germany +49 201 1778960

While City Halls in most German towns have a medieval architecture, Essen’s Rathaus is a 23-storey concrete high-rise. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the 22nd floor at a height of 100m (328 ft) off the ground.

Rathaus, Porschplatz 1, Am Porschepl. 2, Essen, Germany +49 0201 880

Rathaus | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons