48 hours in Essen - Germany: travel tips & city guide
- Authentic Chica
- Aug 5
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 6
I just came back from a 48-hour exploration of Essen in the west of Germany via Essen Marketing, to uncover this lesser-known gem for this city guide with many of my own travel tips!
And although I have been to quite some German cities and discovered unique gems in Franken and Bavaria already, Essen really surprised me with its versatility. Perfectly combining industrial heritage with lush greenery and that authentic German charm.
What makes Essen unique?
Unlike the medieval charm of cities like Rothenburg ob der Tauber or the rawer and more modern Berlin, Essen has a unique story of transformation. Once the heart of Germany’s Ruhr industrial region, it has now reinvented itself as a green, cultural hub. All while proudly preserving its past, among others through the Unesco World Heritage Zollverein Coal Mines!
Essen was founded around 845 AD as a monastery town and grew into a coal and steel hub under the Krupp family’s influence in the 19th century.
Now it's one of the greenest cities in Germany with much nature, like Grugapark and Margarethenhöhe and initiatives like the Emscher River cleanup and cycling networks that clearly showcase its eco-consciousness.
Essen is a unique mix of industrial, as well as architectural heritage, urban vibes and natural beauty. Charming districts like Kettwig are super quaint with historic half-timbered houses and neighborhoods like Rüttenscheid are filled with trendy cafés, boutiques and buzzing nightlife.
Combined with Essen’s serene lakeside, compact size and diverse attractions, it has become an easy and fun destination for a romantic getaway, weekend escape or stopover.
How to get to Essen
Located in Germany’s Ruhr region, 30 minutes from Düsseldorf, Essen is also just a 2,5-to-3-hour drive from my hometown The Hague in the Netherlands.
The city is well-connected and easy to reach in several ways:
By train: Essen Hauptbahnhof (main station) is a major hub with over 120 daily ICE, InterCity, and EuroCity connections. Essen also has a great public transport system with trams and buses connecting to Kettwig, Rüttenscheid and Zollverein.
By plane: Düsseldorf International Airport is the closest with daily incoming flights. From Amsterdam it’s just a 50-minute flight and from the airport it’s about 30 minutes by train or car to Essen.
By car: The city is easily accessible via the A52 and A40. From Amsterdam it’s little over a 2-hour drive and from Berlin, it’s about a 4,5-hour drive. This makes Essen a great stopover from the Netherlands on your way to east Germany, Poland or even the Czech Republic.
Essen city guide & travel tips
From staying at the opulent 5-star Schloss Hotel Hugenpoet, to experiencing haute-cuisine dinners and quaint lunches at unique spots. This city and region are full of contrasts and ideal for a 48-hour stopover or short getaway!
In this city guide I will happily show you why through many travel tips based on my own experiences of our 2-day visit in July 2025, accompanied by many of my own pictures.
What to do in Essen
Kettwig Old Town
A must during your trip to Essen is a visit to the Old Town of this quaint neighborhood, Essen’s youngest district, incorporated in 1975. With its cobblestone streets and quaint houses it feels like stepping back in time here.
I found it pure delight to wander the winding alleyways lined with 17th- to 19th-century half-timbered houses. To get those Instagram-mable shots walk down from the church to the river, make sure to pass by the Tuchmacherplatz, climb the historic stairs and go to the Mühlengraben bridge.
It was so nice to explore the cute shops and enjoy the historic vibe on one of the many terraces in this quaint neighborhood of Essen. Get an impression through this gallery of my own pictures:
Villa Hügel
For just €5 p.p., including parking, you can visit this grand mansion built by industrialist Alfred Krupp in 1873, set in 28 hectares of parkland bordering Lake Baldeney. It’s now a museum that showcases the Krupp family’s history and also has rotating art exhibitions.
I loved seeing the grand ballroom, impressive staircase and other opulent rooms that are open to the public. And you can also wander the lush parklands around the villa for hours!
Fun Fact: Villa Hügel’s 269 rooms made it one of Germany’s largest private residences, and was still inhabited by the Krupp family until 1945!
Lake Baldeney & Seaside Beach
After that, head to the Baldeneysee, for a relaxing stop at Seaside Beach, just a few minutes away, to lounge on the sand with a cocktail. The admisson for this beach is €5,50 p.p. and there are many spots to unwind at the beach club in the lounge chairs or directly on the sand and by the waterside.
At this beach there are plenty of things to do, like watersports, sailing and even midget golf. It’s the perfect place for kids with also several venues for drinks and snacks. There is however only 1 spot designated for swimming here.
Around Seaside Beach there are also several free spots to relax by the water. And plenty of hiking and cycling trails to follow along the 2,7 km2 lake, even a 14,7 km lap that runs all around the lake!
Rüttenscheid District
This trendy neighborhood in Essen is also known as 'Rü', popular for shopping, nice foodie spots and nightlife. Rüttenscheider Straße is the heart of this vibrant area, with stylish cafés and bars like Faces Bar and FCUK Yoga, as well as boutiques with unique gifts, lesser-known brands and home decor.
It’s a lively spot to experience Essen’s modern side with street art, but also several museums and the Grugapark, a 70-hectare park with botanical gardens, sculptures, a Spa and health center, a children’s zoo and more!
Fun Fact: Rüttenscheid’s nickname 'Rü' is a local term of endearment, which shows its reputation as Essen’s go-to spot for hipster vibes.
UNESCO-listed Zeche Zollverein
No visit to Essen is complete without exploring this Unesco Site, a former coal mine and coking plant, located in the north of Essen, on the edge of the city.
Once the world’s largest coal mine, operational from 1851 to 1986, it produced over 240 million tons of coal. Today, it’s open to the public with the visitor center in Shaft XII, the Ruhr Museum, Red Dot Design Museum, several restaurants and even a hotel and fine dining at Casino Zollverein.
As well as 100 hectares of recreational areas, cafés and outdoor terraces among the former coal plants.
The coal mine and cocking plant are listed as Unesco heritage since 2001 and make a lovely sight to spend a few hours up to a full day. Just stroll the grounds to witness how nature reclaimed these industrial spaces. And enjoy the many walking and cycling trails, as well as playgrounds and recreational spots created amidst the industrial buildings.
All free to visit with plenty of free parking spaces nearby. At Zollverein you can also admire art installations, do a guided tour and visit the 2 museums, for which you do have to pay admission.
And in the heart of the former coal washing plant: Shaft XII, you can go up to the rooftop on the 30th floor for the best views over the Ruhr region, looking out all the way to Essen's city center.
If the weather’s warm you can cool off at the Werksschwimmbad amidst the cocking plant, a free outdoor pool created in a former industrial tank. And in wintertime there’s an ice rink with a terrace and some food trucks in a spectacular industrial setting. Also, several events and festivals are held here throughout the year.
This clearly showcases Essen’s and the Ruhr region’s creativity and transformation.
Fun Fact: Zollverein’s iconic Shaft 12's interior truly is a marvel and considered a masterpiece of industrial architecture.
Where to stay in Essen
Schlosshotel Hugenpoet
For a luxurious and historic stay, this boutique hotel near the Kettwig district is a must, and perfect for castle lovers like me. This 17th-century castle-turned-hotel combines elegance with modern comforts, surrounded by lush gardens and moats.
Its proximity to Kettwig’s charming Old Town and excellent on-site dining make it an ideal base for exploring Essen.
With 36 different traditional rooms, suites and even a private villa, each with antique interior, yet all the modern facilities you need, this boutique hotel is the ultimate combination of authentic chicness and perfect for a romantic stay.
The castle is surrounded by 35 acres of parkland with trails lined with sculptures and artworks amidst nature, also offering several terraces and free parking.
The hotel has a Spa, private fitness club, tennis court, a bar, 2 restaurants, it’s located near 6 different golf courses, and the staff is super friendly and hospitable.
With its location near Kettwig, this hotel is a top choice if you appreciate luxury in a historic ambiance, and a quieter yet central location, just outside the hustle and bustle of central Essen. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Essen’s city center and 20 minutes from Dusseldorf airport.
We stayed here for 2 nights in the hotel’s private villa, a cute cottage just next to the castle gate. It has 2 stories, a large kitchen, living room with an atmospheric fireplace and separate bedroom upstairs, and a private outdoor terrace by the water. Get a taste via these pictures of our private villa:
An extensive a la carte breakfast with etagere is served daily in the castle restaurant, but for a small extra charge this can also be delivered in your room or on your outdoor terrace, as you can see here:
A dinner at the castle’s fine dining restaurant should not be missed either. Read more about that further below.
We loved our stay at Schlosshotel Hugenpoet and didn’t want to leave at all, as everything you need is offered on the castle grounds.
Find out more and for the best rates and packages book directly on SchlossHotel Hugenpoet.
Fun Fact: Originally built in 1647, Schlosshotel Hugenpoet was once a noble residence, turned into a castle hotel and restaurant since 1955, and now also hosts exclusive events and weddings.
But of course, there are many other great hotels in the center of Essen too, find the hotel of your choice via Hotels Essen.
Where to eat in Essen
Essen’s culinary scene ranges from historic venues to trendy hotspots, offering everything from German-inspired dishes to modern fusion cuisine. These are the foodie spots we sampled ourselves:
Hugenpoet’s Restaurant 1831
The Schlosshotel has a bistro opened every day until 7.30 pm, but also offers fine dining at Restaurant 1831, open from Wednesday until Saturday with in-and outdoor seating.
Here you can dine in style a la carte or you can go for the gourmet 3 - 5 course tasting menu, like we did. A unique experience of culinary artworks prepared with local ingredients, served in a regal setting.
For a truly exceptional evening in this elegant ambiance, add the wine-pairing to your menu, to also enjoy locally sourced wines matched with your dishes. Each with their own story, presented and served with passion by the enthusiastic sommelier. Get a taste through this gallery:
Jagdhaus Schellenberg
Located above Lake Baldeney, this stylish venue offers Tyrolean-inspired dishes with a modern twist. The outdoor terrace has stunning views over the lake but is only open from 5.30 pm during the week.
The neighboring biergarten, with picnic tables and several lounge spots is open daily in the afternoon and evening for casual snacks, drinks and cocktails with an amazing view as well!
Fun Fact: This historic hunting lodge, dating back to the 19th century, was a favorite retreat for the Krupp family.
Chefs & Butchers
Situated in a loft in the vibrant Werden district of Essen, this is a modern spot with fine dining in a casual atmosphere. The industrial-style loft offers in- and outdoor seating. Here you can choose from different culinary tasting menus or refined a la carte dishes served with style.
But you can also go for the unique Chef’s Table experience with 5 - 8 courses, prepared in the open kitchen right in front of you by Chef Michael. Only bookable upon request with a limited number of seats.
Lavendel im Brückencafe
Right next to the famed bridge in the Old Town of Kettwig, this quaint café serves coffee, pastries and more with views of the Mühlengraben bridge.
It’s a local favorite for its relaxed vibe, homemade treats and lovely outdoor terrace by the water.
Miamamia am Park
On one side located on the Rüttenscheider Straße and on the other side on the Christinenpark, you will find this super Instagram-mable café with large indoor and outdoor seating area.
The perfect spot for enjoying great coffee, smoothies and delicious home-made cakes, as well as healthy salads, sandwiches and light bites.
In the Christinenpark there are also several other bars and terraces, surrounded by greenery and street art, which makes this district so diverse and vibrant.
Travel tips for Essen
Best time to visit: Spring and early fall have balanced weather and fewer crowds. However, summer is also a great time to visit Essen, with its many outdoor cafés, parks and beaches that are extra vibrant with sunny weather. For lower costs and less hot outdoor experiences, avoid peak summer, unless you’re drawn to holiday festivities.
Fall and winter should be a great time to visit too, for example for the light festival from 2 -12 October and the Christmas market, from 14 November - 23 December.
Weather: Summer temperatures range from 18 - 30°C, but pack layers for cooler evenings, especially near Lake Baldeney. In the winter temperatures range between 0 - 10°C but can also drop below 0, with a chance of snow. So, make sure to dress warm enough when visiting between November and February.
I found Essen a surprisingly underrated gem in the Ruhr region! Its compact size and diverse offering make it ideal for a 48-hour city trip. From the medieval charm of Kettwig’s half-timbered houses to the industrial legacy of Zeche Zollverein, and the serene shores of Lake Baldeney, to the trendy vibes of Rüttenscheid, Essen has much to offer.
A vibrant city trip destination, perfect for an unforgettable weekend, romantic getaway or stopover on your way to the east.
Find even more inspiration on my Germany page, go to Visit Essen for even more info about this vibrant German city and do connect with me on social media, via the links below, for daily inspiration.
I hope that this Essen city guide and my travel tips were able to inspire your next Germany trip and will help you explore this versatile city with ease!
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