Escape for a Romantic Long Weekend in Essen

Fall in love with Essen, Germany: where romance meets rich culture.

22 April 2023

Essen, Germany is a perfect destination for a romantic trip. This vibrant city offers amazing sights, cozy restaurants, and plenty of romantic spots to explore. From admiring the stunning architecture to witnessing beautiful sunsets over the city, your trip to Essen will be filled with unforgettable experiences.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Essen

  • Start the day with a stroll in the beautiful Grugapark and enjoy the calming sounds of nature.
  • Head to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the history of coal mining in the region.
  • Visit the Villa Hügel, a grand mansion that was once the residence of the legendary Krupp family, and get an insight into their luxurious lifestyle.
  • In the evening, dine at the Rüttenscheider Markt, a lively street food market with an array of local specialties to choose from.
  • Wind down with a nightcap at the cozy TIBS cocktail bar, known for its unique concoctions.
  • Hotel recommendation: Sheraton Essen Hotel
Day 2

A Day in Bochum

  • Take a short train ride to Bochum, a vibrant city with a range of cultural attractions.
  • Stop by the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum to learn about the history of mining in Germany.
  • Head to the Schauspielhaus, a theater that hosts a range of performances throughout the year.
  • Stroll along the Bermuda3Eck, the lively neighborhood known for its bars and restaurants.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Ruhr Park shopping center.
  • Head back to Essen for a romantic dinner at the Michelin-starred Schote restaurant.
  • Hotel recommendation: Boutique-Hotel & Boardinghouse Georges
Day 3

A Day of Art and Nature

  • Start the day with a visit to the impressive Museum Folkwang, which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Take a stroll in the Grugapark again to admire the blooming flowers and greenery.
  • Head to the Baldeneysee, a picturesque lake perfect for a picnic and some water sports.
  • In the afternoon, relax at the Rüttenscheider Sternchen, a cozy café known for its delicious cakes and coffee.
  • End the day with a concert or show at the nearby Philharmonie Essen.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Maximilians
  • Enjoy your romantic getaway in Essen!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Essen by plane is to fly into Düsseldorf International Airport and take the regional express train (RE1) to Essen Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 30 minutes.

Car

Driving to Essen is relatively easy, with the city being well-connected to Germany's motorway network. The A40 and A52 both pass through Essen, making it easily accessible from cities such as Dortmund and Düsseldorf.

Train

Essen is well-connected by rail, with Essen Hauptbahnhof being the main train station. It is possible to take a train from almost anywhere in Germany to Essen. The fastest route is via high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt, which takes around 2.5 hours.

Boat

As Essen is situated inland, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, it is possible to take a boat trip along the nearby Rhine River, which passes through Düsseldorf and Duisburg, both of which are easily accessible from Essen via train or car.

Bus

There are many bus companies that operate routes to and from Essen. Flixbus and Eurolines are two popular options, with both offering services to nearby cities such as Amsterdam and Brussels.

Destination

Essen

Welcome to the land of sausages, sauerkraut, and beer, where Essen, the city that sounds like you're eating, awaits you with open arms (and full stomachs!). Just don't be fooled by the name, it's not all about the food here - though it is pretty delicious.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Essen's Enchanting Delights: A 4-Day Family Adventure

Essen, Germany offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of cultural attractions and recreational activities. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zeche Zollverein, a former coal mine turned museum, where kids can delve into the fascinating history of the region. The sprawling Grugapark provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun, featuring beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and even a small zoo, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable vacation for the entire family.

Essen, Germany: 2 days of budget-friendly fun!

Essen, Germany is a great city for an affordable trip as it has plenty of free attractions such as the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hostels and budget hotels are available in the city to help reduce costs further. Visitors can enjoy the city's traditional German food scene and explore its numerous parks without breaking the bank.

Essen, Germany: 3 Days of Quirky Fun!

Essen, Germany offers a family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of culture, history, and fun activities for all ages. Explore the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Germany's industrial history, or visit the beautiful Grugapark filled with lush gardens, playgrounds, and a mini zoo. Unleash your inner child at Movie Park Germany, an exhilarating amusement park with thrilling rides and beloved movie-themed attractions.

Essen in a Weekend: Romance, Castles, and Cuisine

Essen offers a charming and less crowded getaway for couples that want to escape the hustle and bustle of other popular German cities. Visitors can explore the city's rich history through its museums and architectural landmarks or indulge in its culinary scene. The city's beautiful parks, gardens, and lakes offer several romantic spots to enjoy a peaceful moment with your partner.