Top 3 Itineraries in Essen

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Essen.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Essen offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Essen are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Essen’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Essen offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Germany's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Essen truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Essen belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Essen are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Essen and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Essen itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Essen for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Essen without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Essen!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Dortmund, Essen, Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum is one of the best ways to experience Germany. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Essen can easily be combined with other top destinations in Germany without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Dortmund, Essen, Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum by public transport, renting a car in Germany opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Dortmund

• Arrival city: Dortmund
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dortmund, e.g., Leonardo Hotel Dortmund
• Sightseeing: Westfalenpark

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Dortmund. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Dortmund

• Destinations: Dortmund
• Driving distance: 53 km, approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dortmund, e.g., Leonardo Hotel Dortmund
• Sightseeing: Dortmund Zoo, German Football Museum, LWL Industrial Museum Zollern, and Casino Hohensyburg

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Dortmund Zoo, German Football Museum, LWL Industrial Museum Zollern, and Casino Hohensyburg. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Dortmund, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Bochum

• Destinations: Bochum
• Driving distance: 51.25 km, approx. 1 hour and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Essen, e.g., Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Sightseeing: Bochum Park, + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, Botanical Garden, and German Mining Museum

Spend the day exploring Bochum Park, + Fossilium Bochum Zoo, Botanical Garden, and German Mining Museum. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Essen.

Day 4: Experience Essen

• Destinations: Essen
• Driving distance: 21.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Essen, e.g., Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Sightseeing: Hügel Park, Villa Hügel, Ruine Neue Isenburg, Stadtgarten, and Museum Folkwang

Continue your journey through Essen, where you can explore Hügel Park, Villa Hügel, Ruine Neue Isenburg, Stadtgarten, and Museum Folkwang. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Essen

• Destinations: Essen
• Driving distance: 31.18 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Essen, e.g., Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Sightseeing: Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen, Red Dot Design Museum, UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, Kokerei, and Shaft XII

Drive through Essen, stopping to visit Vogelschutzgebiet Heisinger Bogen, Red Dot Design Museum, UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, Kokerei, and Shaft XII. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Essen

• Destinations: Essen
• Driving distance: 23.7 km, approx. 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Essen, e.g., Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Sightseeing: LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck, Grugapark Essen, and Krupp Park

Spend time discovering LaserZone LaserTag Essen West - Borbeck, Grugapark Essen, and Krupp Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Feldhausen

• Destinations: Nordkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, and Feldhausen
• Driving distance: 117.16 km, approx. 2 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Dortmund, e.g., Leonardo Hotel Dortmund
• Sightseeing: Nordstern Park, Movie Park, and Schloss Nordkirchen
• Recommended tour: Private audio book city rally around the Rombergpark in Dortmund

Explore Nordstern Park, Movie Park, and Schloss Nordkirchen at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Dortmund.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Dortmund

• Departure city: Dortmund
• Driving distance: 11.37 km, approx. 28 minutes
• Sightseeing: Rombergpark Botanical Garden

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Dortmund. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 757 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Essen.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Essen for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Essen with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Essen without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Essen

Arrive in Essen and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Stadtgarten.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Mr. Nam 68 is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Essen's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Essen by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Phänomania Erfahrungsfeld, UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, and Shaft XII.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Essen in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Essen

Spend your last few hours in Essen soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Essen, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Essen travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Essen offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Essen itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Essen weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Essen

Arrive in Essen around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Stadtgarten, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Essen’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Essen with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Phänomania Erfahrungsfeld early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Shaft XII, stopping by UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Essen

Make the most of your last few hours in Essen before your departure. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Essen itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Essen, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Essen for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Essen in a way that feels truly unforgettable!