'''Essen''' [http://www.essen.de] is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

Understand

Get in

By plane

The largest international airport nearby is located in Dusseldorf: Dusseldorf-International (IATA:'''DUS''') [http://www.duesseldorf-airport.de] (30 km, ca. 30 mins by train). Smaller airports in the vicinity are Dortmund Airport (IATA:'''DTM''') [http://www.flughafen-dortmund.de] (45 km) and Flughafen Munster-Osnabruck (IATA:'''FMO''') [http://www.flughafen-fmo.de] (ca. 100 km). Of these two the airport in Dortmund is faster to reach by public transport and is used by some no-frills airlines.

By car

Essen is located on autoroute 40.

  • From Hanover take autoroute 2 to 40.
  • Autoroute 45 from Frankfurt.
  • Autoroute 52 from Dusseldorf.
  • By bus

    Essen is part of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr [http://efa.vrr.de/vrr/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en] bus and train system. In addition, Hespertalbahn [http://www.hespertalbahn.de] operates historic trains between Haus Scheppen and Kupferdreh.

    By boat

    The Rhine river transportation system can be reached via the Herne Kanal. Weise Flotte Baldeney [http://www.flotte-essen.de] and Mulheimer Verkehrsgesellschaft [http://www.muelheimer-verkehrsgesellschaft.de/weisse_flotte4.html] operate ships on the Ruhr river.

    Get around

    See

  • '''Zeche Zollverein''' 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 a outstanding design center and several museums. It is also famous for its ''Bauhaus'' architecture.
  • '''Folkwang Museum''' Known for the exhibits covering the history of photography as well as paintings from all eras.
  • '''Villa Hugel''' Hugel 15. ''+49-201''-616290, fax ''+49-201-''6162911, [mailto:office@villahuegel.de] [http://www.villahuegel.de/]. Krupp family historical chateau, art history museum and concert venue.
  • '''Aalto Opera-House''' Interesting piece of architecture by Alvar Aalto (Finland)
  • '''Essener Munster Cathedral''' 14th century cathedral and treasure museum.
  • '''St. Ludgerus Basilica'''
  • '''Kettwig Historical District''' featuring 17th and 18th century streets and buildings.
  • '''Kettwig Pictures [http://www.heinzalbers.org/kettwig.htm]
  • '''Synagogue and Jewish Museum'''
  • '''The old town of Werden''' One of the oldest German sites in entire Germany! Highly recommended.
  • Do

  • '''International Christmas Market''' from late November to early December the streets and historic allies of the city center are filled with over 200 arts and crafts stalls.
  • '''Essen Light Weeks''' [http://www.lichtwochen.essen.de/].
  • '''Lake Baldeney''' (''Baldeneysee''). Essen-Hugel and Essen-Kupferdreh stations. Boat rentals, sailing, canoing.
  • '''Enjoy Essen''' ("Essen geniesen", this is a word play since "Essen" translates to "food" as well) [http://www.essen-geniessen.de/] Gourment Highlights in autumn.
  • Spa and Massage

  • '''Alte Badeanstalt'''' [http://www.sgz-altenessen.de/] sauna, swimming pool, massages, fitness, wellness.
  • '''Visage & Body''' [http://www.visage-body.de/] massage, wellness, cosmetic treatments.
  • '''Baldeneysee in Essen''' [http://www.baldeneysee.de], Gastronomie und Natur im essener Suuden.
  • 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) - Germany's largest academic hub.

    [http://www.conRuhr.org]

    Work

    Buy

    Many shops are located in the city center pedestrian zone. A big shopping-mall in the western part of the city-center opened in Summer 2008. Also pay attention to the "Ruttenscheid"-district.

    Eat

    Budget

  • '''Fahrmann am See''', Lanfermannfahre 118, ''+49-201-''846080, fax ''+49-201-''8460819. W-M 11:30AM-10PM. Regional home cooking. (''accepts ECcard'').
  • '''Wohnraum im Unperfekthaus''', Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 20, ''+49-201-''847350, fax ''+49-201-''8536605 [mailto:info@unperfekthaus.de] [http://www.unperfekthaus.de]. 10AM-10:30PM. Mediterranean / nouveau cuisine / vegetarian. (''no'' credit cards).
  • '''Tablo''', Huyssenallee 5, ''+49-201-''8119585. Turkish. Reservation recommended.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhohe - Restaurant M''', Steile Str. 46 (''U-17: Laubenweg''), ''+49-201-''43860, fax ''+49-201-''4386100, 12AM-2:30PM and 6:00PM-10:30PM. Asian.
  • '''Gummersbach''', Furstenbergstr. 2 (''Tram 105: Heisener Str''), ''+49-201-''676464. W-M 5PM-10:30PM. French; reservations recommended. (''ECcard accepted'').
  • '''Capobianco''', Rottstr. 7, ''+49-201-''226603. Mon-Sat 12AM-3PM and 5:30PM-midnight, Sun 12AM-midnight. Classic/Italian. Vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
  • '''Hulsmannshof''', Lehnsgrund 14 a(''U 17: Laubenweg''), ''+49-201-''871250. 11:30AM-2:30PM and 5:30-10PM. Home cooking.
  • '''Stop-Club vis a vis''', Schmiedestr. 5, ''+49-201-''235453. Mon-Sat 5-11:30PM. Reservation recommended. International. Vegetarian options.
  • '''Lukas''', Prinz-Friedrich-Str. 1, ''+49-201-''848353. Daily 6-11PM. Indian. (''Accepts ECcard'').
  • '''Ange d'Or Junior''', Ruhrtalstr. 326 (''S6: Kettwig''), ''+49-2054-''2307. Wed-Sun 6:30-10:30PM. Italian. Vegetarian options.
  • '''La Cena''', Haumannplatz 32 (''Tram 106: Landgericht''), ''+49-201-''2790269. Mon-Sat 12AM-3PM, 6-11PM. Italian.
  • '''Landhaus Schnitzler''', Nockersberg 65, ''+49-201-''848140. W-F 12AM-3PM, 6-10:30PM, Sat 6-10:30PM, Sun 12AM-9PM. Italian, German, International.
  • '''L'Opera''', Theaterpassage/Hirschlandplatz (''U11/17/18: Hirschlandplatz''), ''+49-201-''239124. Daily 12AM-11PM. Italian.
  • '''Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhohe - Restaurant M''', Steile Str. 46 (''U 17: Laubenweg''), ''+49-201-''43860. Daily 12AM-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM. Italian.
  • '''Oase Due''', Ruttenscheider Str. 189 (''U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr.''), ''+49-201-''790640, Mon-Sat 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11:30PM. Italian.
  • '''Cavallino Rosso''', Velberter Str. 126, ''+49-201-''404977. Daily 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11PM. Mediterranean.
  • '''Gummersbach''', Furstenbergstr. 2 (''Tram 105: Heisener Str.'') ''+49-201-''676464, accepts ECcard, W-M 5-10:30PM. Reservation recommended. Mediterranean.
  • '''Hannappel''', Dahlhauser Str. 173, ''+49-201-''534506, accepts ECcard, W-M 5:30-10PM, (''S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14 / S 3 / S 9 / Tram 103 / 109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164: Breloher Steig''). Mediterranean.
  • '''Jagdhaus Schellenberg''', Heisinger Str. 170a, ''+49-201-''437870, Mediterranean.
  • '''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.
  • '''Mintrops Landhotel - Mumm''', Schwarzensteinweg 81 (''SB 15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine.''), ''+49-201-''571710. 12AM-2PM, 6-11PM. Nouveau/International cuisine. Vegetarian options.
  • '''Parkhaus Hugel''', Freiherr-vom-Stein-Str. 209 (''S6: Essen-Hugel''), ''+49-201-''471091. 11:30AM-10:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • '''raum.eins''', Ruttenscheider 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.
  • '''Residence - Puree''', Auf der Forst 1, ''+49-2054-''95590. Tue-Fri 6:3010PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • '''Schloss Hugenpoet - Hugenpottchen''', August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ''+49-2054-''12040. 12AM-11:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • '''Kockshusen''', Pilgrimsteig 51, ''+49-201-''3601166. W-M 11:30AM-10PM. Regional. (''Accepts ECcard'').
  • '''Kolner Hof''', Duisburger Str. 20, ''+49-201-''763430, accepts ECcard, dogs not welcome. Wed-Sun 12AM-2PM, 6-10PM. Regional. (''Accepts ECcard'').
  • '''Landhaus-Knappmann - Frankenheim-Brauhaus''', Ringstr. 198, ''+49-2054-''7809. M-F 4-12PM; Sat/Sun 11AM-midnight. Regional.
  • '''Schote''', Emmastr. 25 (''U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr.''), ''+49-201-''780107. Tue-Sun 6-11PM. Regional.
  • '''Landhaus Schnitzler''', Nockersberg 65, ''+49-201-''848140. W-F 12AM-3PM, 6-10:30PM; Sat 6-10:30PM; Sun 12AM-9PM. Seasonal.
  • '''Der Lowe''', [http://www.loewe-essen.de/] Kopstadtplatz. Bavarian-style restaurant.
  • '''Gastronomie Katalog''', [http://www.gastro.mybigcity.de/] Gastronomie Ubersicht fur Essen und das ubrige Ruhrgebiet.
  • Splurge

  • '''La Grappa''', Rellinghauser Str. 4 (''Tram 105/106: Aalto Theater''), ''+49-201-''231766. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; 5:30- 11:30PM; Sa 5:30-11:30PM. Italian/nouveau cuisine.
  • '''Schloss Hugenpoet''', Nesselrode, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ''+49-2054-''12040. Th-M 6:30-10PM. International food. Dogs not welcome.
  • '''Residence''', Auf der Forst 1, ''+49-2054-''95590. Tu-Sa 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine.
  • '''Schloss Hugenpoet-Nesselrode''', August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ''+49-2054-''12040, Th-M 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine. Dogs not welcome.
  • Drink

  • '''Ruttenscheider 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.
  • '''Daktari''', Juliusstrase 2, ''+49-201-''2698595. Small Cocktail-Bar with big cocktails, located 5 miutes away from main station. 7PM-4AM.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Europa''', Hindenburgstr. 35, ''+49-201-''232041, fax ''+49-201-''232656.
  • '''Hotel am Schlosspark'''[http://www.hotelamschlosspark.com], Borbecker Str. 183 (''RE14/S9/Tram 103: Essen-Borbeck Bf''), ''+49-201-''675001, fax ''+49-201-''687762, [mailto:service@hotelamschlosspark.com].
  • '''Ibis''', Hollestr. 50 (''SB15,16/Tram 103,109: Hollestr.''), ''+49-201-''24280, fax ''+49-201-''2428600.
  • '''Landhaus Knappmann''', Ringstr. 198, ''+49-2054-''7809, fax ''+49-201-''6789, [mailto:hotel-knappmann@kettwig.de], [http://www.hotel-landhaus-knappmann.de].
  • '''Schmachtenbergshof''', Schmachtenbergstr. 157, ''+49-2054-''12130, fax ''+49-2054-''121313, [mailto:info@hotel-schmachtenbergshof.de] [http://www.hotel-schmachtenbergshof.de].
  • '''Sengelmannshof''', Sengelmannsweg 35, ''+49-2054-''95970, fax ''+49-2054-''83200.
  • Mid-range

  • '''An der Gruga'''[http://www.grugahotel.de] (''U11, stop: Messe Ost/Gruga''), Eduard-Lucas-Str. 17, ''+49-201-''841180, fax ''+49-201-''8411869, [mailto:info@grugahotel.de].
  • '''Best Western Hotel Ypsilon'''[http://www.ypsilon-hotel.de], Muller-Breslau-Str. 18-20, ''+49-201-''89690, fax ''+49-201-''8969100, [mailto:willkommen@ypsilon-hotel.de], (''U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Topferstr. or Tram 106: Cacilienstr. or SB15: Huttropstr. or Tram 103/109: Schwanenbuschstr. or RE1/2/6/11/14/16, RB40/42, S1/2/3/6/9, U11/17/18, SB16/19: Essen Hbf or U18: Breslauer Str. or Tram 110: Flughafen Essen/Mulheim, then Bus 145/146/160/161: Paulinenstr.'')
  • '''Hotel im Girardet Haus'''[http://www.hotel-girardet.de], Girardetstr. 2-38, ''+49-201-''878800, fax ''+49-201-''8788088, [mailto:info@hotel-girardet.de] (''U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or S6: Kettwig, then Bus 142: Girardet Haus'').
  • '''Jagerhof''', Hauptstr. 23, ''+49-2054-''84011, fax ''+49-2054-''80984, (''S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mulheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mulheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mulheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Sud / Gruga or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental, then Bus 142/151/190: Kettwiger Markt'').
  • '''Mintrops Landhotel Burgaltendorf'''[http://www.hotel-mintrop.de], Schwarzensteinweg 81 (''SB15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine''), ''+49-201-''571710, fax ''+49-201-''5717147, [mailto:info@hotel-mintrop.de].
  • '''Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhohe''', Steile Str. 46 (''U17: Laubenweg''), ''+49-201-''43860, fax ''+49-201-''4386100.
  • '''Movenpick Hotel Essen''', Am Hauptbahnhof 2 (''stop: Essen Hbf''), ''+49-201-''17080, fax ''+49-201-''1708173.
  • '''Residence''', Auf der Forst 1, ''+49-2054-''95590, fax ''+49-2054-''82501, [mailto:info@hotel-residence.de], [http://www.hotel-residence.de]. (''S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mulheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mulheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mulheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Sud / 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, ''+49-201-''7690, fax ''+49-201-''7691143, (''U11: Messe West/Sud / Gruga or U 17: Margarethenhohe 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'').
  • '''Top Hotel Essener Hof''', Teichstr. 2 (''stop: Essen Hbf''), ''+49-201-''24250, fax ''+49-201-''2425751, [mailto:hotel@essener-hof.com], [http://www.essener-hof.com]. No dogs.
  • '''Top Rema-Hotel Essen''', Viehofer Platz 5 (''Tram 101/103/105/109: Rheinischer Platz''), ''+49-201-''105610, fax ''+49-201-''236685.
  • '''Villa Vogelsang''', Antonienallee 1, ''+49-201-''8536600, fax ''+49-201-''8536605, [mailto:rezeption@villa-vogelsang.de] [http://www.villa-vogelsang.de] (''S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14, S3/9, Tram 103/109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164/184: Carl-Wolf-Str.'').
  • Splurge

  • '''Holiday Inn Essen City Centre''', Frohnhauser Str. 6, ''+49-201-''24070, fax ''+49-201-''2407240.
  • '''Mercure Plaza''', Bismarckstr. 48-50 (''U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau''), ''+49-201-''878580, fax ''+49-201-''87858700,
  • '''Schloss Hugenpoet''', August-Thyssen-Str. 51, ''+49-2054-''12040, fax ''+49-2054-''120450, (''RE1 / RE2 / RE6 / RE11 / S1 / S3 / U18: Mulheim Ruhr Hbf, then Bus 132: Am Biestenkamp, then Taxi (should be reserved in advance)'').
  • '''Sheraton''', Huyssenallee 55 (''U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau''), ''+49-201-''10070, fax ''+49-201-''1007777,
  • '''Welcome Hotel Ruhr Residenz'''[http://www.welcome-to-essen.de], Schutzenbahn 58 (''Tram 106/107: Viehofer Platz''), ''+49-201-''17790, fax ''+49-201-''1779199, [mailto:info@welcome-to-essen.de].
  • Contact

    '''Essen Tourism Office''' Im Handelshof. Am Hauptbahnhof 2, Tel: ''+49-201-''19433, [mailto:touristikzentrale@essen.de]. Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-1PM. Closed on Sundays and bank holiday.

    Stay safe

    Cope

    '''Religious services'''

    Holy mass in catholic churches in the citycenter:

  • '''Hohe Domkirche, Munster''', An St. Quintin 3 (5-10 min north from central station). [http://www.essener-dom.de] Sat 6:30PM; Sun 7:30AM*, 10AM, 4PM*, 7PM; (*''in the '''Anbetungskirche''': Mon-Fri: 7AM, 10AM, 5:30PM (except Sat)'').
  • '''St. Engelbert''', Fischerstrase 12 (10 min south from central station) [http://home.arcor.de/meinhard-wiersch/01aab094f6132d010/index.html]. Sat: 6:15PM; Sun: 9:45AM, 2PM (engl.); Mon 7:30PM; Tue 9AM; Wed 9:15AM; Fri 6PM.
  • '''St. Ignatius''', An Sankt Ignatius 8 (10 min southwest from central station). [http://www.stignatius.de/Pfarrbrief.htm#Gottesdienstordnung] Sat 9AM, 5PM; Sun 11:15AM, 6PM; Tue/Thu/Fri 7PM.
  • Index of catholic churches in the diocesis of Essen: [http://www.katholische-kirche-essen.de/frames/06_00_01.asp?Buch=5]

    Get out