'''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