Essen Vacations from $518

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

Your Essen Vacation

With plenty of highlights as well as hidden gems, this city is best experienced with a Essen vacation package. Find somewhere to stay in Duisburg Mitte, which is good for bars and pubs, history and nightlife. Like to get out and explore? Westfield Centro, Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site and Seaside Beach Baldeney are among the best places to visit during a trip to Essen. A few quick clicks is all it takes to create your ideal Essen vacation on Expedia.

The Latest Essen vacation packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Astoria City Resort by Mayburgh

Astoria City Resort by Mayburgh

Stadtbezirke V
$518
per person
Sep 25 - Sep 30
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
7.8/10 Good! (9 reviews)
Hotel Astra

Hotel Astra

Stadtbezirk 3
Save 100% on your flight
$758
per person
Sep 25 - Sep 30
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8/10 Very Good! (120 reviews)
It was good overall check in was simple

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2026

Sunday Hotel Düsseldorf City Nord

Sunday Hotel Düsseldorf City Nord

Stadtbezirk 6
$672
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 17
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Billund (BLL) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8.4/10 Very Good! (808 reviews)
Great hotel to stay at and handy for shops and trams as well. Lovely rooms and the staff were always very helpful. Can't beat the price either for what u get. Never tried the breakfast as was out early.

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2026

Mercure Hotel Düsseldorf Kaarst

Mercure Hotel Düsseldorf Kaarst

$605
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 17
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Billund (BLL) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8.2/10 Very Good! (578 reviews)
Meliá Düsseldorf

Meliá Düsseldorf

Pempelfort
$744
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 17
just found
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Billund (BLL) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8.8/10 Excellent! (909 reviews)
Don't see what you're looking for?
See all available trips from Columbus to Essen
View all trips

Where to stay in Essen

Find the best Essen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Essen
A covered outdoor event space with a geometric patterned roof, surrounded by greenery and seated attendees.

Ruettenscheid

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Ruettenscheid. Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around the larger area.

A Grillo-Theater with illuminated spherical decorations and a tree in front.

Stadtkern

Noted for its shopping and bars, there's plenty to explore in Stadtkern. Top attractions like Philharmonie Essen and Limbecker Platz are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

A modern building with a glass tower and a flat-roofed structure in a green park.

Stadtbezirke I

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke I, check out sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz and hop on the metro to see more the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.

A modern building with a curved facade, large windows, and a covered entrance area.

Suedviertel

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Suedviertel. Folkwang Museum and Aalto-Musiktheater are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Philharmonie U-Bahn or Bismarckplatz U-Bahn to get around the larger area.

A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense forest.

Stadtbezirke II

If you're spending time in Stadtbezirke II, check out sights like Grugahalle or Grugapark Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.

Stay near popular Essen attractions

An industrial area with a canal reflecting structures and greenery.

Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site

9.0/10 (217 reviews)
This UNESCO-listed complex showcases stunning Bauhaus industrial architecture from Germany's coal mining heyday. Explore the transformed cultural hub through guided tours and visit the Ruhr Museum for regional insights.
See properties
A calm lake with white swans and a fallen tree branch in the foreground.
Photo by Marc De Vos

Baldeneysee

9.2/10 (48 reviews)
Germany's largest Ruhr reservoir offers 14 kilometers of scenic paths for walking and cycling. Take a boat tour with Weisse Flotte Baldeney to admire Villa Hügel and spot kingfishers along the shore.
See properties
A museum corridor with industrial exhibits and a central display case.

Red Dot Design Museum

8.6/10 (45 reviews)
Housed in a former boiler house, this museum displays over 2,000 award-winning contemporary designs across five floors. Visitors can interact with exhibits within the atmospheric UNESCO Zollverein complex.
See properties
An art gallery with large windows, wooden floors, and several paintings on display.

Folkwang Museum

9.2/10 (45 reviews)
Museum Folkwang displays masterpieces from Impressionism to Surrealism in David Chipperfield's light-filled modern galleries. Explore the German Poster Museum and enjoy tranquil inner courtyards between exhibits.
See properties

Messe Essen

8.6/10 (324 reviews)
This premier German exhibition center hosts leading international trade fairs with clear architecture and modern amenities. Visitors enjoy diverse gatherings in the vibrant Ruhr region.
See properties

Grugahalle

8.6/10 (87 reviews)
This heritage-listed arena with its distinctive butterfly roof hosts concerts to sports events. Experience excellent acoustics and sightlines while attending performances in this architectural gem.
See properties

Seaside Beach Baldeney

8.4/10 (57 reviews)
This urban oasis transforms Lake Baldeney's shore into a sandy beach retreat with imported palm trees. Enjoy beach volleyball, climbing, or paddleboarding before relaxing at waterfront bars with scenic lake views.
See properties

Limbecker Platz

8.0/10 (2 reviews)
During your visit to Essen, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Limbecker Platz. Experience the area's theater scene and live music.
See properties

What to do in Essen

Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

$16
per adult
Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket
Hut tour Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

Hut tour Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

$23
per adult
Hut tour Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

$25
per adult
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth
See all activities in Essen

Essen Hotel Deals

Premier Inn Essen City Centre

Premier Inn Essen City Centre

Am Hauptbahnhof 3 Essen
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$52 nightly
$59 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Premier Inn Essen City Centre
Garner Hotel Essen - Handelshof by IHG

Garner Hotel Essen - Handelshof by IHG

Am Hauptbahnhof 2 Essen NW
Fully refundable
$60 nightly
$68 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
Total with taxes and fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent location right opposite the main train station. Helpful, friendly staff even by German standards. Basic room but more than adequate"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

Garner Hotel Essen - Handelshof by IHG
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen

Hachestrasse 63 Essen
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$51 nightly
$57 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
9/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
"The front desk staff were friendly and respectful, but the hotel lacked too many basic amenities. There was no fridge, no phone to call desk if any questions, no complimentary tea or coffee, no iron, no microwave both in room to heat up food and when requested at front desk, and no shelves in the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen
See all 940 properties in Essen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find the Best Essen Vacation Packages

Things to do in and around Essen

Essen, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is perfect for business, family, and entertainment-themed vacations. Visitors can enjoy activities like laser tag at Laserzone, explore local museums, and indulge in shopping at popular centers and malls. Additionally, there are enticing Switzerland tour packages for those looking to expand their travel experience. With a blend of culture and fun, Essen offers something for everyone.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Limbecker Platz, right in Essen, offering a variety of entertainment, family-friendly options, and business vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum, just 3 miles away, or Bermuda3Eck, located 9 miles from Essen, both with vibrant shopping experiences.

Recreation

Veltins-Arena, located 7 miles from Essen, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Experience the cultural richness at Philharmonie Essen, a local theater perfect for a romantic evening. For outdoor fun, Golf Club Schloss Horst, 6 miles away, provides a scenic setting for golf lovers.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water slides at AQUApark Oberhausen, located 6 miles from Essen, perfect for family fun. Enjoy indoor skiing at Alpincenter Bottrop, 5 miles away, offering sports excitement. For climbing enthusiasts, Kletterhalle Bergwerk, 18 miles from Essen, presents a challenging outdoor climbing adventure.

Nightlife

Essen's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of bars and clubs. Start your evening at the trendy Café Blum for cocktails, then dance the night away at Club Nachtresidenz. For a laid-back vibe, check out the local pubs around the city center, where live music often fills the air.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Essen

Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, offers a blend of business, family, and entertainment experiences. Key attractions include museums, urban parks, and event venues, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor activities. Don't miss the Philharmonie Essen for a musical experience and the stunning Essen Cathedral for a taste of history. Whether you're traveling with family or on business, Essen has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Messe Essen: This modern event and conference venue is a hub for business and trade fairs, offering cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for those interested in networking and exploring the latest industry trends.
  • Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic coal mine is a testament to industrial culture. Visitors can explore its fascinating architecture and learn about the region's rich mining history, making it a cultural gem.
  • Seaside Beach Baldeney: This lovely beach area offers relaxation and recreational activities alongside the picturesque Baldeney Lake. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding with a beautiful view, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.

Best time to go to Essen

The best time to visit Essen can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Essen falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Essen falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January36.9°F (2.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April50.4°F (10.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Essen

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Essen during the low season (July to August and December) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Essen Essential Information

Language
German
Currency
Euros
Local Welcome
Guten Tag
Local Goodbye
Tschüss
Closest Airport
Duesseldorf Intl. Airport (DUS)
Population
593,100
Max Temp Winter
40ºF
Max Temp Summer
75ºF
Top Sights
Seaside Beach Baldeney, Duisburg Zoo and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen

More vacations you might like

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Essen vacation package cost?
You'll find cheap prices from $518 on Expedia for your Essen getaway. However, a range of factors like the hotel choice, length of stay and season will influence how much your vacation to Essen costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Essen?
You're likely to find lower prices and better availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Essen vacation packages and you could score some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Essen?
We recommend booking an Essen vacation for around 2 days. This will allow you time to visit top attractions such as Philharmonie Essen and Ruhr Museum, and also explore neighborhoods like Stadtbezirke I and Stadtkern. You might even be able to squeeze in a day trip (or two) beyond Essen.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Essen?
Essen is a good vacation destination with attractions like Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site among the many things to keep you entertained. Whether you're heading away with the family or planning a trip with friends, an Essen vacation promises fun for everyone.
How to find the best Essen package deals?
Begin your search for an Essen package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then apply a few filters, like "Guest rating" and "Property type," to fine-tune the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with irresistible savings. If you don't find the perfect Essen package deal straight away, simply change your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Essen adventure off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book an Essen vacation as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Essen getaway by booking a tailored vacation package. Check the "Package" heading, then select your travel dates and destination to view some great flight and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may land a better deal.
When to book a vacation package to Essen?
If you have your Essen vacation dates locked in, book as early as you can to score some incredible deals. With Expedia, you can generally reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment adventures? Our last-minute deals are perfect for impromptu escapes.
How to plan a trip to Essen?
  1. Pick the best time to travel: Your schedule, favorite season and the type of weather you enjoy can all influence your decision on when to visit Essen.
  2. Set your budget: Factor in expenses such as flights, food and transportation when calculating how much to save for your trip to Essen. Then, select a property that works with your budget, whether that's an affordable stay or a lavish retreat.
  3. Use our trip planning tool to discover Essen: Research every part of your trip to Essen with this handy planner. Invite friends or family to collaborate on a group trip, search for stays or things to do and make bookings.
  4. Set the duration of your trip: Start by making a list of all the sights and activities you'd like to get to in Essen. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, along with any travel time.
  5. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, hotels, car rental and more into a personalized Essen vacation package.
  6. Add on experiences and excursions: Read our travel guide to find some awesome things to do in Essen. Book tickets or make reservations as soon as you can to save time and avoid the stress of trying to find activities when you arrive.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Essen vacation packages?
Set off on your perfect trip to Essen with Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later vacations. There's no need to save like crazy or wait for your next payday — we've teamed up with online lender Affirm to give you more financial flexibility. Our vacation packages with payment plans allow you to spread the total cost across 3, 6 or 12 months. With no hidden charges or late payment fees, it's a breeze to stay on budget and snap up bargains before they sell out.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.