Things to do in Gelsenkirchen

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Trembich Moving Moments
Photo by Trembich Moving Moments
Photo by Michael Gerlach
Photo by Michael Gerlach
Photo by Michael Gerlach
Photo by Michael Gerlach
Photo by Paul Devall
Photo by Paul Devall
Photo "Gelsenkirchen" by HansPeter (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by HansPeter (CC BY)

Gelsenkirchen Attractions

It's little wonder so many vacationers head back to Gelsenkirchen year after year. This delightful city is overflowing with fun things to do. Whether you're into sightseeing or having a go at more exhilarating activities, you won't have a dull moment here.

Learn what makes Gelsenkirchen tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Browse through our top {22 fun activities in Gelsenkirchen fun activities in Gelsenkirchen}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Recommended things to do in Gelsenkirchen

Number of things to do
22
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Gelsenkirchen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Gelsenkirchen

Free Things to Do in Gelsenkirchen

Heading to Gelsenkirchen on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Nordsternpark - Rejuvenate your mind and soul by spending a little time in nature.

Things to Do in Gelsenkirchen with Kids

You'll find loads of fun activities to do with your kids in and near Gelsenkirchen. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Gelsenkirchen? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gelsenkirchen

Superb stadium. Good team and no segregation between the home Schalke 04 supporters and those of us that support Arsenal.

Veltins-Arena

Catch an event at Veltins-Arena during your trip to Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theater scene or attend a football game.

Veltins-Arena
Zoom Erlebniswelt

ZOOM Erlebniswelt

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at ZOOM Erlebniswelt during your travels in Gelsenkirchen? Experience the area's theater scene or attend a football game.

ZOOM Erlebniswelt

Golf Club Schloss Horst

Enjoy a round of golf in Gelsenkirchen at Golf Club Schloss Horst. Experience the area's theater scene or attend a football game.

Golf Club Schloss Horst

Nordsternpark

Explore the great outdoors at Nordsternpark, a lovely green space in Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theater scene or attend a football game.

Nordsternpark

Alma Park

Bring the kiddos to Alma Park and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Gelsenkirchen.

Alma Park

Club Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Club Museum during your travels in Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theater scene or attend a football game.

Club Museum

Hans-Sachs-Haus

After visiting Hans-Sachs-Haus, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gelsenkirchen.

Hans-Sachs-Haus

Schloss Berge

You can find out about the history of Gelsenkirchen with a trip to Schloss Berge. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Schloss Berge

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Gelsenkirchen

Waldschänke im Stadtwald Gelsenkirchen-Buer
Photo by HansPeter (CC BY)

Buer

Appreciated for its restaurants and shopping, you might consider exploring Buer. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Schloss Berge, and jump on the metro at Hugostraße Tram Stop or Gelsenkirchen Buer Nord S-Bahn to get around the city.

Buer
Zoom Erlebniswelt

Gelsenkirchen-Mitte

While visiting Gelsenkirchen-Mitte, you might make a stop by sights like ZOOM Erlebniswelt and Nordsternpark.

Gelsenkirchen-Mitte
Default Image

Schalke

The live music and zoo are a few reasons travelers visit Schalke. Want to see more of the surrounding area? ZOOM Erlebniswelt and Veltins-Arena are a few top sights nearby.

Schalke
Superb stadium. Good team and no segregation between the home Schalke 04 supporters and those of us that support Arsenal.

Gelsenkirchen-Ost

While you're in Gelsenkirchen-Ost, take in top sights like Veltins-Arena and jump on the metro at VELTINS-Arena Station to see more of the city.

Gelsenkirchen-Ost
Superb stadium. Good team and no segregation between the home Schalke 04 supporters and those of us that support Arsenal.

Erle

The restaurants and sporting events make Erle worth a stop. Make a stop by Veltins-Arena, and jump on the metro at VELTINS-Arena Station to get around the area.

Erle
Schloss Horst is a well-known wedding location in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Gelsenkirchen-West

While you're in Gelsenkirchen-West, take in top sights like Golf Club Schloss Horst or Nordsternpark, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Buerer Strasse U-Bahn or Schloss Horst U-Bahn.

Gelsenkirchen-West
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Gelsenkirchen

Bochum showing a city, modern architecture and outdoor eating

Bochum

Photo by Trembich Moving Moments

Bottrop

Photo by Trembich Moving Moments

Herten

Photo by Trembich Moving Moments

Gladbeck

Photo by Trembich Moving Moments

Dorsten

Essen

Essen

Photo by Michael Gerlach

Herne

Photo "Feldhausen" by E v Schoonhoven (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by E v Schoonhoven (CC BY)

Feldhausen

Frequently asked questions

Is Gelsenkirchen worth visiting?
Famous for its festivals and history, discovering fun things to do in Gelsenkirchen is simple. Be sure to add Josef Albers Museum to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Gelsenkirchen?
Movie Park Germany and Alma Park are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Gelsenkirchen while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gelsenkirchen?
The top tourist attraction in Gelsenkirchen is Josef Albers Museum, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Gelsenkirchen?
Book a vacation in Gelsenkirchen for three days and you'll have enough time to tick off its main sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider staying for seven to ten days.
Is Gelsenkirchen a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Gelsenkirchen, including Nordsternpark and Alma Park, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from the city center of Gelsenkirchen is Gelsenkirchen-Mitte and Altstadt Gelsenkirchen is 0.2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Gelsenkirchen with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all of your group, here are some awesome ideas for what to do in Gelsenkirchen with kids.

What to do in Gelsenkirchen for adults?
From incredible food and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are plenty of fascinating things to do in Gelsenkirchen for adults.
Are there free things to do in Gelsenkirchen?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Gelsenkirchen is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without getting your cash out. Nordsternpark is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.