Find hotels in Essen from £41

Top reasons to visit Essen

• Historic Essen Cathedral: A must-see landmark, showcasing stunning architecture and rich history.
• UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine: Explore this iconic industrial complex, a symbol of Essen's heritage.
• Schauspiel Essen Theatre: Enjoy captivating performances in this renowned cultural venue.
• Vibrant Downtown: Experience a delightful blend of modern amenities and historical charm.
• Beautiful Parks: Relax in lush green spaces that offer a tranquil escape from the urban hustle.

Find great hotels in and around Essen

Discover a variety of accommodation options in Essen, where you can find everything from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly facilities, a business-friendly environment, or a family-friendly getaway, Essen has something to suit every traveller. With numerous hotels offering excellent amenities, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable stay in this vibrant city.

• Garner Hotel Essen - Handelshof by IHG: This 4-star hotel offers a family-friendly and eco-certified environment, making it ideal for travellers seeking an eco-conscious getaway. With a guest rating of 8.8, it boasts amenities tailored for children, including free cribs and a First Aid Kit, ensuring peace of mind for families. Pets are welcomed with specific policies for dogs, making it a pet-friendly choice. Located centrally in Essen, guests appreciate the blend of comfort, sustainable practices, and child-friendly features, making it a standout option for eco-aware families.
• Garner Hotel Essen - Messe by IHG: A 3-star establishment, Garner Hotel Essen - Messe is celebrated for its pet-friendly atmosphere, receiving a commendable guest rating of 8.8. Situated close to essential attractions in Essen, this hotel provides a welcoming environment for both guests and their furry companions. The hotel's policies allow for pets with specific conditions, ensuring a hassle-free stay for animal lovers. This hotel is a perfect choice for those looking to explore the area while enjoying the comfort of a relaxed and accommodating setting.
• IntercityHotel Duisburg: Although located 17.7km from Essen, this 4-star hotel is an excellent choice for business travellers and pet owners alike, boasting a guest rating of 8.8. IntercityHotel Duisburg offers a professional atmosphere with essential amenities for business needs, while also being pet-friendly with specific policies in place. Guests appreciate the convenience of being near Essen while enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed hotel that caters to both leisure and work-related stays, making it a versatile option for any visitor.

Where to stay in and around Essen

Essen offers a delightful blend of business and culture, making it an ideal destination for various travellers. Explore the vibrant downtown Essen, where modern comforts meet historical charm. Just a stone’s throw away, you'll find the attractions of Westphalia, showcasing rich heritage and friendly locals. Don't miss the opportunity to venture into nearby cities, offering a taste of European capital life, with bustling markets and cultural experiences that will enrich your stay.

• Gelsenkirchen: Located approximately 8.0km from Essen, Gelsenkirchen is an engaging district that attracts visitors year-round. It's particularly bustling in April, July, and September, drawing sports enthusiasts and families alike. The area is renowned for its arena entertainment facility, theatre, and golf course, making it a perfect spot for fun activities. Notable landmarks include a prominent sports stadium, a thrilling theme park, and an intriguing film studio, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this lively locale.
• Ruettenscheid: Nestled within the Essen area, Ruettenscheid is a vibrant neighbourhood that welcomes families, business travellers, and entertainment seekers throughout the year. Peak visitor times occur from January to February and in September. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of attractions, including a theatre and an arena entertainment facility, alongside a bustling shopping centre. Visitors can also explore nearby event conference venues and convention centres, making Ruettenscheid an ideal place for both leisure and business pursuits.
• Stadtkern: The heart of Essen, Stadtkern is a dynamic neighbourhood that attracts visitors for its business, cultural, and family-oriented experiences. With peak visitation in January, September, and November, the area offers a blend of activities such as visiting the theatre and shopping at local centres. Historic places and event conference venues nearby add to its charm, making Stadtkern a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak up the essence of Essen while enjoying its rich offerings.

Things to do in Essen

Essen offers a delightful mix of activities for tourists, making it ideal for family outings and business-themed trips alike. Visitors can enjoy engaging theatre performances, explore diverse museums, and indulge in shopping at various centres. Day trips to nearby attractions and a range of restaurants provide enlightening experiences, ensuring a memorable stay in this vibrant city.

Shopping

Essen offers vibrant shopping experiences. The main shopping destination is the Steele Centre with a variety of shops and cafés. If you're up for a drive, head to Centro Oberhausen, one of Germany's largest shopping malls, featuring a wide selection of international brands and dining options.

Recreation

The Grugapark is a beautiful blend of nature and wellness, offering tranquil gardens, scenic walking paths, and a variety of wellness activities. For relaxation, visit the Wellness Oasis, where soothing treatments and saunas create a peaceful retreat, perfect for rejuvenation after exploring the vibrant city.

Adventure

Experience thrilling go-kart racing at Kartbahn Essen, where you can challenge friends on an exciting indoor track. For a unique adventure, explore the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with guided tours that delve into its fascinating industrial history.

Nightlife

In Essen, the Lichtburg cinema offers a unique blend of classic films and a vibrant atmosphere. The Zeche Carl is perfect for live music enthusiasts, while the trendy Club Pavillon provides a lively dance scene with eclectic beats, making it a fantastic destination for nightlife adventures.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Essen

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Essen are July to August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Essen about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Essen is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Essen is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Essen with flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Essen

Essen, a vibrant city in North Rhine-Westphalia, offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment for families and business travellers alike. Key attractions include the historic Essen Cathedral, the bustling Messe Essen, the renowned Schauspiel Essen theatre, and the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city's parks provide a refreshing escape, making Essen a perfect destination for a diverse range of experiences.

• Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to industrial heritage. Wander through the impressive architecture and learn about the coal mining history that shaped the region, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural significance of the area.
• Seaside Beach Baldeney: Enjoy a delightful day at this sandy beach along the Baldeney Lake. With picturesque views, sunbathing opportunities, and beachside cafes, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation and leisure amidst nature.
• Tetrahedon Bottrop: Admire this striking public art installation located 8.0km away. The geometric design offers a unique visual experience, blending art with the urban landscape and inviting visitors to engage with its creative essence.

Best time to go to Essen

The best time to visit Essen is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
April	50.4°F (10.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	60.8°F (16.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Essen

When visiting Essen, you can conveniently fly into several major airports. Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) is located 25.7km away and offers excellent hotel options such as the five-star Hotel Kö59, Living Hotel De Medici, and Steigenberger Icon Parkhotel, all approximately 6.4km from the airport, with various transportation services available. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is about 64.4km from Essen, with nearby luxurious stays like the Cologne Marriott Hotel and Hyatt Regency Cologne, both within 12.9km. For those considering EINdhoven Airport (EIN), which is 112.7km away, options include NH Eindhoven Conference Centre and NH Collection Eindhoven, both around 6.4km from the airport.