Essen Holidays from £240

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Your Essen Holiday

With plenty of highlights as well as hidden gems, this city is best experienced with a Essen holiday 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 holiday on Expedia.

Top Essen Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Astra

Hotel Astra

Stadtbezirk 3
£240
per person
23 Sept - 25 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8/10 Very good! (120 reviews)
It was good overall check in was simple

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2026

Sunday Hotel Düsseldorf City Nord

Sunday Hotel Düsseldorf City Nord

Stadtbezirk 6
Save 100% on your flight
£338
per person
2 Oct - 4 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (STN) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8.4/10 Very good! (811 reviews)
Essensio Hotel Düsseldorf

Essensio Hotel Düsseldorf

Save 100% on your flight
£326
per person
21 Oct - 24 Oct
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
GenoHotel Forsbach

GenoHotel Forsbach

Save 100% on your flight
£314
per person
14 Sept - 18 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
8.6/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
Very safe area and helpful staff which is great for me as a solo traveler. I will definitely return!

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2026

Hotel Stern

Hotel Stern

Pempelfort
£323
per person
24 Sept - 26 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Düsseldorf (DUS)
7/10 Good! (21 reviews)

Where to stay in Essen

Find the best Essen areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Essen
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.

Find hotels in Stadtkern
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

Ruettenscheid is well liked for its bars and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Grugahalle and Grugapark Botanical Garden are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Messe Ost-Gruga-Halle U-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn to get around.

Find hotels in Ruettenscheid
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

While you're in Stadtbezirke I, take in top sights like Philharmonie Essen or Limbecker Platz, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Hirschlandplatz U-Bahn or Berliner Platz U-Bahn.

Find hotels in Stadtbezirke I
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 of the city at Essen Stadtwald S-Bahn or Martinstrasse U-Bahn.

Find hotels in Stadtbezirke II
A modern building with a curved facade, large windows, and a covered entrance area.

Suedviertel

Get to know Suedviertel and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Folkwang Museum and Aalto-Musiktheater, and you can jump on the metro at Philharmonie U-Bahn or Bismarckplatz U-Bahn to get around the city.

Find hotels in Suedviertel

Things to do in and around Essen

Essen offers a delightful mix of activities for business and family vacations, from vibrant theatres to bustling shopping centres. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including day trips and leisure activities, while exploring the amenities of the Holiday Inn. Whether you're looking to shop or take in some entertainment, Essen has something for everyone.

Shopping

In Essen, you can enjoy shopping at Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum, just 4.8km away, featuring entertainment and family-friendly vibes. For more options, Westfield Centro is 9.7km away, offering a lively atmosphere, while Bermuda3Eck is 14.5km away, perfect for a family outing if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Golfclub Mulheim an der Ruhr, just 14.5km from Essen, surrounded by lush greenery. Experience thrilling sports events at Veltins-Arena, 11.3km away, or immerse yourself in the cultural performances at Philharmonie Essen, right in the heart of the city.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen, only 9.7km from Essen, where families can enjoy interactive attractions and activities. Alternatively, dive into fun at AQUApark Oberhausen, also 9.7km away, with its exhilarating water slides and wave pools, perfect for adventurous families.

Nightlife

Essen's nightlife is vibrant, with venues like the Kalthof and Club Pavillon offering live music and dancing. Discover the eclectic bars around the city centre, where you can enjoy a pint or cocktail, and experience the lively atmosphere that keeps the city buzzing into the early hours.

*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 diverse range of activities for tourists, whether you're visiting for business, family fun, or entertainment. Explore cultural attractions such as the Essen Cathedral and the Philharmonie Essen, unwind in urban parks, or attend events at Messe Essen. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Autokino in Essen. With a mix of museums and outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

  • Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site: Discover the rich industrial heritage of Essen at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving coal mine, it now showcases stunning architecture and offers insights into the region's cultural history, making it a fascinating blend of culture and history.
  • Seaside Beach Baldeney: Experience a slice of beach paradise in Essen at Seaside Beach Baldeney. This artificial beach along the Baldeneysee offers sandy shores, sun loungers, and water sports, creating a vibrant atmosphere for relaxation and fun.
  • Folkwang Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Folkwang Museum. Renowned for its impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century artworks, it serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions that inspire and provoke thought.

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 TagServus
Local Goodbye
Tschüss
Closest Airport
Duesseldorf Intl. Airport (DUS)
Population
593,100
Max Temp Winter
4ºC
Max Temp Summer
24ºC
Top Sights
Duisburg Zoo, Seaside Beach Baldeney and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Oberhausen

Top hotels in Essen

Premier Inn Essen City Centre

Premier Inn Essen City Centre

Am Hauptbahnhof 3 Essen
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£47
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & 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
£54
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & 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 6 Jul 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
£42
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (638 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 27 Jul 2026

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen
See all 918 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.
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Where to go when

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 kilometres 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
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.
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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.
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Messe Essen

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

8.0/10 (2 reviews)
During your visit to Essen, you can enjoy retail therapy at Limbecker Platz. Experience the area's theatre scene and live music.
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What to do in Essen

Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket

£12
per adult
Mettmann: Neanderthal Museum Admission Ticket
Bochum: Guided City Tour

Bochum: Guided City Tour

£15
per adult
Bochum: Guided City Tour
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth

£19
per adult
Düsseldorf: Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth
See all activities in Essen

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Essen holiday with Expedia?
With top-value airfares, accommodation and car hire choices all in one place, Expedia makes planning your Essen break a cinch. Plus, we can help you bundle your bookings into a package holiday so you can enjoy even more savings. Pick from awesome properties, add your flights and/or a hire car (and maybe also some fun tours and activities!) and land incredible prices. Need to change your plans? Expedia offers a flexible cancellation policy for many bookings. To learn more, head over to our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Essen?
If you love the excitement that comes with peak season, head to Essen in May, July and October. Travelling during the quieter months of December, January and February will help you skip the crowds. With average daytime temperatures of 2ºC, January is the coolest month in Essen. The warmest month is July, when you can expect average temperatures of 19ºC during the day. Whatever the weather, you'll find plenty of things to keep you occupied here.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Essen?
Atlantic Congress Hotel Essen and Select Hotel Handelshof Essen are among the best picks in the Stadtbezirke I neighbourhood. If you want to stay in the Stadtbezirke II area, book a room at Mercure Hotel Plaza Essen or Holiday Inn Essen - City Centre, an IHG Hotel.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Essen?
One of the simplest ways to save money (and time) is to combine your bookings with Expedia. Flights, hire cars, hotels and activities — we've got them all. Choose a combination that best fits you and see your savings grow. We know holidays are never one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer more than 400 air carriers and 321,000 properties worldwide, so you can customise your Essen holiday your way. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you combine your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Essen holiday?
Make sure your next holiday in Essen is an unforgettable one by exploring its leading attractions. Westfield Centro, Messe Essen, Zollverein Coal Mine World Heritage Site and Rudolf Weber-Arena are just some of the things we recommend seeing while you're in the area.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Essen?
A getaway in Essen wouldn't be complete without paying a visit to Movie Park Germany. Why not book a stay close to this much-loved tourist attraction?
Do I need a visa for my Essen holiday?
Official government websites have all the information you need on visa requirements, application procedures and any supporting documentation. Your nationality and reason for your visit, whether it be for work or holidays, will determine if you'll need a visa for Essen. Also ensure your passport is up to date and has a minimum of six months validity remaining after your return date. Do all your travel planning ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Essen holiday?
Do some research into the types of things people in Essen wear, and maybe even check out social media fashion pages for inspiration. You'll want to create a versatile wardrobe with pieces that work for your destination and showcase your unique sense of style. Be sure to look at the weather forecast so you can pack appropriately. The warmest time of year in Essen is July, with average daytime temperatures of 19ºC. If you're travelling in the coolest month of January, the mercury averages 2ºC during the day.
What does an Expedia Essen holiday include?
Hotels, flights and hire cars — we have them covered. With Expedia, you can shape your Essen package however you want. All you have to do is work out what you need. Once you've made your booking, why not add extras like experiences and activities? The more you bundle, the greater your savings! Discover an excellent range of property types and choose one that matches the size of your group. The most sought-after rentals here are apartments and hotels. With Expedia, you can easily design your Essen escape any way you want.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Essen holidays?
Your bank balance shouldn't stop you from going on holiday, so Expedia has devised a solution to help. Now that we've joined forces with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book your dream getaway without making a dent in your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options during the checkout process that take the stress out of budgeting for your escape. Consider one of these flexible payment options:
  • Pay monthly holidays: If paying small amounts each month works for you, Klarna offers just that! Paying in several transactions will make your getaway dreams come true.
  • No-deposit holidays: Hitting the "book now" button is much easier with this payment plan. With no upfront fee for your getaway, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your bags.
Can I choose my airline with an Essen Expedia holiday?
The choice is all yours! Expedia has access to more than 400 airlines throughout the world, so you can customise your Essen trip according to your style and budget.

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. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.