This bustling street in the heart of Essen offers endless entertainment, including a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and attractions.
Sheraton Essen Hotel
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Uncover the heart of Essen and the Ruhr region
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Things to Do in Essen: A Helpful Guide
Looking for things to do in Essen? Dive into this comprehensive guide and discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city. Boasting a UNESCO World Heritage site, iconic landmarks, world-class museums and exquisite culinary delights, Essen is a place of authentic experiences. But it's not all about the city. Step away from the buzz of the centre to discover unexpected natural surroundings, where lakes, green parks and an extensive network of cycling paths offer endless possibilities for exploration.
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The Top Attractions in Essen
The Top Attractions in Essen
Embrace your stay in the heart of Essen and uncover cultural gems just moments away. Sheraton Essen Hotel's location inside Stadtgarten and conveniently near the main station, makes it easy to explore the city's top attractions, excursions and shopping spots.
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Zeche Zollverein
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Folkwang Museum
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Villa Hügel
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Baldeneysee
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Margarethenhöhe
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Red Dot Design Museum
Rüttenscheider Straße
Zeche Carl
Zeche Carl is a cultural attraction and historic venue that brings together captivating music performances and a fascinating glimpse into the region's coal mining past.
Entertainment in Essen
Essen's entertainment scene is diverse and lively, offering theaters, philharmonic orchestras and many other music venues. During your stay, select from a range of live performances, from opera and ballet to symphonies and modern music.
Philharmonic Hall
Essen's Philharmonic Hall is a cultural jewel, where classical concerts and musical events take place and enrich the cultural landscape of the city.
Aalto Theater
Experience cultural excellence at the Aalto Theatre in Essen, home to opera, ballet and concerts. This outstanding theatre is a masterpiece by Alvar Aalto and it was crowned 'Opera House of the Year' in 2008 in the German-speaking world.
Lichtburg Essen
Nestled in Essen's city center, the Lichtburg reigns as Germany's largest and most exquisite film palace. This historic cinema and cultural icon showcases elegant Art Deco architecture, delivering an unparalleled cinematic journey to over 1,250 patrons.
Veltins Arena
Located in neighboring Gelsenkirchen, Veltins Arena is an architectural marvel. With a movable pitch and retractable roof, it sets the stage for thrilling football matches, concerts, and events. Get ready for a mind-blowing experience where engineering meets entertainment!
Weststadthalle
Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying atmosphere of Weststadthalle Essen. From soul-stirring concerts to comedy shows, this vibrant venue is perfect for culture enthusiasts.
GOP Variete Theatre
Your senses will be ignited at GOP Varieté Theatre Essen, where artistry, athleticism, and innovation come together. See talented performers push the boundaries of possibility.
Metronom Theater Oberhausen
The Metronom Theater in Oberhausen shines in new splendor after extensive renovations and has become a highlight of the regional cultural scene. With a diverse program of musicals, shows, and concerts, it attracts visitors from the entire region and beyond, promising unforgettable experiences.
Discover Essen by Bus
When it comes to things to do in Essen, the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus offers tourists a convenient way to explore the city. With this flexible mode of transportation, you can visit the city's major attractions and hop on and off as you please. The bus takes you to places like Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Grugapark, and Villa Hügel. During the ride, you'll learn interesting facts about Essen's history and culture. Enjoy the freedom to discover the city at your own pace.
Explore the City with a Mixed-Reality City Tour
Explore the history of Essen with a mixed-reality time travel experience. Through innovative technology, you'll be transported back to the year 1887 and witness the city's past come to life. Walk the streets of old Essen, interact with historical figures, and discover how this industrial hub has evolved over the years. This immersive journey blends the charm of the past with the excitement of the present, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
The Ruhr Region for Families: Things to Do in Essen With Children
Discover fantastic family activities in Essen and beyond into the Ruhr Region. Embark on exciting adventures, experience cultural highlights, and plan a day of fun for the whole family. From admiring underwater creatures, to enjoying family-friendly movies, you'll find plenty to do in Essen for all age groups.
Zoom Erlebniswelt
Dive into the exciting animal world of ZOOM Erlebniswelt in Gelsenkirchen. Explore the diverse habitats of exotic animals from around the world; from the African savanna to chilly Alaska and the Asian jungles. With thrilling attractions and interactive exhibitions, it's the perfect place for adventure and learning. Get up close with an incredible array of wildlife, including majestic lions and elegant giraffes. Learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these amazing creatures and their habitats.
Movie Park Germany
Experience magical moments at Movie Park Germany. Dive into the world of blockbuster movies and thrilling attractions. Make the family's dreams come true with action-packed rides and encounters with your favorite film characters. Explore a variety of themed areas, from the wild west to mysterious expeditions.
Topgolf Oberhausen
Discover an exciting golf experience in the heart of Oberhausen - TopGolf. With state-of-the-art technology and entertaining games, TopGolf offers a unique way to experience golf. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner, the teeing grounds and innovative scoring system ensure fun and excitement. Enjoy delicious snacks and refreshing drinks while you play.
SEA LIFE
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at SEA LIFE Oberhausen. Explore vibrant marine life, from playful sea otters to majestic rays. Immerse yourself in the underwater tunnel, encountering sharks and turtles up close. Here you will find 17 themed areas with around 5,000 animals from over 200 species in 45 fascinating tanks. The absolute highlight is the largest shark breeding Germany with a 148 square meter shallow water pool. Since the end of 2023, SEA Life Oberhausen has been one of the first locations of the Immersive Gamebox. Get ready for the interactive gaming experience of the future. Join forces in a team of 2-6 players to master exciting challenges.
Phänomania
Embark on a captivating adventure at Phänomania Essen, where a world of science and wonder collide. Interact with mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions, puzzles, science shows, workshops, and virtual reality experiences.
Explore the Ruhr with Us
Bike & Hike Offer
Our Bike & Hike Package is designed to make your adventure in the Ruhr easy and comfortable. Enjoy an overnight stay with late check-out, free upgrade (subject to availability), and a delicious breakfast buffet. Plus, pack your lunch in your new Sheraton lunch box free of charge and take it with you for the day ahead! Free internet, secure bike storage and a free cycling and hiking map are also provided. Visit highlights like Lake Baldeney and Zollverein Coal Mine and unwind at our wellness area at the end of the day.
RuhrtalRadweg
There's no better way to explore Essent than on two wheels. The RuhrtalRadweg is one of Germany's most beautiful cycling routes, taking you along the picturesque Ruhr River and through charming landscapes. This 240-km long route offers lush forests, historic towns, and idyllic riverfront promenades.
Raderlebnisroute West
The 14-kilometre Raderlebnisroute West takes you to some of Essen's most impressive sites of history and structural change. Starting from the hotel, you'll pass through various districts and green oases, making for a varied and exciting route. This is where the past and the future of Essen come together, so you'll have plenty of opporuntity to get a feel for the city and its development.
Biergarten-Tour South
Discover the delightful Biergarten-Tour South, a 52.6km cycle adventure through the southern half of Essen. This scenic route takes you past 30 charming beer gardens, each offering the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. As you cycle, you'll experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Essen's southern districts. This self-guided tour allows you to soak up the atmosphere of a city where the past meets the future.
Fußball Route NRW
Embark on an exhilarating journey along the Deutsche Fußball Route NRW, an experiential cycling trail designed to celebrate the football heritage of North Rhine-Westphalia. Spanning an impressive 825 km, this scenic holiday route connects 15 cities renowned for their traditional football clubs, including the iconic city of Essen. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these renowned clubs, delving into the heart of Essen's vibrant football legacy.
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Essener Dom
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Alte Synagogue
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Schloss Borbeck
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Schloss Schellenberg
Grugapark
Spanning over 70 hectares, Grugapark is an urban park home to over 50,000 plants and trees, including a rose garden with over 3,000 rose varieties. Whilst you’re here, enjoy a coffee or head to Gruga Therme to enjoy its pool and saunas.
Wildgatter Essen
Escape the city and venture into Wildgatter Essen only a short distance from the centre. Roam through lush forests and encounter wildlife such as deer and wild boar.
Die Altstadt von Kettwig
Take a walk through the beautiful Old Town of Kettwig. Largely spared from the air raids of the Second World War, it has retained its old town character. Wander through historic houses, soak in river views and indulge in the ambiance of local cafes.
Where to Go Shopping in Essen
Where to Go Shopping in Essen
Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty of options in and around Essen, where a diverse retail experience awaits.
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Limbecker Platz Essen
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Ruhrpark Bochum
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Westfield Centro
Fine Dining with Nelson Müller
Explore the famous Nelson Müller's exquisite cuisine in the heart of Essen. Indulge in a curated symphony of flavours-from innovative culinary creations to classic favorites; each dish is a masterpiece that promises to tantalise your taste buds. Try one of Nelson Müller's restaurants - Müllers auf der Rü, Schote, Müllers Kochkurse - or book a cooking class and learn some new skills in the kitchen.
Sheraton Essen Hotel
Sheraton Essen Hotel
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FAQs
Zollverein Coal Mine, Museum Folkwang, Grugapark, and Essen city centre are all close by and easy to reach.
From the tram stop Philharmonie Essen (just outside Sheraton Essen Hotel), take Tram 107 directly to Zeche Zollverein. The journey takes about 20–25 minutes.
Yes – Stadtgarten is right next to the hotel. Grugapark is 2.5 km away (around 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes by tram), and Lake Baldeney can be reached in about 20 minutes by car or via S-Bahn.
Yes. Essen has excellent public transport, and many attractions are within walking distance or easily accessible by tram or train.
Yes – Düsseldorf is only 30 minutes by train, and Cologne is about one hour. Locally, you can also visit Villa Hügel, Kettwig, or Werden for a shorter getaway.
Yes. Enjoy a walk in Stadtgarten, visit the Old Synagogue, explore historic Werden, or discover outdoor art in the Moltkeviertel. Many green spaces and viewpoints are also free to enjoy.
Rüttenscheid is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a lively neighbourhood full of cafés, restaurants, and small boutiques.
Essen hosts concerts, exhibitions, and theatre events year-round. Ask our front desk for tips, or check essen.de for the latest event listings.
Yes, our front desk team is happy to provide local maps, directions, and personal recommendations.