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.
Sheraton Essen Hotel
-
Uncover the heart of Essen and the Ruhr region
Your helpful guide
Book Now Opens a new window
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.
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.
skip The Top Attractions in Essen carousel with 6 cards.-
Zeche Zollverein
-
Folkwang Museum
-
Villa Hügel
-
Baldeneysee
-
Margarethenhöhe
-
Red Dot Design Museum
Entertainment in Essen
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!
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.
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.
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.
skip Where to Go Shopping in Essen carousel with 3 cards.-
Limbecker Platz Essen
-
Ruhrpark Bochum
-
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
Follow us on social media
skip Sheraton Essen Hotel carousel with 3 cards.
