Hotels in Essen

Unveil the Cultural Tapestry of Essen: Where History Meets Modern Marvels

Discover the vibrant essence of Essen, a hidden gem in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This dynamic city seamlessly blends rich industrial history with cultural treasures. Explore the renowned Museum Folkwang, home to stunning art collections, or marvel at the majestic Essen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy world-class performances at the Philharmonie Essen and unwind in the lush greenery of Stadtgarten. With a mix of modern charm and historical landmarks, Essen invites travelers to experience its unique appeal—perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking an authentic German city experience. For the best hotel rates in Essen, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Essen

Some of the best places to stay in Essen are Stadtmitte, Düsseldorf Old Town and Friedrichstadt. Stadtmitte, Düsseldorf Old Town, and Friedrichstadt offer vibrant experiences for travelers. Stadtmitte is a bustling hub with shops and eateries, while Düsseldorf Old Town boasts charming streets and rich history, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Friedrichstadt features a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Accommodations in these areas range from budget-friendly hotels to upscale options, providing something for every traveler’s needs. For those visiting Essen, consider nearby hotels for convenient access to the region's attractions. Here are some of the best hotels in Essen that our travelers love:

1. StadtmitteOpens in a new window: Stadtmitte is a vibrant area perfect for both business and family travelers, offering easy access to key attractions like Messe Düsseldorf and the bustling Konigsallee. The central location ensures a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Recommended hotels include Hotel Kö59 Düsseldorf - Member of Hommage Luxury Hotels CollectionOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5-star property ideal for business and family vacations, featuring conference spaces and amenities for children. Another option is Steigenberger Icon Parkhotel DüsseldorfOpens in a new window, which not only caters to business needs but also provides romantic packages, spa services, and a lovely garden view restaurant. Lastly, Breidenbacher HofOpens in a new window is a fantastic choice for those seeking a blend of romance and family-friendly services, complete with a full-service spa and multiple meeting rooms.
2. Düsseldorf Old TownOpens in a new window: Düsseldorf Old Town is a historic district known for its lively atmosphere and cultural significance, making it a great base for exploring the city. Close to attractions like Mitsubishi Electric Hall, it offers a mix of business and leisure opportunities. For accommodation, Hyatt Regency DüsseldorfOpens in a new window is a standout 5-star hotel featuring a 24-hour business center and pet-friendly policies. Alternatively, Living Hotel De MediciOpens in a new window combines luxury and wellness with its full spa services, ensuring a relaxing stay. The Wellem, in The Unbound Collection by HyattOpens in a new window is another excellent choice for business travelers, offering multiple meeting rooms and amenities for pets, making it convenient for all guests.
3. FriedrichstadtOpens in a new window: Friedrichstadt is a bustling area ideal for business travelers, surrounded by significant venues like Messe Düsseldorf. The area’s business-centric amenities make it easy to stay productive while enjoying the local culture. Cologne Marriott HotelOpens in a new window is a premium 5-star hotel providing extensive business services, perfect for corporate stays. Similarly, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am DomOpens in a new window offers luxurious accommodations with family-friendly options, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. Hyatt Regency CologneOpens in a new window is also a top pick, featuring a central location and amenities catered to both families and business travelers, making it a versatile choice for your stay.

Things to do in Essen for first time

Essen offers a delightful three-day getaway for travelers, featuring a mix of vibrant arts, shopping, and live music. Surrounded by lush parks and tranquil lakes, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking, making it a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Essen:

• Day 1: Start your adventure at Movie Park Germany, where thrill-seekers can enjoy a variety of rides and attractions based on popular films. Afterward, take a short drive to Beck Castle, a stunning historical site where you can explore its beautiful architecture and serene gardens. Conclude your day at Wittringen Castle, which offers picturesque views and a lovely park perfect for a relaxing stroll as the sun sets.
• Day 2: Begin your exploration at Nordsternpark, a former coal mining site transformed into a beautiful green space, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. Next, visit the Ludwiggalerie, an art museum housed in a charming historic building, showcasing contemporary exhibits. Round off the day at the Tetrahedon Bottrop, an impressive architectural structure offering a unique experience with its panoramic views and engaging exhibitions.
• Day 3: Kick off with a visit to Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a former industrial site turned park where you can explore fascinating ruins and lush greenery. Next, make your way to Broich Castle, a charming medieval structure surrounded by scenic landscapes, ideal for photography. Finally, wrap up your itinerary at Hardenberg Castle, where you can immerse yourself in history and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of its grounds.

5 tips to find a great Essen hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Essen is during January, February, and August, when hotel rates are typically lower. If you're traveling from abroad, it's advisable to book your flight at least four months in advance to secure the best deals. A budget-friendly stay of at least 2-3 days is recommended to thoroughly enjoy the city's main attractions, such as its fascinating museums and the impressive cathedral. This way, you can make the most of your trip while keeping your costs down, ensuring great value for your money.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're seeking last-minute deals to Essen, you're in luck! You may find fantastic rates and good availability on Hotels.com. To uncover these hotel deals, visit the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could discover significant discounts as your travel date approaches. To maximize your savings, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, keeping you informed about flash sales and special promotions. This way, you're more likely to take advantage of great savings before your trip.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Essen.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Essen usually tends to be more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further away from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like trams, subways, buses, and bicycles to explore the area while keeping costs down.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Essen and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in Essen

Here are some popular dishes in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany:

• Currywurst: A beloved fast food staple in Germany, currywurst consists of steamed and fried sausage sliced and smothered in a tangy curry ketchup. It's often served with fries, making it a perfect quick meal while exploring the vibrant streets of Essen. Many local eateries take pride in their unique curry sauce recipes, adding a personal touch to this iconic dish.
• Döner Kebab: This Turkish-inspired dish has become a favorite in Germany, especially in urban areas like Essen. It features succulent slices of marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of yogurt or spicy sauce. A quintessential street food, it’s perfect for a spontaneous bite on the go.
• Schnitzel: A classic German dish, schnitzel is breaded and fried meat, usually pork or veal, served with a slice of lemon and potato salad. It’s a hearty meal that reflects the region's culinary heritage, often enjoyed in traditional restaurants or beer gardens.

Best time to go to Essen

Essen experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 36.9°F (2.7°C), while July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 66.7°F (19.3°C). December is usually the wettest month. June, October, and November are the peak travel months in Essen, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, with light rainfall. On the other hand, January, February, and December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.