Where to Stay in Essen

Essen, one of the hidden gems of Germany’s Ruhr region, is a city full of tourist attractions and historical richness that draws thousands of visitors every year. Essen stands out not only for its industrial past but also for its contributions to art, culture, and food.

One of the most famous tourist spots in Essen is the Zollverein Coal Mine. This industrial complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important symbol of the city’s industrial heritage. Another notable site is Essen Cathedral. This church, with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, holds great historical and cultural value.

For art lovers, the Folkwang Art Museum is a must-visit. It has a rich collection that includes works by artists from around the world. Essen is also known for museums like Villa Hügel, which is considered one of the leading centers of modern art.

Best Area to Stay in Essen

The best areas to stay in Essen are Rüttenscheid, Stadtkern, Suedviertel, Kettwig, and Westviertel.

• 💖 Best area for first-time visitors: Rüttenscheid
• 💎 Best luxury hotel: Schlosshotel Hugenpoet
• 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: New Work Hotel Essen
• 💰 Best budget hotel: Flowers Hotel Essen

Essen is a German city that offers a tourist experience rich in history and culture. Its industrial heritage, art museums, and diverse food scene make it an attractive destination for travelers. For those looking to stay in this beautiful city, we’ve listed the best areas and hotels.

Ruettenscheid

Rüttenscheid is one of Essen’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering visitors a lively atmosphere, various entertainment options, and delicious food. With its mix of history and modern life, Rüttenscheid is known for its popular attractions that draw the attention of many tourists.

At the heart of Rüttenscheid stands the Essen Opera House, a key part of the city’s cultural scene. Built in 1892, this impressive building hosts opera, ballet, and theater performances. Another highlight of the area is Grugapark — a large green space featuring a botanical garden, colorful flowers, ponds, and walking paths.

Rüttenscheid is also a great place for shopping and dining. Rüttenscheider Straße, the main street of the district, is filled with shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Here, visitors can find everything from local handmade items to international brands.

Atlantic Congress Hotel Essen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Located next to the Messe Essen Exhibition Center, this hotel offers a central location. It features private parking, a fitness center, two saunas, a spa and wellness area, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms come with a tea/coffee maker, private bathroom, air conditioning, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi.

Mintrops Concierge Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Set in the city center, Mintrops Concierge Hotel is surrounded by many restaurants, bars, and parks. The hotel provides private parking, free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning, and laundry services. Rooms include a private bathroom, tea/coffee maker, soundproofing, a small kitchen, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.

Hotel An der Gruga ⭐⭐⭐ – Just steps away from Gruga event area, the exhibition center, and Grugapark, this hotel is also close to Lake Baldeney and the Folkwang Museum. The property offers private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning services. Rooms feature a private bathroom, TV, seating area, and a desk.

Stadtkern

Stadtkern is a must-visit area for those who want to explore Essen’s historical and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of the city, this central district offers a unique experience that blends traces of the past with modern urban life.

One of the main highlights in Stadtkern is Essen Cathedral. Built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, this impressive structure is considered a symbol of the city’s history and cultural identity. Another important site in the area is the German Mining Museum, a great place for anyone interested in industrial history.

Stadtkern is also a lively spot for shopping and dining. Limbecker Platz, one of Essen’s largest shopping centers, offers a wide variety of stores — from international brands to local shops.

Hotel Essener Hof; Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Surrounded by many restaurants, cafés, and bars, this hotel stands out with its modern design. It offers a fitness center, bar, parking, business center, dry cleaning, and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms include a private bathroom, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer.

Motel One Essen ⭐⭐⭐ – Located in the heart of Stadtkern, just a 5-minute walk from Essen Cathedral. The hotel features a bar, private parking, 24-hour reception, and a daily buffet breakfast. Rooms come with a private bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, and a seating area.

NH Essen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Just a short walk from Essen Cathedral and the Old Synagogue, NH Essen has a very central location. The hotel offers a fitness center, private parking, bar, 24-hour front desk, business center, and dry cleaning. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, minibar, soundproofing, air conditioning, work desk, and TV.

Südviertel

Südviertel stands out with its impressive street art spread throughout the neighborhood. The colorful graffiti and mural paintings on the walls offer a fascinating experience for art lovers and photography enthusiasts.

This area is also known for its delicious food scene. Südviertel is full of cafés and restaurants, many of which serve local products, organic ingredients, and international cuisine. The main street, Rüttenscheider Straße, is a great place to explore local flavors and shop at small stores.

Südviertel represents the young and energetic side of the city. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife. Nightclubs, bars, and live music venues give visitors the chance to enjoy a fun evening out.

Mercure Hotel Plaza Essen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Located close to the city center and places like Grugapark Gardens, this hotel stands out for its convenient location. It offers a fitness center, restaurant, bar, shared lounge, private parking, dry cleaning, and a business center. Soundproof rooms include air conditioning, a private bathroom, minibar, TV, coffee machine, and free Wi-Fi.

Trip Inn Hotel & Suites Essen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Near tourist spots like the Folkwang Museum and Stadtgarten Essen, this hotel is known for its comfortable stay. The property features a bar, shared lounge, 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Rooms come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, TV, seating area, tea/coffee maker, and minibar.

New Work Hotel Essen ⭐⭐⭐ – Centrally located near popular spots like Essen Cathedral and the Grillo Theater, this hotel offers private parking, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi. Its hypoallergenic rooms feature soundproofing, a private bathroom, and a TV.

Kettwig

Kettwig stands out with its unique historical charm and peaceful surroundings. The heart of the district offers a charming atmosphere with its colorful buildings and narrow streets, resembling a traditional German town. As you stroll through the area, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore historic houses, small shops, and an old church.

Kettwig is a great destination for history lovers. In the center of the district, you’ll find Kettwig Castle, built in the 12th century. With its Gothic and Baroque architecture, it remains a standing monument of the past.

This area is also perfect for nature enthusiasts. Located along the banks of the Ruhr River, Kettwig features scenic walking and cycling paths. Kettwig Lake is a beautiful spot with a calm atmosphere, ideal for water sports and relaxation.

Hotel Landhaus Knappmann ⭐⭐⭐ – Just a 10-minute walk from sights like Schloss Landsberg, this hotel stands out with its modern design. It offers free parking, a restaurant, bar, laundry service, bike tours, a sun terrace, and a garden. Rooms include air conditioning, soundproofing, a coffee machine, seating area, and private bathroom.

Schlosshotel Hugenpoet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Set in a 17th-century castle, this hotel charms guests with its authentic style. It features two restaurants, free parking, a bar, airport shuttle service, a garden, sun terrace, picnic area, and wellness facilities. Rooms include air conditioning, private bathroom, minibar, and a seating area.

Hotel Jägerhof Kettwig – Located just steps from Kettwig’s Old Town and right along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, this hotel offers free parking, airport shuttle service, a snack bar, wellness center, and sun terrace. Rooms feature a seating area, TV, desk, and hairdryer.

Westviertel

Westviertel is a fantastic destination for art lovers. The main attraction in this area is the Folkwang University of the Arts, known as a leading center for modern art and design. Connected to the university, the Folkwang Art Museum houses a large collection of works by international artists. In addition, several galleries in the area allow visitors to explore different styles of contemporary art.

The district’s vibrant cultural atmosphere is also reflected in its local cafés and restaurants. Westviertel has a strong reputation for food, offering a wide variety of dining options — from traditional German dishes to global cuisine.

With its close proximity to the city center and lively vibe, Westviertel is a great place for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Themed events and special parties add color to the nightlife scene, especially in summer when street parties and open-air events are held frequently.

Flowers Hotel Essen – Located close to popular spots like the Grillo Theater and Colosseum Theater, this centrally positioned hotel features a fitness center, restaurant, bar, terrace, and garden. Its allergy-friendly rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and a work desk.

GHOTEL hotel & living Essen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Just a 10-minute walk from Essen Cathedral, this hotel is known for its comfortable stay. It offers private parking, a bar, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning, and bike rental. Soundproof rooms come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi.

McDreams Hotel Essen ⭐⭐ – Surrounded by many restaurants, bars, and parks, McDreams Hotel Essen offers a peaceful stay. The hotel provides free parking, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage. Rooms feature soundproofing, a private bathroom, work desk, iPad, and hairdryer.

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