Essen, Germany: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Essen, Germany? If you're planning to go to Essen, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Essen, Germany

Based on the climate and weather in Essen, Germany, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Essen, Germany

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Essen, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Essen, Germany by month

January

January for Essen is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Essen in February, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Essen is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Essen is cold. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you go to Essen in May, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Essen during June, you will probably see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you visit Essen during July, you will probably see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Essen in August, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Essen is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you visit Essen during October, you are likely to notice that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Essen in December, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Germany has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Red Dot Design Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Essen, Germany

Essen is a city located in the heart of the Ruhr area, a metropolitan region in the west of Germany. It is known for its industrial heritage, museums, and cultural experiences. The city boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, ranging from historical and cultural landmarks to modern art galleries and shopping centers. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Essen, Germany.

1. Zeche Zollverein

Zeche Zollverein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the iconic symbol of Essen. It was once one of the largest coal mines in Europe, and now it is an architectural masterpiece that attracts millions of visitors every year. The site comprises the coal mine, the coking plant, and the coal washing plant, all of which have been transformed into exhibition spaces, restaurants, and museums.

2. Villa Hügel

Villa Hügel is a magnificent 19th-century mansion that was once the residence of the Krupp family, one of the most powerful industrial dynasties in Germany. The mansion is surrounded by sprawling gardens and overlooks the Ruhr valley. Visitors can tour the interior of the mansion and discover the history of the Krupp family and their contributions to the city.

3. Museum Folkwang

Museum Folkwang is one of the most important art museums in Germany, with a collection of over 170,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works of art. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of art periods and styles, from classical to contemporary art. The museum also hosts regular special exhibitions.

4. Grugapark

Grugapark is a large public park that covers over 70 hectares and is located in the heart of Essen. The park features numerous gardens, playgrounds, lakes, and walking trails, as well as a botanical garden that is home to over 4,000 plant species from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.

5. Essen Cathedral

Essen Cathedral is a beautiful neo-Romanesque church that dates back to the 9th century. The cathedral has a long and fascinating history, having been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout the centuries. Visitors can marvel at the cathedral's intricate architecture, its stained glass windows, and its collection of religious artifacts.

6. Limbecker Platz

Limbecker Platz is one of the largest shopping centers in Germany, with over 200 stores and restaurants spread across five floors. The mall offers a wide range of fashion, electronics, and home goods, as well as a large food court and a cinema.

7. Baldeneysee

Baldeneysee is a man-made lake that is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can go boating, swimming, fishing, or simply relax on the lake's sandy beach. The lake is also home to several restaurants and cafes that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, Essen is a city that offers a wealth of tourist attractions, from historical landmarks to modern art galleries and shopping centers. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's industrial heritage or simply enjoying its natural beauty, there's something for everyone in Essen. So next time you're planning a trip to Germany, make sure to include Essen on your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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