Date in Essen: 24 ideas for an unforgettable encounter
Do you have a first date in Essen? Located in the heart of the Ruhr region, this city has more to offer than just industry. Whether it's a visit to the diverse Grugapark, a walk along the idyllic Baldenysee lake, or an evening in one of Essen's excellent restaurants—when it comes to first dates in Essen, you have countless creative and varied options for an unforgettable day.
We have made a pre-selection for you with the most beautiful meeting places for a first date in Essen, the best activities to impress your date, and the best restaurants and cafés the city has to offer. Have fun!
First impressions count: the 6 most beautiful places for a first date in Essen
Are you excited and have been looking forward to your first date for days? Of course, everything should be perfect so that the meeting is a success. This includes finding the right place, which is suitable as a meeting point on the one hand, but on the other hand also allows you to get to know each other undisturbed for an afternoon, for example during a nice walk.
To help ease your nerves, we've picked out 5 places that are perfect for a first date in Essen.
1. Borbeck Castle Park
Borbeck Castle Park is the perfect place for a first meeting. You can take a long walk there and get to know each other in peace. Afterwards, you can take your date straight to the castle for a meal or move on and discover new places. All options are open to you.
2. Kettwig Old Town
Kettwig Old Town gives you the feeling of being out of the big city. It's the perfect place to stroll undisturbed through the alleys, visit a nice café, and simply enjoy each other's company.
3. Isenburg Castle Ruins
This place is perfect for a long walk to get to know each other undisturbed. But be careful! This is something for good weather, as many of the paths are unpaved. However, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
4. Rüttenscheider Straße
There are many options on Rüttenscheider Straße. Here, too, you can enjoy window shopping, stop for coffee and cake in one of the many cafés, or spend the evening in a restaurant. The choice is yours.
5. Botanical Garden
Located in Grugapark, here you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment. The exotic plants give you the feeling of being somewhere else entirely and provide plenty of topics of conversation on your first date in Essen.
6. Kettwiger Straße
If you want to meet in a central location, Kettwiger Straße is the perfect place for you. Stroll past the many shop windows with your date or grab a coffee to go together. Kettwiger Straße is particularly beautiful during the Christmas season.
These 7 activities will really spice up your date
1. GOP Variety Theater
Here, the chances of a successful evening and a great first date are high. You can combine dining and entertainment, as there are many different menus available in addition to the show. Your date in Essen will love it.
2. Grugapark Therme
Want to really spoil your date and spend a day relaxing together? Then the Grugapark Therme is the place for you. In addition to various saunas, there is an idyllic outdoor area and various treatments on offer, such as massages. You are guaranteed to leave this place feeling deeply relaxed.
3. DRIVE IN Drive-in cinema
The drive-in cinema is a great place to spend a cozy evening together. If you don't want to take your date to a conventional cinema, but would like to make the tried-and-tested date idea a little more intimate, this is just the thing for you. Have fun!
4. MysteryRooms Essen
Here you can discover your inner detective together and solve the mystery as a team. If your date likes action, an afternoon at MysteryRooms Essen will be just the thing for you.
5. Grugapark Animal Enclosure
In Grugapark, you can not only marvel at exotic plants and relax in the thermal baths, but also see a variety of native and exotic animals. Plan a relaxing afternoon in Grugapark with your date to stroll through the grounds and marvel at the different animal species up close. This is sure to spark some great conversations!
6. Eulenspiegel Movie Theater
At the Eulenspiegel 50s cinema, you can take a trip back in time for an evening. In addition to new films, classics and even silent films are also shown here. So it's just the right place for movie lovers. The cozy café on the ground floor is also a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee or a snack.
7. AirHop Trampoline Park
Are you in the mood for an action-packed date? Then head to the AirHop Trampoline Park in Essen-Kray! Covering 3,400 square meters, it has everything a jumper's heart desires. A date like this is guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Eat well in Essen: 11 outstanding restaurants and cafés for every taste
Whether it's breakfast, brunch, a visit to a café, or a classic dinner, going to a café or restaurant is an integral part of most dates.
To ensure that you can enjoy a few wonderful hours with your date, we have also made a preselection of the best addresses for you. You are spoiled for choice.
1. Cantina Italiana
Everyone receives a warm welcome at Cantina Italiana. The cozy atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy yourself, and the dishes are not only beautifully presented, they also taste delicious. This is the perfect place for a classic evening date.
Website: www.cantina-italiana.de
Address: Paulinenstraße 22, 45130 Essen
Opening hours: Tue-Fri + Sun 12-2:30 p.m. + 5:30-11 p.m. • Sat 5:30-11 p.m.
2. Sattgrün
Fans of vegan cuisine will love this restaurant, which offers a huge selection of delicious dishes made entirely without animal products. So if you and your date enjoy meat-free meals, this is definitely the place for you.
Website: www.sattgruen.com
Address: Rathenaustraße 2, 45127 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12 noon-11 p.m.
3. Suvai Bar & Restaurant
Everything about Suvai is just right: exquisite food, a relaxed atmosphere, and attentive service. Fans of Indian cuisine will love it here, and those who are new to it will find this the perfect place to try it. Go for it!
Website: www.suvai-restaurant.de
Address: Juliusstraße 2-4, 45128 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. + 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. • Sat+Sun 2 p.m.-11 p.m. • Closed Wednesdays
4. Tofino
Tofino is said to have the best burgers in town. With a selection of burgers and side dishes that will make your mouth water just reading about them, burger lovers are guaranteed to get their money's worth here. Bon appétit!
Website: www.tofino.de
Address: Witteringstr. 99, 45130 Essen
Opening hours: daily 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
5. Schiffers im alten Löwen
At Schiffers, classic meets modern. The trendy industrial-style interior is perfectly coordinated. The same applies to the food: high-quality, seasonal ingredients ensure an explosion of flavors from the appetizer to the dessert.
Website: www.schiffers-restaurant.de
Address: Brückstraße 20, 45239 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12 noon-3 p.m. + 6-11 p.m. • Sat 6-11 p.m.
6. Arabesque
At Arabesque, you dine as if in 1000 and One Nights. The opulent interior is reminiscent of the world of Aladdin, and the deliciously spiced dishes are thoroughly convincing. Take your date on an evening trip to the Orient.
Website: www.arabesque-essen.de
Address: Rellinghauser Str. 117, 45128 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. + 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. • Sat 5:30 p.m.-midnight • Sun 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
7. Jagdhaus Schellenberg
This great restaurant is best visited on a warm summer evening. The terrace offers a breathtaking view of Lake Baldeney, making for an unforgettable evening. The food and service are just as impressive as the view. A perfect evening is guaranteed here.
Website: www.jagdhaus-schellenberg.de
Address: Heisinger Str. 170A, 45134 Essen
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. + 6:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. • Sun 12:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
8. Bliss Tapas Bar
Bliss Tapas Bar offers exactly what its name suggests: excellent tapas. Add to that delicious drinks, attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere, and you have a place that leaves nothing to be desired.
Website: www.bliss-essen.de
Address: Rüttenscheider Str. 237, 45131 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
3 charming cafés for your date in Essen
1. Café Livres
Café Livres is hard to beat when it comes to coziness. Between the well-stocked bookshelves, you can chat, drink coffee, or enjoy a snack undisturbed. It's the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon date.
Website: www.cafe-livres.de
Address: Moltkestraße 2A, 45128 Essen
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m. • Fri 9 a.m.-10 p.m. • Sat+Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
2. Coffee Pirates
The delicious coffee at Coffee Pirates is roasted in-house. It is accompanied by a delicious breakfast and exquisite cakes – take your date for a romantic breakfast and start the day together at Coffee Pirates.
Website: www.coffee-pirates.de
Address: Rüttenscheider Str. 218, 45131 Essen
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
3. Café Kötter
Café Kötter offers a huge selection of heavenly cakes and tarts, various snacks and breakfast options, and good coffee. In short: they have everything your heart desires. So if you're planning a date during the day, you'll find everything you need here.
Website: www.cafe-koetter.de
Address: Rüttenscheider Str. 73, 45130 Essen
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8 a.m.-7 p.m. • Sun 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Conclusion: Countless possibilities for your date in Essen
There are countless possibilities for your date in Essen—whether it's a classic evening at an Italian restaurant or an adventurous escape room—here are the best date ideas for every taste.
Now it's up to you: grab your date and spend an unforgettable day together. We wish you every success!
