Top Gelsenkirchen Guide for Swifties During The Eras Tour

The Eras Tour is here! Popstar Taylor Swift’s long-awaited concert is back after five years and includes 152 shows on five continents. Among several cities Taylor will travel to, Gelsenkirchen ranks among the top. This German city is 45 minutes from Düsseldorf by train and charges $474 for a roundtrip plane ticket. As if that wasn’t enough, it has the lowest-priced tickets at $310. This town is also among the least expensive cities to visit in Europe. In addition to enjoying the concert, fans can explore its nearby attractions, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Don’t worry if you are a first-time visitor; we will help you find things to do and provide travel tips in this top Gelsenkirchen guide for Swifties during The Eras Tour.

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Things To Do In Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen is a beautiful town once called the City of a Thousand Fires. It was a prominent coal mining town in Europe in the early 20th Century. This city is known for its hardcore football fans and is hosting the UEFA Euro 2024. Here, a match is more than a mere game; it is a lively and chaotic scene consisting of fans’ enthusiasm, cheering, and occasionally brawls. However, if you want to avoid such a boisterous scene and prefer something else, we suggest the following activities:

Hang Out With Your Friends At Alma Park

• Address: Almastraße 39, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 3 PM – 10 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Have a fun-filled day at Alma Park during your Gelsenkirchen trip. This is a paradise for solo travelers and families. It offers many attractions for all ages, including trampoline parks, laser tag, bubble ball, arrow tag, black light mini golf, and more. Firstly, we suggest you try its high-end trampolines, where you can practice crazy jumps and slam dunk basketball.

You might have played football many times, but have you tried Bubble Ball Football? This game includes players crawling into the ball and attempting to score goals. Other games include VR, axe throwing, paintball, pixel games, and pool ball. These activities happen indoors, making Alma Park a top destination during rainy days.

Go For A Scavenger Hunt Around The Schloss Berge

• Address: Adenauerallee 103, 45894 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; Google Map
• Check-In/Out: 3 PM/11 AM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Have you ever tried a scavenger hunt? If not, this is your perfect time to unravel the mysteries while learning about the historic Schloss Berge, aka Berge Castle. It is a 4-star hotel with impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and a picturesque location. In addition, it takes visitors back to the 13th century, when it was first created.

Many scavenger hunts happen around this gigantic castle. You will be divided into teams and assigned tasks. You must cooperate with your team members to unravel the mysteries following the clues. Throughout the tour, you will learn about the history of the Berge Castle and partake in multiple interesting challenges.

Check Out These Handpicked Activities:

• Gelsenkirchen Berge Park Audiorally by P.I. Sir Peter Morgan
• Gelsenkirchen Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Mystery Game
• The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Gelsenkirchen

Take A Stroll Around Gelsenkirchen

If you want to attend The Eras Tour and explore a new travel destination, Gelsenkirchen is your destination. This city was a no-name village until the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. It rose from a small village to a popular tourist destination in the 21st Century. Many attractions include art museums, Renaissance castles, theaters, sports arenas, and parks.

If you want to see Gelsenkirchen in greater detail, we suggest you stroll around the city. A simple walk could allow you to see many attractions, interact with locals, and understand the city’s history and culture. This area is generally safe, with a few pickpocketing and purse-snatching occurrences. Locals are equally friendly and will welcome you with open arms.

See This Handpicked Activity:

• Gelsenkirchen Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide

Step Back In Time At Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen

• Address: Horster Str. 5/5-7, 45897 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

If you are an art fanatic, you must visit Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen. It houses art collections from the late 19th century to the present day. For instance, it houses over 3,000 works of classical modernism across several eras. It also has numerous constructive-concrete artworks and hosts a contemporary exhibition program.

This museum houses many paintings, graphics, and sculptures from the Classical Modern and Impressionist eras. Its Kinetic collection is known nationwide and consists of over 80 works by international artists. Likewise, the museum has paintings by Max Ernst, Hannah Hoch, Max Liebermann, Gerhard Richter, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Andy Warhol. It offers free entry and is open to all.

Spot Your Favorite Animals At Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen

• Address: Bleckstraße 64, 45889 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

One can never go wrong with a zoo. Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen is a zoological garden spread across over 30 hectares. It is known for its impressive landscape architecture and cultural approach. Visitors can watch wild animals in their natural habitat and up close. This zoo gives off the feeling of being in Africa, Alaska, or Asia with its lake landscapes, rivers, wet and grassy savannahs, and jungles.

Zoom Erlebniswelt houses over 900 animals of over 100 species. It has placed them separately in its attractions, such as Adventure World Alaska, Adventure World Africa, Adventure World Asia, Grimberger HOF, and Turtle Garden. Some of its animals are Dwarf Goats, Miniature Donkeys, Bactrian Camels, Southern Pig-Tailed Macaques, Timberwolves, Snow Owls, Wild Turkeys, Dwarf Mongooses, African Spurred Tortoises, and Watusi Cattle.

Explore Gelsenkirchen Nightlife Scene

If you are a night owl looking for nightlife activities, Gelsenkirchen offers many options. It houses numerous bars, pubs, and clubs open late at night until early morning. If you want a local favorite recommendation, Dom Gold is your destination. Other top pubs and bars include La Via Bistro Pub, Armin No. 8, Destille Buer, M ONE, and Oisin Kelly Gallery.

Gelsenkirchen houses many nightclubs where you can dance and bring out your party animal. Alte Hütte is a popular disco club with a beer garden. Likewise, Diskothek LED is perfect for organizing celebratory parties and hangouts with friends. Other dance clubs include Essence, Bermudadreieck, Goethebunker, and Prisma Nightclub.

Top Restaurants In Gelsenkirchen

Our top Gelsenkirchen guide for Swifties during The Eras Tour will be incomplete without adding the best restaurants in the city. These establishments offer a relaxed ambiance, good food, and memorable experiences. You must try local meat and fish dishes, such as grilled steaks with fried potatoes, fish fillets roasted in soft dough, and traditional dumplings. They are super delicious, healthy, and visually appealing and will fill you up quickly.

• Saigon Imbiss: Hochstraße 64, 45894 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 12 PM – 10 PM
• Italienisches Restaurant und Hotel La Scala: Schlesischer Ring 3, 45894 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 12 PM – 11 PM
• Casino Zollverein: Gelsenkirchener Str. 181/Halle 9, 45309 Essen, Germany; 5 PM – 10 PM
• Trulli: Von-der-Recke-Straße 6, 45879 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 12 PM – 11 PM
• Ruhrkind: Johannes-Rau-Allee 15-19, 45889 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 12 PM – 10:30 PM
• Restaurant&Steakhouse Haus Witte: Ückendorfer Str. 205, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 11:30 AM – 11 PM
• Restaurant Diosmos: Rotthauser Str. 9, 45879 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 12 PM – 11 PM
• Cafe Del Sol Gelsenkirchen I / Mitte: Dessauerstraße 21, 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany; 9 AM – 11 PM

Also, see these food tours:

• East Berlin Food & History Tour | Germany

Where To Stay In Gelsenkirchen?

You must find accommodation if traveling to Gelsenkirchen for The Eras Tour. Luckily, this city offers many options, from cheap to luxurious hotel deals. Here, we have handpicked some of the top hotels in the town.

Schloss Berge

We previously discussed Schloss Berge in our things to do in the Gelsenkirchen section. It is a 13th-century castle-turned-hotel offering traditional flair and modern amenities. Its impressive architecture, park landscape, and breathtaking views of Lake Berger make it a top hotel in the area. In addition, its guest suites are top-notch and come in various forms.

Schloss Berge is perfect for hosting business meetings, conferences, and important events. Speaking of which, you can have your dream wedding in the hotel surrounded by your loved ones. Furthermore, its on-site restaurant offers catering services for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. It creates delicious vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free dishes.

ibis Styles Gelsenkirchen

The gorgeous Ibis Styles Gelsenkirchen is one of the top hotels in the city. Its modern decor, convenient location, and soundproofed rooms attract many guests. It is opposite Gelsenkirchen’s ICE railway station near the city center, the Essen exhibition grounds, Consol Park, and the Ruhr Museum.

This hotel offers spacious suites, including Standard Rooms, Family Suites, Twin Rooms, Standard Double Rooms, and Standard Twin Rooms. Each room has complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, Cable TV, a hair dryer, and free toiletries. This property serves a rich breakfast buffet every morning. While it doesn’t house a restaurant, Sindbad Restaurant is only 100 m from the premises.

PLAZA Hotel Gelsenkirchen

You won’t find a more elegant hotel than Plaza Hotel Gelsenkirchen. It houses 222 luxurious rooms on its fifteen floors. Each guest suite has a balcony, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, a tea/coffee maker, and a small fridge. While single and double rooms have a twin bed, junior suites have a king-size bed. In addition, the Bellevue and Valentin suites offer panoramic views of the Ruhr area.

Plaza Hotel Gelsenkirchen is easily accessible, with the main railway station just a few meters away. Düsseldorf Airport is only 33.1 km from the hotel premises. Moreover, this hotel suits solo travelers, families, and business people. It houses a gigantic conference center, perfect for workshops, meetings, conferences, and corporate events. Likewise, the on-site restaurant/pub serves regional and international specialties with a view of Stadtgarten Park.

Hotel Monopol

After watching The Eras Tour, relax at one of Hotel Monopol’s spacious suites. It is situated conveniently at the heart of the Ruhr area and is easily accessible from all means of transport. In addition, it is only 1 km from Gelsenkirchen Buer Nord and 3 km from the Veltins Arena. Taylor Swift will perform in the latter venue on July 17.

Hotel Monopol offers many amenities, including free parking space, room service, and Wi-Fi. Guests can begin their day with a delicious breakfast buffet of coffee, tea, fresh juices, rolls with sausage, and cheese specialties. The hotel staff will also advise on excursions, travel tips, and activities around the property. You can follow their trips to explore Gelsenkirchen during your stay.

Heiner’s Parkhotel

Are you looking for a hotel with a spa in Gelsenkirchen? If so, Heiner’s Park Hotel is your destination. You can relax in Wetalis‘ sauna, relaxation rooms, and an infrared cabin. It offers soothing massages, make-up, pedicures, and manicures. Likewise, this property’s 36 modern and spacious rooms have many amenities, including a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and free toiletries.

This hotel houses a bar-lounge-restaurant, Cloud 7. It offers a cozy lounge where guests can relax, chat, and chill with their friends. The restaurant is open from breakfast to dinner and serves various dishes, from burgers to pasta and salads. The bar serves velvety cocktails and fine spirits.

Gelsenkirchen is a hidden gem in prosperous Germany. While not as popular as renowned German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, it stands out with its unique blend of art, leisure, and industry. The best time to visit this city is between April and September, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. If you are budget-conscious, travel between March and May, when hotel prices are at an all-time low.

This top Gelsenkirchen guide for Swifties during The Eras Tour is also helpful for other travelers who want to explore the city. You can visit the mentioned restaurants and attractions and make the most of your trip. Moreover, you will find plenty of activities as you continue to explore. As this is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Germany, you can enjoy more at a low cost.