Things to do in Gelsenkirchen

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Gelsenkirchen

Types of activities

Where to stay

Gelsenkirchen travel guide

Gelände frühere Zeche Consol Gelsenkirchen

Schloss Horst is a well-known wedding location in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Gelsenkirchen

Popular places to visit

Rural landscape near Schalke training grounds and stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Veltins-Arena

Catch an event at Veltins-Arena during your trip to Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theatre scene or attend a football match.

ZOOM Erlebniswelt

Why not visit the animals who live at ZOOM Erlebniswelt during your trip to Gelsenkirchen? Experience the area's theatre scene or attend a football match.

Golf Club Schloss Horst

Enjoy a round of golf in Gelsenkirchen at Golf Club Schloss Horst. Experience the area's theatre scene or attend a football match.

Nordsternpark

Explore the great outdoors at Nordsternpark, a lovely green space in Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theatre scene or attend a football match.

Club Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Club Museum in Gelsenkirchen. Experience the area's theatre scene or attend a football match.

Alma Park

Bring the children to Alma Park and enjoy this exciting theme park in Gelsenkirchen.

Schloss Berge

You can find out about the history of Gelsenkirchen with a trip to Schloss Berge. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Hans-Sachs-Haus

After visiting Hans-Sachs-Haus, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gelsenkirchen.

Areas of Gelsenkirchen

Standesamt im Schloss Horst, Gelsenkirchen

Buer

Appreciated for its restaurants and shopping, you might consider exploring Buer. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Schloss Berge, and jump on the metro at Hugostraße Tram Stop or Gelsenkirchen Buer Nord S-Bahn to get around the city.

Superb stadium. Good team and no segregation between the home Schalke 04 supporters and those of us that support Arsenal.

Erle

The restaurants and sporting events make Erle worth a stop. Make a stop by Veltins-Arena, and jump on the metro at VELTINS-Arena Station to get around the area.

Gelsenkirchen-Mitte

While visiting Gelsenkirchen-Mitte, you might make a stop by sights like ZOOM Erlebniswelt and Nordsternpark.

Gelsenkirchen-Ost

While you're in Gelsenkirchen-Ost, take in top sights like Veltins-Arena and jump on the metro at VELTINS-Arena Station to see more of the city.

St.Georg Church, Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Georgskirche, Germany

Schalke

The live music and zoo are a few reasons travellers visit Schalke. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit ZOOM Erlebniswelt and Veltins-Arena, a few notable attractions nearby.

Wasserturm, Vestiaturm in Gelselkirchen Buer

Gelsenkirchen-Nord

When in Gelsenkirchen-Nord and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Veltins-Arena or Movie Park Germany and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Gelsenkirchen Buer Nord S-Bahn or Gelsenkirchen Hassel S-Bahn.

Bochum

Herten

Beautiful palace with nice gardens around.

Dorsten

Essen

Frequently asked questions

Is Gelsenkirchen worth visiting?

Offering a mix of festivals and history, there are many things to do in Gelsenkirchen. While you're here, check out Ikonen-Museum, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Gelsenkirchen?

Movie Park Germany and Alma Park are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Gelsenkirchen while you're there too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Gelsenkirchen?

The top tourist attraction in Gelsenkirchen is Ikonen-Museum, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Gelsenkirchen?

If you only want to enjoy the most popular attractions, three days will be more than enough time for a break in Gelsenkirchen. Stay for a week or longer for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and discover a few hidden gems.

Is Gelsenkirchen a walkable city?

With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Gelsenkirchen is a great place to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Nordsternpark and Alma Park. Then take a stroll around Gelsenkirchen-Mitte, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Altstadt Gelsenkirchen, which is roughly 0.32 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Gelsenkirchen with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Gelsenkirchen with kids.

What to do in Gelsenkirchen for adults?

Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Gelsenkirchen. Whether you're into art, history, outdoor adventures or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Gelsenkirchen?

In Gelsenkirchen, Nordsternpark is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in Gelsenkirchen.