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There are great many things to do in Germany, and so are in Esslingen.
Welcome to Esslingen, where the streets are paved with history and the air is filled with the essence of adventure.
With a plethora of sights and treasures to discover, exploring this charming town is like embarking on a delightful treasure hunt.
So grab your map, put on your explorer’s hat, and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Esslingen.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Esslingen:
1. Esslingen Christmas Market
A charming and traditional Christmas market located in Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy the festive atmosphere while wandering through the narrow streets of the Old Town. Browse the various vendor stalls offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious Christmas treats.
Don’t miss: The impressive Medieval Market area featuring costumed performers and a live nativity scene.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid the crowds and make sure to try the famous “Schupfnudeln”, a traditional local dish.
2. Esslingen Burg
Esslingen Burg is a stunning fortress located atop a hill in Esslingen, Germany. Built in the 13th century, it offers a glimpse into medieval architecture and history.
What to see or do: Explore the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyards for breathtaking views of the Neckar River and Esslingen’s old town.
Visit the castle museum to see exhibits on the city’s history and take a guided tour to learn more about the centuries-old fortress.
Don’t miss: The stunning Burgkapelle, a chapel within the castle that has been in use since the 14th century. Its intricate Gothic architecture and stunning stained-glass windows are worth seeing.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the climb up to the castle can be steep.
If you’re visiting during the summer, check out the castle’s event calendar for the Burg Open Air Concerts and Burg Festival for a unique cultural experience.
3. Stadtmuseum im Gelben Haus
Stadtmuseum im Gelben Haus is a historic museum located in the picturesque city of Esslingen, Germany.
The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century yellow building that has been carefully restored to reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage.
What to see or do: There are many fascinating exhibits to see at Stadtmuseum im Gelben Haus, including displays detailing the history of the city of Esslingen, from its medieval origins to the present day.
Visitors can also view a collection of beautiful artworks, antique furniture, and other historical artifacts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Yellow House itself, and to learn about its rich history and significance to the city of Esslingen.
Be sure to also check out the museum’s temporary exhibits, which highlight a range of different aspects of the city’s cultural history.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, consider booking a guided tour of the museum, which will allow you to delve deeper into the history and significance of the exhibits on display.
Visitors should also be sure to explore the charming streets and alleys of Esslingen’s historic city center, which is just a short walk from the museum.
4. Esslingen Old Town
Esslingen Old Town is a beautifully preserved historic district in the city of Esslingen, Germany that dates back to the Middle Ages.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the winding streets and marvel at the half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and picturesque squares. Don’t miss the impressive St.
Dionys Church, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Esslingen Castle, which overlooks the town from its hilltop perch.
Don’t miss: The Esslingen Christmas Market, which has been held in the Old Town for over 200 years and is one of the most charming and traditional in all of Germany.
Also, be sure to sample some of the local Swabian cuisine, which is known for its hearty portions and delicious flavors.
Insider travel tips: Visit Esslingen Old Town during the week if possible, as weekends can get quite busy with tourists. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
Finally, take advantage of the excellent public transportation in the area, as parking in the Old Town can be challenging.
5. Kirche St Dionys
A historic church located in the charming city of Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details on the church’s exterior. Step inside to see the beautiful stained glass windows and ornate altar.
Attend a service to experience the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The impressive 13th-century choir stalls, which are adorned with intricate carvings of biblical scenes and characters.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the summer months, check the church’s schedule for organ concerts and other musical performances. Be sure to climb the tower for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
6. Altes Rathaus
A historic 15th-century town hall located in the heart of Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive Gothic facade adorned with intricate carvings, and the ornate interior featuring a majestic staircase, beautiful frescoes, and medieval murals.
Don’t miss: Make sure to climb the tower for breathtaking views of Esslingen’s Old Town and surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: – Check the opening hours beforehand as they can vary depending on the season.
7. J.F
J.F.
is a lively bar and dance club located in the historic town of Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: At J.F.
, visitors can enjoy a night of dancing to a variety of music genres including hip hop, electro, and house.
The bar serves a range of cocktails and drinks, and features a lively atmosphere with neon lights and a spacious dance floor.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the club’s signature cocktails while enjoying the upbeat atmosphere and dancing the night away.
Insider travel tips: – J.F.
can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot on the dance floor.
8. Raben Pharmacy
A historic pharmacy founded in 1963 located in the picturesque town of Esslingen, near Stuttgart, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful traditional architecture of the building and the unique decor inside. Browse the extensive collection of pharmacy-related items and antiques, including rare pharmaceutical books, intricate glassware, and old-fashioned scales.
Learn about the history of the pharmacy and its role in the development of medicine over the centuries.
Don’t miss: The impressive collection of apothecary jars, some of which date back to the 16th century. The colorful labels and intricate designs make these jars true works of art.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in history or medicine, this pharmacy is a must-visit. The staff is knowledgeable and will gladly share their expertise.
Be sure to bring a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
9. Frauenkirche
A Gothic church located in the heart of Esslingen, Germany, built in the 14th century.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive architecture of the church, which is characterized by its distinctive twin towers and ornate decoration.
Attend one of the regular church services or concerts that take place here, or simply take a moment for quiet contemplation in this peaceful and atmospheric space.
Don’t miss: The stunning views from the top of the church’s towers, which offer panoramic vistas across Esslingen and the surrounding countryside. Take the winding staircase up to the top and marvel at the breathtaking scenery.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should be respectful of the church’s religious significance and dress modestly when entering.
It may be worth checking the church’s website ahead of time to see if any special events or services are taking place during your visit.
Additionally, visitors should be aware that the church may sometimes be closed for maintenance or restoration work.
10. Merkelsches Schwimmbad
A historic indoor swimming pool located in Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Take a refreshing swim in the retro pool filled with natural spring water. Admire the Art Nouveau architecture of the building, which dates back to 1914.
Don’t miss: The sauna and thermal baths, which offer a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Insider travel tips: The pool can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to visit during the week. Bring your own towel and lock for the lockers.
The pool is also conveniently located near the center of Esslingen, so consider combining your visit with a stroll through the charming town.
11. Villa Merkel
Contemporary art museum housed in a former 19th-century villa in Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Explore the diverse contemporary art exhibitions that showcase emerging and established artists from around the world. Engage with contemporary art in various mediums, including painting, installation art, sculpture, and video displays.
Don’t miss: “Kunstverein,” an exhibition area that features experimental and thought-provoking art installations. The garden, which was originally planned by the architect Theodor Fischer, is also an ideal spot for relaxation.
Insider travel tips: Check the museum’s website for any upcoming events, as they often host engaging artist talks, film screenings, and special exhibitions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit nearby towns, such as Stuttgart and Tübingen, which offer a glimpse into German culture and history.
12. Kessler Sekt
Kessler Sekt is a historic winery and champagne producer located in Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery and learn about the production of sparkling wine and champagne. Tastings are also available, allowing visitors to try different varieties of Kessler Sekt.
Don’t miss: The Kessler Sekt cellar, which is carved into the sandstone beneath the winery and is one of the largest sparkling wine cellars in Europe.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to book a tour in advance as they tend to fill up quickly.
In addition, be sure to try the Blanc de Blancs, a popular variety of Kessler Sekt made entirely from Chardonnay grapes.
13. Museum Schurr
Museum Schurr is a charming little museum located in the picturesque town of Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum is dedicated to the work of Carl Schurr, a famous postcard illustrator and collector from the early 20th century.
Visitors can marvel at Schurr’s impressive collection of over 10,000 postcards depicting regional customs, traditions, and folk costumes. You can also view original illustrations, photographs, and paintings by Schurr himself.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the reconstructed interior of Schurr’s living room, which showcases how he displayed his collection of postcards in his own home.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located in the historic city center of Esslingen, which is definitely worth exploring while you’re there.
Plan to spend a few hours in Esslingen to soak up the charming atmosphere and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants.
The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
14. St Pauls Church
St Paul’s Church is a beautiful baroque church located in the old town of Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive interior of the church, including its intricate ceiling paintings and ornate altar.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take in the stunning views of the city from the church tower, which offers panoramic vistas of the charming medieval houses and winding streets of Esslingen.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, be sure to check out the popular Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market, which takes place just outside the church grounds and features traditional crafts, food, and entertainment.
15. Esslinger Bürgerbräu
Traditional brewery and beer garden located in Esslingen, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy an authentic German beer while sitting outside in the charming beer garden. Take a tour of the brewery to learn about the history and brewing process.
Don’t miss: Trying the brewery’s signature beer, “Schönbuch Naturtrüb,” a delicious unfiltered pilsner.
Insider travel tips: The brewery is located in the heart of the old town.
Make sure to explore the area, which is home to many historic buildings and landmarks such as Esslingen Castle and the Church of St.
Dionys. The beer garden can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a seat.
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