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Guide
Essen, Germany π©πͺ
#1537
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Essen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, known for its industrial heritage and green spaces. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 590,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.08 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Vodafone, Telekom, and O2. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Services like N26 and Revolut are commonly accepted and offer user-friendly banking solutions. |
π Accommodation | Various options available from Airbnb and Booking.com to serviced apartments. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | The A&O Hostel in Essen offers affordable lodging options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near the Essen Cathedral and museums. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The RΓΌttenscheid area is popular, with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Essen, a vibrant space with great networking opportunities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Kaffeekommune, known for excellent coffee and a conducive work environment. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by local tech groups and expat communities. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Meetup Essen, where diverse community gatherings occur regularly. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Free Now operate in Essen. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Deezer and Lime offer bike and scooter rentals in the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is approximately 1.5 hours away at the Baldeneysee lake. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Eurowings provides regional flights from DΓΌsseldorf Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and Ryanair operate international routes from DΓΌsseldorf Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Well-connected via A40 and A52 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Essen Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station. |
π Public Transport Passes | VRR passes are available for regional public transportation. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Frequent trains and buses connect Essen to nearby cities like DΓΌsseldorf and Bochum. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | UniversitΓ€tsklinikum Essen, a major healthcare provider. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft Essen offers various yoga classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and McFIT have multiple locations in the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Wasch Bar Essen provides self-service laundromat facilities. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Lieferando are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | StippgrΓΌtze, a traditional dish from the region. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegin' in RΓΌttenscheid offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Kuhl is highly recommended for sweet treats. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Essen Steele market is known for budget-friendly groceries. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops have online presence on platforms like Zalando and Amazon. |
π Grocery Delivery | Bringmeister and REWE deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Altstadt area has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
π» Local Brewery | Brauhaus GrΓΌne, offers local beers and tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Weinhaus Molitor is a notable wine bar to visit. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food trucks by the Baldeneysee offer diverse street food options. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Casa Loca serves a blend of Mexican and German flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museum Folkwang is renowned for its modern art collection. |
π° Historical Sites | Essen Cathedral dating back to the 9th century. |
π Religious Sites | Kreuzeskirche, a beautiful neo-Romanesque church. |
π Annual Events | Essen's Lichtfestival showcases light installations throughout the city. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | RΓΌttenscheid is known for its art galleries and cultural events. |
π Theater Venues | Grillo Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Essen Market Hall offers regional foods and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | The Turock club hosts a variety of live music events. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the street art near Zollverein. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Kochschule Essen offers fun cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galerie MΓΆnig features contemporary artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Alte Synagoge is a prominent historic site. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city's industrial history is showcased in various museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Grugapark is a large park with gardens and hiking trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sauerland Nature Park is reachable within an hour. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ruhr Valley cycle path offers scenic rides. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Baldeneysee provides great views, especially at sunset. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Botanischer Garten allows for peaceful nature walks. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks permit bonfires with prior approval. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes operate widely in Essen for package deliveries. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt and local shops provide electronic repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers have tables available for play. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Volkshochschule Essen offers German language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Stadtbibliothek Essen is a modern library with quiet study areas. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Migrationsdienst Essen hosts cultural events and resources. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Lounge24 is a popular spot for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Essen offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬128,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬104,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬180,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬138,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬224,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬176,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% based on profits. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% applicable on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 6.5% standard rate in North Rhine-Westphalia. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residing in Essen allows digital nomads to access beneficial tax arrangements depending on residency. |