population: 0.26 million

extension: 104.94 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Gelsenkirchen is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features exhibitions on the history of coal mining in the Ruhr area. Another museum to check out is the Red Dot Design Museum, which showcases contemporary design and has won numerous awards for its innovative exhibitions.

If you're interested in visiting similar museums nearby, you might want to consider checking out the Museum Folkwang in nearby Essen, which has an extensive collection of modern art, or the LWL Industrial Museum in Dortmund, which features exhibits about the region's industrial past.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Gelsenkirchen and the surrounding region include:

1. Currywurst - a type of sausage seasoned with curry ketchup and often served with fries.

2. Schnitzel - a breaded and fried cutlet of meat, typically pork or chicken, served with potatoes or salad.

3. Rouladen - beef rolls stuffed with bacon, onions, and pickles and served with red cabbage and mashed potatoes.

4. Bratwurst - a sausage made from pork and seasoned with various spices, often served with sauerkraut and mustard.

5. Grünkohl und Pinkel - a hearty stew made with kale and pork sausage, typically served with boiled potatoes.

6. Sauerbraten - a marinated and slow-cooked roast beef served with gravy, red cabbage, and spaetzle (a type of noodle).

7. Kaiserschmarrn - a sweet dish made from shredded pancakes, raisins, and almonds, typically served with fruit compote or apple sauce.

These dishes are all considered traditional and representative of the cuisine in the region, so they're definitely worth trying if you have the chance!

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Gelsenkirchen include:

1. Visiting the Veltins-Arena: This stadium is home to the Schalke 04 football team and is a must-visit for all football fans.

2. Exploring the Zoom Erlebniswelt: This zoo is not your typical zoo as it lets visitors experience different ecosystems from around the world.

3. Swimming at the Nienhausen Freizeitpark: This park features an outdoor swimming pool, mini-golf course, and playgrounds, making it a great place for families to spend a day.

4. Biking or hiking in the nearby nature reserves: There are several nature reserves located near Gelsenkirchen, such as the Halde Hoheward and Emscher Park, which offer beautiful landscapes to explore.

5. Visiting the Nordsternpark: This park offers plenty of green spaces for picnics and relaxing, as well as a large playground, a water park, and a climbing garden.

6. Checking out local markets and festivals: Gelsenkirchen has many markets and festivals throughout the year, such as the Herbstfest and the Christmas market, where visitors can sample local food, crafts, and music.