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The Aalto Opera House has an international reputation, while fans of musicals are well catered for at the Colosseum Theatre.

The Zollverein coal mine industrial complex is an icon of industrial architecture and today is used for cultural purposes. Essen cathedral contains sections of Abbess Theophanu's medieval Ottonian basilica. The cathedral treasury houses one of Europe's most valuable collections of church treasures, plus precious religious objects from every epoch.

Essen and the Ruhr area have one of the most diverse culture scenes in the world. The Lanterns Museum lends Essen's city centre a romantic air. The treasure chambers of Essen's Minster and the St. Ludgerus Basilica house all manner of religious gems. The various museums of art and technology are excellent, as are the museums on cultural history and natural history, and the countless galleries.

The people of Essen love the way their city links urban living with green recreational spaces. Gruga Park is one of Germany's largest and most delightful municipal parks. Baldeneysee Lake is popular with anglers, rowers and sailors. Every year, the German sailing elite meets here for Essen Week. The beer gardens around the lake and along the river Ruhr are popular meeting places.

Nienhausen Park is on the boundary between Essen and Gelsenkirchen. As well as outdoor sports facilities and playgrounds, the park also has a leisure centre for various indoor activities. There is also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and the activarium sauna and pool complex.

To the south of Essen is Lake Baldeneysee. It is surrounded by wooded hills where there are two bird sanctuaries, and on the south side is the now silent Poertingsiepen Colliery. Villa Huegel perches on the heights above the lake. A piece of beautiful countryside in the city, Baldeneysee is a popular recreation and leisure area, where a range of activities can be enjoyed.