Essen, at the heart of the Ruhrgebiet, attracts visitors in droves. People come to see the industrial monuments of the past, especially the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein coal mine, but also Essen's museums, Villa Hügel and the minster. 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.