The Sculpture Park Waldfrieden is situated above the Wupper valley in the Christbusch woodland between the town centers of Elberfeld and Barmen. A beautiful park area of twelve hectare is combined with sculptures by Tony Cragg. There are permanent and special exhibitions. Opening hours vary depending on the season – Prices: Day ticket 12€ per person. Group tours are also available in English, French, Italian and Spanish (100€).

"Zoom Erlebniswelt" in Gelsenkirchen is the redesigned former Ruhr-Zoo. It provides fun and enjoyment for the whole family, has a petting zoo and is divided into four areas: Alaska, Africa, Asia and Grimberger Hof. The “Erlebnisexpedition” (adventure expedition) is a 90-minute tour that offers a behind the scenes glimpse of the zoo. Here you may find different events every other week. Admission fee for adults: 15.50-21.50€

The „Zeiss Planetarium Bochum“ was opened in 1964. Since then it has been one of the most modern planetariums of its kind worldwide. Underneath the 20m diameter dome there is enough space to seat 260 people. A projector projects the picture of a starry night sky on the domed ceiling, so that visitors have the impression of being under the real night sky. Around the projection hall there is a circumferential walkway with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Also, the planetarium has a variety of astronomy shows. Admission fee: 8,50€.

The search engine www.meinestadt.de permits the active search for daily activities of all kinds. The Ruhr Guide (www.ruhr-guide.de) expands the search beyond city boundaries. The following website can be consulted for theatre programmes, concert halls, or special historical sites: www.ruhrlink.de.
 
In addition, in cafés and pubs numerous free activity calendars and monthly magazines (Coolibri, Heinz) report on new restaurants, small art exhibits and large parties and events.

Touring the biggest inner harbour in the world in Duisburg allows you to enjoy the international flair of big harbours. In the heart of Europe and in the Centre or the Ruhr Metropolitan Area many ships drop anchor that travel the world’s seven seas. Its promenade along the canals invites to take a long stroll and to visit museums and restaurants. You may also enjoy this special atmosphere by taking a tour around the harbour.

The "Rhein Park" is not far from the city centre of Duisburg and is a real gem, especially for athletic people. There are areas to climb, play basketball, skate, go for a walk and play beach volleyball. It is also great for flying the kite. If you like to relax, you may do so on the 1.4 km long waterside promenade and enjoy the view of the "bridge of solidarity" that is steeped in history, of the Rhein River and the Rheinaue on the other side.

This almost globally unique park amalgamates industrial heritage, nature and a light show in a very special way. In the disused smelting works cultural and corporate events take place. Visitors can plumb the depths of Europe’s deepest artificial diving centre, the Gasometer, or scale the heights of the climbing walls in the old ore bins and the high rope course in a former casting house. Those in search of adventure can also explore the site by taking part in various rallies or bicycle tours. From the top of “Hochofen 5” the view is amazing. In the evenings, the light installations in North Duisburg Landscape Park are particularly impressive.

The "Sechs-Seen-Platte" is an attraction especially in the summer, when you have to decide between open-air swimming, a sports park with a boat race course, opportunities for water ski and wakeboard and illuminated running paths. The stadium of the local football team MSV Duisburg and the ice rink of the local ice hockey team “Duisburg foxes” are worth a visit as well. On the ice rink you can practice your own skating skills, with or without a DJ. Golf courses, as well as barbecue areas complete the choice of leisure facilities at Sechs-Seen-Platte.

Almost no other landmark is as impressive from afar as the "Tiger & Turtle" – Magic Mountain sculpture by Ulrich Genth and Heike Mutter, situated in the Angerpark Duisburg. This walkable rollercoaster-sculpture was built on a former dump in the south of Duisburg. Climbing the stairs all the way up to the looping is a rewarding experience, since it enables one to see everything from the city centre of Duisburg along the Rhine River up to Düsseldorf. By night this landmark is especially impressive. Then the 880 LEDs paint the coils of the steel sculpture in the night sky. Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain can be accessed for free – day and night.

The MKM Küppersmühle for Modern Art is one of the biggest private museums in Germany. It is located in the lively inner harbor of Duisburg. In this museum Modern architecture from Herzog & de Meuron meets industrial culture. Visit the museum for exciting exhibitions and one of the most beautiful collections of German art from the 1950s to today, including artwork from Anselm Kiefer to Gerhard Richter. Admission fee Collection: 6€, entire museum: 9€.

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex ("Zeche Zollverein") is a large former industrial site in the city of Essen. It was active from 1851 to 1986. Today it is an architectural and industrial monument and has been entered into the UNESCO list of World Heritage. Apart from free admission to the site it offers a variety of events, tours and round trips. Furthermore, it has its own park and hosts the Ruhr Museum. There are many tours a day, and one a day available in English.

Museum Folkwang is a major collection of 19th- and 20th-century art in the city of Essen. The museum was established in 1902 by Karl Ernst Osthaus. For a long time, it played a pioneering role in modern art. The admission is free. Opening hours are 10 am to 6 or 8 pm each day except for Mondays. There are tours in English available.

The „Old Synagogue“ was one of the largest and most architecturally significant detached synagogues in 20th century-Europe. The permanent exhibitions in this unique cultural monument give an insight into Jewish and German-Jewish history, Jewish contemporary culture, as well as current events. An audio guide with 31 texts for deeper insight is available for free. Admission fee: free.

In the south-east corner of the city of Essen, near the neighboring cities Bochum and Hattingen, in the city quarter Burgaltendorf there are Romanesque castle ruins. They have the best-preserved residential tower in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is thought to have been built during the second half of the 12th century. The building complex consists of an outer bailey and the main castle with well-preserved circular walls. Both parts were surrounded by a moat in former times. The site can be visited from 3 pm to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.

Lake Baldeney, built 1931 as a water reservoir, has been transformed into a recreation area. Sail- and surf-schools invite you to be active while relaxing. The 14.7 km long track around the lake makes it possible to inline skate, ride a bike or go for a walk. Alternatively, you may explore the lake- and Ruhr-river-shore boarding one of the “White Fleet” ships.

How did the city develop over the last 1,000 years? And what marks did the age of industrialization leave? The answers to these and many other questions can be found along the Monument Trail, developed by the society "Historischer Verein für Stadt und Stift Essen” in cooperation with the city of Essen. On 35 information panels the fascinating architecture and history of both the city’s many lost and still standing buildings are brought to life. Guided tours along the Monument Trail can be booked at the EMG tourism centre.