Dusseldorf comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. This city on the Rhine has an industrial past, but has reinvented itself for the 21st century, combining pride in its heritage with an eye towards the future.
The welcome is warm whatever time of year you choose to visit. Many people are attracted by the Christmas markets or the long-running Carnival season, when the old town is packed with revellers and the gaily lit stalls sell mulled wine and spicy sausages. During the summer months locals and visitors alike flock to outdoor events such as Japan Day on the Rhine Promenade or free concerts in the Hofgarten, one of the oldest public parks in Germany.
The old town (Altstadt) contains many heritage gems among its historic sites. The Neo-Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the City Hall (Rathaus) dominate the Marktplatz, the square that has been the social and commercial hub of civic life since the 14th century. The narrow streets are lined with bars and restaurants, earning it the nickname of “the world’s longest bar” – not without justification! The dark local brew, Altbier, is definitely worth sampling, soaked up with a soft, salty pretzel.
The city has plenty to offer culturally, with attractions for all tastes, including the fascinating Film Museum, the comprehensive art collection housed in the Museum Kunstpalast and the impressive sculptures dotted throughout the Hofgarten.
The revitalised Dusseldorf-Hafen has transformed the down-at-heel harbour into a fashionable waterfront destination, notable for its cutting-edge architecture. Frank Gehry’s Der Neue Zollhof has replaced the old customs house with a postmodern complex of leaning towers that have brought a striking new focus to the skyline. The panoramic views from the top of the Rhine Tower are well worth the ride, especially after dark book a table at the revolving restaurant to watch the lights of the city slip past far below.
The centre of Dusseldorf is flat and fairly compact, so it's easy to navigate on foot. Alternatively, most of the main sights are well served by public transport, including buses, trams and metro.
Düsseldorf Travel Guide
Where to stay in Düsseldorf
Stadtmitte
Travellers choose Stadtmitte for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Schadowstraße Tram Stop or Jacobistraße Tram Stop and check out top sights like German Opera at River Rhein.
Düsseldorf Old Town
Shopping, restaurants and historical sites are just a few things travellers like about Düsseldorf Old Town. Sights like North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection and Bolkerstrasse are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Düsseldorf area at Heinrich-Heine-Allee U-Bahn.
Stadtbezirke 01
While you're in Stadtbezirke 01, take in top sights like Museum Kunstpalast or NRW-Forum Düsseldorf, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Lennéstraße Tram Stop or Dreieck Tram Stop.
Stadtbezirk 3
If you're spending time in Stadtbezirk 3, check out sights like Neuer Zollhof or Marina Düsseldorf and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Suitbertusstraße Tram Stop or Südring Tram Stop.
Friedrichstadt
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Friedrichstadt. If sightseeing is on the list, Savoy Theater is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Helmholtzstraße Tram Stop or Corneliusstraße Tram Stop to see more of the area.
Stadtbezirk 6
When in Stadtbezirk 6 and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like PSD Bank Dome or Duesseldorf Grafenberg Wildlife Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at PSD Bank Dome Tram Stop or Rath Mitte S Tram Stop.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2023
Reviewed on 7 May 2024
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2024
Popular places to visit
Messe Düsseldorf
Learn about the events happening in Messe Düsseldorf during your trip to Düsseldorf. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.
Konigsallee
Browse the luxury brands on display beside the picturesque canal and elegant bridges on one of Germany’s busiest upscale commercial avenues.
Rhine Promenade
Once a busy main road, this pleasant pedestrianised boulevard links the old town with the river.
Marina Düsseldorf
The old shipping port is enjoying a new lease of life as an architectural and gastronomic landmark.
Rhine Tower
Dine in the rotating restaurant, look down on the Rhine River from the viewing platform and see one of the world’s largest digital clocks.
Medienhafen
Visit Duesseldorf’s pretty harbor district to uncover innovative architecture, historic monuments, excellent waterfront dining and exciting adventures on the Rhine.
Reviews of Düsseldorf
4/5 - Good
The Old Town which is full of bars and restaurants is a nice,safe place to walk around. There are a number of breweries in that area in which you can try the local Altbier. The River Rhine is on the edge of the Old Town and it has a very nice walk.
3/5 - Okay
main city was expensive for costs.
5/5 - Excellent
Went to Rhine Tower, Altstadt, Aquazoo, Classic Remise car museum, Sankt Sakrament, Wuppertal Schwebebahn suspended monorail, Kaiserswerth old town, Duisburg tiger and turtle. All very good experiences, buy a Dusseldorf card for cheap transport.
4/5 - Good
Parkrun in Volksgarten was very enjoyable on Saturday. The old town and the walk along the river with the sunset was a treat. Very busy town.
4/5 - Good
Great and easy transport system
4/5 - Good
Difficult to find anywhere decent to eat.
Cities near Düsseldorf
Other places like Düsseldorf
- Merkur Spiel-Arena
- Konigsallee
- Mitsubishi Electric Hall
- Rhine Promenade
- Marina Düsseldorf
- Düsseldorf Christmas Market
- Rhine Tower
- Medienhafen
- Duesseldorf City Hall
- Marktplatz
- Classic Remise Duesseldorf
- University of Duesseldorf
- Duesseldorf Grafenberg Wildlife Park
- North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection
- Neuer Zollhof
- Museum Kunstpalast