Welcome to the Capital of North-Rhine Westphalia State !!
Düsseldorf city is located on the bank of the Rhine River and it's the 7th largest city of Germany in terms of inhabitants. It's the capital of the most populous German state of North-Rhine Westphalia.
The city is contributing significantly to the Central European Economy. It’s well connected to other parts of Europe and considered as one of the Hubs of Germany.
The city is famous for its Internationality and lively environment. Düsseldorf is home to many International companies like Henkel, and Metro and welcomes thousands of expatriates. Düsseldorf offered me an incredible experience with its hospitality and made me come over again and again.
We have been to this city numerous times and visited it during events such as Düsseldorf Christmas Market, Kirmes Düsseldorf, Telekom Cup in Düsseldorf, and other cultural shows and events in this vibrant German city.
What is the perfect way to explore Düsseldorf:
The best way to explore the city is by walking. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get information about every monument in the city, so we recommend opting for a free guided tour. Free Tour Expert offers tours in various cities across Germany. Check out their website for more information.
How to reach Düsseldorf:
a. By Plane:
Düsseldorf International Airport is well-connected to major cities around the world, with direct flights offered by numerous airlines. This makes it easily accessible from almost any corner of the globe. In addition to the main airport, Weeze Airport, located near Düsseldorf, also serves as a gateway for tourists and frequent flyers.
We have taken several flights to and from Düsseldorf, and the experience has always been convenient and efficient.
By Train:
Düsseldorf is a major city in NRW and it's highly accessible by train from different cities across Germany and Europe. The frequent high-speed trains and regional trains run every day to and from Düsseldorf.
By Bus:
There are different bus services like FlixBus and Eurolines that offer budget-friendly options to reach Düsseldorf from various German and European cities. The bus station (ZOB) is located near the Hauptbahnhof.
How to commute within Düsseldorf:
By Public Transport:
Düsseldorf has an efficient public transport system, including trams, buses, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn. The S-Bahn also connects neighboring cities like Cologne and Essen. To find connections, you can use the Deutsche Bahn App.
The city is well-connected by trams, Straßenbahn, and buses, with frequent services. If you're planning to visit multiple places in a single day, we highly recommend purchasing a Düsseldorf day ticket. It will save you both money and the hassle of buying a ticket each time you travel.
By Uber or Taxi:
If you want to travel hassle-free without the stress of looking for public transportation and making connections, you can also opt for using Uber or a taxi. It’s definitely a more expensive option, but it depends on whether you prioritize comfort over cost.
Where to stay in Düsseldorf:
a. Altstadt (Old Town):
If you're looking for a convenient place that is located in the heart of the city and all the main attractions are accessible by foot, then Altstadt is for you.
b. Königsallee (City Center):
If you fancy a luxury stay with chic cafés and restaurants, then Königsallee is the perfect choice. There are several 5-star hotels, such as Breidenbacher Hof and Steigenberger Park Hotel, offering a luxurious experience.
c. MedienHafen (Media Harbor)
If you want to stay in a nearby area with modern architecture, trendy restaurants, and a creative vibe, hotels like the Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf and INNSIDE by Meliá Düsseldorf Hafen are excellent options located in the MedienHafen district.
d. Pempelfort or Unterbilk/Bilk:
If you're looking for a local and budgeted experience, you can find some great options in the area of Pempelfort and Unterbilk/Bilk.
Things to do in Düsseldorf:
1. Düsseldorf Alt Stadt:
The city has an amazing old town called Alt Stadt. There are different town squares and narrow streets with lots of shopping options. As the city was destroyed in WWII, so it's a bit different from a typical old town. You can visit the landmarks like St. Lambertus Church and Castle Tower.
The most famous spot is Burgplatz in the Old Town. The city is also well-known for its Christmas Market. If you’re visiting in late November or December, don’t miss the opportunity to experience it.
2. Heinrich Heine Alle:
Heinrich Heine Allee is known as the "longest bar in the world" due to its many bars and nightclubs lining the street. The street is wide but often packed with people on weekends, so you might find yourself moving at a slow pace.
3. Walking along Promenade Bank:
Whether you want to enjoy the sunset, take a leisurely stroll, cycle, or simply take in the views of the river and the vibrant life in Düsseldorf, the Promenade Bank offers it all.
It’s one of the liveliest places, with many people enjoying the river view and skyscrapers. There are plenty of cafés and tented bars along the bank, and we must say it’s the best spot for a late-night hangout with friends.
4. Rhine Tower aka Rheinturm:
To mesmerize the best view of Rhein, the Rhine Tower aka Rheinturm is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy the view of the city and sunset.
The ticket cost €9 in 2017, but prices have since increased significantly. The elevator took us to the top of the tower, where the 360-degree panoramic view of Düsseldorf and the River Rhine was simply amazing.
The rotating floor allowed us to enjoy a breathtaking sunset with views of the River Rhine, skyscrapers, and the countryside.
There is also a café and restaurant where you can enjoy snacks. For the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
5. Königsalle:
Königsallee, also known as "the King’s Avenue," is often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Germany. In 1946, Düsseldorf was considered the heart of Germany and one of the fashion capitals of the world. Königsallee has hosted numerous open-air fashion shows.
The canal runs down the center of the avenue, flanked by high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Armani, as well as luxurious hotels. It is one of the most expensive streets in Germany. As one of Europe’s most famous luxury shopping destinations, Königsallee offers high-end boutiques, designer stores, and chic cafés along its tree-lined canal.
The iconic Breidenbacher Hof is also located there. The avenue is home to the classic theater Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and the opera house Deutsche Oper am Rhein. Shows typically start in September, so be sure to book in advance.
Düsseldorf also features another shopping street with both local and international brands, such as Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, and H&M. It’s a long street with various brands on both sides, offering a wide range of products to suit all shoppers’ choices and budgets.
6. Cruising in Rhein River:
A must-do activity is a cruising trip on the Rhine River. There are many tour companies located along the bank where you can book your trip.
A cruise on the Rhine River is highly recommended during your visit to Düsseldorf. The cruise lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour and offers amazing views of the city from the river.
There are also connecting streets in the Old Town, most of which have bars and clubs. Düsseldorf boasts one of the best nightlife scenes.
6. MedienHafen district:
This place used to be an old harbor and now, it transformed into a modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere and serves as a business hub.
The district has iconic buildings designed by Frank Gehry’s Gehry Buildings, which are famous for their unusual shapes. There are also many trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés and the waterfront has a beautiful view of the Rhine River, especially at sunset.
7. Hofgarten - Into the Nature in Düsseldorf:
Düsseldorf is indeed one of the greenest cities, and Hofgarten is one of the oldest public parks and an ideal spot for a romantic walk. It connects the Old Town with Malkasten Park. It’s a great summer destination for picnics and BBQ parties.
8. Schloss Benrath:
Schloss Benrath was constructed in 1773 and is located in the south of Düsseldorf. The castle can be visited through guided tours and is one of the main tourist attractions. It is built in Baroque style and consists of a palace, a hunting park, ponds, and a canal. It’s a two-story building and now houses two museums: the Museum of European Gardening and the Museum of Natural History.
9. Experience Japanese Culture in Little Tokyo:
Düsseldorf has one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. If you want to experience a little Tokyo, visit Immermannstraße to try out authentic Japanese restaurants, shops, and culture.
10. Visit Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum
If you're looking for a fun family activity, you can visit a zoo and aquarium and get a sneak peek of marine life, reptiles, and amphibians.
11. Kaiserswerth:
In the north of Düsseldorf, the main tourist attraction is Kaiserswerth. It features charming Baroque houses that transport you back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
There are a few cafés and restaurants located here with amazing views of the Rhine. You can also take a boat trip to the Old Town, Altstadt, from this area during spring and summer.
Attend the Düsseldorf Carnival
If you're planning to visit Düsseldorf, consider going in February when the Düsseldorf Carnival takes place. It is the largest and most colorful carnival in Germany, known for its parades, costumes, and festive atmosphere.
Restaurants in Düsseldorf:
For the best food, we recommend The Bull Steak Expert for steak lovers. If you’re looking for excellent Arabic cuisine, Libanon Restaurant serves amazing dishes.
For shisha lovers, Al Hamra is one of the best places, offering amazing shisha and drinks. The shisha bar also features a dance floor and live Arabic music on the top floor. If you're going with a large group, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
5 Best Day Trips from Düsseldorf:
Even though one day isn't enough for Cologne, you can take a short train ride to Cologne and enjoy the beautiful Cathedral, Old Town, Rhine River view and Neighbourhood.
2. Venlo, Netherlands:
Venlo is located on the border city between Germany and Netherlands - if you want to enjoy the dutch vibes, you can go to Venlo and enjoy the tiny dutch town.
3. Movie Park:
If you're looking for a adventure and thrill, you can take a trip to Movie Park aka Hollywood of Germany which is a theme park.
4. Dortmund:
If you're a football theme - you should definately visit dortmund and experience the famous Signal Iduna Park.
5. Bonn:
Bonn was the former capital of West Germany, you can go for a day trip and enjoy the Bonn Old town, Beethoven house, Poppelsdorf Palace, and beautiful parks along the Rhine River
Ending Note:
If you have limited time and you want to cover everything in one day. We would also suggest taking the hop on hop off bus. So you can visit all the main tourist spots in a limited time.