CityTouring
City trip to Düsseldorf
GermanySet on a broad bend of the Rhine, Düsseldorf pairs a polished business core with a relaxed riverside lifestyle. Stroll the Rhine embankment promenade to the lively Altstadt—nicknamed "the world's longest bar"—where traditional brewpubs pour coppery Altbier at Uerige, Füchschen, and Schlüssel. A few blocks away, Königsallee (the "Kö") lines its canal with flagship boutiques and leafy bridges. To the south, the reimagined MedienHafen showcases striking contemporary architecture, including Frank O. Gehry’s twisted facades, set beside waterside cafés. Art is a strong suit: the Kunstsammlung NRW (K20 and K21), NRW-Forum, and Kunsthalle stage ambitious exhibitions, while the Tonhalle and Deutsche Oper am Rhein anchor the music scene.
Nearby, Immermannstraße’s Little Tokyo supplies ramen bars, bakeries, and specialty markets. For views, ride up the Rheinturm; for green space, wander the Hofgarten, Nordpark, and its Japanese Garden. Beyond the center, Schloss Benrath’s baroque elegance and the atmospheric ruins of Kaiserswerth reward quick tram rides. Compact, bike- and tram-friendly, and served by a major airport, the city is easy to navigate, making short stays feel unhurried yet full.
Altstadt (Old Town) & Altbier Breweries
Düsseldorf’s Altstadt is famed as the “longest bar in the world,” a compact district packed with traditional Altbier breweries like Uerige and Füchschen, rustic pubs, and eateries. Wander cobbled lanes, visit St. Lambertus Church and Burgplatz, and sample regional specialties. Evenings are lively; weekends can be crowded, yet atmosphere remains welcoming.
Rheinturm & Rhine Promenade
Stroll the Rhine Promenade from the Altstadt to MedienHafen for river views, cafés, and sunset scenes. Ride the Rheinturm’s elevator to the observation deck for panoramic vistas, a rotating restaurant, and glass-floor thrill. Clear days reveal Cologne Cathedral. Dusk is ideal for photos; combine with a leisurely riverside walk or boat tour.
Königsallee (Kö)
Königsallee, or “Kö,” is Düsseldorf’s elegant boulevard, a tree-lined canal flanked by luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and refined cafés. Window-shop designer labels, admire historic bridges and statues, and detour to Schadowstraße for mainstream shopping. Evening illuminations reflect on the canal, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Expect premium prices and polished service.
Short-break travelers who prioritize art, architecture, and urban ambiance will get the most out of Düsseldorf. Art lovers can stack a day around K20/K21, Kunsthalle, and the NRW-Forum, then add the sculpture-rich Hofgarten or temporary shows at KIT im Tunnel. Design and architecture fans will appreciate the contrast between Königsallee’s classic facades, Gehry’s MedienHafen icons, the Rheinturm light sculpture, and baroque Schloss Benrath. Night owls who like sociable, compact nightlife are well served by the Altstadt’s breweries and cocktail bars, all within a few blocks; beer enthusiasts specifically will enjoy sampling house-brewed Altbier at Uerige, Füchschen, Schlüssel, and Schumacher. Shoppers focused on luxury and German labels will find depth on the Kö, Schadowstraße, and Carlsplatz market for pantry treats.
Food-focused travelers who want serious Japanese cuisine without flying to Tokyo will be happy around Immermannstraße’s "Little Tokyo." Families can combine the Aquazoo and Nordpark’s playgrounds with a Rhine boat tour and an easy tram ride to Benrath’s park. Runners and cyclists benefit from uninterrupted riverside paths and bridges with skyline views. Business travelers attending the Messe or city-center meetings get efficient transport, abundant hotels, and good after-work dining. The city is also welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors, with friendly venues in the Altstadt and around the center. If you like compact, clean, efficient cities with strong culture and relaxed evenings, Düsseldorf fits well for a 1-3 day trip.
Three top reasons for a city trip to Düsseldorf
- Stroll Düsseldorf's Altstadt and Rhine Promenade: medieval lanes, Burgplatz and Schlossturm, craft Altbier at Uerige, Füchschen and Schumacher, riverside sunsets, music, and the longest bar in the world convivial nightlife.
- Indulge on Königsallee's canal-lined luxury boulevard: flagship designers, Breuninger, bridges and plane trees, then admire Daniel Libeskind's Kö-Bogen II living green facade, Hofgarten, and performances at Deutsche Oper am Rhein.
- Explore MedienHafen's cutting-edge architecture: Frank Gehry's Neuer Zollhof, colorful Colorium, bars, and sunsets from the Rheinturm's observation deck with Horst Baumann's light sculpture; dine at revolving QOMO with skyline panoramas.
Best time to visit Düsseldorf
Late spring to early autumn offers the most pleasant mix of weather and events. May and June bring mild temperatures, long evenings along the Rhine, and Japan Day with fireworks and cultural shows. July is lively with the Rheinkirmes funfair on the river meadows. September and early October are comfortable for sightseeing and terraces, with fewer crowds than summer. Winter has charm, too: from late November, Düsseldorf’s Christmas markets add atmosphere, and museum-going stays excellent. Note that major trade fairs can push hotel rates up year-round; check the Messe calendar and book early, or aim for weekends between fairs.
More activities and things to see in Düsseldorf:
MedienHafen & Gehry Architecture
Once an industrial port, MedienHafen is now a showcase of contemporary architecture. Wander past Frank Gehry’s tilted Neuer Zollhof, the Colorium, and striking office conversions, with reflections on basins and quays. Cafés, bars, and restaurants line the waterfront. Evening light enhances photos; pair with Rheinturm views nearby for an easy circuit.
Little Tokyo (Immermannstraße)
Düsseldorf’s Little Tokyo centers on Immermannstraße, reflecting the city’s sizable Japanese community. Browse bookstores and supermarkets, then choose from excellent ramen, sushi, and izakaya restaurants. Look for bakeries and dessert shops, too. The EKO‑Haus of Japanese Culture in Niederkassel offers a serene temple and garden, reachable by U‑Bahn from the center.
Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace & Park)
South of the center, Schloss Benrath is an elegant 18th‑century rococo palace with landscaped gardens and a reflecting lake. Tour the sumptuously decorated rooms, explore the Museum of European Garden Art, and wander the park’s avenues. It’s a peaceful half‑day escape reachable by S‑Bahn. Spring and early autumn offer especially pleasant walks.
Kunstsammlung NRW: K20 & K21
The state art collection spans two venues: K20, near the Altstadt, renowned for modern masters including Klee, Picasso, and Warhol; and K21, set in a former parliament building, focusing on contemporary installations. Tickets can cover both. Allow time for the sculpture collections and the striking architecture, plus the café and museum shop.
Museum Kunstpalast
Museum Kunstpalast presents a broad collection from medieval to modern, including painting, sculpture, glass art, and design. Highlights range from Baroque works to contemporary photography. Temporary exhibitions are strong. Located near the Ehrenhof complex and Tonhalle, it’s easy to combine with a stroll along the Rhine. Check schedules for special events and concerts.
Carlsplatz Market
Carlsplatz Market is a bustling covered market near the Altstadt, ideal for sampling local produce, cheeses, breads, and international specialties. Grab coffee, try Rhenish dishes, or pick up picnic supplies. Vendors are friendly and quality-focused. It’s great for lunch or a snack between sights. Weekdays and Saturdays are busiest, with lively, efficient service.
Kaiserswerth & Kaiserpfalz Ruins
Historic Kaiserswerth, upriver from the center, features baroque streets, riverside cafés, and the atmospheric ruins of the Kaiserpfalz, Emperor Barbarossa’s medieval fortress. Walk the promenade, explore the church, and enjoy views of passing ships. It’s an easy half‑day via U79 tram. Combine with a Rhine stroll or seasonal beer garden stop.
Hofgarten & Kö‑Bogen
Hofgarten is Düsseldorf’s central park, offering ponds, gardens, and quiet paths between the Altstadt and Königsallee. Nearby, the Kö‑Bogen complex by Daniel Libeskind adds striking contemporary architecture and shopping. It’s perfect for a breather during sightseeing, with benches, sculptures, and shade. Visit in spring for blossoms or autumn for vivid foliage.
Rhine River Cruise
See Düsseldorf from the water on a short Rhine cruise departing near the Altstadt. Commentary covers landmarks like Rheinturm, MedienHafen, and bridges. It’s a relaxing way to link sights and rest your feet. Evening departures give sunset views; in summer, longer trips head to Kaiserswerth or Zons. Check seasonal schedules.
Getting around in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is easy to navigate without a car. The compact center (Altstadt, Königsallee, Carlstadt and the Rhine embankment) is very walkable, and the riverside promenade links the Altstadt with the MedienHafen. Cycling is convenient on mostly flat terrain; marked lanes are expanding, and dockless bike‑share and e‑scooters are widely available. Public transport, operated by Rheinbahn within the VRR network, is extensive: a dense Stadtbahn/underground tram (U-lines), trams, and buses cover the city and suburbs with frequent service. Düsseldorf Hbf is the main hub, and S‑Bahn lines connect quickly to Cologne, Duisburg, Essen and other Rhine‑Ruhr cities. Night services run on weekends. Fares are integrated across modes; day tickets and the nationwide Deutschlandticket are valid on local transport. Taxis and ride‑hailing are easy to find. Driving is possible but not recommended in the center because of traffic, limited parking and a low‑emission zone; use park‑and‑ride at outlying stations if you have a car.
Getting to Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is the nearest airport, about 7 km north of the center and one of Germany’s busiest. It offers dense European links and onward connectivity via major hubs such as Amsterdam, London, Paris, Zurich, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt and Istanbul, plus direct flights to destinations like Dubai; seasonal long‑haul services may operate. From the terminal, the S11 runs to Düsseldorf Hbf in about 10–15 minutes. The SkyTrain connects the terminal with Düsseldorf Flughafen long‑distance station, where ICE/IC/RE trains go directly to Cologne, Duisburg, Essen, Dortmund and beyond. By rail, Düsseldorf Hbf sits on Germany’s high‑speed network: frequent ICEs reach Cologne, Frankfurt (including FRA airport), Stuttgart, Munich, Hamburg and Berlin; there are direct trains to Brussels and Amsterdam, and an easy connection in Cologne for Paris. Long‑distance buses (primarily FlixBus) use the ZOB near the main station and the airport, with routes to Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris. If driving, the A3, A44, A46, A52 and A57 motorways provide access.
