Düsseldorf Travel Guide

Introduction

Düsseldorf (pop. 615,000; urban 1.2 million), the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a vibrant metropolis that balances commerce and culture, the city boasts a thriving arts scene, prosperous economy, and high quality of life. Almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War, the city does not rank amongst the most attractive in Germany, but it nevertheless boasts some of the best shopping, restaurants, nightlife and museums in the country. Visitors can explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town), often referred to as "the longest bar in the world" with over 300 bars and restaurants packed into a small area. The city's landmarks include the impressive Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) offering panoramic views, the luxurious shopping street Königsallee (Kö), and the innovative architecture of MedienHafen.

Düsseldorf is renowned for its fashion industry, hosting important trade fairs, and serves as a major art hub with numerous museums and galleries. The city embraces its cultural heritage through the unique Altbier (a dark copper hoppy beer brewed only in Düsseldorf), beautiful green spaces like the Hofgarten (Germany's oldest public park), and a vibrant Japanese community, the third-largest in Europe.

24% of the local population is made of foreigners. Düsseldorf and its environs has, among others, the third largest Jewish community in Germany, and the third largest Japanese community in Europe (after London and Paris).

Düsseldorf skyline.

Interesting Facts about Düsseldorf

• Düsseldorf's Altstadt (Old Town) is famously known as "the longest bar in the world" with over 300 pubs and breweries packed into a compact area.
• The luxurious Königsallee boulevard, lined with high-end boutiques and a picturesque canal, is one of Europe's most exclusive shopping destinations.
• Düsseldorf's 240.5-metre Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) features the world's largest digital clock and offers panoramic views stretching to Cologne Cathedral.
• The city hosts Germany's third-largest Japanese community in Europe, complete with authentic restaurants and an annual Japan Day festival.
• Düsseldorf's signature Altbier, a dark copper-hued ale, is brewed exclusively in the city and traditionally served in 200ml glasses.
• The MedienHafen district showcases avant-garde architecture including three twisting, titanium-clad buildings designed by Frank Gehry.
• Düsseldorf's annual Karneval celebration features elaborate parades and festivities that draw over a million revellers each year.
• Napoleon nicknamed Düsseldorf "Little Paris" during French occupation in the early 19th century, a moniker still associated with its fashionable reputation.
• As Germany's fashion capital, the city hosts 800 fashion showrooms and the Igedo fashion fairs that dictate European style trends.
• The Hofgarten, established in 1769, holds the distinction of being Germany's first public park, spanning 28 hectares in the city centre.
• Local folklore claims the city's cartwheeling tradition began with children celebrating a medieval military victory, now commemorated by statues throughout Düsseldorf.
• Düsseldorf maintains twin-city relationships with locations worldwide, including suspended ties with Moscow following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
• The Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region centred on Düsseldorf boasts the EU's second-largest GDP after Paris.
• With 629,047 inhabitants, Düsseldorf ranks as Germany's seventh-largest city and North Rhine-Westphalia's second-biggest urban centre.
• Düsseldorf International Airport serves as Germany's fourth-busiest air hub, handling over 25 million passengers annually.

History

Düsseldorf is a relatively new city by European standards. It wasn't mentioned as a town until 1135 (it was then called "Düsseldorp", "dorp" being the local dialect for "village").

Possession of the County of Berg, Düsseldorf was granted city rights in 1288 by Count Adolf V of Berg, 2 months after his decisive victory against the Archbishop of Cologne at the Battle of Worringen.

In 1380, Düsseldorf was made regional capital of the Duchy of Berg. In 1609, the ducal line of Jülich-Berg-Cleves died out, and after a few years of struggle over the succession, the Duchy of Jülich and Berg eventually passed to the Palatinate branch of the powerful House of Wittelsbach, who made of Düsseldorf their main residence. The Rhenish city experienced its first golden age under the rule of Johann Wilhelm II von Pfalz-Neuburg (1658-1716), known to the locals as "Jan Wellem". Upon his death, the court moved to Mannheim, then Munich, taking with them the family's sumptuous art collection (now part of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich).

Destroyed and impoverished by the Napoleonic Wars, Düsseldorf got a new lease of life during the Industrial Revolution. The population had risen to 100,000 inhabitants by 1882. The two World Wars plunged the city into an economic depression again, especially the Second, during which Allied bombings razed Düsseldorf to the ground.

Federal state capital since 1946, Düsseldorf has grown into one of the most prosperous cities in the region, known for its avant-garde architecture, as well as its tree-lined Königsallee ("King's Avenue") and its jewellery and designer shops, emulating the Champs-Elysées.

Attractions

The Old Town (Altstadt) is the place to go out for bars, pubs and restaurants. It is centered around the Market Square (Marktplatz) and its Renaissance Town Hall (Rathaus). Two noteworthy churches nearby are the Andreaskirche and the St. Lambertus Kirche.

The Rheinuferpromenade runs along the Rhine from the Market Square to the Rheinkniebrücke (bridge). The promenade is lined with cafés and benches and is an excellent place to stroll by fair weather.

At the southern end of the promenade rises the 240m-tall Rheinturm ("Rhine Tower"). This radio and TV tower was built between 1979 and 1981. It has revolving platform, with an observation deck and a restaurant (170m), as well as the world's largest digital clock. In spite of its height, it is only the 26th highest tower in Germany (the highest being Berlin's Fernsehturm, with 368m).

One of the most compelling sight is Benrather Schloss, the palace of Elector Karl Theodor. It houses the Museum Corps de Logis, the Museum of Natural History (Naturkundemuseum), and the Museum of European Garden Art (Museum für Europäische Gartenkunst). The palace is located 10km south of the city centre, and can be reached by metro (line S6) or tramway (No 701) to Jan-Wellem-Platz.

Venturing into the district of Pempelfort, in the north-eastern part of the city centre, you will stumble on Schloss Jägerhof, the largest castle in Düsseldorf. This typical German Baroque edifice, with its pink façace, was constructed bewteen 1752 and 1763 for Prince-Elector Charles Theodore of Bavaria. At the time it was still located in the outskirt of the small town that was then Düsseldorf. Badly damaged during the French Revolutionary Wars, Jägerhof served as a hospital for French troops in the early 1800's. It was renovated for the occasion of Napoleon's visit in 1811, then served as a residence for members of the Prussian royal family from 1815.

Modern architecture

The mutilations left on the city by WWII bombings gave Düsseldorf the opportunity to reinvent itself. Düsseldorf Media Harbour (Düsseldorf MedienHafen) has turned itself into a showcase of dazzling contemporary urban design. The most eye-catching constructions are Frank Gehry's three-building compound, known as Der Neue Zollhof. Each building is in fact an multi-towered ensemble, each twisted in various directions, as is characteristic of Gehry's style. The white, sliver and red buildings were completed in 1999.

Top Museums

Art Museums

Kunsthalle Düsseldorf

The Kunsthalle Düsseldorf stands as a beacon for contemporary art in the city centre. Unlike traditional museums with permanent collections, the Kunsthalle functions as a dynamic exhibition space that constantly reinvents itself. This approach allows it to remain at the forefront of artistic discourse, presenting works that challenge and engage visitors. The building itself, with its modernist architecture, creates an ideal backdrop for the avant-garde exhibitions it hosts. Art enthusiasts particularly appreciate the Kunsthalle's commitment to showcasing emerging artists alongside established names, making it an exciting venue where one can witness the evolution of contemporary artistic expression.

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

This prestigious institution comprises three distinct venues, each with its own focus and character. The K20, housed in a striking black granite building at Grabbeplatz, boasts one of Germany's most significant collections of 20th-century art. Visitors can wander through galleries featuring masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, and Piet Mondrian. The museum's collection of American post-war art is particularly noteworthy, with important works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol.

The K21, located in the stately former Ständehaus, focuses on international contemporary art created after 1980. Its most spectacular feature is the "in orbit" installation by Tomás Saraceno, suspended beneath the glass dome of the building, allowing visitors to climb through a mesh construction 25 metres above the ground floor. The building's architecture, with its central courtyard and surrounding galleries, creates a perfect setting for large-scale installations and immersive art experiences.

The third venue, Schmela-Haus, is a more intimate space dedicated to special exhibitions and events, offering a more concentrated art experience in the former gallery building designed by Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck.

Museum Kunstpalast

Situated in a picturesque location between the Rhine and Hofgarten, Museum Kunstpalast offers a comprehensive journey through art history. Its diverse collection spans from medieval to contemporary works, housed in a building that combines historic and modern architectural elements. The museum's painting collection includes masterpieces by Rubens, Cranach, and Rembrandt, alongside modern works by German Expressionists and the ZERO group, which originated in Düsseldorf.

Beyond paintings, the museum houses one of Europe's most important glass collections, showcasing the evolution of glassmaking from ancient times to the present. The Hentrich Glass Museum section displays over 3,000 objects, including rare Venetian glass and Art Nouveau pieces. The museum's graphic collection, with over 70,000 works on paper, provides insight into the development of drawing and printmaking techniques across centuries.

Julia Stoschek Collection

This private collection, housed in a converted industrial building, has established itself as one of the world's most important repositories of time-based media art. Founded in 2007, the collection focuses on video, film, and digital art forms, reflecting contemporary artistic practices that engage with technology and time. The space regularly hosts thematic exhibitions drawn from its holdings of over 850 works by international artists. The building's industrial aesthetic, with exposed concrete and minimalist design, creates an appropriate context for the often experimental works on display.

Specialised Museums

Goethe-Museum

Housed in the elegant baroque Schloss Jägerhof, the Goethe-Museum offers visitors a deep dive into the life and work of Germany's most celebrated literary figure. The museum houses one of the world's most significant collections related to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, including original manuscripts, first editions, and personal artefacts. Beyond merely displaying items, the museum contextualises Goethe's work within the intellectual and cultural movements of his time, particularly the Enlightenment and Romanticism. The museum's library contains over 50,000 volumes, making it an important research centre for scholars of German literature. The palace's ornate rooms provide an appropriately refined setting for exploring the legacy of a writer whose influence extends far beyond German literature.

Hetjens-Museum

Known as the German Ceramics Museum, this unique institution presents an extraordinary journey through 8,000 years of ceramic art and craft. Located in a historic building in the Altstadt, the museum's collection encompasses everything from ancient Greek vases to Islamic tiles, Chinese porcelain, and contemporary ceramic sculptures. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of Rhenish stoneware, reflecting the region's important contribution to ceramic history. The museum offers insight not only into artistic developments but also into the technological innovations that shaped ceramic production across different cultures and time periods. Interactive displays demonstrate traditional techniques, helping visitors understand the skill and craftsmanship behind the objects on display.

Film Museum

Düsseldorf's Film Museum celebrates the magic of cinema in all its forms. Located in a historic building in the Altstadt, it chronicles the evolution of film from early optical devices to digital cinema. The museum's collection includes vintage cameras, projectors, and editing equipment that illustrate the technical development of the medium. Visitors can explore recreated film sets, examine original costumes and props, and view rare footage in the museum's screening room. The museum pays special tribute to local connections to film history, including the works of directors and actors from the region. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experiment with sound effects, animation techniques, and green screen technology, making the museum engaging for film enthusiasts of all ages.

SchifffahrtMuseum

Housed in the historic castle tower on the Rhine promenade, the SchifffahrtMuseum (Maritime Museum) explores Düsseldorf's deep connection to the river that has shaped its history and economy. The museum's collection includes detailed ship models, navigational instruments, and historical documents that trace the evolution of Rhine shipping from Roman times to the present. Multimedia displays recreate the experience of river navigation, while exhibits explain the economic importance of the Rhine as a commercial artery. The museum also addresses environmental aspects of river management and the changing relationship between the city and its waterway. The tower itself, part of the original castle that gave Düsseldorf its name, adds a layer of historical significance to the visitor experience.

Neanderthal Museum

Located just outside Düsseldorf in the valley where the first Neanderthal man was discovered in 1856, this museum offers a fascinating exploration of human evolution. The modern, architecturally striking building houses exhibits that combine authentic fossils with reconstructions and interactive displays. Visitors can trace four million years of human development, with particular focus on our Neanderthal cousins who inhabited Europe for over 100,000 years. The museum uses cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality and 3D animations, to bring prehistoric life to vivid reality. Outside the museum, a marked path leads to the original discovery site, allowing visitors to connect directly with this pivotal moment in our understanding of human origins.

Science and Nature

Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

This popular institution uniquely combines elements of an aquarium, zoo, and natural history museum. Recently renovated, the Aquazoo houses over 450 species of animals in environments that recreate their natural habitats. The exhibits follow an evolutionary concept, taking visitors on a journey from primitive life forms to complex organisms. Highlights include the tropical rainforest habitat, the coral reef aquarium, and the penguin enclosure. The museum's insectarium showcases the diversity of arthropods, while the reptile section features rare species from around the world. Educational displays explain ecological relationships and conservation challenges, making the museum both entertaining and informative for visitors of all ages.

Botanischer Garten

While not a traditional museum, Düsseldorf's Botanical Garden functions as a living museum of plant life. Adjacent to the university campus, these gardens showcase over 6,000 plant species from diverse climatic regions. The historic greenhouses contain collections of tropical and subtropical plants, including rare orchids and carnivorous species. The outdoor areas feature themed gardens representing different geographical regions and plant communities, from Alpine rock gardens to North American prairie landscapes. The garden's scientific approach, with detailed labelling and educational displays, makes it valuable for both casual visitors and botanical researchers.

Contemporary Culture

NRW Forum

The NRW Forum has established itself as Düsseldorf's most progressive cultural institution, focusing on the intersection of digital culture, photography, and contemporary design. Housed in the same complex as the Museum Kunstpalast, this dynamic space hosts exhibitions that explore how technology is transforming visual culture and society. Recent exhibitions have addressed topics ranging from artificial intelligence in art to sustainable design and digital identity. The forum regularly features work by international photographers, multimedia artists, and designers who push the boundaries of their respective fields. Its programming extends beyond traditional exhibitions to include workshops, performances, and digital projects that engage visitors as participants rather than mere observers.

KIT - Kunst im Tunnel

This unusual exhibition space is literally underground, situated in a tunnel beneath the Rhine promenade. KIT focuses exclusively on emerging artists, particularly those with connections to Düsseldorf's renowned art academy. The raw concrete architecture of the tunnel creates a distinctive atmosphere for experiencing contemporary art, especially installations and multimedia works that respond to the unique spatial qualities. The venue's commitment to supporting artistic experimentation makes it an important incubator for new talent and ideas in the city's cultural ecosystem.

Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen

One of Germany's oldest art associations, founded in 1829, the Kunstverein continues to play a vital role in Düsseldorf's contemporary art scene. Located in the same building as the Kunsthalle, it focuses on presenting solo exhibitions by international artists who have not yet received significant institutional recognition. The Kunstverein's historical significance lies in its early support for artists who later became canonical figures, and it maintains this tradition by identifying and promoting innovative contemporary practices. Its exhibition programme is complemented by lectures, artist talks, and publications that contribute to critical discourse around current art.

Local Cuisine

Düsseldorf's culinary scene reflects the rich gastronomic heritage of the North Rhine-Westphalia region, offering hearty traditional dishes with unique local twists. Visitors should not miss Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a national German dish consisting of marinated beef roast cooked with spices and vinegar, typically served with potato dumplings and red cabbage. Another must-try is Himmel un Äd (Heaven and Earth), a delectable combination of mashed potatoes, apples, and fried black pudding, usually accompanied by caramelised onions. The city's Altbier, a traditional dark beer, pairs perfectly with local specialities like Halve Hahn, a simple yet satisfying dish of rye bread with butter, Mainz cheese, onions, pickle and mustard. Düsseldorf is also famous for its mustard, with local brands like Löwensenf and ABB offering distinctive flavours that complement many dishes, including the traditional Soleier (pickled eggs). Those seeking variety will appreciate Grünkohlessen, a hearty wintertime dish of kale, sausages, sweet potatoes and bacon, or Rheinischer Döbbekooche, a traditional potato cake. Thanks to its diverse population, Düsseldorf also boasts excellent international cuisine, particularly Japanese and Turkish restaurants, making it a truly cosmopolitan culinary destination.

Shopping

Düsseldorf is renowned as one of Germany's premier shopping destinations, offering a diverse retail experience across several distinct areas. The Königsallee, affectionately known as "Kö" by locals, stands as Germany's most exclusive shopping boulevard, lined with luxury boutiques, designer stores and high-end department stores. For more avant-garde fashion and independent boutiques, visitors should explore the trendy Lorettostraße in the Unterbilk district. The Altstadt (Old Town) combines shopping with Düsseldorf's vibrant nightlife, featuring smaller shops alongside the city's famous bars and restaurants. The Schadowstraße, one of Germany's highest-turnover shopping streets, houses popular chain stores and the Schadow Arkaden shopping centre. The city also boasts several modern shopping centres including Sevens, Kö-Galerie and Düsseldorf Arcaden, catering to various budgets and tastes.

Nature in and around Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf boasts several beautiful parks, including the Hofgarten, a central park with a mix of classical and English styles, and the Nordpark, featuring stunning water fountains and a serene Japanese Garden. The expansive Südpark, Düsseldorf's largest park, comprises three distinct areas and houses a petting zoo and themed gardens. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Düsseldorf Stadtwald (city forest), home to majestic trees up to 250 years old. For wildlife encounters, the Wildpark Grafenberg provides a free opportunity to observe and feed various animals in a natural forest setting. The Unterbacher See offers swimming, sailing, and surfing activities, while the Rhine meadows provide green spaces along the river for relaxation and picnics. Just south of the city, the baroque Benrath Palace is surrounded by 61 hectares of magnificent gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By train Düsseldorf is excellently connected to major European cities via high-speed rail services, with Eurostar (formerly Thalys) offering direct trains from Brussels taking around 2 hours 17 minutes, whilst services from Paris and Liège provide swift connections in under 2 hours. Many routes utilise Germany's efficient ICE network, and whilst some journeys may require a brief connection in Cologne, the rail infrastructure ensures reliable and comfortable travel to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof in the city centre.

By coach Regular coach services operated by companies such as FlixBus provide an economical alternative, with comfortable modern buses equipped with Wi-Fi connecting Düsseldorf to cities across Europe, typically taking 3-4 hours from major hubs like Brussels or Amsterdam, making this an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers who don't mind a slightly longer journey time.

By car Düsseldorf's central location in the Rhineland makes it highly accessible by motorway, sitting just 2 hours' drive from Brussels and well-connected via the extensive German Autobahn network, with clear signposting and excellent road infrastructure making it straightforward to reach from anywhere in Western Europe, whilst the city offers numerous car parks and park-and-ride facilities for those driving into the centre.

Getting Around

Düsseldorf offers visitors a highly efficient and easy-to-navigate public transport system, operated by Rheinbahn, comprising trams, buses, the U-Bahn, and suburban S-Bahn trains, all well integrated and covering the city and surrounding areas. Walking is ideal for exploring the compact Altstadt (Old Town), while cycling is popular along the Rhine or through central districts, with bikes and e-bikes available to hire from the main station and various schemes. Electronic scooters provide a flexible and eco-friendly way to zip through central neighbourhoods and are governed by simple cycling rules. The DüsseldorfCard is recommended for visitors, offering unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at museums and attractions. Taxis are best booked at designated ranks or by phone, and driving generally isn’t necessary within the city centre thanks to frequent public transport and ample parking if required.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Düsseldorf is from May to September, when the weather is most pleasant and the city comes alive with outdoor events and activities. During these months, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, providing comfortable conditions for sightseeing and exploring the vibrant Rhine promenade. May and June offer a perfect blend of mild weather, blooming parks, and exciting festivals like Japan Day and the Jazz Rally. July and August are the warmest months, ideal for enjoying beer gardens and open-air events, though they can be busier with tourists. September is particularly charming, with mild temperatures and the added bonus of the Düsseldorf Festival. For those who don't mind cooler weather, November and December are magical times to visit, as the city transforms with enchanting Christmas markets and festive decorations. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Düsseldorf's rich cultural calendar ensures a memorable experience throughout the year.