Düsseldorf: what to do and where to go

The German city of Düsseldorf is located in the western part of the country. Separated in two by the Rhine River, this city is known for its combination of traditional architecture on the east bank and its bustling art scene on the west bank.

Walk around the Altstadt

The Altstadt is the city’s Old Town, where most of the traditional buildings are located. If you can, try to join a guided walking tour around this area. During the tour you will be able to the ancient churches, the famous Tonhalle concert hall, a variety of museums and authentic local pubs ideal for savouring a beer. After all, the country is known for its beer.

If you are looking for centric hotels in Düsseldorf, this neighbourhood is your ideal spot: there are plenty of apartments, hotels and hostels for all budgets. All of them within walking distance of the Kunstpalast Museum and the Filmmuseum. Do not miss the ancient Sankt Lambertus Basilika, known for its twisting spires, easily recognizable in the city’s skyline. Try to visit the Schlossturm, a castle tower located near the Düssel River.

Dusseldorf, photo byAnastasios71 / Shutterstock

Visit the Burgplatz

All that remains of the ancient castle, which used to belong to the Count of Berg, is a baroque palace tower on the banks of the river. The tower has been recently rebuilt and now houses the Shipping Museum, a place worth visiting for those who want to know more about the history of navigation on the Rhine.

Look for the city’s many statues

Try to explore the city center by foot: the nearby streets are filled with all kinds of sculptures worth exploring. Do not miss the Monument of Grant Privileges, the Jröner Jong triton sitting on the water, or the Bergischer Löwe, a bronze statue located next to the old moat in the city center. Some of the city’s statues are spread across its many parks. Spend an afternoon in the Nordpark, which has a Japanese garden, or visit Schloss Eller and its landscaped gardens.

Take a boat tour around the Rhine

Another visit to explore Düsseldorf is by boat: there are plenty of tours available from the city’s main port. Enjoy a variety of bight tours, day tours and guided tours around the city’s iconic landmarks. After the tour take a walk along the embankment promenade. This promenade links the Altstadt to the MedienHafen, and is filled with riverside bars and terraces ideal for a drink and an appetizer while watching the boats cruise by.

Dusseldorf – Rhine, photo by Philip Lange / Shutterstock

Explore the city’s gourmet scene

Düsseldorf is ideal for the gourmand traveller: enjoy a beer and some traditional pork knuckles in any bar in the Altstadt if you want to see what all the fuss is about. Head to the farmers market on Carlsplatz if you are looking for some regional products. This market is filled with stalls selling fruit, vegetables and all kinds of other delicious ingredients, and there are some cafés serving fresh pastries.