The best things to do in Düsseldorf

The old town of Dusseldorf impresses with its cozy streets, medieval buildings and numerous beer gardens where you can enjoy delicious German beers. The central Marktplatz square is the heart of the old town, where you can see the town hall, St. Lambert’s Church, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

Modern Düsseldorf impresses with its futuristic skyscrapers located along the Rhine bank. One of the most famous international exhibition centers in Germany is located here, where numerous international events and conferences are held. The city is also famous for its fashion industry and is a design center with the headquarters of many well-known brands.

Düsseldorf’s cultural life is vibrant: opera, ballet, theaters and museums offer a wide range of artistic activities. The city is also a center for contemporary art, with numerous art galleries and exhibition halls.

Düsseldorf is famous for its food scene, offering a wide range of restaurants specializing in international and German cuisine. Michelin-starred restaurants can be found here. Here you can find restaurants awarded with Michelin stars.

Train connection from Cologne

TOP attractions in Dusseldorf that are worth visiting

Royal Alley (Königs)

Imagine that you are on the Royal Alley in Dusseldorf - you are walking along wide cobblestone paths, enveloped in the shadow of luxurious chestnut trees. Kings Street is a shopping street that stretches along a picturesque canal. Known as the Royal Alley, it is one of the most attractive high-end shopping streets in Germany.

The street was reconstructed in 1802. City planners dug a canal fed by water from the Dussel River, the canal is 32 meters wide and 5 meters deep.

Chestnut trees were planted along the canal, and the street was named Chestnut Alley. According to legend, in 1848, someone threw horse manure at King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. After that, the street was renamed Kings Street as a gesture of goodwill.

Media Harbor (MedienHafen) in Düsseldorf

Medienhafen is a district located on the territory of the former port in Düsseldorf. It has become a modern, dynamic center for media, design, and architecture.

This area used to be an abandoned port, but in the late 1980s, a large-scale reconstruction began. Today, MedienHafen has become one of the most interesting urban districts in Düsseldorf with its unique architecture, diverse facilities, and inviting atmosphere. There are many restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs along the canals, creating a lively, dynamic atmosphere.

Benrath Park and Palace

Benraf Park is a picturesque oasis in the heart of Düsseldorf. It is spread over 70 hectares, offering visitors an amazing combination of historical heritage and natural beauty.

The Benraf Park, founded in the 18th century, is an example of Baroque-French garden design. Wide alleys lined with chestnut trees lead to the magnificent Benraf Palace, which stands on the banks of a picturesque pond. There are picturesque gazebos and sculptures along the banks that create an atmosphere of grandeur and tranquility.

Visitors can stroll along the picturesque paths, enjoying the view of ponds, fountains and flower beds. Here you can relax on the benches, feed the ducks, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet that reigns in the park.

Burgplatz square

Burgplatz is a square that is the center of the historic part of Düsseldorf. It is located directly on the banks of the Rhine. To the south, it borders Marktplatz (or Market Square).

Kunstpalast Museum

The Kunstpalast Museum is a unique architectural monument in the heart of Düsseldorf. The museum was founded in 1925-1926 and is housed in the Kunstpalast Palace. The palace itself was built in 1902 by the architect Wilhelm Kreis.

The museum’s collection consists of an art gallery that includes three main sections. The first section presents paintings by old masters, including two large paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and works by Lucas Cranach the Elder. The second section is 19th-century painting, which vividly presents German art of the Düsseldorf School, as well as works by the classics of German and Swiss painting. The third section is devoted to 20th century painting, primarily the works of German Expressionists.

Water park Düsselstrand

The Düsselstrand Waterpark is an exciting place for recreation and entertainment located in the heart of Düsseldorf. The water park covers an area of over 40,000 square meters and offers a wide range of exciting attractions and services for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of slides, from fast and extreme to children’s slides. There are also tranquil swimming pools, water slides for children and areas with warm thermal water for relaxation.

The Lesser Tokyo district

The Little Tokyo area in Düsseldorf is an incredible place where Eastern culture merges with European. The contrast between the Japanese aesthetics and the modern German architecture around is particularly impressive. Walking through the streets, you can feel as if you have been transported to the heart of Japan. Here you are surrounded by traditional Japanese buildings with distinctive roofs, carved wooden elements and graceful gardens.

Little Tokyo is a lively, pulsating place where you can find many Japanese shops, restaurants, art galleries and cultural centers. Here you can try authentic Japanese cuisine, buy unique souvenirs or take part in various traditional holidays and festivals.

Ratinger Tor

The Ratinger Tor is a historic city gate in Düsseldorf, Germany. It was built in the 14th century. The city gate was first mentioned in 1397 and was built as part of the first expansion of the city after 1384. However, the current building is not a medieval city gate, but a customs gate built in 1811-1815 in the classicist style. The need for a new building arose due to the demolition of the fortifications provided for in the Luneville Peace Treaty.

Brewery "Fuchschen" (Fuchschen)

The Fuchschen Brewery is a true oasis of traditional brewing located in the heart of Germany, in the picturesque city of Düsseldorf. This brewery has almost 300 years of history and is one of the oldest operating breweries in the country. The brewery consists of two buildings: the buildings at Ratinger Straße 28 and 30 and extends to Ritterstraße.

This brewery is proud of their signature light beer, which is characterized by its special mildness and balanced flavor. But besides this, you can also taste other varieties such as dark beer, wheat beer and seasonal special releases. Every Fuchschen beer is a true work of art, created with love and tradition.

Rheinturm

The Reinthurm or Television Tower in Düsseldorf is a television and radio tower. It is 240.5 meters high and is the tallest building in the city. It is used for placing television antennas and as an observation area. The tower is a symbol of Düsseldorf, which is visited by about 300,000 residents and visitors every year.

Rhine embankment

The Rhine embankment is one of the most popular places for walking and relaxing among locals and tourists alike. At the end of the 20th century, the Rhine Embankment in Düsseldorf was recognized as the best example of urban planning in Germany.

There’s a wide, tiled alley lined with rows of chestnut trees along the embankment. It offers a wonderful view of the Rhine River and its picturesque banks. People can be seen walking, riding bicycles, or simply enjoying the sun on one of the many benches along the promenade.

What should be tasted in Düsseldorf?

In general, Dusseldorf is characterized by delicious, filling and traditional dishes that are closely linked to the regional identity.

• Alsatian Flamkuchen is a thin tart with a variety of fillings.
• Kerner is a traditional bread that is baked before Christmas.
• Rhine sausage - fried red meat sausage.
• Schweineshahse - fried pork knuckle.
• Weisswurst - white sausages that are usually served for breakfast.

Popular drinks:

Alt beer is a dark beer that is considered a symbol of the city. Regional wine from vineyards along the Rhine. Kölsch is a light beer from Cologne, not far from Dusseldorf.

Top 5 restaurants in Dusseldorf worth visiting:

• Estilo Campo - Buena Cocina Argentina is a delightful restaurant that brings the flavors of Argentina to life in a charming setting. Located in a bustling area, it specializes in Argentine cuisine, offering grilled meats, empanadas, and traditional dishes like asado (barbecue) and milanesas.

• Cloud Kitchen is a modern dining concept that focuses on delivery-only service, specializing in a diverse range of cuisines from around the world. Situated in a convenient location, it operates as a virtual kitchen where multiple restaurant brands prepare and fulfill orders exclusively for takeout and delivery.

• Restaurant Setzkasten in Düsseldorf is a cozy and elegant dining spot known for its creative European cuisine with a modern twist. This restaurant provides a memorable dining experience that reflects the vibrant dining scene of Düsseldorf.

• Trattoria Abbraccio is a charming Italian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Located in a bustling area, it offers a menu featuring classic Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

• Rossini is an elegant fine dining restaurant renowned for its exquisite Italian cuisine. With its emphasis on quality ingredients and culinary excellence, Rossini promises an exquisite dining journey that reflects the richness of Italian gastronomy.

Dusseldorf is a city with a rich history, remarkable architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly character that attracts millions of tourists every year. Plan your trip to this wonderful city.