Düsseldorf Travelers Recommend

One of Germany’s nightlife capitals and ideally located for cruising the Rhine River, Düsseldorf makes a great choice for a city break. Three days is enough to enjoy the highlights and still have time left over for a day trip. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in this modern German city.

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

Take in the sights on a walking or Segway tour of Düsseldorf’s historic Old Town (Altstadt), starting at the Burgplatz castle tower, then following the Rheinuferpromenade along the riverfront. Pay a visit to landmarks such as City Hall (Rathaus), St. Lambertus Basilica, Neander Church, and the Rheinpark, then hit the shops along the famous Königsallee (King's Alley). If you’d rather tour the city at your own pace, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus instead. Spend the evening barhopping in the Altstadt, nicknamed the longest bar in the world for its nearly 300 bars, pubs, and clubs, and be sure to sample the local brew,altbier.

Day 2: Along the Rhine

Spend your second day taking in Düsseldorf’s modern attractions. Start with a morning walk along riverfront Media Harbor, one of the city’s most stylish areas, and take in the unique Frank Gehry buildings and views from the Rheinturm TV tower. After lunch, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Rhine River to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, spend the afternoon browsing the art collection at the Museum Kunstpalast, or, if you’re traveling with kids, observing marine life at Sea Life Oberhausen. As the sun begins to set, head back to Media Harbor for dinner and cocktails at one of the city’s most glamorous bars or nightclubs.  

Day 3: Get Out of Town

Use your final day to take in nearby sights such as Benrath Castle (Schloss Benrath) or take a day trip to nearby Cologne, where you can view the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; explore the picturesque Old Town; peruse the acclaimed modern-art collection at Museum Ludwig; or embark on a cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley. Other popular choices include Bonn, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. The Schengen agreement makes day-tripping to another European country a breeze, so you might even consider spending your day touring the hip warehouse district in the Dutch town of Eindhoven.

Two days in Düsseldorf gives you enough time to explore this modern city’s major landmarks, including the Old Town (Altstadt), as well as pursue your own interests, from shopping to learning more about the local art scene. Here are some suggestions for how to best spend your 48 hours in Düsseldorf.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

Morning: One of the best ways to get oriented in the city is to climb aboard the Düsseldorf hop-on hop-off bus for a tour of the city’s top attractions. If you’re up for something a little different, zip off on a guided Segway tour instead.

Afternoon: This afternoon, lace up your shoes for a guided exploration of the birthplace of altbier, a sweet dark beer favored in this part of Germany. Head to several of the city’s most popular microbreweries to sample some brews, and get insider tips from your guide on what to see, drink, and do for the rest of your trip.

Night: After a day of sightseeing and beer drinking, tame your appetite with a traditional German meal. Opt for a local specialty, such as sauerbraten, potato pancakes, Grünkohlessen (kale, sausage, and potatoes), or Himmel und Erde (“heaven and earth”: black pudding, apple sauce, and mashed potatoes). You’ll never look at meat and potatoes the same way again.

Day 2: Follow Your Interests

Morning: Now that you’ve had a sample of what the city has to offer, today’s your chance to explore in greater depth. Start with a morning cruise along the Rhine River. Bring your camera to capture the Düsseldorf waterfront in the morning light.

Afternoon: Take this afternoon as an opportunity to check out one of Düsseldorf’s museums or other attractions. Art lovers may opt to explore the post-WWII collection at the North Rhine–Westphalia Art Collection (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen), while families might want to visit the aquarium Sea Life Oberhausen. Alternatively, browse the high-end designer shops along Königsallee, the area’s most famous shopping street.

Night: Finish off your trip with a bang during a guided pub crawl through the Altstadt, known as the longest bar in the world. A local guide will take you to some of the best bars and historic beer taverns for an unforgettable night of fun and new friends.

Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s wealthiest and most modern cities, was all but rebuilt from the ground up after World War II. Today, it’s the elegant capital of North Rhine–Westphalia, known for its excellent nightlife and stellar art scene. If you’re only in town for a day, here’s how to make the most of your time in Düsseldorf.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Kick off your day in Düsseldorf with a zip around town by Segway. Follow your guide across the Rhine River to see the city’s bridges, harbor district, old town, and shopping areas, all while getting an introduction to the history and culture of the city. Alternatively, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to tour the city at your own pace. The open-top, double-decker bus stops at eight spots around town, with audio commentary in several languages (including English). Be sure to spend some time exploring the Old Town (Altstadt), St. Lambertus Church, and the Königsallee shopping district.

Afternoon: Rhine River Cruise

You’ve seen Düsseldorf by land, now it’s time to see it from the water. Spend the afternoon floating down the Rhine River on a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Bring your camera to capture images of the city’s waterfront, including architectural landmarks like the Rhine Tower. You can even combine the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and a river cruise into a single ticket to use at your leisure. Most cruises last about an hour, giving you some extra time in the afternoon to rest up for a night out on the town.

Night: Altstadt Barhopping

The Altstadt is sometimes referred to as the world’s longest bar, thanks to its numerous bars and historic beer taverns. Treat yourself to a taste of the city’s legendary nightlife during a guided pub crawl through this fun and atmospheric part of town. Walk from one bar to the next, enjoying a welcome shot at each venue. Be sure to try some altbier, Düsseldorf’s signature brew.

Extensively restored and rebuilt in the aftermath of World War II, Dusseldorf’s skyline comprises ultramodern and historic architectural styles. Here are a few of the top landmarks in Dusseldorf—and Germany—to look out for during your city tour.

Rheinturm

This iconic TV and communications tower stands 787 feet (240 meters) high, dominating the Dusseldorf skyline as the city’s tallest building. Enjoy sweeping views from the observation deck, or dine in one of the lofty cafés, bars, or revolving restaurant.

City Hall (Dusseldorf Rathaus)

Dating back to the 16th century, Dusseldorf’s City Hall (Rathaus) is one of the North Rhine-Westphalia’s oldest buildings. Once a meeting place for the duchies of Julich-Berg, today City Hall—whose architecture represents three distinct periods—is the seat of the city council.

St. Lambertus Church

Thirteenth-century St. Lambertus Church was once the site of a Roman court chapel. Today it is one of four Roman Catholic churches in the Old Town (Altstadt) district of Dusseldorf. With a history inextricably linked to that of the city itself, St. Lambertus Church is a top Altstadt attraction.

The K20 Grabbeplatz

With a distinctive façade of black Bornholm granite, the K20 Grabbeplatz opened in 1986 and now houses part of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen regional museum’s art collection. It is considered by many to be among the finest 20th-century galleries in Europe, thanks in part to its major works by Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, and other greats. 

Media Harbor (MedienHafen)

Designed by futurist architect Frank Gehry, Media Harbor grew following the decay of Dusseldorf’s historic dockyards. Today the site is dominated by design, fashion, and media companies, while the city’s local radio station, Antenne Dusseldorf, also broadcasts from the area.

King’s Alley (Konigsallee)

Famous for its landscaped canal, luxury retail outlets, and contemporary fashion showrooms, Konigsallee ranks among Germany’s busiest and most stylish shopping districts.