I don’t know what it was to begin with, but there was something that made me apprehensive to visit the city. Maybe it is just that, because it is not a city that Americans hear about often. Maybe it is because the name doesn’t have the cutesy sounding English version like Cologne, or Munich, or that it doesn’t have the elite reputation of a country capital, like Berlin, or a former capital, like Bonn. Whatever it was, I imagined a dirty, industrial city, that had nothing of interest for me.
As you already know, our days in Düsseldorf proved me wrong! There was so much that interested me, that I could have spent weeks discovering the nuances of this fabulous city. There is something for everyone in the city. If I include the surrounding areas, I could have spent a month. By the way, locals in Düsseldorf say that Cologne and Bonn are boring!
This article includes:
-
Düsseldorf a brief history
-
Must See Sights in Düsseldorf
-
How to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Düsseldorf
-
And our favorite day trips from Düsseldorf
-
But first, some history..
Düsseldorf History
Now, about that funny name, Düsseldorf. Several kilometers to the east of the city, lies the origins of the Düssel River, and the Little Düssel River. These rivers combine into one, and flow westward for several kilometers, until they again split into 4 branches that form a small delta flowing into the Rhine. The origins of the city lie in this delta area, as a small fishing village, or a Dorf. So Düsseldorf is the village of the Düssel River, although it left it’s days as a village behind centuries ago.
The city was first mentioned in official records in 1135, and was known to be composed of a few Germanic tribes. Then Emperor Barabosa built the Kaiserpfalz a few kilometers to the north, and the people became strictly under the control of the Holy Roman Empire. It would be another hundred years before the village was granted the official right to call itself a city and set up it’s own local government.
Since then the city maintained it’s own order as best it could, going through a number of different regimes over the centuries. It has been controlled by Rome, by the Bergs, by Prusssia, by France, the National Socialists, tha Allies, the Federal Republic of Germany. It has been conquered, liberated, and destroyed, over the centuries.
Through all of this, being the government capital of the Nordrhein-Westfalen state, the city has always been at the forefront of politics. With the key location along the Rhine, in the heart of Germany’s industrial center, it was also a leader in manufacturing. As the country’s dependence on heavy industry has diminished, the city has returned it’s focus to arts and forward thinking. This has enabled it to maintain it’s reputation as a cultural leader, the place to go in Germany to experience the finer things in life. The city sometimes refers to itself as “The Cradle of Culture,” and this is once again a well-earned moniker. Düsseldorf is a city that should not be missed on a visit to Germany, no matter how funny the name sounds.
Must See Sights in Düsseldorf
Our local hosts broke the city up into certain objectives for each day, so that we could have a sort of theme each day. We will give you some suggestions on how to experience the city, whether you have 1 day in Düsseldorf, 2 days, or more. We also made some fabulous day trips from Düsseldorf, which are pretty unknown, more or less local secrets. We overview some of them as well. But first, if you prefer to go with the flow and pick up the must see sights in Düsseldorf, there are several that are loved by locals and visitors alike. By the way, we don’t give a lot of suggestions for where to eat, so be sure to check out this guide for good coffee and healthy food in Düsseldorf.
The Königsallee.
The reason many German citizens come to Germany is to experience the King’s Alley, or The Königsallee. Typically referred to as The Kö, it is known to be the best shopping in all of Germany, surpassed only by Paris in all of Europe. For shoppers looking for prestige labels and an elite shopping experience, this is the place to be. With the canal running through the center of the avenue, and the 120 chestnut trees spreading their shade, even people watching feels luxurious along The Kö.
The Altstadt
The Altstadt in Düsseldorf is not the most beautiful in Germany, to be blunt. However, it does have charm, with the cobbled streets, historic buildings, and streetfront cafes. Visit during the day to take in some of the museums and historic buildings, such as the Rathaus and the Schlossturm. Visit during the evening to experience what is often referred to as the “longest pub in the world.” It is said there are nearly 300 bars and cafes compressed into a few blocks.
The Rhine Promenade
The Rhine River is a central attraction in Düsseldorf, and the promenade is the way to take it in. There is always a small crowd here, whether they are sitting on the steps watching the river traffic and pedestrians go by, or walking along the riverside. Although there will be tourists, this is a very local thing to do, as residents love their river. Visitors should make a point to go to the top of the Rheinturm, for the absolute best views of the city. There is no time limit on a visit to the top, so it is possible to relax and find many of the city landmarks from an overhead view.
The Museums
Every great city has museums, and Düsseldorf, is no exception. The city is particularly proud of their modern art museums, which include the Kunstaammlung Nordrhein-Westfallen, with collections so large they are housed in 3 separate buildings, the K20, the K21, and the Schmella House, and the Kunst Im Tunnel.
I prefer to take in those museums which showcase topics cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In Düsseldorf this would include the Schiffert Museum of Maritime History, located at the Schlossturm; the Filmmuseum, which depicts the history of modern movie making; the Loensenf Mustard Museum, which details the mustard making process, and includes tastings; and the Karnevalsmuseum, a brilliant celebration of Carnival traditions, all year round. All are located in the Altstadt. Neanderthal Museum, where the first Neanderthal Man was discovered, located to the east of Düsseldorf, in the small town of Mettman. To get a full picture of all the museum options available in the city, grab a copy of the Düsseldorf Culture Guide at one of the welcome centers.
How to explore Düsseldorf in days
Düsseldorf in 1 Day – Hop On Hop Off
If you have one day in Düsseldorf the easiest way to get a feeling for the city quickly, is to take the Hop on Hop off bus. I sometimes have mixed feelings about these buses, but the one in Düsseldorf meets the intent of a Hop on Hop off well. It is a short enough route with a long enough time period to actually get off and explore some of the stops in a single day, at an excellent price. This is not always the case! Another cool thing is that it actually goes through some of the quieter neighborhood areas, so you really see what life in the city is like.
The total route is about 90 minutes long, with 7 potential stops. Since the running time for the bus is 9 hours, there really is time to see each of the stops for about an hour. Stops include several of the must see locations, such as The Kö, the Altstadt, and the Rheinturm. All of these stops deserve a hop off, but if you only get off at one of these stops, make sure it is the Rheinturm, and go up for those amazing views.
From the Rheinturm you can walk a block to the Medienhafen, the former warehouse district which was once abandoned. It has since been revitalized through some of the world-renowned architecture that the city is known for. Curious visitors may be satisfied with a good view and a few photographs, but architecture lovers will want to get out and explore the cutting edge structures, and the trendy pubs and cafes at street level.
Other stops include some of the city’s finest art museums, at the Ehrenhof, and the Kunstacedemie, and the Nordpark which features the Aquazoo, and a stunning Japanese garden. We share the full details on all of the stops along the Düsseldorf Hop On Hop Off tour, and what to expect, in our article One Day in Düsseldorf.
Düsseldorf in 2 Days – Walking tour
For a second day choice, to really get to know the city, a walking tour is probably the best option. It allows visitors to really get a feeling for the main parts of the city. The Düsseldorf city center is compact enough that a day of walking could take in Japan Town and The Kö, followed by either the Hofgarten or the Altstadt.
A good place to start is the Hauptbahnhoff. There is a city Welcome Center just outside the station, where a guided tour can be arranged, otherwise, ask for a city map and plan your own route. Most of the guides there speak multiple languages, so communication will not likely be a problem, and if you show them the short routes below, they can outline them on the map for you. Just in case, you might ask which buses go through those areas as well, so you know which to catch to return, if you are all walked out.
From the Bahnhoff, Immermannstraße is the place to start. This street is the main hub of Düsseldorf’s Japan Town. It may not look like what visitors expect, as it is predominantly a business center, but it is interesting to experience. There are numerous shops and business, and several outstanding cafes and restaurants. It is a good place to be hungry, as the noodles and sushi are outstanding. Na Ni Wa comes highly recommended. If hunger has not struck, a bubble tea might be in order.
At the end of Immermannstraße, which way you turn makes for an entirely different type of day. For a relaxing, green environment, and to get an idea how locals spend their free time, turn right. To see more of the city, and the business atmosphere, turn left. In either direction, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments, although, in the Hofgarten, most will be on the streets lining the park.
- A right turn leads to the Hofgarten, Germany’s oldest park. The Hofgarten is often described as Düsseldorf’s version of Central Park, or “The Green Lung of the city.” The Hofgarten features walking trails, formal garden spaces, a variety of artworks, and some historical monuments which include the Rattinger Tor. If a palace and museum are in order, take another right in the park as you explore, going east. This will lead down the main promenade of the Hofgarten. At the end, is Schloss Jägerhof. The Schloss is a former hunting palace that was transformed into a regal residence. It is said that Napolean stayed in the palace for 4 days during his venture in the city. Today, it also houses the Goethe Museum. With or without the Schloss, exploring the Hofgarten could fill the rest of the day.
-
-
- Taking a left turn from the end of Immermannstraße will lead to Johanneskirche. This is the city’s largest protestant church. The church has a long history, and houses a cafe, if refreshments are in order. Behind Johanneskirche is Martin Lutherplatz, with the Kaiser Wilhelm Monument and the Bismark Denkmal. Continue another block down Blumenstraße to see the world-famous Triton statue at the end of the Königsallee. From there, turning left will take along you The Kö for world class shopping. On the other hand, going straight will lead into the Carlstadt neighborhood, and the Carlsplatz Market where numerous local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods and gourmet delicacies. In either direction, there is enough to see to fill most of the day.
-
Another option for a walking tour is to start at the Burgerplatz, at the edge of the Altstadt. The old town alone could take up an entire day in Düsseldorf, with a few museum and boutique stops. Most of the museums listed above are found in the Altstadt. Even if you choose one of the other walking tour options, the Altstadt is still the place to end the day, for some good food, or a taste of the nightlife.
Make sure to stop at one of the numerous pubs along the way. We really like Destille, on Bilkerstaße, which had a local crowd, and live music on the weekends. Try an Altbier, Düsseldorf’s own special brew. It is a dark ale, but not heavy. I am not really a beer drinker, but it wasn’t bad. By the way, if you ask for a beer, this is automatically what you will get, and if you want to sound like you know what you are doing, just ask for an Alt.
If you are feeling really adventurous, ask for a Killepitsch. It is a Düsseldorf specialty herb liquor, again made only here. It isn’t for the faint of heart, with a flavor all it’s own, and a powerful warmth. Once you get it down, ask your bartender about the legend behind the liquor, as it is quite a story.
Düsseldorf in 3 Days – Culture Tour
With a third day available, many visitors may wish to dig into the city museums, and in particular the art museums. There is truly more art to see in Düsseldorf, than could be seen in many days. The collections are quite extensive, and there are even interactive exhibits, such as Tomas Saraceno “In Orbit” project, at the K21. This exhibit actually encourages guests to be a part of what sort of looks like a giant spider’s web, as they have experience of being in orbit. It may be one of a kind!
For many visitors, the best way to spend their third day is at Schloss Benrath. Originally built as a pleasure palace, for Elector Carl Theodor von Pfalz-Sulzbach, Schloss Benrath is a Rococco masterpiece. The palace is maintained in exquisite condition, with many original furnishings, and some special pieces that are featured in the Museum Corps di Logis. The palace also features a Natural History Museum. The palace grounds are extensive, with a wooded area, and several formal garden areas, and a Museum of Garden Art. Locals are proud of the Schloss and encourage their guests to visit.
My favorite option for day 3 in Düsseldorf was taking a street art tour and exploring the lesser known neighborhoods. Athough it is illegal, with high fines imposed, the city has long been known for the street art. There are websites dedicated to the street art, and stores that sell reproductions. Two neighborhoods, Flingern-Nord, and Bilk, are filled with murals and other examples of street art. In Bilk, start at the Ellerstraße Tunnel.
In Flingern-Nord, start at Kieferstraße. If you have been on our website before, you may already be familiar with Kiefernstraße, the world’s first graffiti neighborhood. It was the very first place our local hosts took us, and one of the first stories we wrote. The neighborhood has an incredible history, which we detailed in our story. Every building on the entire street is unique, and we really enjoyed seeing them.
Ready to spend a day or two in Düsseldorf? Find Trip Advisor’s recommended hotels, and best deals now!
Düsseldorf Day Trips
When visiting Düsseldorf for more than 3 days, it is almost essential to get out and do some day trips. This is not because there are not enough things to do in the city, as there really are a lot more. It is because there are so many incredible things to see out in the area! With the city location, it is possible to get to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Frankfurt in less than 2 hours, whether by train or by car. That range opens a plethora of possibilities.
There are some big name choices that automatically come to mind. We think everyone should spend at least a day in Cologne, head on down to Frankfurt, and then maybe even a day in Bonn. But some of the best Düsseldorf day trips are a bit lesser known. There are some very cool choices, where you will seldom run into a crowd! By the way, if you are going by car, make sure you are prepared to experience the Autobahn!
If you are planning to head to Cologne, the check out this guide on things to do in Cologne in one day.
If you are heading to Frankfurt, see this guide on One Day in Frankfurt.
Our Favorite Düsseldorf Day Trip – Kaiserwerth
Kaiserwerth is incorporated into the city of Düsseldorf now, and although it is a sort of suburb, many locals think of it as a town of it’s own, and place to go to get away from the city hustle. The city history dates back to the 12th century when Emperor Barabosa built a palace on the riverfront, as well as a river toll to control trade ships coming into the Holy Roman Empire territories. The remnants of that palace, the Kaiserpfalz, still stand. The Kaiserpfalz Ruins have such a fascinating history, and is so interesting, that we wrote a story about just the ruins! They are free to enter, and explore, and you can actually go inside and investigate.
But Kaiserwerth’s history goes far beyond that. The city was once the site of an Abby, founded by Saint Suitberticus. While the Abbey was destroyed centuries ago, the city still reveres St. Suitberticus. There is a triple-knaved Basilica in the Saints honor was built-in, and his remains were returned to the city. This relic of the Saint is kept near the altar in a gold case. You can see the Basilica and pay respects for no charge. The Basilica also still holds regular services for the Catholic community.
Kaiserwerth is also the home of the Diakonie, one of the first training institutes for women in the medical professions. The Diakonie revolutionized health care, and was where Florence Nightingale trained before her heroics and life saving efforts in the Crimean War. The Diakonie is still in practice, training women in healthcare professions, and Kaiserwerth is still known for being a leader in healthcare, especially in the field of geriatrics. Visitors can tour the lovely grounds of the facilities. I had never seen healthcare facilities with such a peaceful and beautiful setting! There are also museums telling the story of the center and it’s prestigious former residents.
Beyond all of the historic sites, Kaiserwerth is a great place to relax in a smaller town environment, exploring some of the quaint buildings and shops, with some charming places to get refreshments. Fresh ice cream is always a treat, so a stop at Lido Eiscafe may be in order. They have several vibrant flavors. Or, enjoy an icy cold beer, at the biergarten at Galerie Burghof along the Rhine. It has a fun and funky atmosphere, inside, along with its shaded outdoor area. If a full meal is in order, one worthy of Michelen stars can be savored at Im Schiffen. However, reservations are highly recommended to ensure a table at Im Schiffen.
Another Favorite Düsseldorf Day Trip – Krefield
The city of Krefield, located to the northwest of Düsseldorf is another day trip option, with some unique sites to explore. Krefield is known as the city of velvet and silk due to it’s significant stature in the textile industries during the industrial eras. This history can be engaged in the Haus der Seidenkultur and 0the Deutschess Textilmuseum. Deutsches Textilmuseum shares the history of the textiles industry, including it’s impact on the surrounding community. There are over 3,000 different samples in the exhibits.
The Haus der Seidenkulture, or the house of silk culture, tells the history of silk making in the region, where it began in service to the Catholic church. Original looms and threads from hundreds of years ago are part of the displays, as well as interactive activities. It is quite fascinating.
A fun option in Krefield is taking a tour on the Schluff. The Scluff is a small train that was once the private transport for one of the wealthy silk Barron families in Krefield. Now it is owned by the city, and offers a choice of tours through the city and surrounding areas.
Another historic industry in the Krefield area was brandy making. While the tradition has diminished, it still continues at the Historiche Weinbreenerei Dujardin. Visitors can visit the distillery, and tours are offered. Brandy made on site is said to be delicious, and it can be sampled on a visit, and purchased.
The most popular attraction in Krefield is Burg Linn. Burg Linn is a 12th century moated castle, or Wasserschloss, at the edge of the city. The complex consists of an inner and outer Baily, a hunting lodge, a tithe barn, with an onsite museum. The surrounding grounds also include well-preserved burial areas, and a windmill where flax is milled. The castle and grounds are open to visitors, and special educational and entertaining events are held each weekend. The annual Flax Festival is also held at castle, and is the largest of it’s kind in Europe. It is similar to what would be called a Renaissance Fair in the United States.
Another Fabulous Düsseldorf Day Trip – Zons Fortress
Zons is a smaller town, located long the Rhine between Dusseldorf and Cologne. Like Kasiserwerth to the north, Zons was also a toll point along the Rhine for the Holy Roman Empire. Zons is different though, for two reasons. First, it was built over 100 years later, so materials and styles vary. Second, there was no adjacent emperor’s palace at Zons, so more protective measures had to be incorporated. So Zons was built more in the fashion of a medieval walled city, and the surrounding walls are still almost entirely intact.
Most of the original houses and shops within the city walls are also all still in use, and now many of the city residents live in these historic homes inside the old city walls. The are has been protected by the government since 2014, and residents must maintain the historic integrity of their homes, if they choose the live there. The character and architecture of the city is such that it is often referred to as the Rothenberg of the Rhineland, or the Rheinish Rothenberg.
Zons is technically part of the city of Dormagen, which also has some interesting places to see, but Zons is truly the highlight. Places to see include the Rheinturm, which is something entirely different from the one in Düsseldorf, the old mills, and the old prison. The Kreis-Museum, which is housed in the Friedestrom Castle is also a good stop. Truly, just walking the cobbled streets is a pleasure, and there are small cafes for refreshment.
The town hosts some festivals which draw visitors from afar, including the Marksman Festival in July, and the Medieval Tournament in September. Fairy Tale Theater, near the castle, is also a huge draw.
Need More Düsseldorf Day Trips?
We highly recommend Münster, with one of the best Altstadts in the country, and it’s fabulous Prinzipalmarkt. We fell in love with Münster, and believe it is one of the coolest cities in Germany. We also recommend a watercastle tour, and the perfect route runs between these two cities. There are literally dozens of unique and stunning moated castles, or Wasserschlosses, in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Our very favorite was Burg Vischering, near Münster, but we also visited Burg Hulshof, Schloss Nordkirchen, and Schloss Lembeck. Every one of them had something special that was worth seeing.
And of course, even though Düsseldorfers say they have nothing of interest to visitors, the other two big cities along the Rhine deserve at least a day. Cologne is only is about 30 minutes from Düsseldorf, and a visit might include its immense Gothic Cathedral, Altstadt, and Lovelocks bridge, among many other things. Bonn is about an hour south, is the former capital city, known for the government mansions, Beethoven’s home and museum, and a museum detailing the story of a divided Germany.
One more option that is becoming more popular thanks to a renovation and a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is a visit to the Zollverein Industrial Complex. Once a huge coal mining and production facility, it had fallen to ruin and become a huge blot on the area. Citizens and officials decided to do something about it, as well as recognize the significant role the complex played in area culture. Now it is an attraction that shares the areas industrial heritage, and is said to make an intriguing visit.
Ready to spend some days in Düsseldorf??
We hope we shared enough to show that Düsseldorf deserves a spot on your itinerary. Okay, so it is a funny name, but consider making some time for the city in your plans.. Even if it is just a day, where you explore the city highlights, Düsseldorf is a world-class city, and one that will make every minute spent there worthwhile. There is enough for several great Düsseldorf days, and dozens of unique Düsseldorf day trip options. We made a base of the city for a full 10 days, and were not disappointed!
Convinced that it is time to spend a day or two in Düsseldorf? Find Trip Advisor’s recommended hotels, and best deals now!
Pin This, for when you plan your trip!
Pingback: 14 Reasons Tunisia Should Be on Your Travel Radar -
Pingback: A Weekend in Frankenmuth - Tons of Things to Do in Little Bavaria!
Pingback: 15 enchanting weekend trips from Amsterdam - Veggie Wayfarer
Pingback: 14 enchanting weekend trips from Amsterdam - Veggie Wayfarer
Pingback: Street Art & Murals in Europe • Outside Suburbia Travel
Pingback: Ramadan Düsseldorf 2021 Sehr and Iftar Timing Germany
Pingback: A Guide Of Cool Things To Do Around Hamburg Schanzenviertel ➡️ cherylhoward.com
New post of wonderful way of writing , Amazing photos , I’m glad to be one of your follower , you are the best