This city on the banks of the Rhine attracts visitors with beer and museums, architecture, a riverfront promenade and festivals.
Beer halls and riverfront cafes, carnivals, and fairgrounds…Dusseldorf’s attractions are diverse and showcased with pride. The city sits on the banks of the River Rhine in western Germany. Here you’ll find the locals welcoming and embodying the friendly essence of the Rhineland.
Go to the Old Town (Altstadt) to find major Dusseldorf attractions. Visit the world’s longest bar, a collection of 250 pubs and restaurants lining the Old Town streets. Sample an Altbier, a dark beer brewed in Dusseldorf. See a slice of cinema history at the Film Museum. Visit the City Hall (Rathaus), a building that dates back to the late 16th century. Nearby, shoppers will enjoy the fashion stores situated on Königsallee.
Outdoor activities abound in Dusseldorf. Take a walk along the pedestrianized Rhine Promenade. Sit at a waterfront cafe and watch the sunset over the west banks of the Rhine River. Visit the Hofgarten, one of Germany’s oldest public parks. During the summer months you can enjoy free jazz, big band, and orchestral concerts.
Don’t miss the Dusseldorf Hafen. This revamped harbor is home to award-winning restaurants and some of Dusseldorf’s most prominent architecture. Admire the asymmetric Der Neue Zollhof buildings, designed by celebrated architect Frank O. Gehry. Enjoy panoramic city views from the top of the Rhine Tower. If architecture doesn’t interest you, then enjoy some river views or just try a curry sausage at the Michelin-starred Berens am Kai restaurant.
Dusseldorf places an emphasis on its cultural events. Watch martial arts displays and listen to live music at Japan Day. This festival in May or June honors the culture of Germany’s biggest Japanese community. Be part of the Rhenish Carnival celebrations, which run from November until Ash Wednesday. Younger visitors will enjoy the amusement rides of the Rheinkirmes, the Rhine’s largest fairground.
Getting around is easy on foot as the city center streets are flat. When you don't feel like walking, Dusseldorf has an efficient public transportation system. Buses, trams, and the metro will take you to most of the places you’ll want to visit. Rent a car to explore areas outside of the city.