Dusseldorf

Altstadt, also known as Dussledorf’s Old Town, is famous amongst travelers and locals alike for being a wondrous square kilometer with more to offer than any other district in the city. Visitors can get a quintessential German experience at Altstadt with several iconic areas located in the area such as Bolkestrabe, Burgplatz and Schlosstrum. Visitors eager to get a taste of a good old fashioned Altbier ought to head to the longest bar in the world, which consists of over 260 pubs, while those who want to soak up the state’s art and culture can head to landmarks like the NRW-Forum, the Museum Kunstpalast or Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen.

Altstadt, Dusseldorf, Germany

One of the world’s most beautiful esplanades, the Rhine Embankment promenade features a lovely view of Germany’s northern region. The embankment was planned and mapped out throughout most of the 1990s by Niklaus Fritschi and, till this day, stands as a symbol and remembrance of Dussledorfer’s Rhenish joie-de-vivre. Perfect for full day walking tour, the Rhine embankment connects Dusseldorf’s traditional town of Altstadt to the more modern locale of MedienHafen. Spectacular bars and restaurants line the embankment, ensuring that no traveler goes thirsty or hungry while walking their way around town. Special guided tours are also available around the Rhine embankment for travelers eager to hear more about the special relationship the city has with the River Rhine.

Rhine River, Dusseldorf, Germany

Undoubtedly one of Dusseldorf’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks is Rheinturm or, in English, the Rhine Tower. Designed by H. Deilmann and constructed between the years of 1979 and 1982, the Rhine Tower is a breathtaking structure that stands proudly at the mouth of Media Harbour in the southern area of Dusseldorf’s city center. As expected, the Rhine Tower is best known for offering visitors an incredible view of the city. From the tower’s viewing platform, M168, visitors can take in a fantastic bird’s eye look at various landmarks like the Kingsallee, the Hofgarten, the historic town center, and more. Meanwhile, passionate foodies can take the lift all the way up to the top of the tower and dine at QOMO, a fine-dining modern Japanese restaurant, which rotates around its own axis pairing mouthwatering dishes with exquisite views.

Stromstrabe 20, 40221, Dusseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49-21-18-68-20-00

Once the home of derelict warehouses, Medienhafen has quickly grown into one of Dusseldorf’s premier vacation destinations. Still retaining its original ambience as a harbour, Medienhafen’s old structures are now protected as historical monuments while new establishments continue to pop up and thrive. Although the architecture of the area is certainly a treat for the eyes, Madienhafen is best known for being a gastronomic haven with tons of premier league restaurants ready to please your taste buds. Some attractions travelers shouldn’t miss while in Medienhafen include the Meerbar, the Berens am Kai, and the Gehry buildings.

Recommended Activities for Families

Looking for a lazy activity to do during your downtime in Dusseldorf? Head out for an afternoon stroll, enjoy the fresh air of the city, and explore the many stalls at the Dusseltal Farmer’s Markets. Dusseldorf is famous for its Christmas markets and trade fairs, but there are often small markets that pop-up all over the city with great finds and fantastic fresh produce. Dusseltal is perhaps one of the most popular of farmer’s markets. Located nearby the Brehmplatz tram station, visitors can find about a dozen shops and stalls with great foodie finds to sample. When you’ve had your fill of the farmer’s market, there are also other great attractions to walk to nearby.

Dusseltal, Dusseldorf, Germany

Nordpark is a spectacular oasis of lavish greenery and flora that was built in the 1930s during the Great Imperial Exhibition of Productive People. It’s one of Germany’s most important examples of garden architecture and is characterized by long symmetrical lines as well as its large axis of water. Within Nordpark are attractions like the Aquazoo, the Japanese Garden, and gorgeous ornamental blossoms. Visitors at Nordpark can enjoy views of the ornate water fountains, walk along vibrant and sophisticated flowerbeds, as well as snap lovely photos within the planted flower ring. While the Nordpark is a great place to enjoy Mother Nature, it’s also an awesome place to go for a run or brisk walk for those who need to get some exercise in.

Kaiserswerther Str. 365, 40474, Dusseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49-211-43-36-34

Say hello to a lush green space with picturesque meadows, large flower beds, and more at Düsseldorf's Hofgarten. This tranquil greenspace is the perfect and obvious next stop once you’ve had your fill of the museums and shopping that Dusseldrof has to offer. Hofgarten is known for being Germany’s first and oldest park. It was built in 1769 and boasts of nearly 70 acres of carefully manicured gardens. From ancient trees to peaceful ponds, walking paths to bridges, Hofgarten has practically everything that makes a garden great. Don’t forget to look for the stunning sculptures that call the Hofgarten home like the Les Meninas sculptures, the “Admonisher” near the Jagerhof Palace, and the Fairytale Fountain.

40213 Dusseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49-21-18-99-48-00

Built for the Elector Palatine Charles Theodor and his wife, the Countess Palatine Elisabeth August in 1755, the Schloss Benrath is a maison de plaisance that features Baroque-style architecture. French architect Nicolas de Pigage certainly spared no expense in creating this massive pink castle, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most well-preserved landmarks in the region. History buffs visiting Schloss Benrath will love a stroll through its 148 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, or a walk through of the castle’s opulent halls, which still retains many of its original furniture. Guided tours of the Schloss Benrath are also available for guests who want to learn more about the castle’s history than meets the eye.

Benrather Schloballee 100-108, 40597, Dusseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49-21-18-92-19-03

Explore the other worldly remains of a 12th-century castle when you pay a visit to the Kaiserpflaz Kaiserswerth. Situated at the city’s fringe, Kaiserpfalz is often overlooked by tourists, and yet, this landmark is one of the most lovely historical areas that Dusseldorf has to offer. Kaiserpfalz, and its hometown of Kaiserswerth, is worthy of a full day of exploration with its charming baroque houses, circa the 17th and 18th centuries, and its thriving greenery. The Kaiserpfalz is is known for being the “Royal Palace” of the legendary Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, and is famed for magnificent towering stone walls and eye catching architecture.

Burgallee 40489, Dusseldorf, Germany, Phone: +49-211-22-97-30-77

What would a trip to Dusseldorf be without experiencing the life-changing shopping that Koenigsallee has to offer? Known affectionately as the “Ko” by locals, the Koenigsallee is single handedly responsible for the elegant shopping culture and sophisticated lifestyle that Dusseldorf has come to be known for. So iconic is this shopping street that the Ko has seen the Who’s Who of the fashion industry visiting its many flagship stores, unique boutiques, and impressive shopping centers. A trip to the Koenigsallee is so luxurious that people can even hire personal shoppers for the day who are more than willing to show them around this shopping haven. Make sure to stop by one of the many street cafes for some rest and reenergizing between your shopping stops.

Koenigsallee, Stadtmitte, Dusseldorf, Germany