dusseldorf weekend trip

The Perfect Weekend Guide to Exploring Duesseldorf, Germany

You’ve heard all about Munich, you’ve landed in Frankfurt and you’ve explored Berlin, but if you haven’t taken the time to head to Düsseldorf, Germany during your trip, you might want to consider delaying that flight back home.

Why?  Düsseldorf is an incredible and vibrant city filled with old historic cobblestone streets, modern shopping hubs and futuristic art installations. It is the  capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia  and has the seventh largest population in Germany. While Düsseldorf has always been known as an art and fashion capital of Germany, along with their numerous international businesses and world renowned trade fair exhibition, Düsseldorf is much more than that.  

Düsseldorf has one of the largest populations of Japanese outside of Japan, an incredible and rich food culture, and numerous urban events taking place daily around the city. To top it all off, Düsseldorf has recently been ranked one of the  top 10 most livable cities  in the world.  

So, what do you say… are you ready to explore the city ?

Watch our video guide:

Friday: Culture and Traditional Cuisine

A great way to start off your weekend in Düsseldorf is to learn more about the history of the old town and the Battle of Worrigen while strolling along the cobblestone streets and digging into some traditional cuisine.

Morning: Take a walk through the old town (Altstadt) of Düsseldorf

• Visit  Bolkerstraße , the longest bar in the world with more than 50 bars, pubs and restaurants open all year round. This is a popular place to be during the day and night whether you’re looking for a quick cocktail stop or wanting to celebrate the night away with friends.
• Explore the small boutique shops hiding in the old town alleyways like  Galerie Pearls  and  VASELINE , these are two hidden gems in the city that are still being discovered. Check them out, and I promise you’ll be amazed.
• Visit the City Hall ( Rathaus ) and the  Marktplatz  for some beautiful photographs. This is where many of the cities annual events take place including the Christmas Markets, Japan Day and the most recent Tour de France Grand Depart.
• Explore and learn more about all of the historical statues situated throughout the old town like the  Jan Wellem Equestrian Statue , the  Monument of Grant Privileges , the  Conflict  sculpture and the  Four Caryatids . You can grab a map and mark these points with an ‘X’, or you can venture through the city and you’ll be sure to stumble across a few no matter where you turn.

Shopping in Duesseldorf

Afternoon: Go Souvenir Shopping and Take a Visit to the Market

• Head to  Carlsplatz  for some mid-day snacks, local delicacies, and handmade souvenirs. This is a hot spot for locals to come for lunch and a great place to stroll around if you’re meeting up with a friend or two. 
• Grab a sample of mustard at  Löwensenf  and stock up on a few souvenirs for your loved ones (Löwensenf is a local mustard special to Düsseldorf with more than 20 different flavors… our favorite was the Garlic “Knoblauch” Mustard).
• Take a shot at the  Killepitsch  bar and bring home a couple more for your friends. Killepitsch is a local herb liqueur from Düsseldorf which apparently was created due to a conversation between soldiers during WWII. It was said that one of the men promised the other that if they got out alive, he would make a schnapps for him, a schnapps no one has ever tasted. 

Carlsplatz in Duesseldorf

Killepitsch in Duesseldorf

Evening: Embrace the Traditional German Food and Drink Culture

• Grab dinner at Hausmann’s Restaurant for a modern take on traditional German cuisine (a recently opened restaurant founded by a famous German chef). It is located in the heart of the old town, so you don’t have to walk very far to indulge. 
• Visit a couple Altbier breweries throughout the old town like  Uerige  and  Brauerei Schumacher  for the real Düsseldorf experience (Altbier translates into ‘old beer’ and is a style of beer brewed only in and around the city of Düsseldorf). If you’re still hungry, this will also be a great place to grab a few local snacks like Mettwurst (raw minced pork on a bun) or Soleier (a pickled egg with vinegar, mustard, and oil).

Saturday: Modern Fashion and Lifestyle

Once you’ve taken the plunge into the cities historical food and culture, it’s time to check out what makes Düsseldorf one of the world’s most livable cities. Every year there are new and exciting developments including the newly renovated  Kö-Bogen ,  Wehrhahnlinie  and Tomás Saraceno’s “In Orbit” exhibition.

Morning: Shop until you Drop

• Shop on Düsseldorf’s popular mainstream shopping street,  Schadowstraße , for popular brands like C&A, Primark, Douglas and Urban Outfitters. This is where you’ll find some good sales and multi-level shops if you’re really looking to make a day out of shopping. 
• Explore the beautiful  Königsallee and the luxury fashion stores (like Gucci, Burberry and Jimmy Choo) along the canal. Even if you’re not planning on dropping a fortune on a new bag, the Königsallee is still quite a sight to see.

Koenigsallee in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Afternoon: Embrace the Local Street Food and Nature

• Take a walk through the  Hofgarten  (Germany’s first and oldest public park), you might even get lucky and catch a local concert like  Jazz und Weltmusik  at the Music Pavilion. Depending on what time of the day you are there or which season, you may even catch a couple green parrots flying above the tree line, there are quite a few amidst the green spaces in Düsseldorf.
• Stop for lunch at popular street food restaurant like  Frittenwerk  (Canadian poutine) or  Curry (German currywurst). Many of Düsseldorf’s street food shops are centrally located with great views of the city (plus it also helps that they’re affordable and delicious).

Evening: Join the Japanese

Stroll along the Japanese Business District near the Düsseldorf Main Train Station. You’ll get a better sense of the cities business district while also learning a bit more on how the Japanese community has integrated into the city. 

Indulge in the Japanese cuisine (it’s some of the best in the world)! If you’re hungry, you can head for all-you-can-eat at Wakaiido, or visit one of the locals top rated Japanese restaurants like  NA NI WA  or  Takumi . If you would like to wing it and find your own spot, keep on walking the streets around Düsseldorf’s Main Train Station and along Immermanstrasse and you’ll likely find the perfect restaurant for you. 

Sunday: Adventure and Adrenaline

Düsseldorf is full of art, fashion and culture, but who said that had to be boring? There are plenty of awesome adventurous and adrenaline pumping ways to explore the city of Düsseldorf while still getting your fill of cultural information and art.

Morning: Get Beautiful Panoramic Morning Views

• Take the elevator 168 meters up the  Rhine Tower  for picture-perfect views, coffee and cake. You can buy your tickets at the information desk on the main floor and then swipe your entrance card to gain access to the elevator. If you’re heading up in the evening, you may even want to indulge in a delicious dinner up in their panoramic restaurant too. 
• Hop on a  KD Boat Cruise  that will take you through the Media Harbour and along the Rhine on a one-hour tour. This is a great way to see the whole of Düsseldorf while learning a bit more about life in the city. Perhaps you’ll get inspired and find new places that you might want to further explore ( Paradiesstrand/Beach   is a great hidden beach in the city).

Rhine Tower in Duesseldorf - from the bottom

Rhine Tower in Duesseldorf - harbor view

Rhine Tower in Duesseldorf - city view

KD Boats tour in Duesseldorf

 Afternoon: Get that Düsseldorf Adrenaline Rush

• Climb and crawl through Tomás Saraceno’s “In Orbit” art installation at the  K21  in a man-made human spider web hanging 25 meters above the ground. You’ll be asked to suit up in a full-length jumpsuit and hiking boots so that you can crawl and weave your way through a 3-level wired mesh netting while people watching from above.
• Take a Volkswagen Beetle out on a  Düsseldorf Safari Tour . You can drive the beetle yourself if you know how to drive standard and you can also pick a tour that will show you the best parts of the city, the way you want to see them.

K21 museum - In Orbit - Duesseldorf

Beetle safari tour through Duesseldorf.

Evening: Live Like a Local

End the evening with a cocktail in hand sitting on the  Rheinuferpromenade  like many of the locals do,

Or head to the  Media Harbour  and watch the sunset at  Pebble’s Bar & Lounge  (a popular spot for locals to end the day)

Looking for a place to stay?

Düsseldorf has quite a different range of hotels and accommodations including the popular business and conference hotels, shared living spaces, urban bed and breakfasts, and central hostels.

But, why not have it all? One of our favorite hotels is central, fancy enough for business, but funky enough to keep that hostel atmosphere and the young local crowds coming in. The  Me and All Hotel  offers classy and stylish Japanese inspired rooms, while their lobby and rooftop lounge are a little bit more playful. The lobby of the Me and All Hotel is a recreational area with TV’s, lounge chairs and an air hockey table, plus, they have a free co-working space that is open to the public. The Me and All Hotel rooftop lounge has a fantastic panoramic view over the city and is open for local heros and artists to book and perform their creative masterpieces (including comedy sets and live music).

Me and All hotel in Duesseldorf - room with view

Me and All hotel in Duesseldorf - room

Me and All hotel in Duesseldorf - breakfast

Have a Little Extra Time?

There are a number of other incredible places to add to your weekend itinerary including  Kiefernstrasse ,  Südpark , the  Neanderthal Museum , and the  Classic Remise Düsseldorf .

Once you’ve seen all there is to see and done all there is to do in the city of Düsseldorf, you might be happy to hear that you’re only a 30-minute drive to the Netherlands and a 45-minute drive to Belgium. So, keep on exploring!

Travel tip shared by Jenna for Travel Dudes.

I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

View all posts

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Barcelona in may: a guide to events and activities, one day in athens for food and culture, top tip for visiting d-day memorial sites in normandy (move inland), check out & follow:, similar travel tips, why are there no actual land based casinos in norway, sky lagoon vs. blue lagoon in iceland, exploring las ramblas de barcelona step by step, explorer videos, what is the krampuslauf, denmark: cycling the baltic sea route, visit ljubljana – a look at the city, food and region, more travel tips, eco-friendly gifts ideas for eco-conscious travelers, tips to help you plan an exciting golfing holiday, tips to help you choose carry-on luggage, follow us on instagram @/traveldudes/.

• Advertise and Media

Weekend in Dusseldorf, Germany: How to Spend 3 Days in Dusseldorf, Germany

Looking for inspiration for a  weekend in Dusseldorf ?  Read our tips below on the things to do in Dusseldorf, Germany plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and the best restaurants to try!

Dusseldorf is a city in western Germany known for its fashion industry and art scene. It is one of the wealthiest cities in Germany, so it’s no surprise that luxury shopping is a favorite pastime there. Dusseldorf is famous for its nightlife, carnival events, shopping and for fashion and trade fairs like the Boot Messe (one of the world’s best trade fairs for boats and watersports) and Igedo (world leader in fashion).

If you’re planning to stay in Düsseldorf for only 3 days, then we have prepared a 3-day sample weekend itinerary for you. In this 3-day itinerary, it will make your stay in Düsseldorf more memorable and fun. 

• 15 Best Things To Do in Dusseldorf, Germany
• A Short Guide to Traveling in Venezuela – How, Where & Frequently Asked Questions
• Travel Guide to Sarajevo – 5 Days Roadtrip Itinerary in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• How to Spend Your 5 Days in the Island of Crete in Greece
• 3 Days In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic And Our Royal Stay At VH Atmosphere Adults Only Hotel

Table of Contents

3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Dortmund, Germany

Day 1 – weekend guide to dusseldorf, germany.

Nordpark Japanese Garden

It is nice to start your travel with a relaxing day at Nordpark Japanese Garden. A Japanese-inspired garden will give you the stress-free feeling while strolling into this 90-acre garden. This garden is also picture-perfect because of its beautiful scenery and stunning plants, trees, ponds, spring and much more. Prepare your best ‘OOTD’ when you visit this place!

Schloss Benrath

After a nice visit to a beautiful garden, let us explore one of Düsseldorf’s historical places, the Schloss Benrath. Not only it will give you a glimpse of Düsseldorf’s past, but you will also get the chance to visit a museum located inside the palace. Enjoy seeing and learning in this wonderful place. 

DAY 2 – Weekend Guide to Dusseldorf, Germany

Classic Remise Dusseldorf

Start your day 2 with a blast by visiting Classic Remise Düsseldorf. Whether you’re a fan of vehicles or not, you will surely enjoy this place as it will show you vehicles from the past up until modern times. You’ll get to compare the differences between the old model vehicles and the modern ones. A must visit!

Kaiserswerth

With Düsseldorf’s rich history, you can’t deny the fact that there are a lot of historical places. And of those in Kaiserswerth. In this place, you’ll see beautiful baroque houses dated back from the 17th and 18th centuries. The picturesque ruins of “Kaiserpalz” are located on the bank of the River Rhine.

Altstadt (Old Town Dusseldorf)

It is good to spend the rest of your day in a nice active city like the Old Town Düsseldorf. This place has a lot of pubs in which you and your friends would totally enjoy! Not only that, but you can also see some of the most popular churches here with magnificent structures.

DAY 3 – Weekend Guide to Dusseldorf, Germany

Konigsallee

What’s the essence of traveling to Düsseldorf if you won’t visit the famous Königsallee. In this place, you would get the chance to shop in one of the most elegant places in Germany. Don’t let the opportunity to pass and visit Königsallee with your best and most fashionable clothes! And don’t forget to bring enough money of course, as this place only has luxurious establishments. However, there’s nothing wrong with just strolling and taking pictures in this elegant place! 

Where to Stay in Dusseldorf, Germany

(Prices are subject to change depending on the dates that you preferred. Visit their official website to check more accommodation and prices)

Where to stay in Dusseldorf if you’re a backpacker

Jugendherberge Düsseldorf

It is located just 50m from the River Rhine. This hostel is set in a striking building overlooking Düsseldorf’s Old Town. Jugendherberge Düsseldorf offers bright, modern rooms with large windows. Reception is open 24 hours a day, and WiFi is free of charge. Some of the single and double rooms feature a TV. A large breakfast buffet is provided. Snacks and drinks are available in the light-flooded bistro. Guests can enjoy table tennis and table football in the games room.

Single Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with a price of €45.94 per night , with breakfast, included, free cancellation and early payment benefit. The same goes for the Single Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory.

Backpackers Düsseldorf

This contemporary hostel is centrally located in Düsseldorf’s Friedrichstadt district. Just 15 minutes’ walk from the Old Town, it offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi. A light breakfast buffet is served daily and guests are welcome to use the fully equipped common kitchen. Backpackers is an ideal base for those taking a city break in Düsseldorf. Take advantage of the free luggage storage and explore the Film Museum or Königsallee shopping district, both easily reached in a 15-minute walk. The Esprit Arena Football Stadium and Düsseldorf Airport can be reached within a 30-minute train journey. Düsseldorf Central Station is only 15 minutes’ walk away.

Single Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with a price of €100.52 (+€ 3 taxes and charges) for two nights . Good breakfast is included and it’s partially refundable.  

a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof 

This budget hotel and the hostel are located in Düsseldorf city center, a 10-minute walk from Düsseldorf Main Station and Königsallee shopping street. It offers a lobby bar and a daily buffet breakfast. The large rooms of the a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof all include a private bathroom with a shower. High-speed WiFi is free in all rooms and public areas.a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof offers table football, a pool table, and bicycle rental. It also has a children’s playroom. Guests enjoy free use of the luggage room and the reception safe. Guests can also enjoy satellite TV broadcasting various sports channels in the lobby and bar.

Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room with a price of €49 per night , however, you need to add €7 for breakfast (optional) and it’s non-refundable. 

Where to stay in Dusseldorf if you’re on a budget 

Grünes Haus

Set in Düsseldorf and with ESPRIT Arena reachable within 2.2 km, Grünes Haus offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a shared lounge. The property is situated 2.2 km from Fair Dusseldorf, 2.9 km from CCD Congress Centre Dusseldorf and 6 km from Kunsthalle Düsseldorf. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and luggage storage for guests. All rooms have a shared bathroom with a bath or shower and a hairdryer. The guest house offers a terrace. The area is popular for skiing, and bike hire is available at Grünes Haus. Church of St. Andreas is 6 km from the accommodation, while German Opera at River Rhein is 6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Dusseldorf International Airport, 3.5 km from Grünes Haus.

Single Room with a price of €100 for two nights including taxes and charges, it’s cancellation is free and no prepayment needed-you can pay at the property. 

Sporthotel Borussia Düsseldorf

This non-smoking hotel offers free private parking and free internet in all rooms. It lies beside the Grafenberger Wald forest, a direct tram ride from Düsseldorf’s city center. Each room at the Sporthotel Borussia Düsseldorf includes a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and hairdryer. The Sporthotel Borussia also has table tennis tables. The Burgmüllerstraße tram stop is 300 m from the Borussia Düsseldorf. The 709 tram takes you to Düsseldorf Main Station in 15 minutes, and the U73 underground line takes you to Düsseldorf Old Town in just 11 minutes. Grafenberg is a great choice for travelers interested in convenient public transport, ambiance, and nightlife.

Twin Room with a price of €384 for two nights , including taxes and charges, add €7 for breakfast (optional), and it’s non-refundable. 

The Woodmans Boardinghouse

The Woodmans Boardinghouse features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. Fair Dusseldorf is 6 km from the apartment, while Dusseldorf Grafenberg Wildlife Park is 6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Dusseldorf International Airport, 3.1 km from The Woodmans Boardinghouse.

Apartment with a price of €59 per night , including taxes and charges, and it offers a free cancellation. 

Where to stay in Dusseldorf if you want Luxury

Hyatt House Düsseldorf

Located in Düsseldorf city center, 100 m from Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, Hyatt House Dusseldorf offers accommodation with a fitness center. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at the property. Hyatt House Dusseldorf offers a business center for guest use. Castle Square is a 2-minute walk from the accommodation, while Dusseldorf Town Hall is 200 m away. The nearest airport is Dusseldorf International Airport, 6 km from Hyatt House Dusseldorf.

King Bed Guestroom with a price of €615.12 per night , including taxes and charges, good breakfast, but it’s non-refundable. 

InterContinental – Düsseldorf

This hotel is located on the exclusive Königsallee shopping street in Düsseldorf. It offers a large health club, creative cuisine, and soundproofed rooms with elegant décor. The spacious rooms of the InterContinental Dusseldorf feature free standard WiFi, a flat-screen TV, 3 telephone lines, and a marble bathroom. Tea and coffee are free. The Executive Suite also enjoys a separate living room. Guests over 18 at the InterContinental Hotel Düsseldorf enjoy complimentary access to the adjoining Holmes Place Health & Fitness Club, which offers a modern gym, and a beauty salon. Additional charges may apply to various spa treatments. Regional and international food is served in the atmospheric PÉGA restaurant. Guests can also relax in the elegant bar fifty-nine and in the Vintage wine room.

Superior King Room with a price of €624 per night , including taxes and charges, a very good breakfast, but it’s non-refundable. 

Living Hotel De Medici

This luxurious hotel is situated right in the heart of Düsseldorf, between the Rhine promenade and the lively Old Town district. Offering free WiFi, the Living Hotel De Medici by Derag combines modern comforts with a fine collection of art. Set in a historic, heritage-listed building, the Living Hotel De Medici by Derag also features top modern interior architecture. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a seating area, cable TV and a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. The hotel has a restaurant, a spa, and a fitness room. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception, a bar, and a terrace. Luggage storage and an ironing service are also available. The Living Hotel De Medici by Derag is within a 5-minute walk from the Königsallee shopping street, and cultural attractions such as the Kunsthalle gallery and the German Opera on the Rhine. 

Business Plus Double Room with a price of €589.50 per night , including taxes and charges,  add €26 for breakfast (optional), and it’s non-refundable.

List of restaurants that you can try while in Dusseldorf, Germany

DOX Restaurant 

It is a traditional Japanese restaurant with European influences. The restaurant is famous for combining traditional Japanese dishes with the elegant cuisine of Europe. All of the food in their menu are worth trying but their shabushabu, or wagyu roast beef with mango-sesame-ponzu sauce and the cherry blossom ice cream and leaf croquant are definitely the ones you shouldn’t miss! 

Operating hours:  

• 1:00pm-3:30pm (Sunday)
•  6:30pm-10:30pm (Sunday-Saturday)
• 6:30am-10:30am (Monday-Friday)
• 12:00pm-2:30pm (Monday-Friday)
• 1pm-3pm (Saturday)

Address: 19 Speditionstr, Stadberzik 3 Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

What’s Beef

Its cuisine is mainly American and fast food. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night meals. All the ingredients used are high quality including beef. All the dishes are prepared the same day the meat is delivered. Their best menu is the ‘Wagyu Burger’, but of course, you can also have some juicy steak and spare ribs.

Operating hours:   11am-11pm (Sunday-Saturday) Address: Immermannstr. 24, 40210 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Bob & Mary

This is not your ordinary burger place. It is a restaurant specializing in burger artistry. Bob & Mary has a distinct architecture and stylish interior design. Other than burgers, they also serve crispy salads, sesame chicken, and fresh, mango-packed fruit desserts. 

Operating hours:   12:00pm-10:00pm (Sunday-Thursday) and 12:00pm-11:00pm (Friday-Saturday) Address: Hammer Str. 26, 40219 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

This restaurant offers German, European and Central European cuisine. Dorfstube also has magnificent dishes like warm oxtail pralines and coq-au-vin from local farmers followed up by a crispy rhubarb crumble.

Operating hours:  12:00pm-10:00pm (Sunday) Address: Lanker Str. 2 | Belsenplatz, 40545 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Uerige is home to one of the best regional German beer in the country. If you’re the type who likes alcohol, then this one is the place for you. On their menu, they have different types of sausages, soups, tartar, and red beet carpaccio with goats’ cheese rub shoulders. All of which is worth your penny. 

Operating hours: 10:00am-12:00am (Sunday-Saturday) Address: Berger Str. 1 | Kruising Marktstrasse., 40213 Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany ​

How to go to Dusseldorf, Germany from the UK

Via Easyjet: (one way)

*From London Gatwick to Dusseldorf International

Ticket Price: €61

Via Ryanair: (one way)

*From London Stansted to Dusseldorf Weeze

Ticket Price: £36.63

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

About the Writer

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

48 Hours in Tokyo – Exploring Japan’s Vibrant Capital

How to find the best hotels in new york, top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, what are the benefits of booking flight tickets in advance, related posts, weekend in algarve, portugal: how to spend 3 days in algarve, portugal, 5 best things to do in dugi otok, croatia [with suggested tours], 10 cool things to do in bosnia and herzegovina, learning to sail in turkey – rya sailing courses in turkey @gototurkeyuk, previous post, 10 best things to do in sapa, vietnam [with suggested tours], 7 european honeymoon bucket list you can consider on your europe trip, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Dusseldorf Itinerary

Last Updated on February 20, 2024

by Paola Drexler

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Whether you like historical or modern architecture, you’ll get both beautifully blended in Dusseldorf. As Germany’s fashion capital and with a big international business hub, there are tons of interesting things to do when planning a 1, 2 or 3 days in Dusseldorf itinerary.

For those who love shopping, visiting museums or wish to visit the world’s longest bar, there’s certainly a dedicated street for you – there’s even a place for cartwheel lovers. In Dusseldorf, you’ll find something for everyone!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Dusseldorf?

With such a fascinating city like Dusseldorf, you can get lost and spend days in the city exploring every quaint corner. However, when the circumstances don’t allow it, you might be contemplating how many days to spend in Dusseldorf. But we can help you make that decision.

For travellers with limited time, 1 day in Dusseldorf can give you a wonderful overview of the city. While it may leave you with little downtime, you’ll get to see the main sights.

If you have a bit more time to play around with, 2 days in Dusseldorf is plenty of time to do the city justice and even have some wiggle room to explore additional activities.

For those with more flexibility, 3 days allows you to venture outside the city centre, to places within wider Dusseldorf or even surrounding cities.

Getting To & Around Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is easily accessed by different forms of transportation, whether you prefer flying or driving, or using other methods. Dusseldorf is well-connected by train to several different German cities, such as Cologne , Berlin , Munich and Hamburg . You can view train schedules here.

When flying into Dusseldorf, you’ll find the main airline carriers and direct flights flying into the closest airport which is handily the Düsseldorf Airport.

This airport is located 10 minutes away by car or just 20 minutes by train from the city centre. The next closest airport is the Cologne Bonn Airport but requires about an hour to reach Dusseldorf once landed. You can organise private transfers from the airport.

Getting around in Dusseldorf is done with ease since many of the main sights are within walking distance but for further attractions trains and buses are also available. Travellers can purchase a Düsseldorf Card that comes with extra perks.

When you decide on a longer stay for your Dusseldorf itinerary, it’ll be helpful in saving money on the Düsseldorf Card since one day starts at €12.90 and the more days you purchase the less you spend each day.

With the card, you won’t just receive free rides on public transportation but also discounts or free entry around the city at certain attractions, museums, tours and restaurants.

With the river flowing through the city, an additional way to explore the city is by riverboat. So once you’ve seen all there is to see, you can relax floating down the river and enjoying Dusseldorf from the water.

1, 2 or 3-Day Dusseldorf Itinerary

As mentioned, in Dusseldorf you’ll find an excellent balance between historic and modern in one city. On the first day, you’ll be able to see how well the city blends together.

Day 1 – MedienHafen, Altstadt and Konigsallee

Although only 1 day in Dusseldorf can feel a bit packed, it will be filled with most of the must-see sights in the city centre. For extra guidance, you can book a walking tour to make sure to cross all the items on your list, which is a great option if you’re only planning to visit Dusseldorf in a day.

You’ll begin your trip on the southern side of the banks of the Rhine river in the Media Harbour. Here you’ll find uniquely beautiful buildings as well as the impressive Rhine Tower that towers over the city.

At the top of the tower, you’ll find the rotating restaurant QOMO and the viewing platform that is open for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking city’s panoramic views. On good days you might even spot the Cologne Cathedral over 40km (25 miles) away.

After getting a magnificent look at the city from above, let’s continue up the river towards Altstadt. On the way, you’ll walk on the Rheinuferpromenade or Rhine Embankment Promenade, which is one of the most popular promenades on the Rhine. As you stroll on the riverside you’ll see many cute shops and cafes, so you can grab a drink and enjoy the view. 

Altstadt, Burgplatz and Hofgarten

Once you reach Altstadt or Old Town in English, you’ll know you’ve found the heart of the metropole since it’s the oldest part of the city and you’ll notice many of the old but beloved landmarks. Some of the landmarks dating back to the 13th century like the Castle Tower and St. Lambertus Church.

The Schlossturm or Castle Tower, which is located on the Burgplatz square, was once part of the Dusseldorf Castle that was built in 1260. Today the tower is the only part of the castle that still remains. Inside the tower, you will find the Rhine Maritime Museum which showcases the city’s transportation history on the water. 

Also in Burgplatz, you’ll find the very interesting Cartwheeler’s Fountain, which honours the city’s old tradition of cartwheeling for joyous occasions.

As you head towards Hofgarten, you’ll pass by the St. Lambertus Church which, apart from being a grand historical Catholic church in Old Town, is believed to be the oldest landmark in Dusseldorf. The church is also known for inspiring one of the largest public festivals in Germany, the Rheinkirmes, which is still celebrated in Dusseldorf every July.

As you continue east on Ratinger Straße, you’ll walk until you see the Ratinger gate where you’ll reach the Hofgarten, known as not only Germany’s oldest but its first public garden. Here you will leisurely stroll through the park until you see the Jägerhof Palace.

Depending on the time, feel free to take a peak inside, or head straight to the next destination. Interesting fact: the palace was built in the 17th century and was once a hunting lounge, but now it houses the city’s Goethe Museum and Ernst Schneider Foundation.

Walking back to the Ratinger gate, you’ll follow Heinrich-Heine-Allee Street to the Konigsallee.

Konigsallee

End your first day on the elegant Konigsallee street – the city’s main shopping street along the beautiful canal.

Whether you’re a serious shopaholic or just an admirer of clothes, you’ll find whatever you are looking for on the Konigsallee, also known to locals as the “Ko.” Not only is it home to some of the biggest luxury brands, but you will also find popular restaurants and cafes on this street.

Head to a local bar or join a brewery tour and maybe enjoy an Altbier — a style of beer native to the Rhineland (and Dusseldorf specifically).

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Dusseldorf in one day. Should you have limited time, you’ll be able to get through the highlights, but if you’re in search of more, then let’s continue to the second day.

Day 2 – Nordpark, EKO-Haus and Botanical Garden

The second day of your Dusseldorf itinerary will begin on the northern side of the city on the Rhine River. You’ll slowly make your way to the south later on in the day.

Nordpark and EKO-Haus

Nordpark translates to North Park and you’ll soon see how it differs from other parks in the area, as well as the opposing Südpark.

In this park, you’ll find vibrant colours all around you in flowerbeds and trees, along with its various ponds, water features and themed gardens. You’ll find serenity in the park’s lily or Japanese garden.

From the park, you’ll walk down the river to the Theodor-Heuss bridge and walk across the river to the EKO House of Japanese Culture.

With one of the largest populations of Japanese in Dusseldorf compared to other European cities, you’ll notice the strong influence and representation it has in the city, for example with food and cultural centres. The city is sometimes referred to as “Japan am Rhein” or “Little Tokyo.”

At the EKO House, you’ll feel like you’ve walked from Germany into Japan in seconds. The centre includes stunning Japanese gardens, cherry blossom trees, Japanese-inspired houses and a Buddhist temple.

Rhine River Cruise

After having walked all around the city on the first day, after the EKO House, your second day will continue with a leisure boat ride on the Rhine River so you can take in the beautiful city and see it through a different lens as you head to the southern part of the city. You can book an hour cruise here.

From the Rheinuferpromenade, you’ll head northeast to the underground at Heinrich-Heine-Allee. Take a train to the Kettwiger Straße stop which is a short 5-minute walk away from your next destination.

Kiefernstraße and Botanical Garden

The fascinating street of Kiefernstraße is filled with colourful graffiti on almost every possible surface, including buildings, trailers, trashcans and more. Once you’re finished admiring the art, you can walk or hop on a U-bahn south towards Dusseldorf’s botanical garden.

The garden, which is taken care of by the University of Dusseldorf, has over 6,000 different species with about 400 coming from all over the world including South Africa, Chile, Asia, and the Mediterranean. There are more than plenty of plants to admire and learn about.

After the botanical garden, you’ve completed your 2 days in Dusseldorf but if you still haven’t had enough, you can add an additional day to your trip.

Day 3 – Museums, Schloss Benrath or City Day Trip

For those who have an extra day to spend in the area, this is a great opportunity to visit museums you’re interested in and to take a day trip to cities nearby or on the way to your next destination.

Museums in Dusseldorf

For those spending 3 days in Dusseldorf, there are many museums to explore like the Kunstsammlung, which holds the regional art collections of the state of Nordrhein-Westfallen or the Museum Kunstpalast which holds a wider variety of art collections.

For travellers who prefer exploring the underwater world, the Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum in Nordpark gives you a look into life underwater with about 500 different species, including sharks, penguins, stingrays and more.

The Aquazoo is at the top of the list of visitors’ favourite museums in Dusseldorf, since opening in 1987.

Benrath Palace and Essen

Just 25 minutes outside the city centre, you’ll find the lovely Benrath Palace. While touring the palace, travellers can admire the impressive interiors, gardens and parks. Along with its beauty, you can learn about its long history which starts with the construction of the palace in 1756.

Benrath is nicely located on the way from Dusseldorf to Essen so you can spend the morning at the palace and then take a look at the city of Essen.

Essen is known as one of Europe’s Green Capitals. You’ll find that the interesting architecture of the rust-coloured Zollverein Complex was not only important for the coal mining history of the city but also for becoming a UNESCO site after closing its doors. Today you can also find the Red Dot Design Museum and Ruhr Museum in the complex.

Cologne Day Trip

A great day trip from Dusseldorf is Cologne since it’s just a short 25-minute train ride or 45-minute drive away. You can visit the Cologne Cathedral and other attractions in the area or take a boat ride on the Rhine to see as much of the city as possible.

You choose which side you’re leaning towards in the friendly rivalry that locals from Cologne and Dusseldorf have fostered for centuries.

Where to Stay in Dusseldorf

the niu Tab – This 3-star hotel located in the centre of Dusseldorf is a great choice for mid-range visitors to the city. There are a myriad of bright and clean rooms on offer, daily breakfast and an on-site restaurant/bar and terrace to enjoy.

Carathotel Düsseldorf City – Those after a luxury stay in this German city will love this sophisticated hotel close to all of the top attractions in Dusseldorf. They have lovely rooms to choose from and countless amenities to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

Centerapartments Marienstrasse – If you’re looking for your own space while visiting Dusseldorf you’re sure to love these centrally located apartments. With a wide array of different flats to choose from varying in size, they all come fully furnished and equipped with everything you may need during your stay.

City Youth Hostel Dusseldorf – This hostel is perfect for budget or solo visitors to Dusseldorf. They have a number of both dorms and private rooms on offer, good common areas and self-catering facilities and a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Dusseldorf hotels!

Now that your Dusseldorf adventures are all planned out, you can daydream about your trip ahead. No matter the length you decide on for your stay in Dusseldorf, you’ll leave with many fond memories of your trip.

Are you planning a visit to Dusseldorf? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in Heidelberg Itinerary: A Day Trip from Frankfurt

The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Cologne Itinerary

Munich or Berlin: Which German City to Visit?

About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Dream and Wanderland

Dare To Dream, Dream Big, & Follow Them

How To Spend A Fantastic Weekend In Düsseldorf, Germany

How to spend a weekend in Düsseldorf? No matter if you’re visiting for the weekend or any other couple of days during the week. Düsseldorf has loads to offer! From shopping to sightseeing, eating through all kinds of cultures, exploring the beer and brewery scene, and explore the old town in this beautiful lower rhine city. Find out what you can do in 72 hours in Düsseldorf ! All proved by myself and friends of mine I did show around my town!

*There is a pretty good chance that this post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for complete details.

Resources & Recommendations

• FREEBIE – The ultimate travel checklist so that you never forget anything when you plan your next trip!
• Momondo * – Find the best prices on flights.
• Best Accommodations – Check out my favorite accommodations around the world!
• GetYourGuide * – Find exclusive and unique sightseeing tours all over the world!
• Best Free Travel Apps  – Find valuable apps for your travels!

A Weekend In Düsseldorf – Saturday

Breakfast at carlsplatz.

Let’s start your weekend in Düsseldorf with breakfast at Carlsplatz . Get freshly brewed coffee at KaffeeReich accompanied by a delicious piece of sweets like a croissant or almond Tarte from Pure Pastry .

Whether you get it for takeaway and walk through the market aisle, or sit down for a moment and enjoy some time of quietness and peace! It’s perfect for diving into the morning and the atmosphere of the city!

Afterward, you can stroll the market, get a nose full of flavorful spices at Inka & Mehl ,  and maybe refreshing ice cream at PureIce , one of the newer players here, or frozen yogurt at Yomaro . Hence, there are so many fantastic possibilities!

Stroll Through Karlstadt

When you are around, it’s the perfect opportunity for a stroll through Karlstadt. It’s one of the best locations to live in in Düsseldorf. There are many cute cafés, restaurants, pastries, shops, and, of course, beautiful city houses!

Also, you can find the city museum, some beautiful and quiet parks, and more here! And the best, the river Rhine is never far away!

A Tour With Hop On Hop Off Bus

What is a weekend in Düsseldorf without some sightseeing? Only half of the fun, I guess!

The red hop-on-hop-off buses * will drive you around the city and all the main attractions. This guided hop on hop off bus tour tells you all essential facts about Düsseldorf and its older and newer history.

The route of this sightseeing tour passes the famous luxury shopping mile Königsallee, the historical and architectural masterpieces, Karl-Marx-House, and Carsh House, the art academy, and museums K20 and Kunstbunker, Düsseldorf old town, and Schloßplatz.

Furthermore, the bus brings you to the media harbor and Rhine Tower, from where you catch the panorama of the entire Düsseldorf and the surrounding area, and on good weather days, views of neighboring cities, like Essen, Duisburg, or Cologne. Challenge your eyes and see if you can catch the big cathedral of Cologne!

You will cross the river at the Rhine Knee Bridge, one of three bridges that landmark the Düsseldorf skyline! Now you are at Ober- and Niederkassel, some expensive neighborhoods with beautiful houses and river views.

You’ll go back to the other side of town via Oberkasseler Bridge and alongside the Kunstpalast and Ehrenhof, Rheinterassen, and Oberlandesgericht. In front of the river, the big green park offers space for picnics and barbecues, sports, and beer gardens. Tremendous fun for the entire family and popular activity on the weekend here in Düsseldorf!

You can also see the Fortuna Bud, a small kiosk with all the essential drinks you might need, like beer, Altbier, and non-alcoholics. It’s the location where fans of the local soccer club “Fortuna Düsseldorf “meet up before and after its matches, whether celebrating in joy about a win or crying in desperation about a loss.

The farthest location of the sightseeing bus tour is the Aquazoo and Nordpark, where you can also find one of two Japanese Gardens in Düsseldorf.

Tip: If you visit with kids, I highly recommend hopping off here and take a stroll through the Aquazoo. Visit the sharks, and the puffins, and a lot of other mammals, and sea life!

Explore “Little Tokyo “At Immermannstraße

Back to the city, your next stop will be the central station. The perfect opportunity to leave the bus and explore Düsseldorf’s “Little Tokyo. “

That’s where the Japanese Community of Düsseldorf (by the way, it’s the biggest in Germany, and third in Europe :-o), eats, shop and Japanese visitors stay. We have one of the best Japanese restaurants, sushi shops, and ramen bars. You can buy Japanese bread, books, and goods for daily life.

My favorite Japanese ramen bar is “Takezo,” my favorite Korean restaurants are “Gusan,” “Yogi,” and “Bi Bim Bap,” and if you’re a veggie or vegan, enjoy a meal at “ Frucht und Genuss .”

Tip: A branch of one of the best ice cream dealers in Düsseldorf, “Nordmann’s Icecream Factory, “is located on Immermannstraße, too! If you’re around, you shouldn’t miss it!

Bonus Tip:  Go to the top of the “Me and All” Hotel * for an impressive view of Düsseldorf from above! There is a sky lounge where you can eat, drink, and enjoy a fantastic view of the town!

Altbier Safari At The Old Town

You should take the chance and get a proper meal at Immermannstraße before you head back to the old town of Düsseldorf. The next tour is an insider tip-like must-do when you visit Düsseldorf. An “ Altbier Safari * . “

It’s a guided tour through all four and a half Altbier breweries in the old town.

You might already wonder what Altbier is, as I have talked about it a few times already!

The translation of Altbier is an old beer! But don’t worry! It’s not because of its “old “beer. It just described the way of brewing it! The beer is brewed in the “old “way! That means the original recipe from 1516, the  German Beer Purity Decree ,  is probably the first customary law globally. The method of brewing beer!

The tour provides you insides of the four breweries in the old and the one that brews near Immermannstraße; Kürzer, Füchschen, Schumacher, Uerige, and Schlüssel!

These are the last remaining ones that still exist and brews today! They only brew old beer and some variations of it. Of course, you’ll get a sample of the beer at each location! So you can taste the differences and decide which ones you like most.

Düsseldorf Old Town

If you’re still thirsty after the beer safari, you now have the chance to explore the old town and have a little or big pub crawl. There is a reason why Düsseldorf is called the “longest bar in the world “!

Do you want to go big and party? Your place would be Bolker Straße, the main tourist and party spot!

You’d like to have a bit more alternative way of partying and want to meet some younger but quieter people? Go to Kurze Straße (means short street), where you already had one of the old beers at “Kürzer. “

Or you want to meet some Düsseldorf originals and locals; your place would be at Ratinger Straße, where the brewery “Zum Füschsen “is located.

In between, you’ll find even more pubs, clubs, and restaurants, Irish pubs, and even salsa bars!

Sunset On The Stairs At The Rhine

If you need a break or more food, grab a pizza at one of the many and famous “Mini Pizzas, “small corner shops spread all over the Düsseldorf’s old town, where you only get pizza and maybe a beer or a soda! Also, popular around midnight when your body needs something proper after all that drinking and bars hopping!

Take away beer and other drinks; you can get at the so-called “Büdchen. “

When you have everything, your pizza, another beer, or soda, sit down at the Rhine Stairs near the Schloßturm (Castletower) and watch the sunset behind the houses of Oberkassel on the other side of the Rhine! A unique way of closing day 1 of your weekend in Düsseldorf!

Clubbing In Düsseldorf

If you still don’t have enough, there are plenty of possibilities to continue partying and dancing.

Choose from one of the Salsa bars, with Latin music and the one or another salsa lesson, or of the clubs around the old town, like Sir Walter or Nachtresidenz!

A Weekend In Düsseldorf – Sunday

Sunday is the perfect day to catch up with the things you couldn’t do the day before! Like climbing the Rhine Tower, Düsseldorf’s TV tower, and the enormous digital clock in the world, or discover all the gems in Media Harbor and have a walk alongside the Rhine!

Day Trip to Kaiserswerth

Or you can have a day trip to some neighborhoods outside of Düsseldorf, like Kaiserwerth or Benrath.

My personal favorite is Kaiserswerth that is just a half an hour tube ride away. It’s a charming small town with a historic old town with quite important meaning in German history.

Tonhalle At Clemensplatz

Right at Clemensplatz is the restaurant “Tonhalle. “A perfect chance to get a Lower Rhine-styled meal!

However, there are further great opportunities in the town to grab something to eat and sit down for a while and soak in the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

Historic Walk

Afterward, continue your little tour with a walk through the historic town. It’s a self-guided tour around the city with Tafeln that tells you about the history.

Kaiserpfalz

The most important fact and also the remaining artifact is the “Kaiserpfalz. “Ancient ruins of the castle where Friedrich “Barbarossa “I. lived a few days a year, and that is still there today! The best is that you can climb it till the top and feel like back in history.

Beergarden “Galerie Burghof”

Nearby is a pretty lovely beer garden, right at the Rhine! Here you can sit down, and drink a beer, have a snack, and have a chat with your friends or family.

Ferry To Meerbusch And Camping Grounds

A few meters farther, you’ll find the ferry that brings you to the other side of the river, where you find a vast camping space!

Tip: Rent a bike, go out to Kaiserswerth, and cycle back to Düsseldorf, alongside the Rhine, at one of the many bicycle routes in that area!

Relax At City beach

Back in the city, mainly when you cycled your way around, you’ll pass one of the “Stadtstrände “city beaches at Robert-Lehr-Ufer. Take a break here, grab a sunchair, a snack, a drink, and relax the rest of the day while watching the boats on the river! It’s one more spot to enjoy the sunset, too!

A perfect ending to a fantastic weekend in Düsseldorf!

Pin it for later!

Have you been yet? Tell me about your experience, expectations, or suggestions in the comments!

More from my site

29 thoughts on “How To Spend A Fantastic Weekend In Düsseldorf, Germany”

Really Informative post related to travel guide. Please keep sharing these posts with us.I am also planning to visit dusseldorf in summer vacations with my family

Hi, Ihm glad to hear that you like the post and plan a visit with your family. When you like to know anything else about Düsseldorf, feel free to drop me a message! There are also a few more posts about the town on my site.

Thanks sharing this article about the spend a weekend dusseldorf

wow, it just looks so a peaceful place. I just want to visit this place and also try their food. I love this article. thanks for sharing this amazing beautiful article of Dusseldorf.

Wow this is really too good about the spend weekend in Dusseldorf thanks sharing this article

Thanks sharing this article

WOOOOOOOOW these tips are so help full,,,, Am so happy to have it It so amazing and many help full tips of trip

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

I visited Dusseldorf during the Christmas market and had a great time. Definitely missed most of these things on your list though!

Dusseldorf looks awesome during the summer. I went during the Christmas markets and it was magical! There is so much to do. 🙂

I never would have considered going to Dusseldorf to be honest, I dont know why, i guess other places in Germany pop into my head first so I’m glad I read this! The castle ruins look cool, I always like things like that and the beer garden look cool!

I love short breaks and Germany is a great country to do that! Often I take long layovers and just use that time to explore cities. Dusseldorf it one of those, so this itinerary is perfect! Done Munich and Stuttgart, so will follow this for next layover 😀

I’ve been to Düsseldorf several times. But I just noticed that was only ever for work. I don’t think I’ve ever actually spent a day (let alone a weekend) to explore. Maybe I should finally add that to my list of places in Germany.

It really looks like a great weekend. I have not yet reached Dusseldorf, I hope to be in Germany for the Oktoberfest if the borders are open …

Thanks Rick for stopping by! Come to visit Düsseldorf! We have a big international airport, too! And its easier and faster to get to town from there than from the airport in Munich! However, I’m afraid, Oktoberfest this year is canceled already!

We normally just pass by on the highway on our way from Austria to the Netherlands. Your post has inspired me to take an exit and explore a bit of Düsseldorf next time.

Looks like there is a nice cafe culture there. It’s not a city I have visited but next time I’m in Germany I’ll definitely check it out!

Such a lovely place. I didn’t know there was so much to do. I will have to spend more time there on my next visit.

Such a lovely place! I’ve never been to Dusseldorf but I’ll definitely gonna visit on my next trip to Germany. I loved the Beergarden “Galerie Burghof”, looks like a great place to spend time in.

I’ve never been to Dusseldorf but I’d love to check out the cafes and parks there! I ate dinner already but kinda craving ice cream now! 😛

I really want to rent a bike, cycle along the Rhine, and go on an altbier safari. Thanks for the great tips!

I know they’re super touristy but I kinda like hop on/off buses. I think I got a better appreciation for them when traveling with my parents as my Mum has a lot of trouble walking far and I just felt bad we were dragging her along all over a city. The bus was a great option for that, and you learn something as you go but still have freedom of not being on an organized tour. I have to say if I do end up walking I will be on that Altbier Safari. That sounds amazing!

I did my Erasmus year in Duesseldorf! I was so happy to find this post! Honestly, in uni times I didn’t bother exploring the city as much as I did partying. I remember Heinrich Heine Uni parties, going to Poco Loco and Anaconda and eating pizza for 3 euros at the pizza stalls. I would love to go back and get to know the city on a different level now.

This is great! We plan to go here soon so I will for sure be using this guide 🙂

Oh, that´s awesome Madeline! I´m sure, you´ll love it! Let me know if you need any further suggestions or recommendations!

Great itinerary! I really want to visit more cities in Germany, so far I’ve only been to Cologne and LOVED it! Adding Dusseldorf to my German itinerary 🙂

Great tips! I visited the city a few years ago but didn’t really see much of the attractions.

Oh, Krista, I guess you have to come back then! 😉 What have you seen here in DüsseldorF?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

72 Hours in Düsseldorf: The Perfect Weekend Break You Haven’t Considered!

After countless visits to Germany , I finally made it to Düsseldorf, a city whose name I was familiar with, yet a city that I had managed to avoid. For some reason I had gotten it into my head that I wouldn’t like Düsseldorf; my reasoning was that Germany has plenty of charming towns with castles and timbered houses galore, so why would I want to visit what I imagined was a modern, nondescript city?

Well, I sure swallowed my words, because it turns out everything I had envisioned about Düsseldorf was wrong! I ended up have the best time in the city and there were even a few moments over the course of my trip where I found myself looking around and thinking, “I could actually live here”.

Düsseldorf is a green and livable city , it has super funky futuristic architecture but also historic pockets, cool street art and free outdoor concerts, and enough restaurants to make any foodie drool.

It was the perfect city break and today I’m going to share my  72-hour itinerary of some of the best things to do in Düsseldorf so that hopefully you too can see what all the fuss is about!

Things to do in Düsseldorf

Check into the me and all hotel.

Before we could begin our exploration of Düsseldorf, we needed to get rid of our bags, so we checked into the me and all hotel which is located in the Japanese Quarter just a short walk from the train station. This was a super fun hotel with a relaxed vibe and even free candy, but more on that later.

Address: Immermannstraße 23

1:30 p.m.

Have lunch at Hausmann’s

First up, we needed food so we made our way to  Hausmann’s , a bistro and brasserie specializing in German dishes with a modern twist.

The restaurant was started by Chef Tim Mälzer, a television cooking show host in Germany , and the place had a relaxed yet artsy feel with cool murals, industrial lighting, and mismatched furniture. Since this was our first meal back in Germany , we went for a classic: Currywurst!

Address: Hafenstraße 9

3:00 p.m.

Sample some mustard at Löwensenf

After lunch, it was time to eat some…mustard?

Yes, I know visiting a mustard shop sounds a bit quirky, but this place is an institution in Düsseldorf. They have special flavours like honey, dill, chilli, cherry, onion and just about anything you could imagine.

If you’re a mustard enthusiast it’s a fun place to sample some new flavours and even pick up a souvenir or two to take back home.

Address: Berger Straße 29

3:30 p.m.

Have a sip of  Killepitsch

It may have been a bit early to start drinking, but our friend insisted we needed to try Killepitsch and it wasn’t long before we had little shot glasses in front of us!

Killepitsch is a herb liqueur from Düsseldorf that is flavoured with fruits, berries, herbs and spices. It also happens to have 42% alcohol content!

It’s a pretty polarizing drink; you either love it or hate it, and I was in the second group. To me, it tasted a bit like cough medicine with a strong burn on the way down, but to each their own.

Address: Flinger Straße 1

4:00 p.m.

Wander around the Altstadt

Before visiting Düsseldorf, I had this image in my head of Düsseldorf being a very new city, and while that’s in part accurate, Düsseldorf also has a charming Old Town, better known as Altstadt.

Some points of interest here include the Rathaus, the old city hall; Glockenhaus, with bells that ring on the hour; and Schlossturm, the last remaining part of the City Palace.

The Old Town is also home to ‘the longest bar in the world’ because it supposedly has over 300 continuous pubs, discos, and bars. I think that may be stretching the truth a bit since you’re not just looking at one single establishment, but it’s a hub for nightlife nevertheless.

5:30 p.m.

Feast on poutine at Frittenwerk

Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian, but I was really excited to have dinner at Frittenwerk .

They specialize in poutine, which for the non-Canucks is a fast food dish that consists of French fries, beef gravy and cheese curds.

They had the classic poutine, but also a few fun creations including Chilli Cheese served with chilli con carne, Tijuana Street Fries served with guacamole, and BBQ Pulled Pork which was as delicious as it sounds.

Address: Friedrichstraße 145

Walk the canal along Königsallee

Technically, Königsallee is home to designer brands and high-end shopping – as a matter of fact, it’s been nicknamed Germany’s Champs-Élysées – but that’s not the only reason to visit.

Königsallee is about a kilometre in length and it has a beautiful tree-lined canal that runs right down the middle of it. It’s an urban escape right in the middle of the  Stadtmitte district, and it’s just one of those beautiful spots you have to see for yourself.

Have a quick snack at Carlsplatz Markt

From there, it’s just a short walk over to Carlsplatz, an outdoor food market that sits just south of Altstadt. It’s open 6 days a week except for Sundays, and it’s the place to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and deli meats, but you can also enjoy some ready-made food and drinks in the patio area.

Grab lunch at Zum Ürige

Zum Ürige is a craft brewery and restaurant located in the heart of Düsseldorf’s Old Town and the beer is always flowing here. If your waiter sees an empty glass at the table, he’ll refill it before you’re able to raise any objections. The only way to stop the top-ups is by placing your coaster on top of your glass – that means you’re done drinking. Also, because this is Düsseldorf, you’ll be drinking Altbier, so don’t you dare ask for anything else!

I also learned that the perfect accompaniment to Altbier is Soleier , which is a hard-boiled pickled egg. Once the dish arrives at the table, you have to cut the boiled egg in half, scoop out the yolk, pour a little bit of vinegar and olive oil, add a generous dollop of mustard, and then mix it all together. You then stuff this paste back into the egg (it’s quite reminiscent of deviled eggs). It’s delicious!

Address: Berger Straße 1

Dangle like a spider at K21

For something completely out of my comfort zone, we went to K21, a modern art museum in Düsseldorf with a really popular art installation that has been luring people from far and wide; we’re talking about Tomás Saraceno’s  In Orbit .

This installation is suspended 25 meters over the museum’s courtyard and it looks like a giant spider web. To participate, you’re given painter suits to wear, and then you climb up the net where you can walk (or in my case, crawl!) along the different levels and around strange spheres.

It’s kind of terrifying if you don’t like heights!

Address: Ständehausstraße 1

See what’s playing in the Hofgarten

Hofgarten is quite the lively spot during the summer months and you can always count on there being an event. I happened to be there while the Jazz and World Music Festival was on, so I spent the afternoon lounging on the grass and enjoying some live music. It was cool to see people of all ages in attendance and there were even a few pups!

Sample some international cuisine

I’ve been talking a lot about German food and German beer so far, but Düsseldorf also has an international food scene, so for dinner that night, we opted for Indian. We went to Tandoori, where we ordered a nice mix of vegetarian and meat curries to share with friends. Again, super tasty!

Go up to me and all lounge for drinks and city views

The hotel where we were staying is well known for putting on cool events that are not just open to guests but also locals, and on this particular night, they had Sons of Time, a cool hip-hop band from Berlin, playing. It was a really fun night with friends where we tried some new German drinks, enjoyed some really cool music, and then were also treated to fantastic views of Düsseldorf at night.

Check out the street art on Kiefernstrasse

If you’re looking for things to do in Düsseldorf that are a bit more off the beaten path, I would suggest checking out Kiefernstrasse, a street known for squatting, street art and alternative lifestyle.

The apartment blocks along Kiefernstrasse were first occupied in 1905 to house the workers from the local steelwork. However, when these jobs shut down in the 70s, owners began to terminate their existing tenancy agreements and the buildings became municipal property. This marked the beginning of squatting, as people looking for somewhere to live began moving into these empty apartments, and over time this became a hub for alternative culture in Düsseldorf.

Take a cruise down the Rhine River

From there we hopped in a taxi and made our way to the banks of the Rhine River for a boat cruise with KD Rhine . This is the longest river in Germany , and you can even travel down to some of the neighbouring cities by boat, but this visit was all about Düsseldorf, so we opted for the 1-hour cruise which took us as far as the Media Harbour.

Stroll along the Kasematten

If you’re feeling peckish after your river cruise , look no further than the Kasematten. This section of the Rhine Promenade is lined with different bars and restaurants, and it’s a nice spot for some al fresco dining and drinks during the warmer months of the year.

Go up the Rhine Tower for city views

For a bird’s eye view of Düsseldorf, we then made our way to the Rhine Tower which stands 240.5 metres above the city. This gave us a  better idea of just how massive the Rhine River really is, plus because it was a clear day, we were able to spot the neighbouring city of Cologne off in the distance.

Address: Stromstraße 20

Check out the architecture in MedienHafen

Also known as the Media Harbour, this part of Düsseldorf made me feel like I had been transported to the future. The buildings in this area were very modern and outside of the box.

This is another fun place to wander around with a camera in hand (and you’ll likely spot many a fashion shoot taking place!), plus they also have a lot of bars and riverside restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed sunset drink.

Go out for Japanese food

Seeing as Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in the world (and since we were also staying right in the heart of the Japanese Quarter!), we just had to go out for some Japanese food . We went to Wakaiido for a sushi buffet, but there is no shortage of Japanese restaurants in the city – in fact here’s a list of some of the best Japanese restaurants in Düsseldorf .

Tour Düsseldorf in a VW Beetle

And to finish off our amazing weekend in Düsseldorf, we joined Düsseldorf Safaris for a tour of the city and a little taste of the countryside. They have a fleet of VW Beetles from the 1970s and even a VW Bus, so we went cruising in style! If you feel comfortable driving standard, you can drive the vehicle yourself or you can ask to have a driver too.

Where we stayed in Düsseldorf

And now going back to our accommodations, while in Düsseldorf we stayed at the me and all hotel , which is one of the coolest properties I’ve stayed at in a long time.

The hotel is set in the heart of the Japanese Quarter so they really played that up in terms of the design; they shelves full of manga in the lobby, bright lanterns in their lounge, and the rooms felt like a little oasis with a bamboo forest-themed shower and sliding partitions to make the bedroom dark and cozy. Their lobby also had a cool wall where you could write an item on your bucket list , play on the ice hockey table, and grab free candy on the go!

And that was my introduction to Düsseldorf! I had a great time on my first visit to the city and it’s definitely a place I would visit again, next time, hopefully with a few more days to spare!

If you’ve enjoyed our Düsseldorf post be sure to check out our Hamburg Travel Guide for more places to visit in Germany. 

Have you been to the city? What are some of your favourite things to do in Düsseldorf?

As I am from Cologne, going to Düsseldorf is one thing you actually do not do haha! But seeing your post I got really insipired and motivated to maybe do a little day or weekendtrip there… Awesome pictures! Greetings, Anna

I haven’t been to Dusseldorf but I’ve read quite a bit about it from other blogs and they mentioned the street art, good food, and of course the beer too! The architecture is so beautiful and wow that canal looked picture perfect.

I really like this post Audrey as I haven’t been to Düsseldorf in years, and the last time I was there was for a corporate meeting where we all spent the evening with German management, going from bar to bar, in the Old Town!

Good times!

Seriously though, I love your Japanese-themed hotel and the VW safari tour. Very nice indeed!

p.s. I tend not to like vlogs, but I really enjoyed watching this video with both of you together. Cool stuff!

Hey Audrey, as a Düsseldorf native I really enjoyed your video and am going to pass it on to any international friends coming to visit. I think you’ve managed to represent our city’s diversity in a fun and engaging way. Thanks for that!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top Things To Do In Düsseldorf – A First-Timer’s Guide

From catching the best views from the TV Tower and exploring the pretty old town, to day trips to Cologne and beyond, here are the best things to do in Düsseldorf.

We’ve just returned from a busy few weeks working with Visit Germany shooting several videos for their #GermanSummerStories campaign. It’s one of the biggest and busiest campaigns we’ve been part of, visiting 7 destinations in 10 days. We were based in the cities of Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Berlin – two of which were brand new for me. 

I was really happy to pad out my German geography, take in some new sights and get stuck into such an exciting project!

We hopped on a Eurowings flight to Düsseldorf Airport , and then caught a train to the city centre (which only takes 10 minutes!) And there began a busy few weeks of travel mixed with content creation. I couldn’t wait to snap pics and take notes so I could share the highlights with you on my blog too.

Check out the video now, and then scroll down for my guide to the top things to do in Dusseldorf…

Top Things To Do In Düsseldorf

Visit düsseldorf’s altstadt.

Düsseldorf’s Old Town is very pretty. Skinny cobbled streets run through it, leading to attractive squares and the Rhine River. It’s a buzzy area, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, but it’s small enough to wander on foot. Be sure to check out Burgplatz, St Lambertus Church and the main square, which make up one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

I spotted this lovely moment as bubbles drifted into the skies around the Burgplatz. It’s been named one of the most beautiful squares of post-war Germany, an accolade I’m sure you’ll agree with when you see it!

Moments away is the town hall (rathaus) sitting in an enclosed square. While several buildings make up the complex, in my opinion the most attractive is the old town hall with its impressive clock tower. While in the summer it’s a great spot for festivals, events and generally enjoying the sunshine, in the winter it’s transformed into a winter wonderland as the Christmas markets take over the old town.

Wander Along The Rhine Promenade

WOW were we lucky with the weather when we visited in May. The skies were blue and the sun was shining – it was perfect weather for a leisurely stroll along the Rhine Promenade. 

Built in the 1990s, it highlights the relationship between the city and the river. It connects the old town with the new town too, and from the edge of the promenade there are some amazing views along to the city’s famous bridge and TV tower.

There are tree-lined paths, and while we were ambling along at a relaxed pace, we passed joggers, rollerbladers, cyclists and more all using the route! You’ll also spot plenty of boat tours passing by – another great activity if you have time.

Enjoy Düsseldorf’s Spectacular Sunsets

As mentioned we were very lucky with the weather, and that meant we were rewarded with an epic sunset too! After enjoying a colourful sky behind the city’s iconic cable bridge we raced to see the city from a different perspective. 

Our hard work paid off! This photo was captured in Spee’scher Graben, moments from the Rhine Promenade. With romantic gardens and a large pond, it was an incredible spot to find. Just look at the reflections too!

Learn While You Drink On An Altbier Safari

Did you know Düsseldorf is home to the longest bar in the world? Well, if I’m being honest it’s not one continuous bar… basically the old town has around 300 bars and pubs in a concentrated area, so you’ll never be far from your next drink!

I’ll admit something right here and now. I’m not a beer drinker. Give me a glass of wine or a cocktail and I’m happy, but beer has never appealed. However, it’s important to note that there’s a big beer-drinking culture in Düsseldorf.

We booked onto an altbier safari – a two-hour tour which would introduce us to the Big 5 (safari / big 5 – geddit?!) We’d visit 5 microbreweries famed for their production of altbier – a style of beer brewed in the region of Westphalia. This type of beer differs from lagers as it’s top-fermented, generally hoppier, and often a little darker.

According to my partner Macca, it was delicious, and this activity was one of his favourite things to do in Düsseldorf! As for me? While I didn’t drink my way around, I still found the tour enjoyable as our guide shared lots of interesting stories about the city. Plus, he showed us a few special spots I’d never have found on my own.

Find out more about beer tours of Dusseldorf and book tickets.

Challenge Yourself With A Game Of 3D Crazy Golf

Hands up if you’re a crazy golf fan? We absolutely LOVE it, and often search for courses on our world travels. When we heard there was a 3D course in Dusseldorf, not only were we intrigued, we also HAD to go!

We arrived at Glowing Rooms , signed a waiver and were equipped with some luminous golf clubs, a glow in the dark ball and two pairs of 3D glasses. 

We entered the first area and were amazed by the UV course. Once the glasses were on, our perspectives totally changed of what was in front of us. It certainly made things interesting! It was a challenging course, but lots of fun, and while the photos show you what it looks like, it’s hard to get across how immersive it is having the 3D element added in.

Take In The City’s Modern Art And Architecture

This was my first trip to Düsseldorf, and one of the things that stood out was city’s modern architecture. Walking down the Rhine Promenade, it was lovely to see the bridge and TV Tower, but that was just the start…

A little further on and we made it to Dusseldorf Harbor (MedienHafen district) and the masterpieces designed by US architect Frank Gehry. There are three buildings that brought a smile to my face, each in a twisty, curvy design. 

I particularly liked this one with the mirror finish. As I walked past, I saw my reflection curve around its exterior. It also takes in whatever colours are around it, so it’s one to admire when there’s a colourful sky too. 

Check Out The Views From The Rhine Tower

The Rhine Tower is often named as one of the top Dusseldorf attractions, and no wonder when it’s THE place for the best views of the city. Sadly we didn’t have time to visit this time, but it’s top of my list for a future visit. 

While there’s a viewing platform at a height of 168m, the star attraction is QOMO , a rotating Japanese fusion restaurant. The menu looks incredible, and I can imagine dinner at that height must be magical, with views of the city’s twinkly lights.

Eat Your Way Around The City

Dusseldorf has a wonderful mix of cuisines on offer. We loved the eclectic mix – from traditional German food and burgers to Japanese delicacies and trendy vegan cafes. Here are a few of our highlights…

Laura’s Deli – Located in the heart of the city, this is a great deli serving up delicious, healthy plates of food. Founder, Laura, worked in the fashion industry before setting up the deli. This means it’s chic and Instagram-friendly, but the food is great too. We both had salads which were tasty, nourishing, and we left feeling very virtuous! If you have any allergies or are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, Laura’s Deli would be perfect. 

Bob & Mary – After a busy day of sightseeing, we worked up a serious appetite. This burger joint is a few minutes from Dusseldorf Harbour (where the modern architecture is) and serves a fun and varied menu of burgers. They’re juicy and delicious, and the sweet potato fries are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. I went for a burger topped with goats cheese, and a side of the truffle mayo. Let’s just say I’ve been dreaming about it ever since!

Takumi – Did you know Dusseldorf is home to an area called Little Tokyo filled with Japanese restaurants and shops? The city has one of the highest populations of Japanese people outside of Japan, so it’s definitely a great place if you’re craving ramen or sushi. Being huge ramen fans, we headed to a tiny restaurant called Takumi. It was highly rated, and by the queue outside, we knew it was a popular spot! After a twenty minute wait, we were seated at the bar area, and ordered two tasty bowls of soul-food. My verdict? Absolutely delicious – it tasted authentic and had the seriously flavoursome broth, just like the ramen I had in Kobe earlier this year!.

Take A Day Trip From Dusseldorf

As part of our trip we also packed in a few visits out of the city. Macca has written an amazing blog packed full of information on these, so be sure to check it out . Here’s a quick round up of places you could venture to if you fancy exploring what else is near Dusseldorf. 

Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath) – This beautiful dusty pink palace was built over 200 years ago as the summer house of Elector Carl Theodor. It’s set in stunning landscaped gardens, that were filled with May flowers when we visited. You can explore the gardens for free, but you’ll need to buy a ticket if you want to see inside.

Belgian Quarter Cologne – Hipster vibes all round, this trendy area of Cologne is home to cute boutiques like Magasin Populaire, homeware mecca Schee and cool cafes like Heilandt. Street art lovers will adore its vibrant walls, and if you like places like Shoreditch or Brighton’s Lanes, I would describe this as Cologne’s equivalent. It’s also VERY easy to reach by public transport. Just hop on a fast train from Düsseldorf and you’ll be in Cologne in 20 minutes.

Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord – The landscape park in Duisburg has been created from the former industrial ironworks. Several domineering structures make up the premises, which are free to enter. You can clamber up staircases, get lost in mysterious tunnels and enjoy the views from the very top. Unless you’re a lover of brutalist architecture, it’s not a place of beauty, but there’s something pretty magical about it when it’s lit up in the evenings.

Classic Remise Düsseldorf – A little way from the city centre lies this free museum, dedicated to classic cars. The space itself is interesting, as it’s located in a historic roundhouse. Once you’ve got your automobile fix, there’s a top-rated restaurant on site too.

Zeche Zollverein – Another industrial wonder that’s been regenerated and opened up to the public, Zeche Zollverein is a coal mine complex in the city of Essen. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a great place for art, culture and leisure activities. One of the buildings houses the Ruhr Museum, while in another is an incredible open-air swimming pool (open in the summer months.)

Where To Stay In Dusseldorf

25 Hours Hotel

This stylish hotel features a restaurant and bar spread across the top floors, and offers amazing views of the city. There’s a café on the ground floor and it’s just a short walk from all the public transport you could need. We loved the quirky design features, including the bath out on the terrace (yes – I used it!) and the hilarious cards you leave on the door to signal whether you want your room cleaned or not. It’s certainly a hotel with a sense of humour!

Check availability and latest prices here

Our trip was sponsored by Germany Tourism and Eurowings along with several regional partners. For this blog post, I’d like to say a big thank you to Dusseldorf Airpor t and the North Rhine-Westphalia Tourism . As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

6 thoughts on “Top Things To Do In Düsseldorf – A First-Timer’s Guide”

Dusseldorf looks like the perfect under-rated city. I can’t believe I’ve still never been to Germany! I need to change that fast.

It really is! I love how diverse Germany is – you should definitely plan a trip soon!

Great blog. I live just a one hour car drive away from Düsseldorf, but I was never there, but now I really have to plan a trip. The next time you are in Germany, I really recommend you to visit Bonn (as former capital and Beethoven’s birthplace) and the Siebengebirge, a great place to hike and enjoy nature.

Many greetings from Germany

Thanks Dominik. I hope you enjoy visiting Dusseldorf soon! Oooh I wanted to visit Bonn (partly for the Haribo connections!) Thank you for your tips!

I absolutely loved watching your video on Düsseldorf! I’m a local expat there and LOVE seeing the city from a new perspective! If you ever come back again, we’ll have to meet up for another Altbier! ?

Thanks Jenna – it was a great trip! Would love to pop back soon too.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• 1 Day Itinerary
• 2 Days Itinerary
• 3 Days Itinerary
• How Many Days
• Photography Spots
• Hiking Trails
• Historical Sites
• UNESCO Sites
• Art Galleries
• Churches and Cathedrals
• Christmas Markets
• Live Music Venues
• Comedy And Theater
• Spa & Massage
• Cologne Carnival
• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Old Town
• Belgian Quarter
• Chocolate Museum
• Flora & Botanical Garden
• Cologne Zoo
• Fragrance Museum (Farina House)
• Museum Ludwig
• Rhine River Cruise And Boat Tours
• Walking Tours
• Brewery (Brauhaus) Tours
• Street Art Tours
• Self-Guided Tours
• Wine-Tasting Tour
• Segway Tour
• Ford Factory Tour
• Festivals and Holidays
• Does It Snow?
• Cologne or Koln? koeln? Is it the same?
• Best Restaurants
• Best Schnitzel
• Best Burger Joints
• Best Michelin Star Restaurants
• Best Breakfast and Brunch
• Best Italian
• Best Korean
• Best Mexican
• Best Chinese
• Best Indian
• Best Wine Bars
• Best Bars and Clubs
• Best Beer Gardens
• Best Romantic Restaurants
• Best Vegan and Vegetarian
• Is Cologne Worth Visiting?
• Koln Card (Cologne Card)
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Old Town)
• Best Boutique Hotels
• Best Business Hotels
• Best Luxury Hotels
• Best Cheap Hotels
• Best Family Hotels
• Best Gay Hotels
• Best Spa Hotels
• Near Train Station
• Near Cologne Airport
• Near Cologne Cathedral
• Near Cologne Christmas Market
• Near Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre and Lanxess Arena
• Hotels With Swimming Pool, Balcony And Parking
• Best Castle Hotels
• Best Bed And Breakfast
• Best Hostels
• Camping Sites
• Train Stations
• Cologne Bonn Airport
• Airport to City Centre
• Luggage Storage
• Renting a Car
• To Phantasialand
• Cologne to Dusseldorf
• Cologne to Bonn
• Cologne to Aachen
• Cologne to Dortmund
• Cologne to Essen
• Cologne to Munster
• Cologne to Duisburg
• Cologne to Bochum
• Cologne to Gelsenkirchen
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary
• Basilika St Lambertus
• Stadtmuseum (City Museum)
• Goethe Museum
• Hetjens Museum
• Theatermuseum
• Classic Remise (Car Museum)
• Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum
• Museum Kunstpalast
• Botanical Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Apollo Theatre
• Capitol Theatre
• Savoy Theatre
• Photo Spots
• Dusseldorf Old Town
• Rheinuferpromenade
• Medienhafen
• Königsallee

Schloss Benrath

• Schlossturm
• Little Tokyo
• Düsseldorf Kaiserswerth
• Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth
• Segway Tours
• Brewery Tours
• River Cruise & Boat Tour
• What to Pack
• Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?
• Best Burger
• Best Breakfast & Brunch
• Best Japanese
• Best Halal Restaurants
• Düsseldorf Card
• Best Hotels In Old Town (Altstadt)
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Stadtmitte)
• Near Dusseldorf Christmas Markets
• Near Dusseldorf Airport
• Near Train Station (Hbf)
• Near Messe Dusseldorf (Exhibition Centre)
• Best Campsites
• Dusseldorf Airport
• Dusseldorf to Cologne
• Dusseldorf to Dortmund
• Dusseldorf to Bonn
• Dusseldorf to Aachen
• Dusseldorf to Essen
• Dusseldorf to Munster
• Dusseldorf to Duisburg
• Dusseldorf to Bochum
• Dusseldorf to Gelsenkirchen
• Dusseldorf to Phantasialand
• With Family
• For Couples
• On A Rainy Day
• One Day Itinerary
• Two Days Itinerary
• Three Days Itinerary
• Flea Markets
• Fish Market
• Comedy Clubs
• Hamburg Old Town
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Elbphilharmonie
• Planten un Blomen
• Alter Elbtunnel
• Schanzenviertel (Sternschanze)
• Karolinenviertel
• Beatles Platz
• Hamburg Dungeon
• Harbor Tours
• Red Light District Tours
• St Pauli And Reeperbahn Tours
• Speicherstadt Tours
• Beatles Tour
• Best Hotels In City Centre (Altstadt & Neustadt)
• Near Hamburg Airport
• Near Hamburg Train Station (Hbf)
• Best Hotels In St Pauli
• Best Hotels In Reeperbahn
• Best Hotels In Blankenese
• Best Hotels In HafenCity
• Best Hotels In Sternschanze (Schanzenviertel)
• Best Bed And Breakfast (B&Bs)
• Hamburg Card
• Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?
• Best Burgers
• Best Beer Halls
• Romantic Restaurants
• Vegan and Vegetarian
• Best Breakfast Places
• Best Cafes & Coffeeshops
• Best Brunch Spots
• Public Transport

3 Days in Dusseldorf: The Perfect Itinerary

Updated on  January 20, 2024  

 If you're planning 3 days in Dusseldorf, and wondering how to make the most of your time, look no further.

In this article, we will guide you through the perfect 3-day Dusseldorf itinerary, highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes along the Rhine River, and its vibrant culinary scene.

Düsseldorf 3-Day Itinerary: Day 1

On Day 1 in Dusseldorf, I started my exploration at the vibrant Media Harbour . Then, I headed to the iconic Rhine Tower where I enjoyed a delicious meal at the QOMO Rotating Restaurant and marveled at the stunning views from the viewing platform.

Next, I strolled along the picturesque Rheinuferpromenade and immersed myself in the charm of Altstadt, visiting attractions like Burgplatz and St. Lambertus Church . After that, I took a leisurely walk through Hofgarten, discovering hidden gems like Jägerhof Palace and Goethe Museum.

Lastly, I couldn't resist indulging in some retail therapy on Konigsallee .

Media Harbour

Located on the scenic banks of the Rhine river, Media Harbour is a must-visit spot known for its contemporary architecture and urban vibe.

The area beams with iconic buildings that offer stunning views of the city, perfect for your morning stroll.

You will find it hard to resist the wide array of restaurants, cafes and bars situated here - a gourmet's delight indeed!

Immersing yourself in such an atmosphere can be both leisurely and thrilling at different times of day or night.

This vibrant tourist hotspot certainly marks an exciting start to your 3-day Dusseldorf adventure!

Rhine Tower

Then, I savored delicious fusion cuisine at the QOMO rotating restaurant in Dusseldorf's Rhine Tower. You should try it too! Their menu combines far eastern flavors and European influences to create dishes that will make your taste buds dance.

The rotation of the restaurant is slow and steady, completing a full turn within an hour.

The viewing platform on the Rhine Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

It stands proud at 240.5 meters in height, acting like a beacon for Dusseldorf. From here you can see every inch of this stunning cityscape, from its buzzing center to its tranquil suburban outskirts!

Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine Embankment Promenade)

Strolling along the Rheinuferpromenade adds a special charm to exploring Dusseldorf.

This engaging riverfront pathway, an architectural masterpiece by Niklaus Fritschi, stretches across Karlstadt, the port and extends into the historical Old Town area.

As I leisurely ambled over this harbor connection, truly impressive scenic views of the Rhine River unveiled themselves at every turn.

This city lifeline is much more than just a popular tourist attraction; it's where locals come to enjoy breathtaking waterfront scenes while embracing their everyday lives.

Designed between 1990 and 1997, today it stands as an integral part of Dusseldorf - one that effortlessly bridges modernity with tradition through its panoramic riverside walkway. [ 1 ]

Altstadt (Old Town)

Altstadt, the Old Town of Dusseldorf , is a historic district and the heart of the city. It's a must-visit for its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings.

One notable attraction in Altstadt is Cartwheeler's Fountain, which depicts a cartwheel-making scene and adds a touch of whimsy to this cultural heritage site.

 Make sure to visit St. Lambertus church , an impressive three-aisled hall church founded in 1288.

Another highlight in Altstadt is Schlossturm , also known as Castle Tower. This landmark offers stunning panoramic views of Dusseldorf from its viewing platform.

Don't miss the Rhine Maritime Museum located nearby, where you can learn about the city's maritime history.

The Old Town is also known for its  vibrant nightlife , as seen by its nickname: the longest bar in the world.

Explore Hofgarten

The Hofgarten in Dusseldorf is a must-visit location on your first day in the city. It houses the Jägerhof Palace, which has been home to the Goethe Museum and Ernst Schneider Foundation since 1987. [ 2 ]

Both attractions are located within the palace and offer a fascinating insight into art, culture, and history.

The Jägerhof Palace serves as a center for various exhibitions and cultural events, making it an exciting place to explore.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in these remarkable historical and artistic landmarks during your visit to Dusseldorf's Hofgarten.

Konigsallee

Konigsallee is a bustling shopping street located in the heart of Dusseldorf.

As I walked along this famous avenue, I was surrounded by luxury retail stores and fashion showrooms. The street is known as the fashion capital of the city, attracting both tourists and local shoppers alike.

It's no wonder that Konigsallee is considered the busiest high-end shopping district in all of Germany.

From well-known luxury brands to trendy boutiques, there's something for every fashion enthusiast here.

Whether you're looking to splurge on designer clothes or simply enjoy some window shopping, Konigsallee is definitely a must-visit destination when exploring Dusseldorf.

Düsseldorf 3-Day Itinerary: Day 2

On Day 2 in Dusseldorf, explore the beautiful Nordpark , immerse yourself in Japanese culture at EKO House and Little Tokyo, take a relaxing Rhine River cruise, and end the day with a visit to Kiefernstraße and the stunning Botanical Garden.

Nordpark is a public park located in Dusseldorf that spans 70 hectares. It is known as the green lungs of the city and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

The park features themed gardens, fountains, walking paths, and shady trees, making it an ideal spot for a morning walk or to spend a peaceful day outdoors.

With its beautiful scenery and tranquil environment, Nordpark provides the perfect setting for relaxation and picnicking.

Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or explore the landscape design, this nature reserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

EKO House of Japanese Culture and Little Tokyo Dusseldorf

The EKO House of Japanese Culture is a must-visit attraction in Düsseldorf. It encompasses a Buddhist temple, a traditional Japanese house, a Japanese garden , and even a tea room.

What makes this place truly unique is that it houses the only Japanese-style temple and garden in all of Europe.

 If you're looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and architecture, look no further than the EKO House.

And did you know that Düsseldorf is often referred to as "Japan City" because of its strong presence and influence from Japan?

So if you want to experience traditional Japanese art, architecture, and cuisine all in one place, make sure to check out the EKO House of Japanese Culture and Little Tokyo Düsseldorf.

Rhine River Cruise

The Rhine River cruise is a must-do activity during your 3-day itinerary in Dusseldorf. It offers travelers the opportunity to admire stunning castles and explore charming riverside towns.

You can even cycle along the river and take in the picturesque scenery. If you're visiting during the holiday season, there are also special cruises that take you to festive markets on both sides of the Rhine in Germany and France.

Some cruise companies offer a variety of itineraries, including a 10-day cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic European waterway and create unforgettable memories.

Dusseldorf Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens in Dusseldorf are maintained by the University of Dusseldorf. 

These gardens are a haven for plant enthusiasts, with over 6000 species of plants to admire. [ 3 ]

Walking through the garden, you'll be surrounded by the beauty and variety of flora from all around the world. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Best of all, these gardens are open to everyone, so you can experience their serene beauty firsthand.

Düsseldorf 3-Day Itinerary: Day 3

On the third day in Dusseldorf, visit museums such as Kunstsammlung and Museum Kunstpalast, explore the Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum, and take a trip to Schloss Benrath. If you have time, consider visiting Cologne for a day trip.

Museums in Düsseldorf

I love exploring museums, and Dusseldorf has some incredible ones to visit.

The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is a must-see for art lovers like me. It showcases modern and contemporary art from renowned European artists.

The Museum Kunstpalast is another gem, with its extensive collection of European art spanning centuries.

If you're a fan of classic vehicles, you'll be in heaven at Classic Remise Dusseldorf , which specializes in beautiful cars and motorcycles.

And for a unique museum experience, don't miss the Mustard Museum, where you can learn all about the history and production methods of this condiment.

These museums offer something for everyone and are definitely worth checking out during your time in Dusseldorf - especially on rainy days !

Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum

The Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum is a unique cultural institution in Düsseldorf. It combines elements of a zoo and an aquarium, making it a must-visit attraction.

At the museum, you can explore fascinating geological artifacts and see live fish up close.

The exhibits are well-designed and provide an immersive experience for visitors.

Plus, since there is no zoo in the city, the Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about different species and their habitats.

It's definitely worth adding to your itinerary when exploring Düsseldorf!

Schloss Benrath is a stunning Baroque-style pleasure palace located in Dusseldorf, Germany.

This charming cupcake-colored palace is just around 12km southeast of the city, making it a convenient and must-see attraction.

The best part? Entry to explore the palace grounds is completely free! You can wander through the beautiful gardens and take in the grandeur of this historic landmark .

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature while immersing yourself in the rich history of Dusseldorf.

On Day 3 of my Dusseldorf itinerary, I decided to take a day trip to Essen. Known for its rich industrial heritage and artistic exploration, Essen offers plenty of sightseeing activities.

One of the must-visit attractions is Villa Hügel, a stunning mansion that showcases the city's historical charm.

For design enthusiasts like me, the Red Dot Design Museum is a must-see with its collection of innovative creations.

If you have more time in Essen, don't miss out on exploring Zollverein Essen, a remarkable mix of art and industrial history. It was definitely an interesting addition to my weekend getaway in Dusseldorf!

Cologne Day Trip

Alternately, you can consider taking a day trip to Cologne. It's just a short train ride or drive away, taking about 25 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car.

Once in Cologne, you can explore the famous Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most iconic landmarks.

Don't miss the chance to experience the city's specialties like perfume, chocolates, and Kölsch beer. For stunning views of Cologne, head up to the observation deck of the Rhine Tower.

With its historic charm and plenty of shopping opportunities, a Cologne day trip is perfect for sightseeing and indulging in some local delights.

If you have more time...

Street art at kiefernstrasse.

Walking through the vibrant streets of Kiefernstraße in Düsseldorf, you'll be immersed in a world of colorful graffiti and urban art.

This neighborhood is known for its incredible street art scene , with walls and construction trailers adorned with captivating murals created by local artists.

As you explore the area, you'll discover the rich history of industry, anarchy, and street culture that has shaped Kiefernstraße into the dynamic community it is today.

Don't miss the themed building that showcases the neighborhood's past and tells a story through fascinating artwork.

The creativity and talent on display here are awe-inspiring, making Kiefernstraße a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates artistic expression in all its forms.

Try Altbier

I love trying different types of beer, so when I had some extra time in Dusseldorf, I couldn't resist trying the local specialty - Altbier.

This traditional German beer can be found all over the city and is definitely worth a taste.

Altbiers range in color from dark brown to copper, and they have a unique flavor thanks to the firm bitterness from Spalt hops.

What makes Altbier even more interesting is that it's brewed with ale yeast, giving it a clean and dry finish.

If you're interested in learning more about this style of beer, Dusseldorf even offers brewery tours where you can sample various altbiers and immerse yourself in the local beer culture.

Carlsplatz Market

Carlsplatz Market is a vibrant street market located right in the heart of Düsseldorf. It offers a wide array of local fresh food sourced directly from farmers.

As you wander through the market, you'll discover an abundance of exotic fruits, seasonal vegetables, and freshly caught fish.

If you're a meat lover like me, you won't be disappointed by the selection of high-quality poultry and cuts of meat available here.

In addition to that, Carlsplatz Market also boasts a delightful assortment of breads, cheeses, and confectionery items that are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.

And if coffee is your thing, don't forget to try some of their specialty brews!

Whether you're a tourist or a local resident, this bustling market is definitely worth exploring when you have more time in Düsseldorf's bustling city center.

Conclusion: Düsseldorf in 3 Days

In conclusion, Dusseldorf offers a perfect 3-day itinerary for those looking to explore the city's best attractions and immerse themselves in its rich culture. 

From strolling through the historic Altstadt to enjoying a Rhine River cruise, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and charming city.

So grab your map and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Dusseldorf!

You might also like:

• One Day in Dusseldorf Itinerary: The BEST 24 Hours
• The Perfect 2 Days Dusseldorf Itinerary
• How Many Days in Dusseldorf is Enough?

Key Takeaways

• Day 1 in Dusseldorf:  Explore Media Harbour, visit the iconic Rhine Tower for stunning views, stroll along the picturesque Rheinuferpromenade and immerse yourself in Altstadt's historical charm.
• Day 2 in Dusseldorf: Experience the beauty of Nordpark, immerse yourself in Japanese culture at EKO House and Little Tokyo , enjoy a relaxing Rhine River cruise, and visit Kiefernstraße and the Botanical Garden.
• Day 3 in Dusseldorf:  Visit museums like Kunstsammlung and Museum Kunstpalast, explore Aquazoo Loebbecke Museum to see live fish up close, take a trip to Schloss Benrath for free entry into the palace grounds. Consider visiting Essen for more sightseeing if time permits

1. What are some must-see attractions in Dusseldorf?

Some must-see attractions in Dusseldorf include the Rhine Tower, Old Town (Altstadt), Königsallee shopping street, and the Museum Kunstpalast.

2. How can I get around Dusseldorf efficiently during my 3-day visit?

You can get around Dusseldorf efficiently by using the city's extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and trains. You may also consider renting a bicycle or exploring on foot as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

3. Are there any recommended restaurants or cafes in Dusseldorf?

Yes, there are many recommended restaurants and cafes in Dusseldorf catering to various tastes and budgets. Some popular options include Zum Schiffchen for traditional German cuisine, Uerige for local breweries and beer halls, and Schwan for delicious cakes and pastries.

4. What should I pack when visiting Dusseldorf?

When visiting Dusseldorf, it is recommended to pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city on foot. Additionally, depending on the time of year you visit, you may need to pack a light jacket or umbrella as weather conditions can be unpredictable.

5. Can I take a day trip from Dusseldorf during my 3-day itinerary?

Yes! There are several day trip options from Dusseldorf such as Cologne with its famous cathedral (Kölner Dom), Bonn where Beethoven was born, or even a boat excursion along the scenic Rhine River to enjoy picturesque views of vineyards and castles along the way.

References:

1: First look at RKW Architektur-designed "Opera on the Rhine", retrieved from https://www.cladglobal.com/CLADnews/architecture-design/First-look-at-RKW-Architektur-designed-Opera-on-the-Rhine/340985?source=editorspick&=2

2: Schloss Jägerhof | Goethe Museum Düsseldorf, retrived from https://www.goethe-museum.de/en/museum/schloss-jaegerhof

3: ABOUT HEINRICH HEINE UNIVERSITY DÜSSELDORF, retrived from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/heinrich-heine-university-dusseldorf

About the Author

Stephan Drescher

Stephan Drescher, founder of germanytravel.blog, is a German travel expert and insider, providing trusted tips and advice for a perfect trip to Germany. Born & bred German.

A weekend in Düsseldorf: tips, guide & itineraries

Düsseldorf is a perfect city for a weekend stay. There is so much to do here and there is something for everyone: gourmets, shopping addicts, museum lovers or simply looking for a German experience. In this article, I propose you my tips to ensure a stress-free visit as well as various recommended itineraries to make the most of your stay. I hope to be able to share with you my love for my adopted city where I have been living for 5 years and which really deserves to be known!

Why visit Düsseldorf ?

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW in German), is one of the largest cities in Germany. There are many museums, parks and a lot of things to do, it’s all about getting organised. One of the big advantages of Düsseldorf is its location. Situated close to Belgium, the Netherlands and France, it is a superbly connected and easily accessible. In terms of atmosphere, I promise you the discovery of a young, lively and multicultural city where you will surely come across a local event that takes place during your stay. You will be able to mix cultural visits, gastronomy and fun!

Düsseldorf airport (DUS) is really well served and allows you to arrive directly from everywhere in Europe. Many airlines are present there, whether low cost or not.

How to travel to Düsseldorf ?

You can also opt for a more ecological means of transport such as the train thanks to the Thalys, which links Paris, Brussels or Liège directly in a few hours. If you are on a budget, you can also choose the bus (Flixbus or the IC buses of Deutsche Bahn) and of course by car. There are many paying car parks in the city (free parking spaces are quite rare, especially in the city center, but do exist). In short, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

How to get around in Düsseldorf ?

Düsseldorf is a big city, but if you are visiting for a weekend, you may not need public transport tickets and you can walk everywhere. In general, the city is very well served by public transport and I advise you to use Google Maps to organise your journeys, all timetables are noted there. I have given you a short summary of the different means of transport you can use:

• Metro, trams, and buses: The VRR service covers a large part of the city and is made up of metros that are partly underground. This means that you can reach Düsseldorf’s train station in the Old Town in about ten minutes. The single ticket costs €2.80 (choose the A3 fare for Düsseldorf, the K fare is cheaper but only covers 3 stops). A 24-hour ticket (€7.10 for 1 person, €10.50 for 2 persons) and a 48-hour ticket (€13.50 for 1 person, €20 for 2 persons) are also available. The DüsseldorfCard offered by the Tourist Office gives you the use of public transport, entrance to museums and various discounts (9€ for 24h, 14€ for 48h and 19€ for 72h).
• Cycling: Being the starting city of the 2017 Tour de France, Düsseldorf is a relatively well-equipped city for cyclists. More and more streets have a cycle path and, while being super careful in the main avenues, for example, it is quite easy to go for a bike ride. In fact, I recommend that you take advantage of your bike to go for a ride along the Rhine, heading north of the city to the small town of Kairserswerth. To rent a bike, you will find the city bike station at the back of the station ( Radstation in German) where you can rent a bike for 13€ per day (they are well maintained and the staff speaks English). You will also be able to enjoy self-service bikes from Deutsche Bahn for example, but you will need to download an app.
• E-scooter: Of course, electric scooter fever has reached Düsseldorf. Called e-scooter here, you will need to download the app to be able to rent an electric scooter. For the use of the TIER scooters you will have to pay a €1 activation fee and then €0.19 per minute of use.
• Scooters: You can also rent one of the eddy scooters that are available throughout the city. You will need to download the app and charge €0.23 per minute of use after paying a €10 registration fee (which gives you 50 minutes free).

Where to sleep in Düsseldorf ?

Düsseldorf is full of hotels and Airbnb and it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. If you want to stay close to the centre, choose accommodation in the vicinity of Altstadt (the old town) and Carlstadt. You will be within walking distance of the historic centre, bars and restaurants as well as the banks of the Rhine. You can also find a hotel in Stadtmitte to be close to the shops of Shadowstraße or Köningsallee (where you can find luxury boutiques), parks and the city centre. Would you like a slightly more picturesque stay, only a few minutes by public transport from the centre? Choose Pempelfort or Flingern (where I live) where you will find many small cafés to enjoy a brunch and bars to sip a cocktail with friends, and which is generally more residential.

A few hotel recommendations

First of all, you should know that Düsseldorf has a large conference centre where numerous trade fairs take place throughout the year. During the weeks/week-ends when these fairs take place, prices go up and availability is scarce. Anyway, I have selected some of my favourite hotels for you:

• Hotel Sir & Lady Astor : Recommended by visiting friends, this hotel is located just a short walk from Düsseldorf train station and the city centre and offers beautiful, comfortable rooms.
• Avidon Art & Design Hotel : If you are arriving by plane and don’t want to be too far from the airport, this hotel is a perfect choice. It will take you 30 minutes by public transport to reach the Old Town.
• Ruby Leni Hotel Düsseldorf  or the  Rubi Coco Hotel Düsseldorf  both opened in 2018. Located in the city centre, the Rubi Leni has a great roof terrace with a beautiful view of the city. The concept is simple: combine luxury, perfect location, and design at a low price.
• Hotel Friends : This beautiful hotel is located just a short walk from Düsseldorf’s bus and train station and I have often gone there for brunch. I could also visit the rooms and would have stayed there 😉
• Hotel Nikko Düsseldorf : This hotel is a real institution in Düsseldorf and is located in the heart of the Japanese quarter. In addition, the hotel has 3 restaurants: teppanyaki, a sushi bar and a private restaurant with tatamis (fancy eh).
• Me and All Hôtel Düsseldorf : One of my big favourites. Also located in the heart of the Japanese district, the hotel offers super design rooms and a restaurant/bar on the top floor with a breathtaking view of the city. Many events are organised there (concerts, comedians, etc.) and there are even Japanese toilets – in short, one of my favourite places in Düsseldorf!
• 25hours Hotel Das Tour : One of Düsseldorf’s new hotels on the theme of France and its Tour de France (Düsseldorf was the starting city of the Tour in 2018). Here you will find a small French café, a bar that serves original cocktails with a panoramic terrace (the highest in Düsseldorf) and rooms that even have a bathtub on the terrace. I often go there to enjoy an evening with friends.

What to do in Düsseldorf on a weekend?

I tried to make a small guide of the essentials to visit when you are in Düsseldorf, for 24 or 48 hours in the city. Of course, these proposals can be accompanied by other proposals that you will find in my other articles (soon to be translated) about Düsseldorf, so don’t hesitate to have a look at them. Small note: Some pictures have been kindly offered to me by the Tourist Office of Düsseldorf. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to take pictures of some places/events (strangely enough, you never think about taking pictures of tourist places when you live in a city).

Visit Altstadt, the old town

Along the banks of the Rhine, Altstadt is the soul of Düsseldorf. Known for never sleeping and for hosting numerous bachelor and bachelorette parties, this district is also known as “Europe’s longest bar”, with no less than 250 bars in a very small area! Here you can spend a drunken evening, dine in one of the local restaurants, and party all night long in one of the city’s clubs. I recommend that you take the opportunity to taste the local craft beer, the altbier while enjoying a schweinebrotchen (a spit-roasted pork sandwich). The perfect combo for an early evening! If you would like to taste something stronger, ask for a killepitsch , the local herbal liqueur (42% alcohol anyway) which is a bit like Jägermeister .

Where to go out in Düsseldorf ?

I have prepared an interactive map with the places I recommend for going out in Altstadt. Small precision: I’m not a great party lover, so I can’t offer you an article entirely dedicated to it.

In Altstadt, don’t forget to visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) and its statue of Jan Wellem (Jean-Guillaume de Neubourg-Wittelsbach in English), one of the most important figures in the city.

Just a stone’s throw from the town hall square is the Rhine, where the river Düssel flows. This is where the name Düsseldorf (the village of Düssel) comes from. Being one of the favourite places of the Düsseldorfois (the Düsseldorf gentiles), it is a very popular place, especially on good weather days, where many people meet there at the end of the day to sip a beer bought at the kiosk (the corner grocery shop) or to eat an ice cream on the stairs of the Burgplatz , near the Rheinuferpromenade , the promenade on the banks of the Rhine. The Schlossturm, a former palace tower which was destroyed by fire and is now the Museum of Navigation, is also on display. If you continue walking along the banks of the Rhine, you can leave the Old Town and discover the quietest parts of the city: the Medienhafen district with the Rheinturm on the left and the large city park where it is nice to walk to the right.

Visiting Düsseldorf by boat: an unusual experience!

I know it sounds cliché, but one of my favourite things to do when we have visitors is a boat trip on the Rhine. Different companies offer sightseeing cruises, some with or without drinks. I recommend the one-hour boat tour which will show you the highlights of the city and the different bridges (with commentary / 11€ for adults, 6 hours of departure per day. Website here ). Another worthwhile boat cruise is the one that takes you in one hour to Kaiserswerth, a pretty little town near Düsseldorf where you love to walk around and have a bite to eat. The cruise includes unlimited drinks, so you might as well say that it’s quite interesting! (23€ round trip for adults, drinks included, no comments. Website here ).

Discover the green spaces of Düsseldorf, a green city!

Düsseldorf is a very green city, especially considering that it is the capital of one of the most industrialised regions in Germany! Its main park, the 200 year old Hofgarten, is just a stone’s throw away from the shopping streets and covers an area of 28 hectares. I love to rest there under the trees or near the ponds where there are many ducks and geese (be careful, they should not be bored or fed). You will find about 12 nature parks, with rivers or large grassy areas where picnics are welcome and where many events are organised in the summer (for example Parklife events). If you are travelling with your dog, you will also find plenty of space for dogs!

Parks & castles

Düsseldorf’s Sudpark is home to a mini-zoo (more like a farm) where you can pet animals and walk in 79 hectares of forest; it is the largest park in the city. The Nordpark has a lovely Japanese garden with maple trees and a carp pond.

If you cross the Rhein and go to the Oberkassel side, you can see sheep peacefully grazing along the banks….

If you like castles, you won’t be outdone as there are 4 castles on the outskirts of Düsseldorf, including Benrath Castle (with its historic garden), the former summer residence of the Elector.

Wanna do some shopping?

Known as Germany’s luxury shopping capital , Düsseldorf looks like a little Paris with its own version of the Champs-Elysées. Divided by the Stadtgraben (the avenue “Köningsallee” is where you will find the most expensive shops and people who want to be seen. Funny little story: the name Köningsallee (the King’s alley) was originally called Kastianienallee (the alley of the chatâigners, less cool). The name was changed in 1848 after King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, in the middle of a visiting parade in Düsseldorf, received horse dung in protest. As an apology, the city renamed the Köningsallee . The most accessible shops are located a stone’s throw away on Shadowstraße (Uniqlo, H&M, Primark, …).

Discover the city’s architecture

The Medienhafen district is the former port district of the Rhine and has been rehabilitated as a media and telecommunications district and is now home to many companies (such as trivago, where I work for example). It is loved for its modern architecture with many skyscrapers designed by world-famous architects (such as David Chipperfield or Frank O. Gehry and his sloping wall buildings at the Neuer Zollhof). Keep your eyes open and you will be able to admire buildings with surprising shapes, colours and materials (not bad for taking pictures for your Instagram for example) that stand next to the old quay walls, the stairs and transport rails have been preserved over the years. If you want to make a gourmet stop, I recommend the restaurants Hans Im Glück or Bob & Mary for burgers, Sattgrün for vegetarian food, Eigelstein for brasserie-style cuisine or Copenhagen for a coffee with real Danish pastries.

Admire the panorama from the city tower

Just a stone’s throw away from this district is the Rheinturm, the city’s 240-metre-high television tower. You can also admire the city from the panoramic vantage point and enjoy an exceptional dinner at the tower’s panoramic restaurant – which I have heard is delicious but expensive. Count 9€ in full price to go up to admire the landscape at 168 meters high, 5€ between 10am and 11am or after 10pm. ( Website here )

I hope that I have been able to give you a more precise idea of Düsseldorf and that I have made you want to come and visit this city full of surprises where life is good. If you wish to continue your discovery, I suggest you read my other themed articles on Düsseldorf!

A taste of Düsseldorf’s culinary soul

Discover düsseldorf’s street art, laissez un commentaire annuler la réponse.

Enregistrer mon nom, email et site web pour la prochaine fois.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Le blog utilise des cookies pour améliorer votre expérience sur Olamelama. Si vous êtes d'accord, veuillez fermer ce message. Accepter En savoir plus

Best weekend getaways in Düsseldorf, Germany

Select trip

Select dates

Top-rated Düsseldorf weekend getaways

3-Day Germany weekend getaway in Düsseldorf

4-Day Germany weekend getaway in Düsseldorf

5-Day Germany weekend getaway in Düsseldorf

Weekend getaways starting in all the top destinations in germany.

Frankfurt weekend getaways

Berlin weekend getaways

Munich weekend getaways

Hamburg weekend getaways

Cologne weekend getaways

Dortmund weekend getaways

Stuttgart weekend getaways

Hanover weekend getaways

Nuremberg weekend getaways

Bremen weekend getaways

Karlsruhe weekend getaways

Leipzig weekend getaways

Dresden weekend getaways

Muenster weekend getaways

Kiel weekend getaways

Rostock weekend getaways

Erfurt weekend getaways

Koblenz weekend getaways

Magdeburg weekend getaways

Mainz weekend getaways

Lübeck weekend getaways

Brunswick weekend getaways

Bielefeld weekend getaways

Bonn weekend getaways

Popular types of travel packages in düsseldorf, city breaks, cheap vacations, luxury holidays, multi-country trips, frequently asked questions, what are the must-see attractions during a weekend trip to düsseldorf, how far in advance should i book a weekend getaway in düsseldorf, can i customize my weekend getaway package to düsseldorf, what type of accommodations are available for a weekend getaway in düsseldorf, what kind of activities and experiences can i expect during a weekend break in düsseldorf, how much do weekend getaway packages to düsseldorf cost, what transportation options are available for weekend getaways in düsseldorf, how can i find affordable weekend getaway deals in düsseldorf, when is the best time to book a weekend getaway in düsseldorf, what is the cheapest month to go on a weekend getaway in düsseldorf.

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

One Day in Dusseldorf Itinerary – Top things to do in Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf, Germany, is one of the few cities in the world that, while rich enough in sights and sounds to fill out a whole season of traveling, is also perfect for an adventurous and wholesome one day itinerary. Whether you’re in the city for business or fun, you will find that there is a lot you can do in Dusseldorf in a day. In this article, we’ll share some fun facts about the city, as well as explore some of the fun things you can do and places you can go to while visiting.

Plan your trip to Dusseldorf

1. What’s the best time to visit Dusseldorf? 2. A few facts about Dusseldorf 3. One Day in Dusseldorf Itinerary 3.1. Start your day at Medienhafen 3.2. Climb the Rhine Tower 3.3. Walk the Rheinuferpromenade 3.4. Go window shopping in Konigsallee 3.5. Visit the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen 3.6. Have dinner in one of the restaurants 4. Where to stay in Dusseldorf, Germany 5. Day Trips from Dusseldorf 6. Extra tips for visiting Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf Itinerary Video Preview

What’s the best time to visit Dusseldorf?

As with many other cities around the world, the best time to visit Dusseldorf is greatly influenced by the weather. The months of September to December are especially good in this respect, followed by the period between May and June . These months include mild temperatures that make the city a pleasant experience.

A few facts about Dusseldorf

I know, for one, that I was curious about where the name ‘Dusseldorf’ comes from. It sounds very interesting. So, what are its origins? Many kilometers east of Dusseldorf are the sources of the Little Dussel River and the Dussel River. These two rivers meet and combine into one that flows west for many kilometers, until it splits into 4 rivers at a small delta which joins the Rhine.

It is that delta that defines the origins of Dusseldorf. It started as a small fishing village, known as a Dorf. Dusseldorf literally translates into “fishing village of the Dussel River”.

The city has a rich history and has been through a lot since its inception, going through many different regimes. It has been under the Romans, the Bergs, the Prussians, the French, the Nazis, the Allies, and the Federal Republic of Germany. It has been taken over, freed, demolished, and rebuilt many times over the hundreds of years since its inception.

Throughout its existence, the city has been a mainstay of politics, occupying a prominent position today as the administrative capital of the German state of Nordhein-Westfalen.

Today, Dusseldorf is a cultural center, not just a political one, and is one of the main places to go in Germany if you have a proclivity for the finer things in life. So sure are the inhabitants of this that they have been known to refer to their city as the cradle of culture. Quite frankly, after my visit there, I reckon the name is apt.

One Day in Dusseldorf Itinerary

There are quite a lot of things to see and do during your one day in Dusseldorf, no matter what time of year you visit. Here are the best among them – enjoy!

TIP:  Check out the best tours in Dusseldorf !

Start your day at Medienhafen

The name Medienhafen refers to the docks on the Rhine, which date back over a hundred years to the end of the 19 th century. The docks were a major part of the industrial boom of the city after the First World War. Take a walking tour of the harbor houses and see how the area has changed over time

The local industry began to wane in the twentieth century and, beginning in the ‘90s, it has morphed into an office district of sorts for media firms and fashion brands, though it has more than its fair share of cinemas, bars, and restaurants. So, starting your day here with a breakfast or morning coffee seems like a great idea, and Greger Cafe is the perfect place for that!

Climb the Rhine Tower

The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in Dusseldorf, and stands in the office district of Medienhafen, on its east side. It is a communications tower standing 240 meters tall, with a restaurant and observation deck at a height of 170 meters.

For a small fee of 9 Euros, you get to enjoy some of the most breathtaking panoramas you will ever experience. Also, if you come before 11 am or after 10 pm, that fee will only be 5 Euros, so it’s a perfect post-breakfast stop for your itinerary!

Walk the Rheinuferpromenade

The Rheinuferpromenade is a famous promenade on the right bank of the Rhine, and people love to come here and let their hair down when the sun comes out. It’s just north of the Medienhafen, so you can go for a nice stroll once you’re done there and enjoy the sun and the views. The walkway itself is well positioned so it gets sunshine no matter what time of day it is. If you decide to visit in the summer, you will be wowed by how similar the scene is to a Mediterranean destination.

Go window shopping in Konigsallee

Königsallee (known among the locals as Ko) is the defining luxury boulevard in Dusseldorf. It stands on either side of a canal, lined with beautiful trees, about a kilometer long, and there’s hardly a luxury brand whose shop you won’t find along it. For most people, Ko provides an excellent opportunity to do some window shopping while enjoying the ambiance and taking endless photos. However, if you feel like doing some real shopping, there’s not a famous brand you can’t find here.

Visit the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

The North Rhine Westphalia is an art museum that spans the K20 and K21 .

The K20 is a work of architectural art clad in granite. It contains art from different movements, including Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Dada, and New Objectivity, among others. The K21 contains works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Picasso, Ernst-Ludwig, Braque, and many others. For any art lover out there, this is simply a must!

Have dinner in one of the restaurants

As is the case with any great city, Dusseldorf has plenty of great restaurants to offer, and you’d really miss out on something special if you didn’t end the day in one of them.

Munstermann Kontor , for example, was featured in Michelin Guide for 2020, and it offers a great blend of traditional German dishes and French cuisine. Ristorante La Luce Due is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something Italian, and Oktopussy Bar & Restaurant (cool name, huh?) changes its menu on a daily basis and offers a great selection of wines.

Where to stay in Dusseldorf, Germany

  Adersstrasse 8, Karlstadt, 40215 Düsseldorf

The Fritz is a boutique hotel and culinary hotspot in the heart of Dusseldorf not far from the Königsallee and features a restaurant with a Michelin star! Comfortable and modern rooms come with a minibar and a private bathroom (among other things), so you can really enjoy yourself and relax here.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Capella Breidenbacher Hof 

Königsallee 11, Düsseldorf Centar, 40212 Düsseldorf,

Breidenbacher Hof takes luxury to the very highest level. This five-star fortress of decadence is right in the city center in an absolutely beautiful building. Big rooms, indoor pool, award-winning cocktails, excellent service… they’ve got it all here, so if you want to pamper yourself, this is most certainly the place.

Business Wieland Hotel

Wielandstr. 8, Düsseldorf Centar, 40211 Düsseldorf

Business Wieland Hotel is one of those places that don’t necessarily stand out that much but make you feel extremely glad you booked a room there. Every room is modern and very comfortable, plus it comes not only with a flat-screen TV but also a Samsung tablet, which can give you some great tips about the city. No matter if you’re here on business or not, you’ll enjoy your stay here!

  Immermannstr. 7, Düsseldorf Centar, 40210 Düsseldorf

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more affordable, BLK Hostel is ideal for those traveling on a limited budget. The rooms look amazing and are very clean, plus the rooms come with a flat-screen TV. On top of that, the location is great,very close to the city center. If you’re looking for a hostel in Dusseldorf, this is it.

Day Trips from Dusseldorf

Should you decide to spend more than one day in Dusseldorf, a day trip to some other place may be in order. There are plenty of fine locations to choose from, and here are a few excellent suggestions.

Spending one day in Cologne is certainly a great choice. It is among Germany’s oldest cities with remarkable architecture. Even though Cologne is most famous for its cathedral, which is definitely a must, there are lots of other places to attend, such as Karneval celebrations and the local brew Kölsch.

Hohenzollern Bridge is a tiered-arch bridge between the cathedral and KölnTriangle, which was restricted to rail and pedestrian traffic, so you can a great view on the city

The city is famous for the largest Designer Outlet Centre in the Benelux countries – Designer Outlet Roermond, where you may find lots of branded clothes for a fair enough price. Roermond is situated in the southeastern part of the Netherlands and it will take you only about an hour to get here by car.

Going to Duisburg you should visit the Innenhafen (Inner Harbour) and plan a trip to Landschaftspark and Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain . The walkable sculpture provides a magnificent view. On bright days, it is possible to see from the city center along the Rhine up to Düsseldorf. Distance from Düsseldorf to Duisburg is 23 kilometers, so you can easily reach it by car, bus or train.

Extra tips for visiting Dusseldorf, Germany

– Use the Rhine Tower to orient yourself while in the city. It’s a useful landmark for finding your way around.

– Dusseldorf is one of the most fashion-conscious cities in the world. Many of the establishments have an unwritten dress code that tends toward stylish, so dress to impress, especially when hanging around Ko.

– There are over 100 galleries in the city. They all have incredible art, so try to visit as many as you can.

– Counter-intuitively, Dusseldorf has lots of Japanese culture. It is home to the third largest Japanese community in Europe. The city celebrates the contributions of its immigrants with parties and fireworks displays toward the end of May. You can also find great Japanese food year-round in Schadowstrasse.

– Always have some cash in hand, no matter what you’re doing. There are very few establishments that take cards or mobile pay.

– You’ll have to be friendly to restaurant personnel and understand their ways. For example, the waiters only come to you when called, and in the right way. You don’t get to snap your fingers or whistle. You only get to raise your hands and wave in their direction. In breweries, a thumbs up gesture or simple eye contact is enough.

– To further the point, when walking on the streets, don’t mistake cold stares and the lack of greetings. The Germans are obstinately formal, and a polite stare is often as much of a greeting as you will ever get.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Emma Coffinet

Emma Coffinet is a content creator for websites, blogs, articles, white papers, and social media platforms. She has done gigs for Assignment Help UK , a dissertation writing service , as well as Best Dissertation Writing Service . She is keen on capturing the attention of a target audience. She keeps herself well-read with the changing trends of the web world. Emma loves to pen down her knowledge in an engaging and simplified way. She also enjoys leading, motivating and being part of a productive team. She is also equally comfortable working on her own initiative.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

6 Incredible Day Trips from Dusseldorf, Germany

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

From the industrial dreamscape of Zeche Zollverein to boutique shopping in Cologne, here are 6 incredible day trips from Dusseldorf for you!

I’ve just come back from travelling around Germany for 10 days and one of my favourite spots was Dusseldorf.

I have to admit I’m not the best at geography sometimes, but when I arrived in the city I quickly found out there were some great day trips from Dusseldorf, all just a short train ride away.

I’d heard of Cologne, Dortmund and Essen but I never realised they were so close together. That meant as soon as I arrived in Dusseldorf I wanted to explore all North Rhine-Westphalia had to offer. (That’s the name of the region where you’ll find all of these places by the way!)

Throw in some crazy industrial landscapes like Zeche Zollverein and Duisburg Landschaftspark (just wait until you see the photos) and you’ve got the making of a fantastic few days in and around Dusseldorf.

Planning a trip to Germany? Then make sure you check out my city guides to Berlin , Dresden , Stuttgart and the Bastei Bridge .

Make sure you check out my video below to see some of the best things to do in Düsseldorf and North Rhine-Westphalia.

My favourite Dusseldorf day trips

Düsseldorf is one of those cities that’s packed full of surprises.

There’s boundary-pushing architecture, an amazing nightlight with the “world’s longest bar”, and an art scene that can rival many higher-profile cities.

Also, it’s so easy getting to Dusseldorf. I hopped on a short 2-hour flight with Eurowings , and then the journey from Dusseldorf airport to the city centre is genuinely 10/15 minutes. It’s so quick and easy travelling from the airport that you’ll be sightseeing in no time at all.

Being the photographer I am, my favourite spot in the city was Neue Zollhof . These cluster of buildings were built by American architect Frank O. Gehry and they wouldn’t be out of place in among Gaudi’s more-famous buildings in Barcelona. Make sure you head here around sunset for some stunning views of the city.

However, as soon as you get out of the city there are some incredible day trips from Dusseldorf. As I said, it’s amazing how close a lot of these places are.

So, if you’re heading to North-Rhine Westphalia in Germany then these are the places near Dusseldorf I recommend you visit! Just don’t forget your camera bag.

Also, for those of you staying in the city, I really recommend this tour in Düsseldorf . On this tour you’ll learn all about Düsseldorf and it’s a great way of finding out some of the best things to do in the city.

Are you planning an amazing weekend in Dusseldorf? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Dusseldorf:

• Breidenbacher Hof (top rated 5* hotel)
• Stage 47 (top rated 4* hotel)
• B-Hotel (top rated 3* hotel)

Best activities and tours in Dusseldorf :

• Brewery Tour with Alt Beer Tastings (top activity in Dusseldorf)
• Culinary Soul Guided Tour
• Guided Tour with a Night Watchman

Best Days Trips from Dusseldorf

Zeche zollverein, essen.

What can I say about Zeche Zollverein . It’s this giant industrial playground that’s one of the most fascinating places I’ve been to in a very long time.

Zeche Zollverein is an old coal mining industrial complex just on the outskirts of Essen. The coal mine was first used in 1847 and quickly became the largest coal mine in the world. However, production at the site slowed down in the 1950s and came to a close in 1986.

Today, Zeche Zollverein has been transformed into this creative space with art installations, a couple of restaurants, a museum detailing the history of the area, and my favourite spot, an open-air swimming pool that’s oh so Instaworthy.

I spent the afternoon wandering around this huge complex taking snaps of everything. If you’re into architecture and symmetry then this place is a photographer’s paradise.

There are some really cool spots dotted around Zeche Zollverein. We found a swing hanging underneath the iron girders and the viewpoint at the top of the Ruhr Museum is worth it too.

Zeche Zollverein was actually voted as “the most beautiful coal mine in the world” (yes apparently that’s a thing). I think that says it all really! This is such an amazing one day trip from Dusseldorf. 

Zeche Zollverein is free to walk around and pop into a number of the buildings but the Ruhr Museum with the viewing platform costs €8 per person.

Belgian Quarter, Cologne

In my eyes Cologne is one of the trendiest places in North Rhine-Westphalia. It just exudes cool.

Getting from Dusseldorf to Cologne only takes 20 minutes on the fast train and they run every 10/15 minutes. This makes it a really fantastic day trip from Dusseldorf. In fact, it’s easy to do Cologne in just a few hours if you want to.

While I was there I spent the afternoon eating my way through and exploring the Belgian Quarter, Cologne’s shopping district.

This is an area that’s packed full of boutique shops, cool cafes, hipster bars and everything else in-between too.

The first place I headed to in the Belgian Quarter was to Poké Makai for some delicious poké. After that, Chloe really wanted to go shopping (who am I to lie, I did too…)

We found a couple of really cute shops like Schee which sold some awesome prints and kitsch decorations, and Magasin Populaire which Chloe really loved for their bright and vibrant dresses.

After that we headed off to Heilandt , a nice little coffee joint for an afternoon pick me up. After all the walking we’d been doing it was just what we needed.

To be honest with you, I could’ve spent all day wandering around the Belgian Quarter, and if you’re looking for some of the best independent shops in Germany than this is the place for you.

Benrath Palace, Benrath

Benrath Palace is without a doubt one of the most popular day trips from Düsseldorf.

Again, this is just a short 30-minute journey from the city centre and is on the way to Essen. I actually visited this place before heading onto Zeche Zollverein so it’s possible to do both in a day.

Benrath Palace is an elegant, ornate Baroque palace surrounded by the most beautiful gardens. I felt like I lost track of time here – it’s very easy to lose yourself in the majesty of this place for a few hours that’s for sure.

It’s hard to get a sense of the true size of the palace gardens, but on one side a long rectangular water feature is flanked by green forest, and on the other side is a giant lake that spreads out in front of the palace.

It’s quite hard to describe so hopefully the photos do it justice!

Benrath Palace was originally built for Prince-Elector Karl Theodor in 1770 as a ‘ maison de plaisance’ (a pleasure palace) for his wife. I think that’s more of a place to relax as opposed to a sex house…

Anyway, as most guys try and impress their wives, it does explain the feminine pink hues of the palace and the brightly coloured gardens surrounding it.

Today, Benrath Palace houses two museums open to the public, the Museum of European Garden Art in the east wing and the Museum of Natural History in the west wing.

In these museums you can enjoy an antique collection of artwork, paintings, sculptures, and other artefacts from the 18th century.

Duisburg Landschaftspark, Duisburg

This is another really popular Düsseldorf excursion, especially in the evenings. Duisburg Landschaftspark is another industrial wasteland, one that could be the set of a zombie film.

The Landschaftspark (landscape park) is about an hour from Dusseldorf and is a little harder to get to than the other places featured but I promise you it’s worth it.

Much like Zeche Zollverein, this place used to be an old coal and steel industrial plant before its closure in 1985. After is was completely abandoned, it was opened to the public as an art project in 1991.

Today, people come from all over the marvel at the industrial architecture. However, that’s only part of it.

Every evening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Duisburg Landschaftspark is lit up with blues, greens and reds as the whole place is illuminated by this colourful light installation.

It’s so eerie walking around here at night, shuffling through tunnels lit up in bright red before rounding a corner and seeing the old coal stacks dominate the skyline all shrouded in green. As I said, it’s very eerie.

This makes it the perfect place for some creative night photography – just make sure you bring your tripod with you to get those long-exposures! It really is such a cool spot and definitely a Dusseldorf day trip I’d recommend to anyone coming here.

Why do I think Bonn is one of the best day trips from Dusseldorf? BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE HARIBO COMES FROM!

Yes, I really would go out of my way for some sweets (and there’s nothing wrong with that…) At Bonn you can visit the Haribo factory and stock up on every type of Haribo imaginable. Haribo are the largest manufacturer of gummy sweets in the world and it is genuinely a tourist site in North Rhine-Westphalia.

If sweets aren’t really your thing, Bonn is one of the most historical cities in Germany . Bonn acted as capital of the country after WWII and helped shape a lot of modern-day Germany.

Bonn has likewise served as home to Beethoven and expressionist August Macke, both of whose former residences have been converted to museums fans can visit.

Basically, there are loads of things to do in Bonn that have nothing to do with sweets. But if you want to go there just for the sweets that’s fine too!

Dyck Castle

25 kilometres west of Dusseldorf you’ll find one of the best preserved castles in the Rhineland region – Dyck Castle .

The moat around the castle (yes there’s a moat) dates back to the 11 th century and up until 1999 the same family owned it for 900 years – how crazy is that!?

In 1999 Dyck Castle became an international centre for garden art and landscape design. The grounds captivate all with their themed and model gardens, wooded paths and meadows making this such a peaceful place to walk around.

For those looking for a little adventure there’s a high-rope course for climbing fans which I really recommend too. For me, this is a great short day trip from Dusseldorf that showcases what Germany is all about.

My trip to Germany was in association with Visit Germany , Visit Dusseldorf , North Rhine-Westphalia , Eurowings & Dusseldorf airport for their #GermanSummerStories campaign highlighting some of the best cities to visit in Germany in the summer. As always, views are entirely my own and without bias.

Are you planning any day trips from Dusseldorf? Do any of these catch your eye at all? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

View all posts

4 thoughts on “6 Incredible Day Trips from Dusseldorf, Germany”

As a resident of Dortmund, I can truly attest to the convenience of living in the North Rhine-Westphalia region for exploring other cities. It’s been wonderful to have access to such a wide variety of cultural experiences just a short train ride away. Zeche Zollverein in Essen is indeed an industrial playground and a photographer’s dream, it’s fascinating to see how they’ve transformed the old coal mine into a thriving cultural spot. And yes, a trip to the Belgian Quarter in Cologne is always a joy, the boutique shops and hipster cafes are simply unmatched! I highly recommend these trips for anyone visiting Dusseldorf or nearby cities.

Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it and I couldn’t agree more!

We’ve been to Cologne several times but I don’t think we’ve been in the Belgian Quarter. Mostly around Schildersgasse… Could you be more specific about where this area is? I’ve found that when we get to a specific city & ask around, people don’t always know where areas are or sometimes they call it by a different name. It sounds really cool…..

It’s just off the main shopping boulevards of Hohe Straße and Schildergasse. If you Google ‘Belgian Quarter’ it will take you to the area. Or, alternatively, aim for Cafe Belgique as that’s a cafe directly in the quarter.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

25 of the Best Day Trips From Düsseldorf 

Posted by Jenna Davis | Playing , Day Trips

Our blog posts may include affiliate links. These affiliate links don't cost you anything, but we might earn a few Euros if you decide to purchase something from one of our recommended website partners. Thank you for your support to help keep this platform up and running!

Now could not be a more perfect time to make the best out of local adventures and day trips, and I bet you didn’t know that all 25 of these amazing towns are less than a 1,5-hour drive from Düsseldorf!

Consider taking a couple of weekends a month to explore more than just your surroundings. Pack a day bag and a picnic and get out exploring.

Experience the Middle Ages in Zons 

Just around the corner from Düsseldorf is the beautiful little medieval town of Zons (next to Dormagen). You can take the ferry from Urdenbach by car/foot/bike if you’d like to make it a full adventure. Going to Zons feels like you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages. You can roam the perimeter of the city fortification, you can walk the tiny cobblestone streets, and you can visit the still-active wooden windmill.

How long does it take to get there? 30 minutes*

Spend a romantic day in Monschau

Monschau is located in the hills of Northern Eifel. This little town is covered with romantic half-timbered houses , narrow alleys, and the beautiful River Rur running through the center, much of which hasn’t been changed for over 300 years. You can take a short 10-minute hike up to the castle for a picture-perfect panoramic view, or you can explore the little alleyways and timbered houses up close.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour and 30 minutes*

Ride the Schwebebahn in Wüppertal 

Wüppertal is a place I always say is heavily underrated. If you have the time, I’d take the Schwebebahn around the city and make a pit stop at the Wuppertal Zoo which is one of the most beloved zoos around Germany.

How long does it take to get there? 35 minutes*

Check Out the Old Windmill of Xanten

Once you’ve visited, you’ll ask yourself how you haven’t made the visit to Xanten before. The old town is actually quite small which means you’ll definitely manage to explore the whole town in less than a day. There are some amazing restaurants in the market square, and if you walk the perimeter of the old town walls, you’ll find some incredible towers and a beautiful windmill.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour and 5 minutes*

Climb the hilly village of Kettwig

Kettwig is a stunning little village right outside of Essen which sits along the Ruhr River. The charm of this village comes from its preservation. Kettwig was one of few villages that didn’t take a hard hit from the second world war, thus leaving us some incredible aged architecture to admire. It is a hilly little down with a lot of charm, amazing restaurants, and beautiful nature.

Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

You may have heard people talk about the Ahr valley and the amazing selection of wines they offer in this incredible wine region. Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler is in the heart of the Ahr Valley and an incredible place to visit for the day (or weekend). From up in the valley, you can get some beautiful views of the old town below. If you walk the cobblestone streets around the old town, you’ll find plenty of traditional German restaurants, gorgeous half-timbered houses, and completely preserved medieval town walls.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour and 20 minutes*

Landschaftspark + Tiger & Turtle in Duisburg 

Duisburg is an easy tram ride away and still falls under the Düsseldorf transit system. While you may have heard in the past that Duisburg is none other than a place to live and work, it’s much more than that , I promise. For photographers and adventurers, Duisburg is absolutely incredible. Some of the must-visits include Landschaftspark and the Tiger & Turtle.

How long does it take to get there? 40 minutes*

Be a tourist in Cologne for the day 

If you haven’t been to Cologne yet, you haven’t explored at all. Cologne is usually everyone’s first stop to introduce themselves to their surroundings . You’re a Düsseldorfer now, so the least you can do is make a stopover for a little visit to compare the Kölsch to our Altbier and then check out their beautiful Kölner Dom.

How long does it take to get there? 50 minutes*

Neanderthal Valley and the Neanderthal Museum

The Neanderthal Valley is just outside of the city limits, some may actually say it’s in Düsseldorf, but technically, it’s not. The Neanderthal Valley is an incredible place to be if you have a passion for nature. You’ll find some of the best hikes here, and of course, one of my favorite museums in the world, the Neanderthal Museum .

How long does it take to get there? 25 minutes*

Roam the Old Town of Aachen 

Aachen is a city with thousands of years of history and the former place of residence of Charlemagne. This city has much to offer , from thermal baths to the oldest Cathedral in Germany which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip from Düsseldorf.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour and 10 minutes*

Hike Around the Baldeney Lake in Essen   

You might have recognized that in this particular post we stayed away from mentioning some of the major cities that we assume many of you have already visited, and instead, have focused on some beautiful hidden gems. Baldeney Lake in Essen is no secret, yet there are still so many people living in Düsseldorf who haven’t taken the time to hike around the lake. If you’re not up for a hike, you can also join a boat cruise, kayak around the river, or hang out at one of the city beaches.

How long does it take to get there? 45 minutes*

Zeche Zollverein in Essen

The Zeche Zollverein is an old coal mine industrial complex that they now use as an entertainment space and educational center for the public. Depending on the season, you’ll find live concerts, art exhibitions, an illuminated skating rink, a swimming pool, festivals, fairs, and tons of other cultural events.

Go Outlet Shopping in Roermond

Roermond is home to one of the largest shopping centers around Nordrhein Westfalen . You’ll be making a trip over the border into the Netherlands and while you can explore the scenery around, I’ve made the stop here for the sole purpose of shopping.

Schloss Drachenburg

The Schloss Drachenburg is a ruined castle built in 1138 and is now known as Drachenfels   (dragon’s rock). We managed to get a beautiful view when we headed a little upward following signs for Petersburg . You can spend a day roaming around the castle grounds without getting bored, otherwise, you can continue your journey along to the beautiful Mosel Valley .

Solingen – Schloss Burg

It’s not just the visit to Schloss Burg that will make your day trip experience an amazing one. If you park by the Müngsten Bridge and go on a short hike through the forest, you’ll be amazed at what you might have missed had you of headed just to the castle. Once the hiking trail ends, you’ll enter this beautiful little old town. In the old town, you will find the chair lift that takes you up to the top of Schloss Burg.

Visit Beethoven’s house in Bonn

Bonn is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is located along the Rhein River. You could spend the day walking along the pathway following the Rhine River, or you can choose to cut your walk short and head onward to the old town to explore some more . It’s worth walking about the old town and taking a look at Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthplace in 1770.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour*

Wander the Old Town of Thorn

Thorn is one of the few out-of-country towns mentioned in this blog post, and for a good reason! Thorn is a gorgeous little Dutch village that lies on the Witbeek and Meuse Rivers. Many people consider Thorn to be the “white village” because most of the old brick townhouses have been painted white. If you’re a fan of pancakes like I am, they also have one of the best pancake restaurants !

Freudenberg

Aha! I saved this one for later in the post to keep you scrolling. I found out about Freudenberg a few years ago and fell in love immediately (I mean before I actually even got there). While Freudenberg is quite a small town with not much going on for tourists and visitors, the view alone is worth the visit. This is one of the most beautiful half-timbered villages I have found thus far in Germany.

Go for a nature escape in the Eifel National Park

We mentioned that Monschau is located just along the northern hills of the Eifel, but there is so much more to be explored in the Eifel. Besides Monschau, we’ve yet to make the best out of this beautiful destination so close to Düsseldorf. Like many of you, we’ve seen the spectacular Burg Eltz , but there are many more places we’d still like to discover.

Movie Park in Bottrop  

Bottrop is a city worth visiting on its own, but c’mon, who doesn’t love a day trip to the theme park? Movie Park is a theme park spread across 40 hectares and has 7 different themed areas in the park all based on TV shows and famous movies.

Explore the University City of Kleve

Kleve is a German city located right along the Dutch border. It is home to an incredible international university (if you don’t decide to go to one of Düsseldorf’s English universities ) which also makes it a great place for nightlife during the school semesters.

We haven’t been yet, but there are many places we’re planning on visiting including Schloss Moyland, the Schwanenburg Castle, and the Grenzland-Draisine (which is just outside of Kleve).

When we do manage to visit, we will update this post with new photos!

Embrace the Netherlands in Maastricht

Maastricht is also no secret , and conveniently also just a 1,5-hour bus ride away (which is often 5-10 Euros). We’ve booked our bus tickets to Maastricht 3 times but either missed the bus or had something else come up. So, as soon as we manage to make a successful trip there, we will upload some awesome photos. Until then, here are a few places I’d like to visit while I’m there: Basilica of Saint Servatius, Book Store Dominicanen, and Mount Saint Peter.

Mönchengladbach

Call me crazy, but I  still  haven’t been to Mönchengladbach and yet everyone tells me it’s a beautiful city worth exploring and is extremely close to Düsseldorf. There’s Schloss Rheydt, the Abteiberg Museum, Bunter Garten, and Odenkirchen Zoo, all of which I haven’t had the chance to visit yet.

Home of the St. Paulus Dom cathedral and the Prinzipalmarkt square, welcome to Münster. Münster is a beautiful place worth visiting, that I still have yet to make the trip to. When I do get there I will be sure to explore all there is to explore including the St. Lamberti Church, Schloss Münster, and the Picasso Art Museum.

How long does it take to get there? 1 hour and 45 minutes*

Phantasialand in Brühl  

Phantasialand is another theme park quite close to Düsseldorf that I’ve heard is worth visiting – still on my bucket list. They have 40 different attractions and multiple different themed parks within the grounds.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

New to Germany? Join our Welcome Program ! Want to join our author team? Send us an email !  Join our Life in Düsseldorf | Expats & Locals Community group and register for our newsletter (packed with the hottest events, seasonal activities, upcoming job opportunities and more)!

About The Author

Jenna Davis

Jenna is a freelance travel writer, social media consultant, and marketing manager. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Jenna swapped her Canadian lifestyle for the city life in Düsseldorf, Germany back in 2014. Would you like to be a guest author on Life in Düsseldorf? Send us a message at [email protected] .

Related Posts

Nacht der Museen | What to Expect at Düsseldorf’s Night of the Museums

April 9, 2019

Exploring La Meuse: Unveiling 4 of Belgium’s Most Beautiful Hidden Gems

September 12, 2023

20 of the Coolest University Courses Offered Online for FREE

May 28, 2020

Weekend Getaway: The Charming City of Aachen

April 12, 2017

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Best Weekend Getaways From...

The Best Weekend Getaways from Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf’s proximity to both the Dutch and Belgian borders makes it ideal for weekend trips to its neighbouring countries; even within Germany, there’s plenty to explore. From Zeeland’s sandy beaches to Antwerp’s architectural treasures and Germany’s ski resorts, these are the best weekend getaways from Düsseldorf.

Building, Cathedral, Museum

Münster is a lovely town less than 90 minutes away from Düsseldorf . Gabled townhouses line the main square of Prinzipalmarkt, which is at the centre of the shopping district where you can browse the many boutiques and have a coffee at one of the cafés. The most notable sights include the city’s cathedral, the town hall and the Picasso museum . On a sunny day, the town is best explored on a bike which you can rent at any of the rental shops across the city.

Münster, Germany

Münster Cathedral | © HK2710/Pixabay

2. Zandvoort

3. Middelburg

This Dutch town on the Walcheren peninsula has the perfect setup for a shopping and beach day combo. Middelburg’s pedestrian area is lined with cute boutiques, shops and cafés but the city also has some cultural sights in store, such as the grand Gothic town hall. Combine your stay with a visit to one of the nearby beaches for a well-rounded weekend trip.

Middelburg, Netherlands

Street in Middelburg | © djedj/Pixabay

5. Winterberg

You can spend Düsseldorf’s rainy autumn and winter months either exploring the city’s museums and galleries or head east to the Sauerland region for some wintery adventures. With its heavy snowfall, Winterberg becomes a winter sports Mecca of ski slopes, a bobsled arena, ski jump rails and cross-country trails that are sure to make for an active weekend. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack your skiing poles as all equipment can be rented on site.

Winterberg, Germany

Winterberg ski lift | © hpgruesen/Pixabay

6. Amsterdam

Amsterdam makes it onto pretty much every travel-themed bucket list. Whether it’s the wild nightlife, the cultural sights, the shopping or the iconic canals and bridges that draw you to the Dutch capital, a weekend’s worth of exploring won’t disappoint. Direct trains from Düsseldorf get you there in under three hours.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you decide to take the train rather than a car, you can tick one of this city’s major sights off your list as soon as you arrive. Antwerpen-Centraal is one if Antwerp’s major landmarks but not the only one with such impressive architecture. Spend the weekend exploring the cultural sights, indulging in Belgian treats and beer and having dinner in an old military hospital chapel at The Jane.

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp Centraal Station | © Skitterphoto/Pixabay

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in thuringia, germany.

Architecture

Breathtakingly beautiful buildings in germany.

See & Do

Craft and culture in the lesser-known gems of eastern germany.

Guides & Tips

Top tips for travelling in germany.

The Story Behind Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bavaria

A Voyage Through Germany: the Lowdown on River Cruising

The Best Spa Hotels in Baden-Baden

Places in Germany for History Lovers

The Best Hotels in Germany for Every Traveller

Stay Curious: Experience Germany From Your Living Room

The Best Hotels to Book in Garmisch for Every Traveller

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1729047
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 5 best day trips from Düsseldorf

Seen all there is to see in Düsseldorf? Check out these adventure-packed day trips both within and across the border.

In the heart of western Europe, Düsseldorf is a great jumping-off point for exploring huge swathes of the continent. In two hours by train you can be in Brussels; in three, Amsterdam. The world really is on Düsseldorf’s doorstep.

But there are also incredible options closer to home. Düsseldorf boasts day excursions that’ll have you admiring the arts or getting a feel for that uniquely German notion of waldeinsamkeit —being alone in the woods.

The happening arts scene of Cologne and political hub of Bonn are just a short southbound train away. Cross the border west and you’ve got Eindhoven, the Netherlands’ eastern design capital, and up north you’ve got the Ruhr Metropol – the three cities that comprise the Ruhrgebiet’s cultural capital. No matter which trip you choose, there’s plenty to see and do just outside the city.

RECOMMENDED: 📍  The 10 best attractions in Düsseldorf 🏛  The 19 best things to do in Düsseldorf

An email you’ll actually love

Day trips from Düsseldorf

1.  Cologne

Germany’s fourth largest city and home to communities from around the world, Cologne  (or Köln) is diverse and captivating. Bisected by the Rhine river, the city stretches out across nearly 100 square kilometers, making it impossible to cover everything in just one day. While most visitors head straight for the Gothic cathedral (the Dom) that inspired Notre Dame, getting out into the neighborhoods will give you a better feel for the city and its inhabitants—including urban artists and prominent thinkers. Keup Strasse in the Muehlheim district will have you feeling like you’ve taken a trip to Little Istanbul. Street art and food truck festivals in Ehrenfeld will give you a view of the city’s younger, hipper side. Or put on your walking shoes and tour the galleries, museums and shops, which draw art-loving tourists from around the world. 

As the stomping grounds for many local celebrities and media professionals, the Belgian Quarter and streets surrounding Brusselerplatz are full of lively restaurants. Try the Indonesian curries at Warung Bayu; grab a coffee or grappa at Cafe Noa; snap up Insta-worthy sushi at Daikan or brunch at one of three Cafe Schmitz locales on Aachener Strasse.

You can pop into any old brewery or corner pub and grab a glass of the local brew Kölsch, which is traditionally served in two-centiliter glasses. Or you can head to the late-night club district in Ehrenfeld and party like a rock star (and the German football team) does at Halle Tor 2, an indoor/outdoor late night techno venue that draws all the local celebrities.

With one of the largest collections of pop art in the world, the Museum Ludwig (right beside the Cologne Cathedral) is an important contemporary art museum that also houses classic works by abstract expressionists including Paul Klee and Max Ernst. Rotating exhibitions draw young crowds, as do evenings with techno music in the foyer or art films shown throughout the week at the adjacent Film Forum. 

Named after a local arts and fashion magazine, the Qvest Hotel is a well-kept secret catering to the design-conscious in the Gereon Quarter. Each room is unique, with design elements including cross vaults or hand-painted wooden ceilings dating back to 1390 and invaluable artworks throughout the property.

If you do just one thing…

It should be a visit to the uber-creepy bone room at St. Ursula’s church just north of the main train station. One of the city’s 12 Romanesque churches which originally date back to around the 12th century, St. Ursula and its collection of bones are said to hold the secrets to the city’s history and tell the legendary story of the church’s patron saint, a virgin said to have sacrificed herself so the city would not fall to heathens.

2.  Eindhoven

Thanks to the Schengen agreement, day trips across the Dutch-German border have become increasingly easy. It’s also not uncommon for locals to travel between Düsseldorf and several eastern Dutch cities, like Maastricht and Herleen. The biggest of these southeastern cities, however, is Eindhoven, a city of 200,000 residents that still feels like a small town. Surrounded by farmland and fantastic nature, Eindhoven draws a young crowd thanks to its internationally-acclaimed arts university. A new revitalization project in former Phillips warehouses known as Strijp-S has done a lot to give the city a hip edge.

Close to the Van Abbemuseum, Dijk9 is a happy medium in a city where there are Michelin-recommended restaurants alongside turn-and-burns. The continental menu allows for smaller meals or you can select up from an ever-changing set menu that goes up to five courses. 

No college town would be complete without a plethora of pubs and nightclubs and Eindhoven is no different. There are two main drinking areas: Stratumseind, where the younger crowd hangs out, and De Bergen, which is for older folks. If you could only choose one bar, though, make it De Vooruitgang, a forward-thinking restaurant/nightclub housed in a beautiful centuries-old building at the market square.

The warehouse district at Strijp-S is a must-stop. Open Wednesday to Saturday, the converted factories house shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, a skate park and a film studio.

The joke around town is that Phillips brought light to Eindhoven when the electrics company first opened its factories over 125 years ago. The landmark Phillips Light Tower has since been converted into the Inntel Arts Eindhoven Hotel , a central place to stay with a uniquely Dutch design touch.

Make it a stopover at the Van Abbemuseum. Dutch Design Week may draw in visitors from around the globe, but if you’re keen on seeing what’s on in the contemporary art world, the Van Abbemuseum has an unsurpassed collection and does a bang-up job on creating thought-provoking rotating exhibitions.

3.  Neanderlandsteig

Germany is an underrated hiking destination; the farmlands and forests around Düsseldorf provide just a sampling of what the country offers in the way of wooded trails for all ability and fitness levels. One of the lengthiest trails is the Neanderland Steig, which consists of 17 legs that make up 235 kilometers of trails. Located east of Düsseldorf in Kreis Mettman, the Neanderlandsteig is a relatively flat series of trails that you can enter at any stage and will see you stumbling upon castles, churches and even a World War Two-era bunker.

Before heading out on the trails, be sure to check locally for dining options as in the rural areas food is often only served on weekends or holidays. That being said, you’re guaranteed to find something in the town of Ratingen, which has the Gut Hoehne, a converted farm with thoughtful organic dishes.   

Germans think beer goes with everything, but they’re especially fond of a frothy one after a long day of exercise. Feel the same way? The Frankenheim Brauhaus in Essen’s Kettwig neighbourhood should be right up your alley.

Hike, hike, hike. While the trails run near larger cities like Solingen and Wuppertal, the real reason to visit the area is for the exquisite nature you can only by crossing the moors and prairies on foot. If the weather doesn’t cooperate or you need a break from the trek, check out the Mona Mare thermal baths in Monheim am Rhein for a rejuvenating soak.

It’s not every day you get to stay in a castle whose history can be traced back to the eighth century. Although the knight’s abode on the outskirts of Essen that now houses Schlosshotel Hugenpoet dates to 1647, amidst the Thirty Years’ War, the building’s impressive exterior and lengthy story is a reminder of the area’s history.

Visit the Neanderthal Museum, where you can see the artifacts of the ancient former inhabitants of the region and which have given them their name.

4.  Ruhr Metropole

The Ruhrgebiet region doesn’t attract much attention outside of western Germany, but you might’ve heard of the cities that comprise it. Do Essen, Bochum, Dortmund or Duisburg ring any bells? Although separate, distinct cities, they share a common history of heavy industry and coal mining. The coal mines, steel plants and power plants are no longer in use but their industrial aesthetic has been repurposed to create a cultural destination worthy of international attention. The Zollverein in Essen is a converted coal refining facility – one of several mixed-use culture spaces in the area – which now hosts concerts, sporting events and a museum dedicated to the Ruhrgebiet’s history. 

The economic miracle of the ‘50s brought migrants from southern Europe to the area and their impact is still felt in the cuisine of the region. Ruhr Bodega/Zur Alten Post on the lakefront in Bochum is a great example of how cultures combine to create something extraordinary – Spanish tapas in a German beer garden atmosphere. 

There’s no shortage of breweries in the Ruhr region; in Essen, the best place to get your drink on is at Webster Brauhaus, which also serves standard German pub fare.

Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord is a remarkable response to the region’s polluted history and shows just how well Germany confronts its past. An abandoned industrial area was converted into an urban leisure-time oasis, complete with climbing walls, a diving facility inside an old gasometer, a children’s play area and art installations that reflect the aging industrial architecture. 

It doesn’t get any more kitsch than the Road Stop Dortmund  hotel, an homage to “all things American” with rooms dedicated to US pop culture. The Bar & Grill restaurant has Harleys as decoration and each room is uniquely themed, with names like the Jail House Cell and Jim Beam Log Cabin. 

Buy tickets to a BVB football game. A visit to the Borussia Dortmund stadium will give you great insight into how attached the German working class is to footy.

5.  Bonn

For 50 years, Bonn was the capital of West Germany and played an important role in reconstructing the country after World War Two. Remnants of those days remain in the city: there’s history everywhere you look. Although most federal business has shifted to Berlin, some ministries and think-tanks can still be found in the sleepy Federal Quarter. Butting up to the Rhine river, the Federal Quarter is where you’ll find the UN offices, broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the World Conference Center (housed in the former parliamentary chambers), the Federal Art Museum (Bundeskunsthalle) as well as the castle-like President’s home—a beautiful building that is rarely used. Bonn has likewise served as home to Beethoven and expressionist August Macke, both of whose former residences have been converted to museums fans can visit. And like many German cities, the city center around the main train station has been pedestrianized, making shopping a favorite pastime for locals. In the summer and during Beethoven Fest, the market square framed by the colorful rococo facaded Old Post Office frequently becomes an open-air concert hall.  

The residential Poppelsdorf neighbourhood near the Poppelsdorf Castle doesn’t have many touristy sites, though what it lacks for sightseeing, it makes up for in drinking and dining options. A favorite among students and young professionals is Cafe Von und Zu, which serves inexpensive tapas and small dishes that reflect the city’s global worldview. 

Despite being a university city, Bonn doesn’t see much late-night action. But that shouldn’t stop you from grabbing a beer at the riverside beer garden Alter Zoll, near the university’s main building. Only open when the weather permits, the beer garden is popular for its green location and all-ages approach to leisurely daytime drinking. 

Although not Bonn exactly, the suburb of Bruehl is home to a Unesco World Heritage palace Schloss Augustusburg , which once acted as the government’s official location for receiving prominent guests like Queen Elizabeth. Take a guided tour and then head out into the surrounding gardens and forest for a walk to the gilded hunting lodge of an eighteenth century archbishop.

There are plenty of hotels for business travelers, but for those looking for something off the beaten path there’s BaseCamp Bonn , which is located just south of the Federal Quarter. A converted warehouse, Base Camp is filled with Airstreams and retro mobile homes so you get your own little home on wheels without the inconveniences of camping and poor weather.

Pay a visit to the Museum of Contemporary German History (Haus der Geschichte), a free archive that will lead you through the history of modern-day Germany. The self-guided tour will take you from the end of the war and hometown hero Konrad Adenauer’s plans for the republic through the German love affair with cars and confrontations with its past as a divided nation up until today.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Android app
• Time Out Worldwide

Weekend getaway Düsseldorf

City trip to düsseldorf with ice international.

• From € 20 one-way trip with ICE International
• Within 2.12 hours to the heart of Düsseldorf
• Travel quickly and in comfort
• Directly from Amsterdam

Quickly to the heart of Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is probably not the first city you’ll think of when planning a city trip. For many, a weekend to Düsseldorf is therefore a voyage of discovery. For years, Düsseldorf has been among the most desirable cities in the world with respect to quality of life. This city has historic districts as well as districts with modern influences and a beautiful harbour and promenade besides the Rhine. A weekend Düsseldorf offers something for everyone.

Transportation

With the Welcome Card that is available in Düsseldorf, you can travel around the city for free with public transportation and you will get a lot of discount at different museums, tourist attractions and other leisure activities. Düsseldorf is located along the Rhine and you can discover the city per boat and see it from an entirely different perspective.

Cultural Düsseldorf

A majority of Düsseldorf’s historic heritage was lost during the war, but thanks to the way it was rebuilt, the city has regained much of its cosy, historic and classic look. The combination of historic and modern gives the city a certain diversity that cannot be found elsewhere. Visiting the Aldtstadt during your stay will give you an even better picture of this.

The Palace and Benrath Park

The same atmosphere can be found at the palace and park of Benrath in Düsseldorf as Versailles. Benrath Palace lies in the southern district of Düsseldorf that holds the same name and was built between 1756 and 1773 by Nicolas de Pigage. The palace is a true piece of art that combines art, landscape and nature. If you like art and historic buildings, then you will certainly want to visit this palace.

With a guide through the city

You can learn more of the city’s history and visit one of the many museums in Düsseldorf by taking a guided tour. For example, you could take a stroll through the trendy district Medienhafen, which is located besides the Rhine and is a stronghold of modern architecture and media. And if you want to go shopping you can visit the area surrounding of the King Allee.

Beer tasting Düsseldorf

Germany and beer are synonyms. A trip to Düsseldorf is therefore not complete if you haven’t tasted a Düsseldorfer Alt. Visit one of the many breweries in the old part of Düsseldorf and get acquainted with this dark, spicy type of beer.

Brauerei im Füchschen : Ratingerstraße 28 Hausbrauerei Zum Schlüssel : Bolkerstraße 41-47 Brauerei Schumacher : Oststraße 123 Brauerei Uerige : Berger Strasse 1

Tips to book cheap train tickets

Do you want to and can you book far in advance? Then choose the ticket with the lowest fare. The best rate for the price-conscious travellers.

General tips for getting the cheapest tickets

• Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
• Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
• For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
• Book online to avoid booking fee.

Tips to get the best rates

Walking tours Düsseldorf

Feel like shopping in Düsseldorf? Then download the Düsseldorf shopping tour! More interested in architecture? Stroll through the Altstadt along the Rhine.

ICE International

ICE International brings you directly across the border to twelve stations in Germany and one in Switzerland.

Zoo in Düsseldorf

Visit the aquarium or the zoo. Fun for young and old.

Hotels in Düsseldorf

Spend the night in the city centre, in a cheap hotel or in a special location. Read about it in our tips.

Tips Düsseldorf

We offer 10 tips for an unforgettable city break in Düsseldorf.

Shopping in Düsseldorf

We reveal the best shopping streets and department stores in Düsseldorf.

10 museums in Düsseldorf

Are you interested in art, culture or history? For you, we have listed the 10 best museums in Düsseldorf.

Restaurants in Düsseldorf

There are plenty of good restaurants in Düsseldorf. We have listed the best ones.

Düsseldorf Airport

To reach Düsseldorf Airport you can travel with ICE International to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof where you change trains.

Weekend Getaways near Düsseldorf

Green racket: DC mayor took ‘economic development’ trip to Masters on taxpayers’ dime

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser may want a mulligan on this one.

The Democrat took a taxpayer-funded “sports and economic development” trip to last week’s Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga.

Bowser, 51, announced the jaunt on her public schedule and a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office confirmed that DC residents paid for all related travel expenses to get inside the gates at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club, DC News Now reported .

Susana Castillo, Bowser’s communications director, told the outlet that the mayor was invited by Jodie McLean and Deborah Ratner Salzberg, who are co-chairs of a city task force “to revitalize the Gallery Place and Chinatown Neighborhood.”

The spokeswoman did not disclose the total cost of the more than 500-mile flight south, nor did she immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

“No matter where I am, my team is working and always in touch with me at a moment’s notice,” Bowser added in a statement of her own to DC News Now.

The mayor has faced sharp criticism for her handling of a crime spike in the nation’s capital before pivoting last fall amid mass resignations by city police — including former chief Robert Contee III .

Violent crime surged 39% in the nation’s capital from 2022 to 2023, with homicides rising 35% and robberies up a whopping 67%.

In two recent high-profile incidents, armed carjackers stole the vehicles of an FBI agent and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), while a former federal official in the Trump administration was shot and killed by another car thief in February.

Bowser embraced the Black Lives Matter movement during the riots that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, but reversed course in 2023 to fight the city council over a radical crime bill that lightened sentencing for robberies, carjackings and other gun-related felonies.

Last year, she also opposed a progressive policing law that hampered officers’ ability to apprehend suspects and increased disciplinary measures, making them “scared to do their job,” according to Bowser.

The crime spike had briefly threatened a $515 million deal with Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who entertained moving the NBA and NHL teams to a new northern Virginia arena before reaching an agreement with Bowser to stay in the nation’s capital.

It’s unclear what other projects Bowser may be pursuing in Chinatown.

“As mayor, I frequently attended meetings and events to foster economic development, strengthen partnerships, and build rapport with people interested in investing in our city,” DC councilman Vincent Gray, who served a single term as mayor before being unseated by Bowser in the 2014 Democratic primary, told DC News Now.

“I met with people in countless venues, be they overseas, in downtown DC conference rooms, or sometimes at high-profile gatherings,” he said. “I see no controversy in travel that is intended to promote the District in furtherance of opportunity that benefits residents and local businesses.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

The Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend — With Up to 18 Shooting Stars Per Hour

It's the first of 2 meteor showers happening this spring.

Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more.

Getty Images

The next few weeks are busy with meteor showers, including the Lyrids’ peak this weekend — a show that could bring eye-popping fireballs, depending on the conditions. The Lyrid meteor shower, which peaks overnight from April 21-22, is the first of two spring meteor showers; the second, the Eta Aquariids, will peak in early May.

This weekend’s event could produce up to 18 streaking Lyrids per hour in peak conditions, according to NASA . Unfortunately, it hits during a bright waxing gibbous moon, which will make viewing trickier — but all is not lost. If you’re in a dark-sky destination from April 21-22, it’s still worth giving the Lyrids a go.

 Here’s how and when to watch the 2024 Lyrid meteor shower, plus when to catch the next one.

What Makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower Special?

Debris and particles from Comet Thatcher create the Lyrids, an annual spring meteor shower known for vibrant fireballs (astonishingly bright meteors), as well as spontaneous outbursts. During the latter — which occurs when the shower generates an eye-popping number of shooting stars — happens roughly every 60 years, according to EarthSky . The next outburst isn’t expected to hit until 2042.

How to See the 2024 Lyrid Meteor Shower

The full 2024 Lyrid meteor shower runs from April 14 to 30, with peak activity striking between the Sunday and Monday night, according to The Planetary Society . Point your eyes toward the constellation Lyra to watch for the spectacle. It will rise above the northeast horizon around 10 p.m. While stargazers can technically view the Lyrid meteor shower from the southern hemisphere, it is easiest to observe it from the northern hemisphere.

 Will 2024 be a Good Year for the Lyrid Meteor Shower?

This year, the bright moon, which will be out all night, will likely obscure many streaking meteors. Increase your odds of catching the show by watching from a stargazing-friendly destination — here are some of our favorite dark-sky getaways . Or, hold out just a bit longer to enjoy another spring meteor shower — the Eta Aquariids — which will peak near the dim, near-new moon on May 6.

House Republicans release aid bills for Israel and Ukraine, eyeing weekend House votes

WASHINGTON — Facing a divided party and pressure to act, House Speaker Mike Johnson rolled out three bills Wednesday to provide assistance to Israel , Ukraine and Taiwan , with the hope of holding final votes on Saturday.

The bills represent a major test of Johnson’s ability to navigate a thicket of political and global challenges with a wafer-thin majority. And it comes as Johnson, R-La., faces a serious threat to his gavel from Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene , R-Ga., and Thomas Massie , R-Ky.

Johnson's biggest challenge is Ukraine funding , an issue that has bitterly divided the GOP. He has been squeezed by conservative security hawks who want to help Ukraine fend off Russia’s aggression and by an empowered isolationist wing that is feeding off former President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO and prior Ukraine aid measures.

Multiple Republicans say they oppose any funding for Ukraine, meaning that a significant share of Democrats will be required to carry that measure over the finish line. Many of the provisions in the bills resemble the package passed by the Senate in one bundle, which Johnson rejected and refused to put to a House vote.

In a message to members before releasing the legislation, Johnson said there would be "three bills that will fund America’s national security interests and allies in Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine, including a loan structure for aid , and enhanced strategy and accountability."

He said Republican leadership will come forward with an amendment process "alongside a fourth bill that includes the REPO Act ," which is aimed at seizing Russian assets to benefit Ukraine; the House-passed bill to ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it divests from its China-based owner; as well as "sanctions and other measures to confront Russia, China, and Iran."

“We expect the vote on final passage on these bills to be on Saturday evening,” Johnson said in a text message obtained by NBC News.

He said there will also be a "border security bill that includes the core components of H.R.2" — a conservative, House-passed immigration bill — moving under a separate process. That measure serves as a sweetener for reticent conservatives who are unhappy that the aid bills don't include domestic immigration provisions.

Swift conservative pushback

Multiple House conservatives pushed back immediately on social media Wednesday after Johnson's message went out, complaining that the border measures weren't directly tied to Ukraine funding.

"The Republican Speaker of the House is seeking a rule to pass almost $100 billion in foreign aid — while unquestionably, dangerous criminals, terrorists, & fentanyl pour across our border. The border 'vote' in this package is a watered-down dangerous cover vote. I will oppose," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, wrote on X .

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., the most recent chair of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, said: "Anything less than tying Ukraine aid to real border security fails to live up to @SpeakerJohnson's own words just several weeks ago. Our constituents demand — and deserve — more from us."

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, earlier called aid to Ukraine unnecessary, saying: “I’m not giving them a nickel today, tomorrow or next week."

“Putin is not going into Poland. I don’t care what you say. Besides, anyway, it doesn’t really matter because ... when Donald Trump wins, Putin’s leavin’. Putin’s leavin’ Ukraine,” Nehls said ahead of the bill’s release, without explaining his logic.

House Democrats have repeatedly called on Johnson to bring up a Senate-passed foreign aid package instead, calling it the best — if not only — path to getting a bill on Biden's desk. They have posted a "discharge petition" with 195 signatories to end-run Johnson and force a vote on that bill. It needs 218 votes to come up, meaning it will need the backing of some Republicans in addition to Democrats.

At a Wednesday meeting with Democrats, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., told members that they need to use their “personal relationships” with Republicans to garner support for the discharge petition, according to two people familiar with her comments.

Treasury Secretary Yellen dials up pressure

At a bilateral meeting later Wednesday with Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plans to dial up the pressure on House Republicans to act.

“The failure of House Republicans to act to support Ukraine in this pivotal moment of the war for so long has been inexcusable—and detrimental to our national security,” Yellen will say, according to a Treasury source. “Every moment of delay by House Republicans strengthens Putin and emboldens America’s adversaries around the world who are closely watching to see if we, the United States, maintains its resolve to support a democratic Ukraine as it fends off an autocratic Russia.”

Meanwhile, Greene has not said when she might force a vote on her "motion to vacate" the speaker's chair, which would take a simple majority to remove Johnson from his job. Her effort gained a cosponsor in Massie on Tuesday, who predicted Johnson would be voted out.

It's not clear the votes are there to oust Johnson. Many conservatives, including some who voted to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have not joined the effort to oust Johnson. Some Democrats have also said they'll vote to protect Johnson from a motion to depose him.

But Massie said that would only hurt his standing with the GOP in the long term.

“Then he goes further in the hole with Republicans. He becomes toxic to the conference. For every Democrat who comes to his aid he’ll lose 2 to 3 more Republicans,” Massie said. “He doesn’t have much shelf life after that.”

Johnson struck a defiant tone Tuesday when asked about the threat to his gavel, calling it “absurd” while saying he’s “not concerned” about the motion and will continue to do his job.

Sahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

Rebecca is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the House.