If you’re wondering, is Düsseldorf worth visiting? It’s a valid question. This guide breaks down what to expect when visiting Düsseldorf, Germany.
Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s largest cities, clocking in with a population of over 600,000, and is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, a state in Germany. The city is best known for its arts and fashion scene, the largest community of Japanese people living abroad, and its scenic locale along the Rhine River.
Although that sounds pretty impressive, you’re probably still wondering if Düsseldorf is worth visiting. And I have to be honest and say it depends! It depends on how much time you have in Germany, how far you have to travel, and your interests.
For 3.5 years, I lived about two hours from Düsseldorf in a charming little town outside Trier in Germany’s scenic Mosel River Valley. During that time, Düsseldorf was a fun getaway with fabulous shopping, better access to delicious food, and a great city break.
But to help you decide for yourself, here I share more about my feelings on Dusseldorf, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do!
Read more: Pros and Cons of Living in Germany
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Is Düsseldorf Worth Visiting?
Admittedly, I wouldn’t name Düsseldorf in a top 10 list of best places to visit in Germany. However, it is a fun destination for those who appreciate a city break, good eats, and a taste of Asian culture. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife.
If you have extended time in Germany, are living here, or the below things to do interest you, I’d say yes, Düsseldorf is worth visiting!
But I recommend saving it for round two if you’re spending less than two weeks in Germany.
Read more: When is the Worst Time to Visit Germany?
How to Get to Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is located in the lower Rhine basin of western Germany, about a 45-minute drive south of Cologne. Depending on where you’re coming from and your plans, you have a few options to get to Dusseldorf.
By Bus: It’s possible to get to Düsseldorf via bus from many of Germany’s primary tourist destinations. You can hop aboard the very affordable FlixBus, or you can check possible other routes on GetByBus, a platform much like Skyscanner but for buses.
By Train: Taking the train in Germany is another convenient option, especially to Dusseldorf, which has a central station. You can check routes and prices at the Deutsche Bahn website. The trains in Germany are much more expensive than buses, but usually quicker.
By Car: Driving is another option. Road tripping in Germany is relatively easy and similar to driving in the U.S. The city has many public parking garages, and some hotels have private parking too.
Once in Dusseldorf, walking from attraction to attraction is as easy as pie. The city also has excellent public transportation, including buses and trams.
Your other option is the hop-on hop-off bus, a convenient way to visit Dusseldorf’s top attractions.
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Where to Stay in Düsseldorf
If you decide to spend some time in Dusseldorf, here are some of the best places to stay. Special shoutout to Ruby Luna, where we stayed. We loved its artsy vibes and budget-friendly pricing without sacrificing location and comfort.
$ the niu Tab: An insanely popular (13,000+ reviews on Booking!) and very affordable hotel in the heart of the city.
$$ Ruby Luna Hotel Dusseldorf: A fun and hip hotel with various locations downtown that offers affordable rates because of its no-frills mantra.
$$$ Steigenberger Icon Parkhotel Düsseldorf: A sophisticated five-star hotel with an onsite spa and fitness center near the main shopping area.
Hostel: Backpackers-Düsseldorf is a low-key hostel with continental breakfast, towels, and locker access, a short walk from downtown.
14 Reasons to Visit Düsseldorf, Germany
I think the best way for you to answer is Düsseldorf worth visiting, is to learn more about what there is to do there!
Here are the best things to do in Düsseldorf so you can decide if you’d like to visit.
1. Climb the Famous Rhine Tower for Epic Views
Admission: €10 | Open: 10:00 am to Midnight
The Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) is one of Düsseldorf’s best-known landmarks. This telecommunications tower measures nearly 800 feet tall (240.5 meters). It features an observation deck, sky bar, and an upscale revolving restaurant that serves Japanese fusion.
The tower offers exceptional views over the city and the passing Rhine River. Entrance to the tower’s M168 bar and observation deck require entry tickets, which are best purchased in advance.
Those who’d like to take in the view while dining at the tower’s QOMO Restaurant & Bar do not need to pay an entrance fee. However, advanced reservations are highly recommended to ensure a table.
2. Shop and Stroll Königsallee
Königsallee is one of the main streets that runs through the city. The layout is surprisingly grand with an eye-catching canal and trees running in the middle. Here you can find some top shopping.
Read more: Best Things to Buy in Germany
3. Wander Düsseldorf’s Pretty Altstadt (Old Town)
My favorite thing to do in any German city is to stroll through the old town, which is often the city center. Düsseldorf’s old town features pretty and historic buildings, more shopping and dining, and classic German charm.
Be sure to stop by the Marktplatz to take in the town hall.
4. Check out Local Vendors at Carlsplatz Market
The Carlsplatz Market is a great place to stop and take in some local flavor. Here, vendors sell everything from fresh produce to flowers, cheese, and more.
Casplatz is conveniently located downtown.
5. Take a Trip to Asia in the Japanese Quarter Dubbed Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo was Düsseldorf’s biggest draw for me. It’s a neighborhood in the city where you can eat delicious Asian food and shop at Asian markets. It’s a rare opportunity to travel to Asia without leaving Germany.
Things to do in Dusseldorf’s Little Tokyo:
- Eat Korean BBQ at popular spots like Seoul Restaurant and Korea House Restaurant.
- Stop by Soboro Düsseldorf, a cute Korean bakery.
- Eat ramen at the OG Takumi, a famous ramen joint that’s launched locations throughout Europe. But be prepared to wait in line!
- Eat Japanese at local faves like Kushi-Tei of Tokyo.
- Sip bubble tea at the Uber busy Sphere Bay Manga Café.
- Pick up Asian ingredients, snacks, and goodies at local markets: Hanaro Markt, Tains, and Dae-Yang Asiatische Lebensmittel.
- Eat Hot Pot at Xiao Long Kan, where you can build your perfect pot with veggies, meats, and add-ins.
6. Enjoy a Walk Along the Rhine River Promenade
Dusseldorf’s Rhine River Promenade is a trail that follows the water past the old town. As you meander, you’ll pass numerous cafes and restaurants with terrace seating for a perfect view.
The path totals about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). I recommend starting at the Burgplatz (castle square) and continuing onward to the Media Harbor.
7. Marvel at the Noteworthy Architecture Along the Medienhafen (Harbor)
Düsseldorf is an architecturally significant city in Germany, so those who appreciate artfully and uniquely designed buildings should make time to peep at Dusseldorf’s most iconic landmarks.
Some of the best include the Neue Zollhof in the Media Harbor, where you can see the Frank Gehry buildings. His work embodies post-modern architecture and makes for a lovely backdrop for Insta pics, especially with the framing of the nearby Rhine Tower.
8. Sip German Beers with a DIY Brewery Hop Tour
It’s no secret that beer is a way of life in Germany, and Düsseldorf boasts its own unique beer culture. The city is traditionally known for Altbier, a style noted for its amber color and crisp, full-bodied beer. It’s one of the few native German ales.
In Düsseldorf, Altbier is typically served in small glasses with unprompted refills by your server until you indicate that you’ve had enough by placing a coaster on top of your glass.
This unique tradition in Düsseldorf is known as “Sticke” or “Köbes.”
Book a specialized Alt-Bier guided tour, or you can plan your brewery-hopping tour!
Here are some of the most noteworthy breweries in Dusseldorf:
- Uerige Obergärige Hausbrauerei: One of the most famous breweries in Düsseldorf, known for its traditional Altbier and the unique atmosphere of its historic brewpub.
- Füchschen Alt: Another popular brewery offering a cozy pub setting where you can savor Altbier and traditional German fare.
- Schumacher Brauerei: A well-established brewery serving, you guessed it, Altbier!
- Zum Schlüssel: Zum Schlüssel is both a brewery and a pub, serving traditional Altbier along with hearty German dishes. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
9. Get a History Lesson at One of Dusseldorf’s Best Museums
Museum buffs also have plenty of choice when visiting Dusseldorf!
Some of the best museums to consider are:
- Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen: A modern art museum complex comprising three separate venues – K20 (modern art), K21 (contemporary art), and the Schmela Haus.
- Düsseldorf Art Museum: Home to a vast collection of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
- Düsseldorf Aquarium: Known for its combination of an aquarium and a natural history museum, featuring diverse exhibits related to aquatic life and biodiversity.
- Düsseldorf Film Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of film and cinema, featuring exhibitions on filmmaking, equipment, and the evolution of the cinematic art form.
10. See a Pretty Baroque Palace at Schloss Benrath
Admission: €14 | Open: Fri 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm & Sat – Tue 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Located on the city’s outskirts lies the pretty, pink Baroque Schloss Benrath, a palace dating back to 1770. Visitors can pay to enter and admire the ornate interiors and antique furnishings. Expansive gardens surround the place, and I recommend making the time to wander through them.
11. Go Back in Time with the Night Watchman Tour
Cost: €20 | Open: to Fri – Sat 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm & 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Wed-Thurs + Sun 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Learn more about Germany’s vast medieval history on a Night Watchman Tour. The tour meets nightly and takes visitors through the old part of town, sharing fascinating stories and facts about what life was like way back when.
And your guide? You’ll be able to spot him a mile away thanks to his robes, lantern, and weapon called a hellebore. Tours are in German, 90 minutes long, and meet at the entrance of the Kunstakademie (art school), Eiskeller Str. 1.
Private tours in English can be booked in advance for €189.
12. Satisfy Your Brunch Cravings
Brunch, as Americans know it, isn’t much of a thing in Germany, even in some larger cities. So imagine my surprise and delight to find that the city had excellent brunch spots, living up to its reputation of having an amazing food scene.
Some of the best brunch spots in Düsseldorf are:
- Seven Sundays: A hip and busy brunch spot that serves fluffy pancakes and classic savory dishes. It’s a bit away from the old town, but it is worth the hike.
- Bistro Zicke: A more classic German breakfast experience
- ALEX Düsseldorf: A restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers an extensive menu with lunch and breakfast options.
- Cafe Buur: A cute brunch cafe with smoothies, good coffee, and typical brunch classics.
- BIRDIE & CO. Deli: A dedicated brunch spot with sweet and savory brekkie creations and a large drink menu.
13. Dance the Night Away on Dusseldorf’s Party Mile
Düsseldorf isn’t just known for Altbier but also for its thriving bar and cocktail scene. Sometimes referred to as the party mile (Partymeile in German) or the longest pub in the world, Dusseldorf’s old town boasts more than 250 bars in about 0.30 square miles (.5 square km).
Some of my favorite bars (besides the breweries mentioned above) are:
- The Oak’s Bar: A homey bar serving a variety of craft cocktails and beers.
- BEUYS Bar: A small and upscale bar with a nod to the 20s offering a menu of signature cocktails.
- Cocktail Bar 112: A beach bar on the waterfront where you can sip on classic cocktails, enjoy a bite to eat, and dip your toes in the sand.
- Concept Riesling: A highly-reviewed wine bar in the Carlsplatz market where you can sip and buy small plates from the surrounding vendors as a nice pairing.
14: Get Your Swing on at TopGolf
Cost: €35-€45 per bay, per hour | Open: Mon-Thu, Sun: 10:00 am – 12:00 am, Fri-Sat: 10:00 am – 2:00 am
About 45 minutes outside of Düsseldorf is TopGolf Oberhausen, the only TopGolf in Germany and one of the first locations in Europe. TopGolf is a fun thing to do near Düsseldorf for golf lovers and those who live, work, or study in Germany and are seeking something fun to do on the weekend.
The cost of TopGolf is by bay, per hour, and each bay can fit up to six people. While there, you can take your pick of different games including standard most points wins to more unique ones like Angry Birds.
While there, you can buy snacks, meals, and drinks. Just be warned, it’s insanely popular on the weekends and books up quick!