Is Dusseldorf Safe for Travel?

Are you considering a trip to Düsseldorf but wondering if it's safe or not? In this blog post, we'll address the common question: Is Düsseldorf safe for travel?

From crime rates to what to avoid based on our personal experiences, we'll break down what matters most — after all, Düsseldorf has become like a second home to us, so we've got a pretty good perspective!👇

Safety In Dusseldorf, Germany

Low Crime Rates

Considering other European cities the size of Düsseldorf, the city has comparatively low crime rates.

While walking around, we find it really easy to feel safe without having to always watch our backs. 

Sure, you might run into some homeless people or rowdy drunkards every now and then — but it's not as common as in other places, such as Berlin or Paris.

All in all, we feel Düsseldorf is one of the safest destinations to visit in Germany – no matter if you're traveling alone, as a woman, or with children.

Common Dangers & Areas To Avoid

Honestly, the biggest risk for travelers in Düsseldorf is probably pick-pocketing in busy spots like the Old Town (Altstadt), and the popular shopping strip Königsallee, and in and around the Düsseldorf Central Station.

I've personally never had it happen to me, but it's pretty common to hear about friends or people we know getting their stuff swiped because they weren't careful.

If you leave your valuables lying around out of your sight for a long time, be it your wallet or bicycle, be prepared that it might be taken. To be safe, have a hand on your bag whenever you walk around crowded spots.

There are also certain parts of Düsseldorf that's best not to venture after dark — like parks, the vicinity of the main train station and Worringerplatz, which seems to be a place where drug users tend to gather.

I personally avoid the Old Town (where the "longest bar in the world" resides) late at night during the weekends. Sometimes people get way too drunk, and there've been reports of knife fights in the news before.

Measures Taken To Ensure Safety

When it comes to keeping yourself safe in Düsseldorf, most of it is common sense.

If you leave your valuables lying around out of your sight for a long time, be it your wallet or bicycle, be prepared that it might be taken. To be safe, have a hand on your bag or watch your pockets whenever you walk around crowded spots.

When you're walking around at night, then it's wise to choose well-lit paths — also try to be within sight of CCTVs, which train stations and many businesses have installed.

An odd thing to watch out for is cyclists. The bike lanes in Düsseldorf aren't well defined, and I've noticed that some cyclists will cycle onto the pedestrian path. If you have small children or have a habit of walking with your nose in your phone, then you'll have to remember to keep a look out when in Düsseldorf.

Solo Female Travelers' Safety In Dusseldorf

Women's Safety In Dusseldorf

Düsseldorf is generally considered safe for females, and I've heard this from both female locals and expats living in the city.

But if you're a solo female traveler, you might still be wondering if that holds true for you too.

The truth is, Düsseldorf is one of the safest German cities. And solo female travelers are generally safe as long as they stay away from certain areas after dark, such as parks, poorly-lit places and the area around the main train station.

It's simply better to exercise caution by walking with company (if you can) if it's late at night. If you want to be extra cautious, then think twice about accepting drinks or food from strangers and keep a close eye on your drink at the bar.

If you're paying close attention to the news, in recent times there have been some concerns from women about safety in Germany — a 2020 survey revealed that 1 in 4 women reported feeling unsafe in major German cities, including Düsseldorf. [2]

It's also reported that 43% of women have experienced sexual harassment at least once, involving improper touching and inappropriate remarks. [3]

So although most female travelers may not encounter issues in Düsseldorf, it's best to take precautions and not become complacent about your own safety!

Precautions And Tips For Safe Solo Travel

Safe solo travel in Düsseldorf won't be too different from solo travel in other big cities.

In fact, it's really easy to navigate the city even if you're alone — most signages are in English and German, and there are always helpful Germans who speak English around too.

I also find it helps smooth things along if I plan how to get to and from the airport before I fly. You can either take the metro (U-Bahn) or opt for a taxi. If you go with a taxi, it's best to pick reputable options like licensed taxis or well-known rideshare services such as Uber.

It helps to choose accommodations in a "safer" area like the Old Town (Altstadt) where you're at the heart of it all, with easy access to attractions and public transport — especially if you'll be staying out late and making your way back to your accommodations alone.

Tips For Safe Travel In Dusseldorf

Watch Your Pockets

Getting pickpocketed in Düsseldorf is one of those things where you either never experience it in your life, or you're that unlucky guy that gets targeted on your first day.

That said, it's more common than most people realize. Pickpocketing happens in Düsseldorf, especially in crowded places like the main train station or busy tourist spots like the Königsallee or a busy bar.

I learned this the hard way when I was in the city for a business meeting a while back.

I had my wallet in my back pocket, thinking it was safe. While riding the tram, someone accidentally rolled their suitcase over my foot and I was startled... In the midst of the confusion, another person reached into my pocket and took my wallet. It happened so quickly that I didn't even notice until it was too late.

So be careful if someone attempts to approach you closely, as pickpocket gangs may operate in pairs. One might try to distract you with questions or create a diversion, while the other seizes the opportunity to take your wallet or purse.

Don't Leave Things Lying Around

When visiting such a safe city like Düsseldorf, it's easy to get complacent. But that just makes you an easy target. Crowded areas like outdoor bars or busy streets provide cover for thieves to grab bags or phones unnoticed and make a quick getaway.

Seriously, I once saw someone's bag snatched right off a table while they were eating outside a bar. Luckily, they managed to catch the guy, but it's a good reminder to always keep your stuff close.

You can opt for a cross-body bag or backpack that can be securely worn on the front of your body for extra security. 

Also, try to avoid leaving your bags unattended in public places. Even if you come from a country with high safety standards, it's better to err on the side of caution.

And when using public transportation like trains and buses, it's good to keep your luggage is close. If the train ride is long and you need to rest, make sure to secure your belongings or ask your travel partner to keep watch while you take turns sleeping.

Use Trustworthy Transportation

Dusseldorf has a reliable public transportation system with trains, trams, and buses running every 5-10 minutes.

Taxis are generally safe, and you can rely on trusted taxi apps like mytaxi or recognized ride-hailing apps with security features such as Uber.

Taxis usually work on a meter system, starting with a base fee and charging per kilometer, for example, €1.90 for the first seven kilometers and €1.70 for each additional kilometer. Watch out for possible extra charges, or drivers who don't switch on the meter!

When taking trains or buses, keep your personal stuff close and never leave your wallet or purse alone in public places.

Consider Cultural Differences

Not as much as safety issue, but more to minimize conflicts with locals — Germans are often reserved and value their privacy.

This might be different from the more outgoing attitude you'd find in Americans or other Western cultures. 

That said, people in Düsseldorf are typically stereotyped as being more bourgeois and "stuck up" as a result, but our experience has been quite different.

We've found many Düsseldorfers to be friendly, open-minded, and relaxed. I've struck up conversations with strangers in pubs, although we usually keep to surface-level topics.

Another thing to note is punctuality is highly valued in German culture, so arriving on time for appointments or meetings is always a good idea.

It's also courteous to avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces, as it is considered impolite!

Travel In Groups

Solo travel is fun, but it's often safer being in a group. Traveling with others doesn't just make crime less likely, it also makes you feel safer knowing you've got each other's backs.

When you travel in a group, you can split the cost of things like transportation, which makes it cheaper for everyone.

Plus, exploring Düsseldorf with friends can make the whole trip more fun and memorable, because you're sharing the adventure with people who think like you do.

Conclusion: Is Dusseldorf Safe For Travelers?

In conclusion, Düsseldorf is a safe city for travelers.

With low crime rates and basic safety precautions, you can absolutely feel secure here whether you're a woman, with children, or on your own.

👉 You might also like: Is Tap Water in Düsseldorf Safe to Drink?

Key Takeaways

• Düsseldorf is generally safe for travelers with low crime rates and measures taken to ensure security.
• You should be cautious pickpocketing in crowded spaces or walking around certain neighborhoods known for higher crime rates at night.
• Solo female travelers should take additional precautions like avoiding walking alone at night in secluded areas, not leaving drinks unattended, and considering traveling in groups.
• Taking standard safety precautions such as staying aware of surroundings, securing personal belongings, using trustworthy transportation options, and being mindful of cultural differences can help ensure a safe trip to Düsseldorf.

FAQs

1. Is Düsseldorf a safe place to visit?

Yes, Düsseldorf is generally considered a safe city for tourists and locals alike with low crime rates and efficient law enforcement efforts in place. However, it's always important to exercise caution and follow common sense safety tips such as staying aware of your surroundings and not leaving valuables unattended.

2. What areas should I avoid when visiting Düsseldorf?

While there are no specific areas that should be avoided in Düsseldorf, it's worth noting that certain neighborhoods like Worringerplatz may have lower perception of safety than others. It's recommended to research the area you plan on visiting ahead of time and take necessary precautions such as checking public transport timings ahead of time and avoiding walking alone at night.

3. How can I stay safe while using public transportation in Düsseldorf?

To ensure safety while using public transportation in Düsseldorf, try to avoid traveling alone at night whenever possible, keep an eye on your belongings at all times, stay alert for any suspicious activity or individuals around you and use well-lit paths if available.

4. Are there any cultural customs I need to be aware of when visiting Düsseldorf?

Germans, including those in Düsseldorf, value punctuality, so make sure to arrive on time for appointments and meetings. We also appreciate personal space, so avoid standing too close or touching others unnecessarily.

In general though - most people living within the city are very friendly & welcoming towards visitors so don't hesitate reaching out if ever needing assistance!