Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons to Visit

Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?

Yes! Düsseldorf is worth visiting whether you like world-class art, culture, shopping, music, or food.

If you're in the vicinity of Düsseldorf and contemplating whether to visit, or comparing it to another city — this article will help you make the right decision!

I've heard plenty of people say "skip Düsseldorf", but trust me, they're clearly missing out. This city is highly underrated, with surprise gems waiting around every corner.

The best part? Most of the best attractions turn out to be free when you have the DüsseldorfCard. It's amazing how much you can save as a tourist in Düsseldorf, compared to other German cities!

Reasons to Visit Düsseldorf

Europe's Most Luxurious Shopping Street

The Königsallee, often referred to as the "Kö", is Europe's most luxurious shopping street.

Even if shopping isn't your thing, you can't deny its beauty – countless elegant shops set along a picturesque canal, flanked by towering chestnut and oak trees.

The bridges over the canal are perfect for photos, and watching ducks!

If you love shopping (or window shopping) then the Ko combines the best of European brands like Prada and Chanel, as well as other high-end boutiques and hotels. Along this prestigious street, you can also find a mix of classy restaurants, cafes, and bars.

World-Class Contemporary Art

As the art center of Germany, Düsseldorf has been hotspot for contemporary artists from all over, both local and international, for over 50 years.

Big names like avant-garde artist Joseph Beuys, visual artist Gerhard Richter, sculptor Katharina Fritsch, and Thomas Schütte have all called Düsseldorf home.

There are several first-rate museums where you can explore contemporary art, including the famous Kunstsammlung, which houses the 20th and 21st century art collection of North Rhine-Westphalia.

If you have the DüsseldorfCard, you also get free admission to the Theatermuseum and Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, as well as a discount at the NRW-Forum Düsseldorf.

But it's not only about museums; Flingern district captures Düsseldorf's essence like no other neighborhood – designer art galleries coexist with street art, while the old steel factory discothèque Stahlwerk provides a contrast to health food stores.

Stunning Modern Architecture

Unlike many German cities, Düsseldorf is fiercely modern. After the second world war, much of Düsseldorf had to be rebuilt, so you won't find many of the traditional timber-framed houses commonly found in Germany here.

The result is blend of preserved Renaissance-style buildings juxtaposed against sleek steel and glass buildings.

A must-see spot is the Mediahafen, as its architecture is truly one-of-a-kind.

The real showstoppers are Frank Gehry's mind-bending Neuer Zollhof towers. They twist at crazy angles, gleaming with mirrored walls and warped windows that attract Instagrammers like a magnet. [1]

Nearby, Claude Vasconi's Grand Bateau mimics an ocean liner, while William Alsop's Colorium, with its kaleidoscopic glass facade, adds a brilliant splash of color.

Partying at The World's Longest Bar

Düsseldorf's Old Town is where the world's longest bar resides! Locals and tourists alike come here to have a good time – and with more than 300 bars and discothèques dotted along its narrow roads, it's no surprise.

The lively nightlife here deserves special mention too. Folks in Düsseldorf are pretty chill, open-minded and outgoing. It's easy to chat with random locals at a shop, pub or on the street.

The drink of choice has to be Altbier, or Alt Beer, a delicious cold-fermented ale that originates from Düsseldorf – thanks to their warm summers and rarely freezing winters.

And don't miss out on visiting the few remaining traditional breweries in Düsseldorf, where you can taste the different flavors of Altbier!

Musical Hotbed 

Influential musicians have been drawn to Düsseldorf since the 1960s, making it a hub for alternative and cutting-edge music and performers.

The city has been called the cradle of electronic music – spawning bands like Kraftwerk, Toten Hosen, NEU!, La Düsseldorf, Rheingold and DAF.

Here, there's no lack of options to dance the night away.

From the avant-garde Salon des Amateurs in Grabbeplatz — a legendary club not just in Düsseldorf but also Europe, having cultivated artists like Lena Willikens, Jan Schulte, and Vladimir Ivkovic — to the underground electronic club Kultur-Schlachthof that's the perfect mix of good sound and not-so-good beer.

Festivals

Düsseldorf offers a wide range of festivals and events all year round; from the traditional to the eclectic.

It's one of the few cities that holds the best Carnival celebrations, only second to Cologne. In February, the streets of Düsseldorf come alive with parades, music, and hundreds of thousands of people celebrating on the streets in wacky costumes.

In the summer, Düsseldorf also hosts Germany's most attended jazz festival, the Düsseldorfer Jazz-Rally.

Another exciting annual event is the Rheinkirmes fair, which lights up the city every July, attracting massive crowds to its carnival rides and games. While it's somewhat under the radar for international tourists, it remains a big local event.

As a nod to its large Japanese community, every year, typically in May or June, Düsseldorf also becomes the venue for one of Europe's largest Japanese culture festivals — Japan Day (or Japan-Tag). The city also plays host to Germany's largest Japanese anime convention, DoKomi!

Great Child-Friendly Attractions

Parents will be glad to know that Düsseldorf is a fantastic spot for kids with tons of attractions, many offering free or discounted admission!

For example, our family had a blast at Wildpark Grafenberger Wald. The kids fed deer by hand and even spotted raccoons and wild pigs — all for free, with only €1 spent on animal food!

Also check out Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum – free entry with the DüsseldorfCard! This award-winning zoo/aquarium teaches about natural science in a super fun way, and our kids had a blast peeping through microscopes and diving into the submarine simulation!

But it's the Neanderthal Museum that my boys loved the most. Located where the first Neanderthal man was discovered just outside Düsseldorf, we bonded by posing with life-size Neanderthal figures and learning how early man used to live together.

Free Admission To Attractions

While many German cities provide tourists with discounts, Düsseldorf stands out as one of the few allowing free entry to multiple top attractions like Schloss Benrath Park, Classic Remise Düsseldorf, and the Japanese Garden.

And if you have the DüsseldorfCard, you'll also enjoy free admission to all of these places, for as long as the card is valid:

• Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum (save €10)
• Kunsthalle Düsseldorf (save €6)
• Filmmuseum Düsseldorf (save €5)
• Goethe Museum (save €4)
• Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf (save €4)
• Haus Bürgel (save €4)
• Heinrich Heine Institute (save €4)
• Hetjens museum (save €4)
• Kunst im Tunnel (save €4)
• Theatermuseum Düsseldorf: Dumont-Lindemann-Archiv (save €4)
• SchifffahrtMuseum im Schlossturm (Maritime Museum) (save €3)

The cost of the card tends to be covered by what you spend on buses and trams anyway — which can add up to €13/day on average — since the card entitles you to free unlimited public transport rides.

So by using your tourist card, you can explore the best of what Düsseldorf has to offer for a few euros or even less. It's crazy how few people know about this!

Top Attractions to Visit in Düsseldorf

Rheinuferpromenade

As Düsseldorf's heartbeat, this promenade along the Rhine River was once an industrial harbor. Today, it's a hub for leisure activities where locals often unwind after work; cycling, strolling, or rollerblading. 

It's a great spot to catch an authentic glimpse of Düsseldorf's way of life.

At sunset, the Rheinuferpromenade is also a treat for the senses. The Rhine river glows in warm golden hues, accompanied by the soothing calls of seagulls overhead.

Along the promenade, restaurants come alive, preparing for the evening bustle. It's a magical moment.

Aside from people-watching, taking a cruise along the Rhine is also one of the highlights of visiting Düsseldorf!

Rhine Tower

The Rhine Tower, or Rheinturm, is an icon of Düsseldorf. Standing tall at a height of 240.5m (789 ft), this telecommunications tower offers breathtaking views over the city and the picturesque Rhine River.

You might even spot the Cologne Cathedral from here on a clear day!

From the M168 observation deck, there's a mini bar offering drinks and cakes, creating a perfect spot to chill for 30 minutes to an hour, as the observation deck slowly revolves.

Or you can take it up a notch at the Japanese restaurant, Qomo, upstairs. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama while digging into sushi. [2]

Aside from being one of Düsseldorf's most famous landmarks, the Rheinturm is also the world's largest digital clock!

Old Town

My favorite spot in Düsseldorf is undoubtably the Old Town. Established around 700 years ago, this picturesque neighborhood is filled with winding alleyways, historic buildings, and interesting landmarks.

Strolling along its 700-year-old streets, you can't miss checking out St Lambert's Basilica, the oldest church in Düsseldorf from the 9th century.

Also, see if you can spot the Jan Wellem equestrian statue located on Marktplatz – dedicated to the Elector Palatine of Düsseldorf, locals often use it as a reference point when arranging to meet in the Old Town.

And don't forget to pick up a jar of Düsseldorf mustard at the Senfladen store!

Düsseldorf's "Little Tokyo"

This district, officially known as the Japanese Quarter, is situated around the Immermannstraße area, near the Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (central train station).

This eclectic enclave offers a slice of Japanese life, with streets lined with Japanese restaurants selling sushi, Asian grocery shops, and signs in Katakana – making it feel like you're really in Tokyo.

Düsseldorf's strong Japanese community began in the 1950s when many Japanese workers came to help rebuild the city after the war.

As the Japanese community grew, businesses that served their needs started appearing, and that's how "Little Tokyo" came to be!

Schloss Benrath

Schloss Benrath is a gorgeous leisure palace built in the 18th century.

Known for its baby pink exterior and extravagantly decorated interiors, couples often choose it for pre-wedding shoots and even hosting their weddings in the Corps de Logis, a beautiful domed hall.

Constructed in 1775, this palace south of Düsseldorf remains virtually unchanged. To explore it, you'll have to join one of the guided tours for a few euros.

If you don't want to buy an admission ticket, its luxurious 61-hectare palace park is free and open to the public. The peaceful grounds are ideal for a quiet walk, surrounded by the soothing sounds of chirping birds.

Hofgarten

You won't regret paying a visit to the first and oldest public park in Germany: Hofgarten. [3]

This 250-year-old oasis is a fairytale world of forests and meadows, dotted with beautiful lakes complete with white swans. I particularly liked the many ducks, geese, and rabbits around the park, which add to the charm.

Known for its lush landscapes, Hofgarten stretches from Jacobistraße to Heinrich-Heine-Allee and from Königsallee to the Rhine Terrace, making it a popular spot for strolling, jogging, and sunbathing. Locals fondly call it "the Green Lung of Düsseldorf".

There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby, but I actually prefer to come here for a picnic – for the peaceful change of pace and fresh air. 

From Hofgarten, it's easy to explore nearby attractions like Koningsallee and Kunstsammlung!

Goethe Museum

Another hidden gem is the museum dedicated to the famous German poet and writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He was the one who penned notable works like Faust and Die Leiden des jungen Werthers.

The museum is filled with things connected to Goethe's life. Letters, paintings, busts, and other trinkets. You'll also find items related to his roles as an anatomist, artist, and natural scientist, along with his work as an author, poet, and statesman.

But even if you're not a Goethe fan, you'll appreciate the building where the museum is housed - Schloss Jägerhof, a former hunting palace completed in 1772. If you like the Romantic period, you'll find it quite enjoyable.

Kaiserswerth

The village of Kaiserswerth, dating back to the Roman Empire, gives you a glimpse into old Germany.

The village's historical significance dates back to its Roman origin as a humble monastery. Over time, Kaiserswerth gained prominence under the Holy Roman Empire, particularly during the era of Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa. 

One of the highlights is exploring the ruins of Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth, the imposing Imperial Palatinate that once housed Emperor Barbarossa. Another must-see attraction is St. Suitbertus Basilica, located on Suitbertus Stiftsplatz.

You may have to take the train from central Düsseldorf to get to Kaiserswerth, but it's absolutely 100% worth it!

Tips for a Successful Visit

Choosing the right time to visit

Spring and summer, from May to September, are the ideal times to visit Düsseldorf. During these months, the city experiences a humid climate that is perfect for exploring its rich cultural scene and outdoor attractions.

Whether you're strolling along Europe's most luxurious shopping street or admiring the stunning modern and historic architecture, Düsseldorf truly comes alive in the warmer months.

Additionally, there are numerous festivals and celebrations happening during this time, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. So plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your visit to Düsseldorf!

Picking The Right Accommodation

The Hyatt Regency is a luxury hotel with an excellent location. With its stylish rooms and upscale amenities like an in-house spa and gym, it's for travelers prioritizing comfort and convenience.

For more budget-conscious travelers, we really enjoyed our stay at Hotel am Rathaus.

It has a central location, with the train station, Old Town, Rheinuferpromenade and the famous Königsallee shopping street within walking distance. Rooms are a little dated, but clean and quiet.

Download The Local Transport Apps

Getting around Düsseldorf is easy, affordable and convenient thanks to the city's excellent public transportation network, from trains to metro and buses.

You can always check Google Maps to plan your routes, but I recommend downloading the local transport apps, which usually display real-time updates.

The VRR (public transport association in the region) has their own app where you can plan routes and even buy and pay for tickets.

Another popular app is the Rheinbahn app!

Also worth downloading is the DB navigator app, which is managed by Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany. It covers regional and long-distance travel outside of Düsseldorf.

Free Tickets & Transport With Your Tourist Card

Not many travelers to Dusseldorf know about the DüsseldorfCard, or they find out about it but it's too late. Don't let that be you!

This handy little-known card offers steep discounts on many attractions you might visit in Dusseldorf - museums, shopping, restaurants, the zoo and more.

For example, with the DüsseldorfCard you'd get FREE entry to the Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum, Filmmuseum, Hetjens Museum and 50% off other museums.

With this card, you can take advantage of discounts at amazing eateries like the Josef Hinkel bakery and the restaurant Zum Schiffchen too.

But the best part is really free unlimited travel on all public transportation within the city.

Whether you're traveling alone or in a group, the savings from buses and trams can add up, especially if you like to move around.

Safety in Dusseldorf

Düsseldorf is generally considered a very safe city for tourists and locals, 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.

That said, there are some areas in Düsseldorf to keep your guard up at, such as parks and the main station at night.

Cons of Visiting Dusseldorf

It can be expensive

Visiting Düsseldorf can be a costly affair, especially when it comes to accommodation, eating out and partying. Tourists often find themselves paying slightly higher prices for items compared to other German cities.

However, don't let the costs deter you from visiting this beautiful city.

If you spend a little time planning, there's actually plenty of amazing free things to do, mid-price to budget hotels, and cheap but delicious eats.

A great way to start saving on your trip to Düsseldorf is to get the DusseldorfCard. This tourist pass gives you free unlimited public transport rides, plus 20% to 100% off many attractions, museums and restaurants.

Conclusion: Is Dusseldorf Good to Visit?

In conclusion, Düsseldorf is definitely worth visiting. With its rich cultural scene, stunning architecture, and vibrant art and museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From exploring world-class art museums, indulging in the impressive alternative music scene, to shopping on Europe's most luxurious street, Düsseldorf has it all.

Plus, with our tips for a successful visit, we know you'll have an amazing time. So don't skip out on Düsseldorf, you'll be glad you gave it a chance!