Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Düsseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf, an international financial center, boasts a reputable charm enriched by its upscale shopping avenue, Königsallee, and the rejuvenated harbor, where significant architectural contributions abound.

The city also exhibits a down-to-earth character, where locals and visitors enjoy the traditional Altbier in the historical Altstadt, renowned for its multitude of bars.

Every July, a festive atmosphere emerges during the Kirmes fair, a public celebration nearly as large as Oktoberfest.

Düsseldorf is rich in culture, offering historic homes and parks established by Imperial Electors, a diverse array of art museums, cultural centers, and medieval churches.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Düsseldorf:

1. Rheinuferpromenade

On sunny days, the Rheinuferpromenade feels bustling, teeming with pedestrians enjoying leisurely strolls along the promenade, which hugs the right bank of the Rhine.

The beautifully sunlit walkway extends from the Parliament down to the harbor, allowing for a tranquil amble along the Rhine since 1993, after road traffic was redirected underground.

During the summer, the ambiance becomes almost Mediterranean, as the facades radiate under the sunset, with busy restaurant and café terraces filled with lively conversations.

At Burgplatz, visitors can relax while reading in the sunshine or take boat cruises along the Rhine from the available jetties.

2. Altstadt

Though relatively compact, the Altstadt offers an abundance of nightlife options, housing over 300 brewpubs, bars, and nightclubs, earning it the title of “The longest bar in the world.”

While the claim of continuous connections between bars remains unverified, patrons will discover traditional Altbier served at many establishments in the area.

Moreover, visit during the day for a pleasant stroll amidst charming gabled houses and cultural attractions, such as the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, the Filmmuseum, and the NRW-Forum.

3. Königsallee

Königsallee, commonly referred to as “Kö,” represents luxury and sophistication. This prestigious shopping boulevard is flanked by a picturesque canal adorned with plane trees.

Spanning one kilometer from north to south, the street hosts an array of high-end brands, making it a destination for luxury shopping, leisurely window shopping, and capturing elegant photographs of the canal and its stunning bridges.

Those seeking something particularly unique will find flagship stores for globally recognized brands such as Chanel, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and Prada.

4. Medienhafen

Located at the southern end of the Rheinuferpromenade, Düsseldorf’s historical docks, established in the late 19th century, significantly contributed to the city’s post-war economic growth.

Following the decline of local industries in the 1970s, particularly after the closure of the Mannesmann pipe factory, the harbor underwent a transformation beginning in the 1990s into a modern office district, featuring fashion and media enterprises, restaurants, bars, and cinemas.

Efforts have preserved century-old warehouses, dock walls, and wharfs alongside innovative designs by architects such as David Chipperfield, Joe Coenen, Claude Vasconi, and Frank Gehry, whose iconic Neuer Zollhof complex stands as a highlight of the waterfront.

5. Rhine Tower

The Rhine Tower, soaring to 240 meters, is Düsseldorf’s tallest building and is located on the east side of Medienhafen.

This communications tower, inaugurated in 1981, features an observation deck and a rotating restaurant at 170 meters, providing spectacular panoramic views that justify the €9 admission fee during peak hours.

On clear days, the iconic towers of Cologne can be spotted far to the south. Additionally, discounts are available at the revolving restaurant based on spending, and a reduced admission price applies for visits before 11:00 or after 22:00.

The tower remains open until 23:00 during summer, offering a romantic view of Düsseldorf at sunset. Since its inauguration, the tower’s concrete shaft has been adorned with a magnificent light sculpture by Horst H. Baumann, shaped as the world’s largest digital clock.

6. Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

The North Rhine-Westphalia art collection is split between two main venues: K20 and K21. We will commence at “K20 am Grabbeplatz,” featuring an awe-inspiring building designed by Arne Jacobsen in the mid-1980s, flaunting polished black granite.

The galleries house a vast array of 20th-century art, encapsulating significant movements such as Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Pop Art, and Abstract Expressionism. The impressive collection showcases works by artists including Paul Klee, Kandinsky, Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, making it essential to allocate at least half a day for exploration.

7. K21 Ständehaus

Also under the same umbrella is the K21 Ständehaus, a separate museum opened in 2002, located in a Neo-Renaissance parliament building that is striking both inside and out due to its glass canopy roof, allowing natural light to illuminate its “piazza” design.

The venue features a diverse range of installations, prints, video art, and photography from prominent contemporary artists, including Candida Höfer and Nam June Paik. The exhibitions undergo constant change, introducing dynamic installations such as Tomás Saraceno’s interactive “in orbit,” inviting visitors to ascend among air-filled spheres 25 meters above the piazza.

8. Schloss Benrath

Located just southeast of Düsseldorf, Schloss Benrath is an exquisite Rococo palace constructed in the mid-18th century, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Originally designed for Elector Palatine Charles Theodor and his spouse Elisabeth Auguste of Sulzbach as a summer retreat, the palace’s architecture complements its gardens, with private rooms opening onto English gardens and formal French gardens.

Visitors may explore the opulent Corps de Logis, which necessitates wearing special slippers to protect the intricate marble floors. The side wings house a Natural History Museum and a Museum of European Garden Art, while the splendid park serves as a venue for summer concerts.

9. Hofgarten

Germany’s inaugural public park was established in 1769, following the destruction of the Seven Years’ War. The oldest section lies east, between Schloss Jägerhof and the elegant “Jrönner Jong” fountain.

Nicolas de Pigage, under Charles Theodore’s guidance, designed this area and the grand avenue connecting the two historical monuments.

In the early 19th century, the park was expanded, taking on its contemporary form and serving as a model for parks throughout Germany.

Art installations and historic monuments populate the park, including the Ratinger Tor, a Neoclassical temple housing one of the old city gates rebuilt to reflect this style.

10. Burgplatz

Burgplatz, named after the castle that once stood beside the Rhine until the late 19th century, serves as a popular meeting place for friends seeking coffee or beer by the riverside.

The last remnant of the castle, Schlossturm, features three stories dating back to the 1200s, with later additions from the 1500s and 1845, now housing a museum documenting Düsseldorf’s maritime history, ecology, and inland shipping.

11. Stadterhebungsmonument

Located at Burgplatz, the Stadterhebungsmonument is a collection of bronze sculptures created in 1988 to commemorate 700 years since Düsseldorf received city privileges.

The monument’s creator, Düsseldorf-based artist Bert Gerresheim, captured essential scenes reflecting the city’s foundational history and its competitive relationship with Cologne, including a depiction of the significant Battle of Worringen.

This pivotal conflict, fought in the Middle Ages, catapulted Düsseldorf towards city status, a moment immortalized in the scene portraying the signing of a document that conferred those rights.

12. Museum Kunstpalast

The Kunstpalast, prominently located alongside the Rhine, serves as the centerpiece of the Ehrenhof cultural complex.

This museum presents a comprehensive chronological collection of German and European art, spanning from the Gothic era to the 20th century. Renowned artists represented include Lucas Cranach the Elder, Rubens, Caspar David Friedrich, and Franz Marc.

Moreover, the museum features extensive exhibits of applied arts and possesses one of the largest collections of glass art in Europe. Its reputation has been further bolstered by world-class temporary exhibitions showcasing works from renowned artists like Caravaggio and Warhol.

13. Marktplatz

The altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) frames the square in front of Marktplatz, perhaps the most picturesque location in Altstadt. Originally a market area since 1482, the square also hosts the ceremonial “Erwachen” (Awakening) event, marking the beginning of Düsseldorf’s Carnival on 11 November.

Surrounded by stunning listed monument buildings, the square showcases one of Germany’s most revered equestrian statues representing Elector Johann Wilhelm on horseback, sculpted by Gabriël Grupello in 1711.

14. Kaiserswerth

Take the U-Bahn north to one of Düsseldorf’s oldest neighborhoods, Kaiserswerth, characterized by grand Baroque mansions dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The riverfront ruins of the Kaiserpfalz, a medieval castle significantly expanded by Friedrich Barbarossa in the 11th century and nearly destroyed during the War of the Spanish Succession, are particularly picturesque.

Wander along the lime-tree-lined Burgweg avenue while exploring the cobblestone streets, where charming biergartens and cafes invite you to pause and refresh.

15. St. Suitbertus

The historic St. Suitbertus church in Kaiserswerth features a unique combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, constructed from volcanic tuff stone.

Situated on Stiftsplatz, the church’s triple-aisled nave dates back to the 12th century, while the Gothic choir emerged a century later. Notably, this is the final resting place of the 8th-century Saint Suitbertus, whose relics are housed in a beautifully adorned reliquary.

The reliquary, created in 1264, is crafted from oak and plated with gilded copper, featuring reliefs depicting the apostles and scenes from the life of Jesus.

16. Wildpark im Grafenberger Wald

Located to the east of Düsseldorf’s center, the Wildpark offers a glimpse into the animal kingdom set within a 200-year-old beech forest.

This park focuses on species native to Germany, featuring interconnected habitats along a three-kilometer walking trail. Visitors are welcome to bring along apples and grains to feed the animals.

The park remains accessible free of charge throughout the year, showcasing approximately 100 animals, including various deer species, mouflon, wild boars, and wildcats, as well as an apiary with live demonstrations from a beekeeper.

17. St. Lambertus

One of the most recognizable features of Düsseldorf’s skyline is the twisting 14th-century Sankt Lambertus church tower.

The tower’s unusual design resulted from reconstruction efforts in 1815 after a fire caused warping of its timbers. Numerous intriguing tales surround the tower, including one that suggests it turns in shame when a deceptive woman approaches the altar, only to twist back at the wedding of a true virgin.

Inside the church, visitors can admire remarkable art, including 15th-century frescoes of the Crucifixion and an Italian High Renaissance tomb of the noble Herzog Wilhelms von Jülich-Kleve-Berg.

18. Classic Remise Düsseldorf

Located in a repurposed steam locomotive roundhouse, Classic Remise showcases a stunning array of classic cars free of charge.

This venue functions as a hub where exquisite 20th-century vehicles are restored, maintained, and sold. Visitors can observe skilled restorers at work, breathing new life into vintage Mercedes-Benz, Porsches, BMWs, Lamborghinis, and more.

The industrial aesthetics of the roundhouse enhance the charm of the classic cars, many of which are carefully stored in twin-level glass cubes maintaining optimal environmental conditions.

19. Carlstadt

Situated just south of the Altstadt, Carlstadt is a quaint city district established in the 18th century on a grid layout by Elector Charles Theodore.

Retaining Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles, the neighborhood accommodates galleries, boutiques, and antique shops. After browsing for unique treasures on Bilker Straße or Hohe Straße, visitors can take a respite at chic cafes or restaurants for a delightful afternoon.

Notably, the musical duo Robert and Clara Schumann resided at Bilker Straße during the 1850s, adding to the suburb’s cultural heritage.

20. Markt auf dem Carlsplatz

In Carlstadt, visitors can also explore the oldest market in Düsseldorf, which has traded here since 1910, following a brief hiatus during World War II.

Once serving as a market for everyday goods, the modern iteration has transformed into a gourmet destination, featuring permanent stands, sheltered by canopies. Lunchtime visitors can choose from a globally influenced selection of food to-go, including bratwurst, kebabs, and crepes.

The market also stocks essentials like fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and specialty foods available from local vendors.

21. NRW Forum

For enthusiasts of contemporary art and pop culture, the NRW Forum warrants a visit to discover ongoing exhibitions within the Ehrenhof complex.

The center showcases displays related to contemporary art, design, fashion, digital culture, and photography. Over the past 15 years, it has featured exhibitions for notable artists such as Vivienne Westwood, Martin Kippenberger, and Andy Warhol.

As of 2017, the center hosted a photography exhibition titled “Women on Street” by Garry Winogrand and Peter Lindbergh.

22. Neanderthal Museum

Travel east to the Neander Valley (Neandertal) using the S-Bahn to visit the site where Neanderthal Man was first discovered in 1856. Established in 1996, this museum includes indoor galleries and an archaeological park marking the original discovery location.

The exhibition features life-sized models of Neanderthals based on actual fossils, informing visitors about their behaviors and their migration journey across Europe. Additional presentations explore early human evolution in detail, enhanced by informative English audioguides.

23. Altbier

A quintessential experience in Düsseldorf includes indulging in a glass of Altbier at an Altstadt brewery.

This traditional beverage, characterized by its dark reddish hue, derives its name from the antiquated brewing method that employs top-fermenting yeast. Fermented at moderate temperatures before maturing at cooler conditions, Altbier features a crisp flavor more akin to lager than standard ale.

Visitors intrigued by the various Altbier styles can explore five microbreweries in the Altstadt, while the city’s tourism board organizes guided tours. For an authentic Düsseldorf experience, enjoy your Altbier alongside roasted pork knuckles and French fries.

24. Rhine Boat Tour

During the summer months, passengers can embark on a scenic boat tour to admire Düsseldorf’s skyline from the Rhine.

Two cruise companies, Weisse Flotte and KD, operate hour-long cruises equipped with complimentary refreshments and live commentary in both German and English.

One of the highlights is the opportunity to view Medienhafen’s modern architecture, as boats navigate through its canals. Passengers will pass under the Theodor Heuss Bridge, the first cable-stayed bridge in Germany, completed in 1957.

25. Kirmes

From the second to the third weekend in July, Düsseldorf hosts the “Largest Fair on the Rhine,” drawing over four million visitors annually.

This fair ranks just behind Oktoberfest and Stuttgart’s Canstatter Volksfest in terms of scale, originating as a religious celebration for Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna and the Sanctification of the St. Lambertus Basilica in the 15th century.

While the fair’s religious themes have diminished over time, the event now features thrilling amusement rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and a giant Ferris wheel. Special themed days, such as “Pink Monday” for the LGBT community and a marksman’s competition, enhance the festive atmosphere.