Join us for a wander as we explore delightful Düsseldorf! Thanks to an invite from Visit Dusseldorf, we set off to explore the Christmas Markets and quickly discovered there’s so much more to this vibrant city beyond its festive magic. Read on for your Ultimate Weekend Guide to discovering Dusseldorf, a fabulous European city destination for a three-day city break—longer if you have the time!
Why Düsseldorf?
‘We’re going to Düsseldorf?’ Mr Wren says with a quizzical look. ‘Düsseldorf’s a dump’, he proclaims with certainty. ‘Awks‘, I respond, having just accepted the invitation to discover the city’s delights!
Thirty-five years of working in business with a decade working for a German company, and I’m always interested in the places he knows in a work context. True, Dusseldorf is a commercial city; it has the nickname of the “Desk of the Ruhr area,” as many local manufacturing companies had headquarters there. But no worries, I put this to Visit Düsseldorf, who designed a program to impress even the most unenthusiastic.
We’re joining a private guided tour called Climate Walk in Düsseldorf to learn about sustainability efforts and green initiatives. We will view the city from the water— cruising on the Rhine River. My banker, for he’s going to love the delights of Düsseldorf, is we will attend a Beer Tour at the World’s Longest Bar.
I’m not a massive beer drinker, so with a beer on offer in five microbreweries, I’m happy to donate mine to a worthy cause… Surely, by the time he enjoys ten beers, he will be well-smitten with Düsseldorf? And I, dear reader, will be the running for Wifey of the Year.
What impressed me about Düsseldorf?
We’re here to discover what makes Düsseldorf special. The city is known as Little Paris, the fashion capital of Germany, and is also renowned for arts and music—does anyone remember the 1970s electronic band Kraftwerk from Düsseldorf?
But really, I’m beyond my catwalk and Krautrock music days! What else will impress?
The city’s art and culture scene was an exciting find. It’s an interesting mix of supermodern architecture, cobblestone streets, monuments, and a seemingly endless list of museums to be explored in a weekend in Dusseldorf.
Düsseldorf is known for its Live Close, Feel Free slogan, which promises (and delivers!) a cosmopolitan vibe where everything is close at hand. The city is culturally diverse, with around 180 nationalities living there; an area known as Little Tokyo has a rich Japanese culture and an authentic vibe.
As Germany’s seventh largest city, Dusseldorf impresses as a green city in more ways than one, and its pedestrianisation makes it pleasant to wander. Overall, there was a thoroughly fun vibe to Düsseldorf, one that Mr Wren had not experienced during his working visits! Granted, we were there during a grey and icy snap when even the locals knocked back the Glühwein, accompanied by a loud brrrrr sound.
Drink on, oops, I mean, read on! Come with me, and I’ll share what we did and enjoyed in Dusseldorf. Will these impress you, too?
What to see, do and love in Dusseldorf
HopOn, HopOff, Bus
We took the HopOn HopOff Bus, a fabulous introduction to your weekend in Dusseldorf. It was both a history lesson and an excellent orientation to get our bearings. The 90-minute tour offers seven stops in and around the city.
Starting in Konigsallee, the luxury boulevard Known as the Ko, we get to see Ko, the oldest fountain. We also see how the city’s heart has developed since its damage in the Second World War.
We whizz around the Burgaltz/Aldstadt old town area, spotting the old Schlossturn (Palace Tower), where we will meet for the beer tour. We discovered we could orient ourselves with the Ferris Wheel by the River. The third stop is the modern architecture of MedienHafen.
The tour takes us along both sides of the Rhein River. On the opposite side, we step back in time as sheep graze on the river banks in Oberkassel Haam District, where people still live from agriculture. You can hop off at stops four and six for the museums of Kunstpalast, NRW-Forum and K20.
Stop five is for Nord Park with the Japanese Garden and the Aquazoo (free with a Dusseldorf City Card) with sharks, penguins and crocodiles.
Whether you have a day or a weekend, it’s an easy way to take in the variety of Düsseldorf’s charm!
More details from: www.hop-on-hop-off.net/en/duesseldorf
A discounted experience with a Dusseldorf City Pass
Climate Walk in Düsseldorf
We took an excellent two-hour guided tour with Katja Liebe to learn how Dusseldorf deals with Climate Change. It was a fascinating walk, during which we discussed the city’s greening and blueing. We visited architecturally iconic buildings that positively influence the climate of the Rhine and the city. There is no doubt Dusseldorf is proud of its green efforts, and rightly so.
We learned how Düsseldorf is preparing its cityscape to be more resilient to future conditions by modelling itself in part on Toulouse, France, the climate it expects to have by 2050. One interesting change is the replacement of the iconic Hungarian silver lime trees along Königsallee with more drought-resistant plane or sycamore trees. This shift highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable urban forestry.
Katja also shared insights into Düsseldorf’s architectural advancements, such as modern, climate-friendly buildings with green rooftops and light-coloured facades, such as the Opera House, to reflect sunlight and reduce heat retention.
The tour delved into how past urban planning is evolving, with increased attention on opening rivers for natural cooling, expanding car-free zones, and adding green spaces with a diversified, climate-ready tree population.
We stopped in front of Kö-Bogen 2, home to Europe’s largest green facade (if a tad winter brown at this time of year!), wrapped in eight kilometres of hornbeam hedges.
The tour takes you through Düsseldorf Hofgarten, an inner city green lung of the Rhine metropolis, established in 1769, with its climate-cooling water features.
We found this tour fascinating and if you can make time in your weekend in Dusseldorf we can thoroughly recommend it.
To book: www.visitduesseldorf.de/en/calendar-of-events/climate-walk-in-duesseldorf.
A River City
Düsseldorf means village on the Düssel (river) Dorf (village). The Dussel estuary flows into the famous Rhine River. The town was chartered in 1288, and by the 1400s, the harbour had three piers and a jetty.
Today, the Rhine River remains a working river and is an integral part of Dusseldorf life.
Rhine River Cruise
A cruise on the Rhein is a must. It is one of the most important rivers in Europe, being 1230 km long and winding its way through six countries. Taking a river cruise gives you a different perspective on the city.
We cruised with KD Rheinschiffahrt on their Advent Christmas Tour, and they have plenty of options throughout the year. The boat was large and comfortable, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
More information at: www.k-d.com/en/cruises/panorama-round-trip-duesseldorf
Rhine Romenade walk
This pedestrian-friendly riverside stretch is lined with cafes and bars; on sunny days, it’s a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.
Fun Fact: Some say Düsseldorf is often in the shadow of Cologne, but the River Embankment Rhine Promenade walk is better by all accounts. So, plan to stop for a riverside lunch, grab a traditional bratwurst, and enjoy the river views.
Maritime Museum (Schifffahrts Museum )
This small museum, “Laterne” to the Rhine Promenade, is a great way to familiarise yourself with Dusseldorf’s maritime side—interactive exhibits on the history of shipbuilding, trade, travel, and the ecology of the Rhine. You can see model ships such as the Diligence passenger ship, built around 1800, and watch an 11-minute video in English.
The best part is the museum cafe at the end, which is at the top of the tower and has lovely views. Those who wish can end their visit in the museum café on the upper floor of the castle tower with a wonderful view of the Rhine.
Address: Burgplatz 30, 40213 Düsseldorf
Website: www.freunde-schifffahrtmuseum.de
Price: Adults 3,00 € [Free with a Dusseldorf City pass.]
Altstadt Old Town
We thoroughly enjoyed the old town area, with cobbled streets where people have priority over cars. If you are there during the Christmas season, you can enjoy seven Christmas Markets dotted around the city; those in the old town area were incredibly atmospheric!
Lindt Store
Chocoholics may want to visit the Lindt Store on Wallstrasse 1, 40213 Düsseldorf. Here, you will find a wide range of the famous fine chocolate creations.
Burgplatz
This square is near the Rhine Promenade; the historic Schlossturm Tower is here. The Christmas market and Ferris Wheel make it an attractive place to visit during the festive season.
Königsallee
Take a wander along Königsallee (locally known as the “Kö”), which is Düsseldorf’s smartest street and shopping boulevard. From elegant boutiques and designer shops to the picturesque canal that runs through the heart of the street, it’s a swish area for a stroll.
Düsseldorf City Card
Dusseldorf is a city of art with some fabulous museums. To maximise your time, you might like to consider purchasing a Düsseldorf City Card. This offers an affordable and easy way to get to know the city of Düsseldorf. This city card offers access to public transport and free or discounted entry to many museums.
Further details: Dusseldorf City Card
Art Walk 48
The Art: Walk48 ticket gives you access to six museums and exhibitions in the heart of the German capital of Art, and it can be used within 48 hours, so a perfect weekend in Dusseldorf activity. (Note: museums are closed on Monday)
You can walk between the six museums and pass Hofgarden, Ko-Bogen, Konigsalle Standehauspar, See’scher Graben, and Rhine Promenade.
Costs: 25 Euros
More details: www.visitduesseldorf.de/en/book/art-walk48
Kunstsammlung Nordrheim-Westfalen
The impressive modern art museum Kunstsammlung Nordrheim-Westfalen is split between two locations, K20 and K21. The two buildings are 10 minutes by bicycle apart. The permanent collection on display is relatively small, and you can whizz around the two floors fairly briskly. Highlights include works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Warhol, as well as contemporary installations.
1. Kunstsammlung Nord Rhein-Westfalan K20
K20 near the Altstadt is a sizeable purpose-built museum with plenty of space. This means the paintings are well spread out and well lit – something I like and need… you don’t get sensory overload from too many pictures being huddled together.
The Lido K20 pop-up Bar and cafe in the foyer is a lovely place to pause. It serves the best fresh peppermint and orange tea.
2. Kunstsammlung Nord Rhein-Westfalan K21
We didn’t get to Kunstsammlung Nordrheim-WestfalenK 21, which may have been a mistake. K21 has an incredible-looking web of steel nets you can climb into, as well as the art! One to return to.
Cost: Kunstsammlung entry is 20 Euros for both K20 and K21.
3. Kunstpalast
The Kunstpalast occupies a large area overlooking the Rhine. The permanent collection is a real mix, stretching from the Renaissance to the modern.
You can spend a long, long time here. They also have temporary exhibitions. When we were there, the show explored the development of horror in Art – across many art forms. It’s well worth a visit with some pretty weird exhibits, as you would expect.
I particularly like a recently renovated area where a massive Rubens picture (The Assumption of the Virgin Mary) hangs next to a giant golden ‘cloak’. The works are beautifully presented in a large hall with a mezzanine so that you can look up and down on them. .
Individual adult entry to the Museum Kunstpalast is 16 Euros.
4. Kunsthhalle
This museum was closed during our visit. You can find more information on the current exhibitions here.
5. NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
Home to popular and digital culture and photography. This was my sort of exhibition bright, interesting and thought provoking!
We had coffee and cake looked an excellent place to eat.
6. KIT Kunst im Tunnel
Art in the Bunker
This museum is currently closed until Jan 2025.
Website: www.kunst-im-tunnel.de
MedienHafen
The former port area (Medienhafen) is definitely worth a wander, with its modernist architecture, such as the Gehry Buildings designed by the American Frank O Gehry. Get there around sunset to enjoy a wander and stay for dinner. The Hafen has a great selection of restaurants and bars with incredible views.
Rhine Tower
The Rhine radio tower is a tall landmark that can be spotted in many places in the city. If you get a chance, the views from the 240,5-metre observation deck will show the landscape of Dusseldorf below. Indeed, on a clear day, Cologne Cathedral can be seen from the M168 observation deck.
A Japanese restaurant, Qomo, is found inside the tower, which is 172.5 metres high. While eating, you can enjoy free entry to the tower. The 360-degree revolving panorama is accompanied by sushi and miso soup. One complete circuit takes 72 minutes.
Dusseldorf’s Parks
Dusseldorf is proud of its parks and green spaces. It declares itself greener than any other city. With this in mind, any visit to Dusseldorf could include a wander through nature.
Here are some of Visit Dusseldorf’s suggestions:
The Rheinwiesen, a 2 km green belt (Rhine meadows); Hofgarten (courtyard garden), Germany’s oldest public park with an ornamental lake; and the Nordpark with its Japanischen Garten (Japanese Garden).
The Volksgarten (public garden), which has been expanded and is host to the Federal Garden Show, is considered the ´green lung´ of Düsseldorf. A visit to the Botanische Garten (Botanical Gardens) is a real insider tip.‘
Altstadt Beer Safari “Altbier-Safari”
With Dusseldorf known for having the World’s longest bar and around 260 Bars to delight in, we kept it easy and joined the Altstadt Beer Safari, which had selected five microbreweries for us to enjoy. The two-hour tour was a weekend highlight as an easy way to have a fun evening out in the old town area of Dusseldorf.
We tasted Dusseldorfer Altbier at each brewery and learned all about the art of brewing. To the untutored (i.e., us), the beers all tasted very similar to me. It is a dark, quite bitter, hop-filled beer called altbier (old beer). We learned that altbier is top-fermented, the recipe has not changed for centuries, originates from Dusseldorf, and is very popular in Japan.
Beer is a traditional top-fermented dark ale, a craft beer before we knew the term. The dark copper colour means ‘heaven in a glass.’
For the record, the breweries visited were:
Brauerei Kurzer
The newest brewery in town and they pride themselves on offering ‘charisma and comfort in a modern way‘. I liked the way you could potentially see the brewmaster at work! We liked the atmosphere here.
Address: Altstadt, Kurze Straße 18-20, Düsseldorf
Website: www.brauerei-kuerzer.de
Fuchschen ( Little Fox)
This brewery dates back to 1848, and its beer is brewed according to a secret family recipe. It is a popular and iconic brewery that should be on your list to visit.
Address: Ratinger Straße 28, 40213 Düsseldorf
Wedsite: www.fuechschen.de
Schumacher Alt
Found in the Goldenen Kessel – the largest brewhouse, one of the Big Four in Dusseldorf. The main building, from 1838, is considered the oldest brewery in the city.
Address: Oststraße 123, 40210 Düsseldorf
Website: www.schumacher-alt.de
Zum Schlussel and Uerige
These are the best-known historic breweries, offering a quintessential experience. They are a few yards from the Rhine and serve their versions of dark Altbier. Original Schlüssel has already been awarded the gold medal at the European Beer Star twice as the best Altbier.
Uerige website: www.uerige.de. Address: Berger Str. 1, 40213 Düsseldorf
Zum Schluessel website: www.zumschluessel.de. Address: Bolkerstrasse 41-47, 40213 Düsseldorf
A note on the waiters
The waiters (or Kobes) are all dressed in blue and have a reputation for being unfriendly. Blue is the traditional uniform of the brewers, who used to resent being dragged away from their everyday jobs to wait on customers—hence the surliness. It is part of the charm of the tour. The waiters will stay away if you place beer mats on top of your beer, which signals: No more Beer!
Wren’s tips
In winter, wrap up warm because the breweries are very popular, and you will likely find yourself standing outside in the street at least a couple of them. In Düsseldorf’s breweries, Altbier is enjoyed outdoors – regardless of whether it’s cold or hot.
Eat first because 2 hours is not much time to get around all the breweries.
The tour costs 31.50 Euros per person, and the guide is expected to receive a tip at the end. It is worth it primarily to see the spectacular old town at night.
More details at: www.altbier-safari.de
Where to eat during your weekend in Dusseldorf.
We found that most of our dining was either street food, grazing our way around the Christmas markets, or food from any of the Altbier Breweries above!
Carlsplatz
The Carlsplatz Farmers Market is a gourmet paradise with 60 stalls frequented by both locals and visitors (soup, patisseries, florists, butcher). Here, you’ll find everything from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked breads and local specialties. Grab some goodies for a picnic or sample some dishes on-site.
DD Beating Heart is a good lunch spot.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is home to Germany’s largest Japanese community. With around 7,000 Japanese and some of the best Japanese food in Europe, Little Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise. There is so much choice, from ramen shops to sushi bars and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), offering some of Europe’s most authentic Japanese food.
Do not miss during your weekend in Dusseldorf.
Naniwa
One of the most popular spots for ramen, where you can find a variety of hearty ramen dishes and traditional sides.
Takumi
We ate at Takumi Ramen Kitchen, in Immermannstraße 28. The noodles are made at a factory in Sapporo, Japan. Takumi pride themselves on delicate, superior-quality noodles aged at the right temperature and humidity to bring out their best flavour and texture.
Nagaya
For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Nagaya is a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant blending traditional Japanese flavours with a modern European touch.
Address: Klosterstraße 42, Düsseldorf, 40211, Germany
Christmas Markets
If you visit during the Christmas season, you are in for a treat. This year, there are seven Christmas Markets in Dusseldorf to enjoy.
For more details, see our Ultimate Guide to the Dusseldorf Christmas Markets.
Where To Stay
Henri Hotel
They say, ‘Every day should be a Henri day,‘ and we agree. The hotel is fun with its unique 1960s and 1970s design and a great choice for a weekend in Dusseldorf. It has 79 Studio rooms. We especially enjoyed this hotel because of its central location, fabulous design touches, and great breakfast. They even offer a wellness area. For an extra charge, you can use their on-site steam bath and Finnish sauna.
𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The hotel is well connected to nearby public transport at Pemplefort, and Wehrhaln U-Bahn stations offer either a tram into the city or a train to the Airport.
We liked we could walk from here to the Ko. The hotel is also within a short stroll to 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨 with its fabulous Japanese restaurants.
Food
The traditional German Henri Breakfast, shown below, is a highlight of any stay. As is the traditional German Supper of bread, cheeses, and meats offered Monday through Thursday between 7 and 9 p.m.
Dusseldorf Travel & Connections
Travel to Dusseldorf
Check out all the travel options for Getting to Dusseldorf here
By Air
It was easy to fly to Dusseldorf from London. We booked a Eurowings flight, which cost 200 GBP return per person for an 80-minute flight.
Dusseldorf is Germany’s third largest airport, and direct flights are available from more than 40 countries, including six United Kingdom cities.
The airport is five miles from the city centre.
Transport within Dusseldorf
Travelling around the city is pretty straightforward and you will easily get to grips with it in a weekend in Dusseldorf. The Airport train is 6€ and takes 20 mins.
They think of themselves as a 10-minute city; everything is a short distance away. Public transport works well, especially with the City Card. Trams and buses are only a short stroll away and connect the major attractions and neighbourhoods.
Metro
We loved the Metro. It is easy to use, and our Düsseldorf Card offers free public transport in Düsseldorf and its surroundings.
Best time of year for a Weekend in Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a year-round destination, for sure. As with many European cities, Spring and early Autumn are ideal times to visit for mild weather and plenty of outdoor events. We found our wintery visit had much to offer.
Final thoughts on a Weekend in Dusseldorf
We hope this guide helps you to plan your wonderful weekend in Düsseldorf. From its lively Altstadt and the World’s Longest Bar to its world-class art galleries and forward-thinking urban planning, Düsseldorf is a city full of surprises.
Whether you’re cruising the Rhine, savouring Altbier, or strolling between its historic charm and modern architecture, there’s something here for every visitor. Far from being a dull or overlooked destination (and definitely NOT a dump!), Düsseldorf combines style, culture, and innovation in a exciting and welcoming way. We loved our time in Dusseldorf and hope you will too!
Wrap up warm in winter, bring your sense of adventure, and discover all this dynamic city offers. A weekend in Dusseldorf will surprise and delight.
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Visit Dusseldorf, all thoughts and opinions are my own. A massive thank you to those who made our visit so memorable.
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