Discover Dusseldorf Today
This summer, book a short break to Düsseldorf and explore an amazing city - brimming in rich architecture, open spaces, multi-level shopping options, and fine dining. With a Düsseldorf Card, getting around is made easy with free travel by bus and train, plus discounts of up to 100% on over 80 offers.
Best Time to Visit:
May to September for warm weather, outdoor cafes, and festivals. We visited in March and took the sun with us. If you prefer a quieter city then we would suggest going out of season. If you do not mind the seasonal weather then you may find cheaper flights and less tourists at the many attractions. December would be the best month for Christmas markets and festive food. Düsseldorf is an all year round destination so find a cheap flight and get exploring.
Getting Around
A highly walkable city, you can get to most places with a short 10 minute walk. Once into the city you will find the majority of routes are relatively flat, with wide pavements and pedestrianised areas that make walking an easy choice for those who want to stretch their legs.
Looking for more time to enjoy the city at a leisurely pace? Invest in a Düsseldorf Card - which can be purchased to cover anything from 24 - 96 hours. The card is available for a single person or family groups and can be used to ride all buses, trams and the local metro, as well as any Regional Express (RE), Regional Bahn (RB) and S-Bahn trains (second-class travel only) within the Düsseldorf Centre/North zone (VRR tariff zone 43) plus neighbouring tariff zones that do not require you to pay a supplement.
The Düsseldorf card also includes discounts for up to 100% on over 80 offers, such as city tours, museums & souvenirs. Prices range from 13,90 € single (23,90 € group) for a 24 hour pass, up to 23,90 € single (53,90 € group) for a 96 hour pass. Taking public transport from the airport to the city is quick and easy, especially if you are travelling light. To save time you can purchase the card in advance, selecting dates a few months in advance so it's ready to use from the minute you arrive.
Navigating the city by bike is another option. Book the DüsseldorfCard Bike which includes a 24-hour bike hire. Hop on directly at the main railway station while stocks last, as there are a limited number of bikes available for this option.
Places to Stay
Accommodation is available throughout the city, within easy reach of restaurants, attractions and regular transport. A popular choice for many travellers, The Altstadt (Old Town) is the historical center, placing you in the heart of the city. Here you will find yourself close to the 'longest bar in the world' - where there are over 250 places to eat and drink. The Hofgarten is just a short walk away, set close to the banks of the Rhine.
Finding the hotel or room to suit your budget shouldn't pose many issues. Your choice of where to stay can be decided solely on your own personal preferences as Düsseldorf has excellent, balanced accommodation. We stayed at the Henri Hotel Downtown, a 15 minute walk into the center of town.
Where to Eat
Düsseldorf offers a diverse selection of food, ranging from local specialities to world cuisine, and is home to the third largest Japanese community in Europe. Little Tokyo has some of Europe's best Japanese restaurants offering everything from fast food to 'book in advance'. Some venues are in so high demand, you may find yourself waiting in a queue to get seated.
In the central square south of the Altstadt is the Carlsplatz, a refined market with over 50 stalls, where you can select from stalls brimming with fruits, regional vegetables, fresh fish, meat and poultry, alongside breads, cheese, and assorted delicacies to eat on the move. The MedienHafen (Media Harbor) is home to more than 700 companies but also some of the most popular restaurants in the city. The Rhine Promenade is a pedestrian-only riverside walk which connects the Altstadt to the more modern harbour. It is lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars. When it comes to eating out in Düsseldorf, you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure you try the famous Altbier, which is similar to a lager and very easy to drink.
Sightseeing and Shopping
For guided transport, the 'Hop On - Hop Off' bus will take you on a 90-minute tour by double decker bus, stopping at seven key points along the route. Running every two hours, you can relax and enjoy the full ride or break up your stops, hopping on and off over 24 hours (activated when you first scan your ticket onboard). Audio guide is available in 10 different languages so you will get an historical and geographical tour of the main city and out to Nordpark. You can use your own headphones with a 3.5 mm jack or receive free disposable headphones from the driver when boarding. Prices are set at 24,00 € per person. An extra discount of 3 € is available with the Düsseldorf Card. For a great day out visit the Nord Park and Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum. Admission is included with the DüsseldorfCard.
With numerous art galleries and museums, parks, historical buildings and diverse architecture, Düsseldorf is brimming with interesting nooks and corners. We recommend booking a walking tour of the central area to orientate yourself and discover places that could be overlooked.
The Königsallee is a high-end boulevard with a selection of international luxury brands alongside local boutiques. If an Aston Martin is on your shopping list, they have a showroom set alongside labelled brands including Burberry, Chanel, and Gucci. For everyday items it is a short walk to C&A at Schadowstraße, where you can shop Decathlon, Urban Outfitters, and TK Maxx. If you love retail therapy Düsseldorf has enough shops to satiate those with a high retail appetite. Be prepared to shop till you drop.
And as the sun goes down the one place we 100% recommend is the view from the top of the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower). The Rheinturm is a 240.5-metre-high active telecommunications tower. In the bar M 168 (which is 168 m sky high) you can unwind in a casual atmosphere in a space that expands 360 degrees. A very special experience. Sit back, relax, and sip cocktails as the sun sets, while enjoying panoramic views of the city and river below. With the DüsseldorfCard you get a discount when buying tickets at the Rheinturm ticket office.
Visit Düsseldorf has a plethora of information available to ensure you get the most out of your visit, so book your tickets, pack your bags, and put this fascinating city on your destination map for 2026.