Things to do in Dusseldorf

The most popular of Dusseldorf’s many attractions are in the Old Town (Altstadt), which also has an interesting marketplace near the river. The attractions include the Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus) as well as a selection of other old buildings and churches including the city’s two most famous landmarks on Burgplatz, St Lambertus Church, with its twisted spire, and the round Castle Tower (Schlossturm). Both of these historic structures date from the 13th century. You may want to include some or all of the attractions listed below in your tour.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Besides being home to the major historic attractions of the city, the Old Town is an attraction in itself. There are narrow lanes for you to explore, filled with interesting old structures as well as breweries, pubs, bars and clubs for an evening’s enjoyment. The Old Town is Dusseldorf’s centre for food, drink and people-watching. Some of the city’s best boutiques and finest hotels and restaurants are in this section of the city.

Rhine Embankment Promenade (Rheinuferpromenade)

Particularly when the weather is fine, you can enjoy a walk along this promenade on the Rhine, along with many of the locals. There are spectacular views across the river, most notably of the modern architecture of new Dusseldorf and of the lovely homes in one of the city’s premier residential areas. You’ll also find plenty of art and attractions to divert your attention along the way.

Town Hall (Rathaus)

The Old Town Hall is a Renaissance structure found at the Marktplatz in the Aldstadt. When you visit the Rathaus, you will note that it consists of three buildings, which were constructed in different periods. There is a guided tour, free-of-charge, providing interesting information on many features of the complex including the Jan-Wellem room, the entry hall’s 380 furnace plates and the council’s silverware.

Knigsallee

Königsallee, on the edge of the Old Town, is known as one of the world’s most luxurious boulevards. The landscaping alone attracts many tourists, as do the high-end specialty shops and designer boutiques, elegant restaurants and hotels. Some of Dusseldorf’s best hotels are on Königsallee or in the immediate adjacent area.

Carlsplatz

There is a market here, open from Monday through Saturday, which seems to be constantly busy. It’s actually a former farmers’ market, where, today, you can buy gourmet delicacies or just enjoy looking over the array of all that’s on offer. Just past the market is the lovely church of St Maximilian, which is situated in a small square of its own.

Museums

There are many museums of note throughout Dusseldorf. Three of particular interest are the State Academy of Art (Staatliche Kunstakademie), Benrath Palace and the Museum of European Garden History (Museum für Europäische Gartenkunst).
On Eiskellerstrasse, in the Altstadt, is the State Academy of Art, which is a showcase for architecture of the neo-Renaissance style. On the ground floor, there is a frieze featuring the names of more than 60 important artists of the period. At the Museum of European Garden History, you can browse through a large number of sculptures and paintings, all on a garden history theme. There are also many books and models of gardens on view. This museum is housed in the east wing of Benrath Palace which is, in itself, a museum of interest.

Benrath Palace was built near the Rhine around 200 years ago, in the south of Dusseldorf. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful garden palaces built in the 18th century. In the west wing of the palace, is the Museum of Natural Science.