About Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany. It is located mainly on the right bank of the Rhine, 34 km northwest of Cologne. It is the administrative and cultural center of the industrial Rhine-Ruhr area.

First mentioned in 1159, Düsseldorf (“village on the Düssel,” a small tributary of the Rhine) was founded in 1288 by the Count of Berg and was the capital of the Duchies of Berg and Jülich from 1511 until it passed to the Palatinate-Neuberg line in 1609. Although the city suffered greatly during the Thirty Years’ War and the War of the Spanish Succession, it experienced a revival under Elector Johann Wilhelm II (Jan Wellem). After being the capital of the short-lived Napoleonic Grand Duchy of Berg (1805-13), the city fell to Prussia in 1815. With the establishment of the iron and steel industry in the 1870s, the city experienced a rapid economic boom. After major destruction during World War II, many of the city’s old buildings were repaired and many new buildings were constructed.

Düsseldorf has three ports on the Rhine and one of the busiest civil airfields in Germany at Lohausen. The city is a banking and wholesale center and the administrative headquarters of many companies in the Ruhr region. Industries include iron, steel, chemicals, glass and textiles.

Düsseldorf’s tree-lined shopping street, Königsallee, is well known. Landmarks include the 13th- and 14th-century Lambertuskirche, whose leaning tower has become the city’s emblem, and the old city hall (1567-88). Only the tower remains of the Electoral Palatinate castle, which was burned down in 1872. Other reminders of Düsseldorf’s glorious past include Jägerhof Palace (1752-63), which houses the city’s history collection, Benrath Palace (1755-73), built by Nicolas de Pigage, and the remains of the palace of Frederick I (Frederick Barbarossa).

In the nearby Neander Valley is the Feldhofer Cave, where Neanderthal remains were first discovered in 1856. Düsseldorf is home to Germany’s first skyscraper, the Wilhelm Marx House (1924). Among the city’s many cultural institutions, the Ceramics Museum, the State Museum, and the City Library (with a collection of works by and about a son of the city, the poet Heinrich Heine) are particularly noteworthy. In 2011, Düsseldorf opened a museum dedicated to rock legend Elvis Presley-the largest such institution outside the United States. The city is home to the University of Düsseldorf (founded 1965); there is also an art academy (founded 1767), a music conservatory, and several technical institutes. Population. (2010 estimate) city, 588,735; (2010 estimate) metropolitan area, 1,222,406.

North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia, German Nordrhein-Westfalen, state in western Germany. It borders Lower Saxony to the north and northeast, Hesse to the east, and Rhineland-Palatinate to the south, as well as Belgium to the southwest and the Netherlands to the west. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia was created in 1946 by the merger of the former Prussian province of Westphalia and the northern part of the Prussian Rhine province; the former state of Lippe was incorporated in 1947. (See also Lippe; Rhineland; Westphalia.) The principalities that existed in the area until about 1800 are memorialized by regional names: Münsterland in the north, Sauerland in the southeast, and Berg near the cities of Düsseldorf and Cologne. The state capital is Düsseldorf.

The best things to do in Düsseldorf, Germany

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Düsseldorf is a hidden gem that is not on the itinerary of many visitors. The city only snuck into our travel plans because of the much-touted Düsseldorf Christmas Market. However, we were thrilled to find that there are a surprising number of things to do in Düsseldorf.

The city is full of fascinating architecture and incredible landscapes. Düsseldorf’s picturesque old town is home to a surprising number of pubs known as “The Longest Pub in the World,” which serve the local specialty beer. Drinking, however, is only one of the many top activities in Düsseldorf!

Düsseldorf – the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia – enchanted us with its charm. Located on a bend of the Rhine River, the city is both traditional and modern. From fashion to culture to outdoor activities, Düsseldorf has something for everyone. Whether you want to visit Düsseldorf in a day or a long weekend, there’s plenty to do! Travelers can use our tips for Düsseldorf to plan the perfect trip!

16 Things to Do in Dusseldorf

Our list of things to do in Düsseldorf has everything you need! In addition to our tips on what to see in Düsseldorf, we’ve included important information, links (where applicable), and a helpful map of Düsseldorf attractions. At the end of the post, you’ll also find tips on where to stay in Düsseldorf and how to get there.

Altbier!

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Düsseldorf’s nightlife is legendary; it’s said that some 300 pubs line the streets of the historic Altstadt… and they all serve the local beer Altbier. Altbier is top-fermented and brewed according to an old recipe from the 1800s by five different breweries. The apron-clad waiters, called Kobesse, serve the small glasses of beer with a surly attitude (which can come across as rude) – and they keep track of how many you’ve drunk on a coaster. When you’ve had your fill, you cover your glass with the coaster, and instead of tipping another round of beer, they add up your tab.

The best bars in Düsseldorf

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We think the best bars in Düsseldorf are the breweries where the Altbier is freshly brewed – and we made it a point to visit all five of them.

Uerige

Arguably the city’s most popular Altbier pub, Uerige is located on a prominent corner of the Old Town, just south of the market square. The lively pub is frequented by locals and tourists alike, and offers plenty of seating both indoors and out.

Schumacher Brewery

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The city’s oldest Altbier brewery still brews its Altbier according to an old family recipe dating back to 1838. The brewery is located east of the Old Town, between the Old Town and the main train station.

Brewery Zum Schlussel

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The Zum Schlussel brewery is housed in a classic German beer hall and offers a spacious and cozy atmosphere. Equipped with indoor booths and an outdoor beer garden, traditional German dishes are served alongside the brewery’s own beers.

Brewery at the Fuchschen

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With dark wood and dim lighting, Brauerei im Fuchschen is housed in an authentic German beer pub. The cozy and personal Brauerei im Fuchschen is located on Ratinger, Düsseldorf’s pub street.

Brewery Kuzer

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Brauerei Kuzer is a modern brewpub that attracts a younger crowd with a more modern take on local beer. With good music, friendly service, and burgers on the menu, Kuzer is a refreshing place to have a beer in the city!

Pro tip: In Düsseldorf, it’s fun to wander the bars – and since Altbier glasses only hold 200 ml, you can easily visit several bars in one Düsseldorf night!

Take a Düsseldorf Walking Tour

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Wondering what there is to see in Düsseldorf? Forget planning where to go in Düsseldorf and let a guide take you on a walking tour of Düsseldorf! These city tours are full of historical facts and must-see sights in Düsseldorf, and are an ideal way to get to know the city.

We joined a free city tour that is only offered on weekends, but there are several tours you can choose from! Visitors can join an inexpensive 1.5-hour Old Town tour, an evening tour with a night watchman (learn more!) – or combine two of the best things to do in Düsseldorf and join a city tour with Altbier tasting.

Eat pork knuckle

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Eating classic German home cooking should be on every Düsseldorf to-do list! Spicy meat dishes are king in this country – and one of the most delicious dishes is the Schweinshaxe, better known in English as Pork Knuckle. Numerous Düsseldorf restaurants (and breweries, too!) have pork knuckle on their menus, but Schweine Janes is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Düsseldorf when it comes to regional cuisine.

At Schweine Janes, the pork knuckle is rotisserie-grilled in the front of the small restaurant. The succulent meat is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and tastes like it came off the rack. The generous portion of meat is accompanied by potatoes and sauerkraut… all very tasty (and surprisingly inexpensive!).

Pro tip: Schweine Janes is known for serving huge portions of pork knuckle. Instead of ordering one for each of us, we opted to split the pork shank and have the tasty goulash soup as an appetizer.

Walking along the Rhine River promenade

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A walk along the Rheinuferpromenade is one of the best things to do in Düsseldorf – especially after a big, meaty meal! The wide pedestrian walkway that runs along the bank stretches the entire length of the Old Town and offers beautiful views of the river. The promenade, lined with trees and benches, can be enjoyed at any time of day, but the sunset view is especially beautiful.

Düsseldorf sights along the Rheiunuferpromenade

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At the northern end of the promenade, below the castle tower, the Rhine Steps invite visitors to rest their tired feet after a long day of sightseeing in Düsseldorf. The Rhine Steps, overlooking the river, are beautifully decorated with modern, colorful tiles (and a great place for fun Düsseldorf photos!).

Waterfront seafood restaurants and cafes line the way south. The historic tower – the Düsseldorf Water Level Clock – looks like a clock tower, but it’s actually a water level indicator (which also shows past record water levels). At the southern end of the path are the famous Kunst im Tunnel Museum and the Apollo Varieté Theater.

Looking up at the Rhine Tower Düsseldorf

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The Rhine Tower is a landmark of the city and one of the top sights in Düsseldorf. The Rhine Tower stands on the southern edge of the Old Town on the riverbank and is the tallest building in the city at a height of 240.5 meters. It was built in the 1980s as a telecommunications tower, but also features a revolving restaurant and an observation deck.

However, the most fascinating (or confusing) component of the tower is the Light Time Gauge – a unique digital clock that displays the time on the shaft of the tower. Find out how to tell the time here.

Pro tip: For many, climbing to the top of the tower is a must-do in Düsseldorf. We were actually planning to go up – and take advantage of the cheaper Early Bird ticket – but you should only visit the viewing platform when the sky is clear…. and on the day we wanted to go, it was rainy and gloomy.