28 Sep THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DÜSSELDORF
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Rhine River, Düsseldorf has a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts scene, and a culinary landscape. It is a city of contrasts, where you can explore world-class museums, indulge in high-end shopping, or simply relax in the tranquil parks that are spread around town. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a nature lover, Düsseldorf has something special in store for you.
We uncover the hidden treasures and vibrant soul of Düsseldorf, and give you insider tips and local insights. Welcome to Düsseldorf – a city of diversity and many possibilities!
How to get there?
You can get there easily by taking a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Düsseldorf Hbf). Trains run frequently between these two cities, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. You can check the schedule and book tickets on the website of the Dutch Railways (NS) or the German Railways (Deutsche Bahn). You can also drive from Amsterdam to Düsseldorf. The distance is approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles), and the journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
WHERE TO GO?
In Dusseldorf there’s a diverse range of activities to enjoy. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and cozy pubs serving the finest Altbier. Venture further, and you’ll find the gleaming modernity of the MedienHafen district, where cool architecture and creative energy converge. Whether you’re interested in history, art, cuisine or simply want to soak in the local culture – the city has something for everyone. Let’s pin point our top things to do in Dusseldorf.
Explore the “Little Tokyo” area
Düsseldorf is known for having one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe, and this community has created a vibrant Japanese neighborhood in the city. The main area to explore is around Immermannstraße and the nearby streets. Here, you’ll find a concentration of Japanese restaurants, shops, and businesses, creating a lively and authentic Japanese atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine, shop for Japanese groceries and goods, and experience a taste of Japan in Düsseldorf.
Stroll along the Rhine Promenade
Strolling along Düsseldorf’s Rhine promenade offers scenic river views, historic architecture, and opportunities to dine at charming restaurants. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like cycling or rollerblading, admire art installations, and relax on benches along the tranquil waterfront. Don’t miss the iconic Rheinturm and consider taking a river cruise for a unique perspective on this picturesque area. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely outing or romantic evening.
Museum Hopping
Düsseldorf boasts a diverse array of museums to explore. Art enthusiasts can visit the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, while history buffs can delve into the city’s past at the Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf. The NRW Forum focuses on contemporary art, and the Filmmuseum celebrates the world of cinema. Nature lovers can enjoy the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum, while literary fanatics can delve into the lives of Heinrich Heine and Goethe at their respective museums. Other highlights include the Museum Kunstpalast, Classic Remise for classic cars, and the Jüdisches Museum for Jewish history and culture.
Discover the urban art & galleries
Düsseldorf has a growing urban arts scene, including street art, graffiti, and contemporary art. The city features street art murals, graffiti, galleries like Pretty Portal, art festivals, artist collectives, education, and public art initiatives, that are very much contributing to the city’s cultural landscape. The Flingern district is known for being filled with urban art.
Enjoy the architecture at MedienHafen
Medienhafen in Düsseldorf is an architectural wonderland. Its avant-garde buildings, including the iconic Gehry structures, are a visual treat for architecture lovers. Explore this creative district along the Rhine for a dose of contemporary design inspiration.
Shopping at Königsallee
Shopping on Königsallee, often referred to as “Kö,” is a luxury experience in the heart of Düsseldorf. This renowned boulevard is lined with high-end boutiques, designer stores, and luxury brands. Whether you’re in search of fashion, jewelry, or upscale cosmetics, Königsallee offers a sophisticated shopping atmosphere. The picturesque canal that runs along the boulevard adds to its charm.
Rhine Tower
The Rhine Tower is an iconic telecommunications tower, known for its height and revolving restaurant with panoramic city views. It’s a must-visit for tourists seeking a unique perspective on the city and a memorable dining experience.
Beer Brewery Hopping
Exploring Düsseldorf’s beer scene through brewery hopping is a fantastic way to learn more about the city’s brewing traditions. Known for its “Altbier” (a traditional top-fermented beer), you can visit a variety of breweries and brewpubs to enjoy this local specialty. Start with the historic Uerige Hausbrauerei, famous for its Altbier, and then move on to other traditional brewpubs like Füchschen and Schlüssel. Each offers a unique ambiance and beer experience. Don’t forget to pair your beer with some traditional Rhineland dishes, like “Himmel und Äd” (potatoes with black pudding and apples), for the full culinary experience.
Indoor surfing at Rheinriff
The biggest surfing hall in the world is established in, yes, Dusseldorf! Visit this incredible sport location and enjoy an unique and active day trying different kinds of sports.
Christmas markets
Düsseldorf’s Christmas markets are a cherished tradition that transforms the city into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The centerpiece is the “Düsseldorfer Weihnachtsmarkt” located in the heart of the city center, encompassing the Marktplatz and Burgplatz areas. Here, you’ll encounter a charming world of festivity with stalls adorned in twinkling lights and festive decorations. It’s a magical time to explore the city. Düsseldorf’s Christmas markets typically open at the end of November and run through December until just before Christmas.
BEST FOOD TIPS IN DÜSSELDORF
Düsseldorf offers a huge range of dining options to suit actually all tastes and preferences. Here are some recommended places to eat in the city selected by us.
Carlzplatz
This bustling market square offers a delightful array of fresh produce, artisanal products, and gourmet treats. From fruits and vegetables to gourmet cheeses and meats, it’s a food lover’s paradise. But it’s not just about shopping; Carlsplatz also boasts a tempting selection of food stalls and cozy cafes where you can savor everything from international flavors to regional delights. It’s the perfect place to explore, taste, and immerse yourself in Düsseldorf’s vibrant food culture.
Wakaba Café
They opened in 2017 as Dusseldorf’s first matcha café. It is a place where you can enjoy Japanese food with a focus on matcha, hojicha, and Japanese tea. It is located on the outskirts of the city, a short distance from the city center.
Die Kurve
Has a modern and creative Tel-Aviv cuisine. The food is just amazing; the hummus, tabouleh and salads are full of fresh herbs and the fries are homemade.
Urban Gorillas
A fully vegan fast food restaurant serving burgers, nuggets, bowls, wraps and much more. They also have a wide range of delicious cocktails!
Heimwerk
If you would like to have a famous german schnitzel, this is the place for you! They also offer quite a lot of veggie options such as mushroom schnitzel. The ambiance here is also worth mentioning — it is a very vibrant and lively place.
Kushi-Tei
This restaurant is very well known for its authentic Japanese cuisine, including a variety of sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other traditional Japanese dishes. It’s a popular destination for those looking to enjoy high-quality Japanese food.
WHERE TO STAY
Me and All Hotel: is a trendy and vibrant hotel located in the city center, known for its modern design and lively atmosphere, often hosting art exhibitions and cultural events. Tip: stay at the one in the Japanese district (immermanstrabe) which was a super trendy & stylish place on a A+ location.
25hours: is part of the 25hours Hotels chain, known for its unique and creative design concepts. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking for a memorable and unconventional stay in Düsseldorf. The Paris Club Restaurant and Bar on the 16th and 17th floors are one of the highlights of the hotel.
Moxy Hotel: is a trendy and budget-friendly hotel brand under the Marriott International umbrella. Known for its contemporary and vibrant design, Moxy Hotels offer a fun and lively atmosphere for travelers. The Düsseldorf location likely provides comfortable and stylish accommodations, along with amenities such as a bar, communal spaces for socializing, and a 24/7 self-service concept.
The Muze: is a contemporary boutique hotel with mid-century modern interiors. Is also features a gallery exhibiting with contemporary art that guests can buy. The hotel embraces a minimalist approach to life that attracts design-savvy, art enthusiasts and creative thinkers who travel to Dusseldorf for inspiration, business and shopping.
All in all, Düsseldorf promises a memorable and enriching visit. With its welcoming atmosphere, impeccable cleanliness, and easy accessibility it’s a wonderful city-trip destination. I have to say that I became a fan of Düsseldorf and I’m going back around Christmas time to explore more! See you there?
Love,
Iris
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