Start on the Rhine promenade
Düsseldorf's riverside promenade is one of the most pleasant urban walks in Germany. Built over a road tunnel, it runs alongside the Rhine from the old town towards the Rhine Tower and the MedienHafen. On sunny days the wide steps and cafes along the river are packed with locals enjoying the view.
Take the lift up the Rhine Tower for a panoramic view across the city, the river bends and, on clear days, far out over the flat Rhineland landscape.
The old town
The Altstadt is compact but dense, with hundreds of bars and pubs packed into a handful of streets, which is why it is often called the longest bar in the world. By day it is a charming tangle of lanes, churches and small squares; by night it becomes one of the liveliest places in the region.
Look out for the Burgplatz with its old castle tower, the market square with its equestrian statue, and the many brewery pubs serving the local dark beer, Altbier.
Königsallee and the modern city
Known simply as the Kö, the Königsallee is Düsseldorf's grand shopping boulevard, split by a tree-lined canal. Luxury brands line one side, banks and offices the other. Even if you are not shopping, it is a pleasant place to stroll.
Nearby, the Kö-Bogen development is notable for its striking architecture, including a building whose sloping facade is covered in greenery. It is a good example of how the city mixes old elegance with contemporary design.
Down by the river, the MedienHafen is a former harbour turned office and media district. Its curving, tilting buildings designed by internationally known architects make it a favourite with photographers.
Art and culture
Düsseldorf has a long artistic tradition and a renowned art academy. The K20 and K21 galleries hold important collections of twentieth-century and contemporary art, while the Museum Kunstpalast covers a wide sweep of art history. Smaller private galleries cluster in the city centre and in the Flingern district.
Japanese culture is also a strong presence, thanks to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. The area around Immermannstrasse is full of Japanese restaurants, bakeries and shops.
Getting there
AeroVista flies to DUS, which is close to the city and well connected by S-Bahn and the airport's own train station. The centre is walkable, and trams and the U-Bahn make it easy to reach outlying districts. Cologne is only a short train ride away if you want to combine two Rhine cities in one trip.
Good to know
- Visit the Rhine promenade at sunset for the best atmosphere.
- Try Altbier in a traditional brewery pub in the old town.
- Combine Düsseldorf and Cologne in a single trip by train.