Düsseldorf – it’s not for nothing that the place is nicknamed “The City of Short Distances”, because most things in Düsseldorf are easily accessible on foot. At least for tourists. It only takes 15 minutes from the main train station to the old town and along the Rhine you can quickly get to the Rhine Tower or in the other direction to the Rhine Terraces. The North Rhine-Westphalia state capital surprised me very positively in this respect. Similar to Erfurt, it is rather “small” and cozy, something I would not have expected. And that’s why I’d like to take you on a little walk through the city today.
The Königsallee
The Kö is probably one of the most famous places in Düsseldorf. The luxury shopping street on the banks of the Düssel river, which gave the place its name, is a great place to stroll. And don’t worry if you don’t have a big budget. In addition to the world-famous designers, there are shops for smaller budgets in the Kö-Galerie and Sevens. And soaking up this atmosphere alone is worth a short stay here. And window shopping and discussing haute couture is
The Hopp on Hopp off bus also starts in Königsallee. On the one hand, I can recommend this to find out a little more about the city and its sights. On the other hand, it is also very useful, for example to get to the Rhine Tower and the Media Harbor or to the Nordpark a little easier. At €18.00 for 24 hours of free travel (a “round” lasts about 90 minutes), you can’t say anything in terms of price and we treated ourselves to this little luxury for a day. Anyone who likes to plan can book their bus tickets in advance here*.
Carlsplatz
Carlsplatz is Düsseldorf’s market. Small, cozy and you have everything you need. You can spend some time here shopping for food and flowers. And it is a market with tradition. There has been a market here since 1804. And that is still the case today. Six days a week (except public holidays) you can stroll and browse and discover delicious things here.
The longest bar in the world
In addition to the Kö, Düsseldorf is of course particularly known for “the longest bar in the world*”. The old town got this name because there are around 250 restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés in a very small space. And there really is something from every country. If you don’t find anything here, it’s your own fault. The whole thing is also characterized by various breweries that have developed here and have specialized in the production of Altbier. The “old” here refers to the type of brewing – this is a top-fermented beer, a very old brewing method.
In addition to great restaurants and quaint pubs and bars, there is even more to discover in the old town. In the historic streets you can still find parts of houses from the time the town was founded in 1288. It is also worth visiting during the day to discover the history.
The Rhine promenade in Düsseldorf
Of course, the Rhine promenade is always worth a visit. If the weather is nice, you should definitely take a boat tour. Otherwise, you can take a leisurely stroll or eat in one of the restaurants directly on the promenade and watch the ships go by. Since 1987, the historic flood protection systems of the Rheinwerft including their superstructures (including the historical parts of the casemates) have been listed as historical monuments. A place with a lot of history.
“Old Port”
The Old Port dates back to the 16th century. In a city map from before 1620, the waters of the Old Harbor extend beyond today’s Maxplatz. However, under Napoleon the harbor was filled in. Today a greenish body of water reminds us of the old harbor.
The level meter
Above the Weisse Fleet pier in the middle of the coffers is the historic water level clock from the 19th century. In addition to the time, you can also read the current water level in the Rhine – the small hand shows the meters and the large hand shows the centimeters. Historical highs are also marked. The normal level of the Rhine at this point is 24.48 m above sea level.
The castle tower of Düsseldorf
The castle tower dates back to the 13th century and originally formed the northern end of Düsseldorf Castle. Today he is a last witness of the original village on the Düssel. Today the building houses the Maritime Museum
St. Lambertus
The Church of St. Lambertus is the oldest building in Düsseldorf – its roots go back to the 10th century, as evidenced by a document from Pope Hadrian IV dated May 23, 1159. Today the building is the parish church of the parish of St. Lambertus Düsseldorf. Your church fair forms the spiritual background of the “largest fair on the Rhine”. This is best known through a song by the Toten Hosen. There are some interesting art monuments inside the church – so a visit is definitely recommended for anyone interested.
Discover even more Düsseldorf
Kö-Bogen 1 and 2
Düsseldorf offers architecture lovers a unique symbiosis of old and new. And while the old town and the Rhine promenade are the old ones, the Kö-Bogen 1 and 2 are a very good example of Düsseldorf’s modern and unique architecture. With its greenery, Kö-Bogen 2 also stands for new ecological construction. Unfortunately, everything was a big construction site when we visited, so I was hardly able to take a decent photo. But when everything is finished, it will definitely be great.
The media harbor in Düsseldorf
The Media Harbor* is actually just a large industrial area – mainly used for offices. The Düsseldorf commercial port, which opened in 1896, occupies a large part of the area. It is the third largest inland port in Germany. What makes the Media Harbor so important is its unique architecture. These are sometimes surreal and futuristic to look at. The Gehry buildings in particular always attract visitors. Anyone who loves architecture should plan plenty of time here
👉 Book your very special tour through the Media Harbor now*
The Rhine Tower
The Rhine Tower shapes the skyline of Düsseldorf. At 240 meters on the edge of the Media Harbor, it is hard to miss. Inside, a high-speed elevator takes you to the viewing platform at a height of 168 meters in seconds. On clear days you can even discover Cologne Cathedral from here. In the restaurant at the top of the tower at a height of 174 meters you can get a complete panoramic view in about 70 minutes while enjoying delicious food.
👉 Check availability now and secure your ticket directly*
The state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia
Right next to the Rhine Tower you will also find the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. A striking building whose interior (after Corona) can also be visited.
The North Park
I can only recommend a visit to Nordpark to everyone who is looking for some peace and relaxation in the middle of this big city. This was planned in 1936 for the Reich Exhibition of Creative People, a Nazi propaganda exhibition, and opened in 1937. Today, in addition to the aqua zoo, it offers many different gardens on every theme that invite you to take a walk and relax. Wonderful to just unwind.
↗ Here you can find my detailed article about the Nordpark
Little Tokyo on the Rhine
Did you know that Düsseldorf is home to the largest Japanese community in Germany and the third largest in Europe? Between Kö and the main train station is “Little Tokyo on the Rhine”, the real reason for our trip to Düsseldorf. That’s why there will be another separate post here in which I will introduce you to the Japanese quarter with its great restaurants and shops.
↗ Here you can find all information about Little Tokyo on the Rhine
Did you know? – Unknown information about Düsseldorf
Yellow pedestrian traffic light
Düsseldorf is the only city in Germany where there is also a yellow phase at pedestrian lights. This was installed for a model test in 1953 and, although the attempt failed, it was not uninstalled again.
The first high-rise building in Germany
With the Wilhelm Marx House, Düsseldorf once had the first high-rise building based on the American model. When it was completed in 1924, the building was the tallest building in Germany at 57 meters high. Thanks to Persil advertising, it is still hard to miss today
The pillar saints of Düsseldorf
Have you heard of the Pillar Saints? These are 10 figures by the artist Christoph Pöggeler, which can be found on various advertising pillars throughout the city. Since I also went hunting for them during our trip.
↗ Here you can find all the information about the pillar saints of Düsseldorf
Conclusion – Always worth a trip
Düsseldorf is definitely worth a trip. The city really surprised me in a positive way and I felt very comfortable. I think we will definitely come back. For anyone who loves architecture, the city on the Rhine is an absolute must-see.
And if I have now aroused your interest in Düsseldorf, take a look at the official Tourist Information website.
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