23 Lovely Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Düsseldorf, Germany

December 22, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1410 Views

Düsseldorf is the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia state of Germany. The city is known for its art scene, history, events, fashion, and nightlife. The best things to do in Düsseldorf, Germany revolve around touring art collections, historical sites, and markets.

This city is best known for its carnival held in November. This is the best time to visit Düsseldorf. It starts on 11th November at 11:11. The streets are adorned with incredible celebration. You will also see the top places to visit in Düsseldorf transformed with carnival themes. The entire city takes the festive vibes with many mini-events all around.

The carnival parade is one of the coolest things to see in Düsseldorf. This is the time to hit the streets, shops, clubs, markets, and bars. Even the fashion, food, and drinks are also modified along the carnival theme. You should especially try out the local beers during Düsseldorf sightseeing.

The other side of the city’s culture is expressed in visual, musical, and performances. Art galleries and museums make up a significant number of Düsseldorf tourist attractions. These are houses in old buildings, palaces, and avant-garde modern structures. You will see incredible pieces of art created by renowned artists of different periods. The city’s contemporary art scene is also quite vibrant, which you thoroughly explore when you travel to Düsseldorf.

The art and aesthetics of Düsseldorf are not limited to paintings and sculptures. The city is also the fashion capital of Germany. The markets are among the most popular Düsseldorf attractions. These sprawl with major fashion brands as well as independent boutiques by regional and international fashionistas. These same fashion streets are also home to happening clubs and bars that add to the nightlife fame of the city.

Finally coming to the historical part of Dusseldorf sightseeing, you can explore old palaces, churches, and museums. Alongside history, you can also enjoy some interesting museums that focus on classic cars, films, and the Neanderthals. Düsseldorf travel is fun in every way.

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Table of Contents

The Best 23 Tourist Places to Visit in Düsseldorf, Germany

1. Hofgarten

Spread over 27 hectares of land, this is the largest green space in the city. It is facilitated with gardens, fountains, sculptures, monuments, and museums. The garden is also home to some of the oldest trees in the city. Some of them are more than 200 years of age.

The garden has a few popular Düsseldorf tourist attractions, including the Goethe Museum. You will also find statues and fountain sculptures designed by Vadim Sidhur, Max Blondat, Josef Pallenberg, and other artists. It is a nice and pleasant place to begin Düsseldorf sightseeing and you would need about an hour to explore it.

2. Museum Kunstpalast

This museum is primarily dedicated to communal art from the 18th century. It is one of the best places to visit in Düsseldorf, Germany for art admirers. The museum is home to more than 100,000 artworks including paintings, sculptures, glassware art, photographs, and more.

Some of the artworks in this museum date back to the 3rd century. Kunstpalast is also home to the largest glass collection in Europe. It is called the Helmut Hentrich Glass Museum. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

If you are interested in visiting various Museums then I suggest you should get a 2 Days Museum Pass which covers entry to the various museums in Düsseldorf including Museum Kunstpalast.

3. Goethe-Museum

This museum is one of the biggest Düsseldorf attractions. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is one of the greatest German figures in world literature. The museum has over 35,000 artifacts including books, manuscripts, trophies, and personal belongings. The museum gives you an insight into the life and works of this great writer. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Düsseldorf.

4. Königsallee

This tree-lined boulevard runs on either side of the canal and has small bridges. It is the street you hit for all the cool things to do in Düsseldorf, Germany. Alongside green serenity, Konigsalle is perhaps the best shopping street in the city.

It is known for high-end fashion, luxury items, and gadget shopping. The street is also lined with great cafes and hang-out spots. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the street on either side of the canal when you visit Düsseldorf.

If you would like to know more about Königsallee then I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour in Düsseldorf.

5. K21, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

K21 is part of a trifecta of museums that includes K20 and F3 as well. K21 focuses on the artworks created during the 21st century. The museum contains artworks created by renowned names such as Matisse, Andy Warhol, Gerhard Ritcher, Picasso, Piet Mondrian, Joseph Beuys, and others. This museum contains some of the most famous things to see in Düsseldorf, Germany. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

6. Rhine Tower (Rheinturm)

Built during the late 1900s, this is the tallest building in the city. It is a great place for Dusseldorf sightseeing. You get a great view of the city’s skyline. The TV and radio tower has an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.

The tower is also home to the light sculpture designed by Horst Baumann, which is also the world’s largest digital clock. It is one of the top things to do in Düsseldorf at night. You can take an hour or so to enjoy dinner at this place and the views.

7. K20, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

K20 is dedicated to great artwork created during the 20th century. The museum looks at the various movements in art during the 1900s including Cubism, Surrealism, German Expressionism, and others.

The museum has works of artists such as Paul Klee, Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Max Beckmann, and several others. You will need about 2 hours from Düsseldorf travel to tour this museum.

8. Kunsthalle

This art gallery has a rotating exhibition of modern and contemporary artworks. The gallery was designed by Konrad Beckmann and Brockes. It is the best place to visit in Düsseldorf for aspiring and practicing artists.

The gallery has displayed works of renowned contemporary creators such as Achim Duchow, Klaus von Bruch, Chris Martin, Tomma Abts, Candida Hofer, and several others. You will need an hour or so to tour this gallery.

9. Rheinuferpromenade

This promenade connects the old part of the city with the modern side. It is a lively and happening place with some of the best things to do in Düsseldorf, Germany. The promenade has several shops, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy with canalside view.

The promenade also hosts several events, festivals, and markets where you can mingle with the locals. You can easily spend a couple of hours to explore and enjoy this place.

10. Altes Rathaus Düsseldorf

This old town hall was built in 1570. It is one of the best attractions in Düsseldorf owing to its architecture and historical significance. It is one of the finest structures with Renaissance and Baroque architecture in the city.

You can explore many parts of the building including the Heine room, Old Chancery, Baroque Gallery, and Plenary Chamber. You will get to learn about the history of the city and the local governance.

11. Marktplatz

The public square dates back to the 14th century and has been the heart of modern Düsseldorf. The square is surrounded by Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical buildings. It is home to some of the best places to visit in Dusseldorf, Germany. It is also popular for shopping, dining, live music, events, markets, and events. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the Marktplatz.

12. Filmmuseum

This museum is dedicated to the history of cinema. It especially looks at the origin and evolution of the German cinema. You will get to see the origin of the industry and the contributions of various people, artists, and engineers, to film-making.

The museum also has some of the most interesting things to see in Dusseldorf. You will see various versions of cameras, lights, set props, film rolls, stage designs, parts of historic films, and more. You will need 2 hours or so to explore this museum when you visit Dusseldorf.

If you are interested in knowing more about Film Industry then I suggest you should book a Guided Film Tour in Düsseldorf in advance.

13. Kunst im Tunnel (KIT)

This tunnel serves as an art gallery for contemporary artworks, it is one of the finest in the city. It is a wonderful piece of modern architecture by itself. But, it is included among Dusseldorf attractions for exhibiting works of famous contemporary artists.

This includes names like Malte Bruns, Fabien Ducrot, Tomma Abts, Johannes Wald, and several others. You should check the exhibits coinciding with your trip to Dusseldorf. It takes at least an hour to explore the gallery.

14. Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath)

Built in 1770, this palace is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The palace is known for its Baroque architecture, English gardens, and opulent decor. It is also home to several Dusseldorf tourist attractions including the Corps de Logis Museum, European Garden Art Museum, and Natural History Museum.

You will also get to know about the royalty and political history of the region. The palace is a living record of the people who lived here at different times and the events that happened here. You will need about 2 hours to tour the palace and the museums within it when you travel to Dusseldorf.

15. Kaiserswerth

This is one of the oldest buildings in the region dating back to 700 A.D. Though it lies in ruins now, it is one of the best attractions in Dusseldorf owing to its history. The building has several several roles over the years and is associated with well-known historical figures. This includes Florence Nightingale and Paulina Irby.

Next to the ruins is an art museum housing works of several popular artists such as Bruno Goller, Bernd Becher, Hilla Becher, Peter Schwickernath, and several others. You will need about 2 hours to explore the ruins and the art museum.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Night Watchman Tour through Kaiserswerth.

16. Nordpark Japanese Garden (Japanischer Garten)

Spread over 6000 square yards, this garden recreates various aspects of the Japanese culture. It is the best place to visit in Dusseldorf for its horticulture and design.

But, a guided tour will show you the deep meaning and philosophy behind almost every garden aspect. The garden has green space, a meditation garden, greenhouses, ponds, stone carvings, Japanese houses, pagoda temples, fountains, and more. You will need an hour or so to explore it.

17. Wildpark Grafenberger Wald

This is the oldest zoo in all of Germany and is among the top things to do in Dusseldorf for families. The zoo is home to more than 100 animals including deer, pheasants, foxes, raccoons, wild cats, wild pigs, reindeer, and more. You can easily spend an hour exploring the zoo.

18. Classic Remise Düsseldorf

Admire the world-renowned German automobile engineering at this museum of vintage cars. While the collection has many German cars, it also has several vehicles from around the world.

It is the second-largest collection of classic cars in Germany. You will see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, BMWs, Mercedes, Paganis, Jaguars, Volkswagens, Aston Martins, Bentleys, and more. Car enthusiasts should take an hour or so from Düsseldorf sightseeing to enjoy this place.

19. Altstadt – Old Town

The old town still preserves the heritage of Düsseldorf. You will see old buildings, shops, cafes, and public spaces. It is one of the best places to visit in Düsseldorf for walking tours. You also get to try out local street food, craft beers, traditional cuisines, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the old town.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Altstadt (Old Town) in advance.

20. Rhine River Cruise

The boat cruise takes you on a journey along the river Rhine for Düsseldorf sightseeing. The guided tour tells you about the history of the development of the city along the banks of the river Rhine. You also get amazing views of the city’s skyline on either side. People can also take dinner cruises to enjoy night views of Düsseldorf. You will need at least 45 minutes for the cruise tour.

21. St. Lambertus Church

This church was first built during the 14th century and was reconstructed in the 1950s. However, it still retains much of its original structure and interior elements. The Romanesque church is one of the most beautiful things to see in Düsseldorf.

The most important part of the church is the 15th-century altar that features intricate carvings. It is also home to several important religious artifacts and artworks. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the church.

22. Alpenpark Neuss

This recreational park has a lot of fun things to do in Düsseldorf. You can enjoy skiing, min-golf, tobogganing, rope courses, indoor games, and more. The amusement park also has fun football games where you can try out penalty kicks and free kicks. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying here with your family.

23. Neanderthal Museum

This museum is built on the site of an important archeological discovery. This is where the first Neanderthal man was excavated. It is one of the most interesting Düsseldorf tourist attractions.

The museum explores the history of Neanderthals over different periods and possible causes for their extinction. However, it is more popular for the Neanderthal wax statues. These statues depict what this ancient race would look like in today’s world. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Neanderthal Museum in advance.

If you are looking for more attractions in Düsseldorf, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of things to do in the city and around it.

Things to do in Düsseldorf, Germany

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Düsseldorf, Germany

Pilier Danseuse
Bismark Memorial
Schloss Benrath Castle
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein
Museum Kunstpalast
Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum
St. Lambertus Church
Hetjens Museum
Kaiserwerth
Old Town Hall
St. Andreas Church
K20 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein
K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein
Film Museum
Schlossturm
Schiffahrt Museum
Johanneskirche
Sant Maximillian Kirche
Goethe Museum
Gargantuan Museum
KIT Art Gallery
Mustard Museum
Julia Stoscheck Collection
Philara Collection
Hombroich Museum Island
Museum Kunstpalast
Neandrathal Museum

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Düsseldorf, Germany

Hofgarten
Rhine Tower
Nord Park
Wildpark Grafenberger Wald
Classic Remise Düsseldorf
Tonhalle Concert Hall
Merker Spielarena Stadium
Japanese Garden
Düsseldorf Rheinkirmes
Botanical Garden
Sudpark
Wheel of Vision
Legoland
Alenpark Neuss
Sea Life

Shopping in Düsseldorf, Germany

Brunnen am Carlsplatz
Bolkerstrasse
Marktplatz
King’s Alley
KO Shopping Mall
Düsseldorf Arcaden
Schadow Arkaden
Seven Shopping Center
Galeria Kaufhof
Galeria Schadowstrasse
Handwerker Markt
Areal Bohler
Girardet Haus

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Düsseldorf, Germany

Rhine River Cruise

Sightseeing in Düsseldorf, Germany

Rhinufer Promenade
Stadterhebungs Monument
Tritonenbrunnen
Konigsallee
Little Tokyo
AltStadt
Bolkerstrasse
Burgplatz
King’s Alley
Burgplatz
Media Harbour
Kiefernstrasse

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Düsseldorf, Germany

Cafe Huftgold
The Duchy
Altbier
Fritz’s Frau Franzi
Et Kabuffke
Agata’s
Rosterei Vier
Nagaya
Schweine Janes
Am Kai
Freakshake
Bob & Mary’s
Hinkel Bakery
DOX
Killepitsch
Im Schiffen
M168
Da Cla
Zum Schiffchen
Wilma Wunder
Sauerbraten
Ko59
ABB Mustard
Alchemist

Where to Stay in Düsseldorf?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Düsseldorf. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Düsseldorf.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Düsseldorf

How to Reach Düsseldorf, Germany?

By Air

The Düsseldorf airport receives direct flights from more than 130 destinations around the world. You can get direct flights to visit Düsseldorf from cities in Europe and Asia. These include Athens, Dublin, Riga, Paris, Belgrade, Istanbul, Vienna, London, La Palma, Nice, Barbados, Cairo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Beirut, Birmingham, Geneva, Lisbon, Porto, Manchester, Salzburg, Stockholm, Venice, Helsinki, Madrid, Baghdad, Amsterdam, Oslo, Reykjavik, Doha, Zurich, Tel Aviv, and many more. From the airport, you can take a bus or a cab to get to the city.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Düsseldorf from several cities in Germany. This includes Koln, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Duisburg, Dortmund, Aachen, Hannover, Mainz, and several others. You can also easily get buses to visit Düsseldorf from many towns and cities in the country as well as neighbouring countries.

If you want to get to Düsseldorf by road, you should head for routes A3, A44, A59, A52, A46, or A57.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Düsseldorf.

Image Reference

Hofgarten – Michael / Flickr
Museum Kunstpalast – Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons
Goethe-Museum – Jörg Wiegels / Wikimedia Commons
Königsallee – 652234 / PixaBay
K21, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen – Fred Romero / Flickr
Rhine Tower (Rheinturm) – 652234 / PixaBay
K20, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen – wwwuppertal / Flickr
Kunsthalle – Kürschner / Wikimedia Commmons
Rheinuferpromenade – Michael / Flickr
Altes Rathaus Düsseldorf – Helmlechner / Wikimedia Commons
Marktplatz – Островский Александр, Киев / Wikimedia Commons
Filmmuseum – DerHexer / Wikimedia Commons
Kunst im Tunnel (KIT) – Wiegels / Wikimedia Commons
Benrath Palace (Schloss Benrath) – Huub Janssen / Flickr
Kaiserswerth – Островский Александр, Киев / Wikimedia Commons
Nordpark Japanese Garden (Japanischer Garten) – Alice Wiegand, (Lyzzy) / Wikimedia Commons
Wildpark Grafenberger Wald – Sven Volkens / Wikimedia Commons
Classic Remise Düsseldorf – Clemens Vasters / Flickr
Altstadt – Old Town – Andrew Bone / Flickr
Rhine River Cruise – Stefan Bernsmann / PixaBay
St. Lambertus Church – Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons
Alpenpark Neuss –
Neanderthal Museum – Heiko Tomaszewski –Darkstar1970 / Wikimedia Commons