Düsseldorf
Save28 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Rainy day
- 1
Major collection of 20th-century art from Picasso to Klee.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Large Paul Klee holdings
- Check combined tickets with K21
- Free on some first Wednesdays evenings
📷 Photos
- 2
Contemporary art in a former parliament building by a park pond.
3 tips
- Climb into Tomás Saraceno's net installation
- Allow 2 hours
- Pretty pond setting outside
📷 Photos
- 3
Wide-ranging art museum from old masters to glass and design.
3 tips
- Big temporary exhibitions draw crowds
- Glass collection is outstanding
- Next to the Ehrenhof by the Rhine
📷 Photos
- 4
Exhibition hall for contemporary art on Grabbeplatz.
3 tips
- No permanent collection, check current shows
- Opposite K20
- Café in the building
📷 Photos
- 5
Museum and archive dedicated to the poet born in Düsseldorf.
3 tips
- Small, about an hour
- Manuscripts and personal items
- Heine's birth house is on Bolkerstraße
📷 Photos
- 6
Gothic basilica famous for its twisted spire.
3 tips
- Free to enter
- Look up at the crooked tower from Stiftsplatz
- Inside see the Gothic tabernacle
📷 Photos
- 7
240 m TV tower with an observation deck and Rhine views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Its lights form the world's largest digital clock
- Go up at sunset
- Restaurant at the top revolves
📷 Photos
- 8
Daily market square with fresh produce, deli stalls and snack bars.
3 tips
- Closed on Sundays
- Great for a casual lunch
- Try local mustard and cheeses
📷 Photos
- 9
Aquarium and natural history museum in the Nordpark.
3 tips
- Great for families
- Tropical hall with crocodiles
- Allow 2 hours
📷 Photos
- 10
Museum on human evolution in the valley where the Neanderthal was found.
3 tips
- About 25 minutes by S-Bahn and bus
- Walk the trail to the discovery site
- Good for kids
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Düsseldorf tips
Transportation
- Use Rheinbahn: Dusseldorf's U-Bahn, trams and buses are run by Rheinbahn; buy VRR tickets in the app or at machines and validate paper tickets.
- Take the S-Bahn to the airport: S-Bahn trains link the Hauptbahnhof with Dusseldorf Airport, where the SkyTrain connects the station to the terminals.
- Respect bike lanes: Dusseldorf has many marked cycle lanes, often on the pavement; never walk in them, as cyclists ride fast and expect clear paths.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Keep valuables close in the busy Altstadt, around the Hauptbahnhof and at crowded events like Carnival and the Rhine fair.
- Mind the Rhine: The river has strong currents and ship traffic; do not swim in it, even on hot days when the riverside beaches look tempting.
- Validate your ticket: Inspectors check tickets on Rheinbahn without warning, and riding without a valid ticket brings an on-the-spot fine.
Saving
- Consider the Deutschlandticket: If you stay a while, the monthly Deutschlandticket covers local and regional transport across Germany, including Dusseldorf.
- Shop at Carlsplatz: The Carlsplatz market in the old town sells fresh produce and lunch snacks at better value than Konigsallee cafes.
- Walk the Rheinuferpromenade: The riverside promenade from the Altstadt to the MedienHafen is free and one of the best walks in the city.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for rain: Dusseldorf has a mild, damp climate with rain in every season; carry a compact umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
- Layer in winter: Winters are cool and grey rather than very cold; a warm coat, scarf and waterproof shoes are enough for most days.
- Enjoy mild summers: Summers are usually pleasant and warm, ideal for beer gardens; bring a light layer for breezy evenings by the Rhine.
Cultural
- Drink Altbier: Dusseldorf's dark top-fermented Altbier is served in small glasses at brewpubs like Uerige, Fuchschen and Schumacher; never order Kolsch.
- Know the Kobes rules: The blue-aproned Kobes waiters keep bringing beer until you place your beer mat on top of the glass to signal you are done.
- Join Carnival: Dusseldorf's Carnival peaks with the Rosenmontag parade in February or March; dress up in costume and shout Helau, not Alaaf.
Local Hacks
- Eat in Little Tokyo: Immermannstrasse is the heart of one of Europe's largest Japanese communities, with excellent ramen shops and bakeries.
- See the MedienHafen: The redeveloped harbour has striking Frank Gehry buildings; go at golden hour, then ride up the Rheinturm for views over the city.
- Plan for Sundays: Most shops in Dusseldorf close on Sundays, so stock up on Saturday and use Sunday for walks, museums and riverside cafes.
1-day itineraries in Düsseldorf
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Kunstpalast and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops
- 1Kunstpalast
- 2K20 Kunstsammlung NRW
- 3Burgplatz und Schlossturm
- 4Marktplatz und Rathaus
- 5Rheinuferpromenade
Day 2 of 2
Carlsplatz and around
🕘 9:30–15:15📍 4 stops
- 1K21 Ständehaus
- 2Carlsplatz
- 3Königsallee
- 4Little Tokyo (Immermannstraße)