Places to visit in Dusseldorf

Düsseldorf Airport has the great advantage of being in close proximity to all main tourist attractions in the area, and is therefore ideal for a city getaway over a long weekend. Excellent transport links via metro and mainline trains, car hire, bus and taxi enable visitors to enjoy their time in the city without having to worry about how to get from A to B and back to the airport in time to catch the return flight.

Düsseldorf is a vibrant and modern city, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most popular and trendy destinations.

Tourists who come to Germany for the many quality products that are manufactured in the country, should head to the upmarket Königsalle shopping district, where a selection of independent boutiques and designer outlets offers anything from traditional German costume, leather goods and accessories to high end fashion.

Many museums, theatres, art galleries and concert halls also have their home here, exhibiting modern art as well as some of Germany’s finest historic art collections. Throughout the city there is a marked contrast between old and new architecture, partly due to the ravages of WWII, in part due to the Zeitgeist that dictates new tastes and requirements to a commercial hub like Düsseldorf.

Many Düsseldorf tourist attractions can be visited free of charge, but for those do charge an entrance fee, visitors should get a Düsseldorf Welcome Card, which offers many discounts on admission fees. It also entitles visitors to free rides on all trams and buses throughout the city for a limited period, namely the one, three day or longer time frame that they have purchased with their card.

The card can be bought at the Düsseldorf Tourist Association (Verkehrsverein Düsseldorf), located in the city centre.

Among the favourite Düsseldorf tourist attractions ranks the Altstadt (Old Town), which some, no doubt drink-inspired, tourists have dubbed the ‘longest bar in the world’. There are simply hundreds of trendy bars, bistros, wine bars, cafes and nightclubs in this part of central Düsseldorf.

The Old Town is also home to landmarks such as the Basilica St Lambertus and the old Rathaus (City Hall), two Düsseldorf tourist attractions that offer more contemplation and cultural heritage than showcasing German brewing skills!

The Carlsplatz farmers’ market at Carlstadt is great for picking up local delicatessen, sampling the typical fried sausages from the region and for getting to know the locals over a quick pint at one of the beer tents or stalls.

Far more sophisticated dining can experienced at the Rhine Tower (Rheinturm), where the magnificent views are part and parcel of Düsseldorf tourist attractions. The restaurant revolves very slowly, so not to upset diners’ digestion, but on a clear day visitors are able see as far as the city of Cologne, surely worth a little queasiness!

Families with children will head to two Düsseldorf tourist attractions that are a hit with young and old all year round: the Loebbecke-Museum und the Aquazoo. The Aquazoo exhibits more than 550 species of fish, mammals, reptiles and insects in 80 aquariums. There’s also a tropical greenhouse and many interesting, and sometimes scary, natural history exhibits. Next door visitors can find the Nordpark (amusement park) just behind the museum, making this a very special day out for all the family.

Sightseeing tours are offered via open top Hop On Hop Off City Tour Buses. They depart from the main train station outside the Tourist Association and halt at 8 stops on either side of the Rhine. It’s a great way to see the city and enjoy the main Düsseldorf tourist attractions without getting sore feet!