3-Day Adventure Guide to Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf, Germany

3 days

The Ko-Bogen designed by the New York architect Daniel Libeskind
City skyline from the Rhine river
Jan Wellem statue, town hall, Marktplatz in the old town
Historical clocks in the Volkspark Südpark
Konigsallee or King’s Avenue

About Dusseldorf, Germany

Experience the vibrant city of Dusseldorf, Germany, where modernity meets tradition. This cosmopolitan city is renowned for its pioneering influence on international fashion and art. Explore the famous Königsallee, a luxurious shopping street, or immerse yourself in the city's rich history at the Rhine Embankment Promenade. Visit the Altstadt, known as the 'longest bar in the world', offering over 300 bars and restaurants. Marvel at the city's architectural wonders like the Rhine Tower and the Gehry buildings. Don't miss the chance to witness the city's lively festivals, such as the Dusseldorf Carnival. With its blend of high-end fashion, art, culture, and historic charm, Dusseldorf promises an unforgettable travel experience.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Rhine River and the Art Scene

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River Promenade. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the city skyline. This is a great way to get a feel for the city and its vibrant atmosphere.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch in one of the many restaurants in the Old Town. Try some local specialties like Sauerbraten or Bratwurst.

Afternoon

Visit the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, a major art museum with a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Spend the afternoon exploring the various exhibits.

Dinner

Have dinner in a restaurant in the Media Harbour area. This area is known for its modern architecture and its wide variety of restaurants offering international cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a traditional German beer hall. Enjoy a glass of Altbier, the local beer, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Rhine Tower. Take the elevator up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant in the Carlstadt district. This area is known for its elegant boutiques and antique shops.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Hofgarten Park. This is the oldest public park in Germany and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the nature.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner in a cozy restaurant in the Pempelfort district. This area is known for its trendy bars and restaurants.

Evening

End your day with a performance at the Dusseldorf Opera House. This is one of the most renowned opera houses in Germany.

Morning

Start your last day with a visit to the Neanderthal Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of human evolution.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant in the Königsallee district. This area is known for its luxury boutiques and high-end restaurants.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Benrath Palace and its beautiful gardens. This is a perfect place to learn about the history of the region and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Dusseldorf in a restaurant in the Flingern district. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse food scene.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Dusseldorf Film Museum. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of film and cinema.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Rhine River Promenade

1
Rhine River Promenade

A beautiful promenade along the Rhine River offering scenic views, walking paths, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Attractions
Parks
Tours
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

2
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen

One of the most important art collections in Germany, featuring works from the 20th century to the present.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Media Harbour

3
Media Harbour

Media Harbour is a redeveloped port area in Dusseldorf that is now home to modern architecture, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Attractions
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Rhine Tower

4
Rhine Tower

The Rhine Tower is a telecommunications tower that offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Attractions
Landmarks
Hofgarten Park

5
Hofgarten Park

Hofgarten Park is the oldest public park in Dusseldorf. It's a perfect place for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls.

Parks
Gardens
Dusseldorf Opera House

6
Dusseldorf Opera House

Home to the Dusseldorf Symphony Orchestra, this opera house offers a rich program of opera, ballet, and classical concerts.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neanderthal Museum

7
Neanderthal Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of the Neanderthals, located near the site where the first Neanderthal man was found.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Königsallee

8
Königsallee

Königsallee, often referred to as the 'Kö', is a premier shopping street in Dusseldorf known for its high-end boutiques and luxury brands.

Attractions
Shopping
Benrath Palace

9
Benrath Palace

A beautiful Baroque-style palace with a museum and a large park.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Dusseldorf Film Museum

10
Dusseldorf Film Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and art of film, featuring a variety of exhibits and interactive displays.

Museums
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Altbier

Altbier

Altbier is a local beer in Dusseldorf, Germany. It is a top-fermented beer that is brewed according to an old tradition.

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually of beef, marinated before being slow-cooked. It is a specialty of the Rhineland region, which includes Dusseldorf.

Himmel und Ääd

Himmel und Ääd, or Heaven and Earth, is a traditional dish from Dusseldorf. It consists of black pudding, fried onions, mashed potatoes (earth), and apple sauce (heaven).

Rheinischer Döppekooche

Rheinischer Döppekooche is a traditional potato dish from the Rhineland region. It is a hearty, oven-baked potato cake, often served with apple sauce.

Killepitsch

Killepitsch

Killepitsch is a herbal liqueur from Dusseldorf. It is a sweet, dark red, and strong drink, often served as a digestif.

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

Rheinischer Sauerbraten is a pot roast, usually beef but sometimes venison or lamb, marinated before being slow-cooked. It is a specialty of the Rhineland region, which includes Dusseldorf.

Mettwurst

Mettwurst

Mettwurst is a type of German sausage, similar to salami. It is often served as part of a hearty breakfast in Dusseldorf.

Rievkooche

Rievkooche are potato pancakes, a popular street food in Dusseldorf. They are often served with apple sauce.

Flönz

Flönz is a type of blood sausage, traditional to the Rhineland region. It is a key ingredient in the local dish 'Himmel und Ääd'.

Musik

Musik is a traditional salad from Dusseldorf, made with onions, oil, vinegar, and caraway seeds. It is often served with a hearty bread.

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen

Reibekuchen are another type of potato pancake, similar to Rievkooche. They are a popular snack in Dusseldorf, often served with apple sauce or quark.

Ähzezupp

Ähzezupp, or pea soup, is a traditional dish in Dusseldorf. It is a hearty soup made with split peas, potatoes, and smoked sausage.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Dusseldorf, Germany, is during the summer months from May to September. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city also hosts several events and festivals during these months, such as the Dusseldorf Jazz Rally in May and the Largest Fair on the Rhine in July, which adds to the overall experience. However, if you prefer a quieter and less crowded time, the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are also good options with mild weather.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

August 8

Thu

Peace Festival in Augsburg (Bavaria)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 20

Fri

German World Children's Day (Thuringia)

October 3

Thu

Day of German Unity

October 31

Thu

Reformation Day (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

November 20

Wed

Repentance Day (Saxony)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Dusseldorf has an extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (underground subway). The Rheinbahn operates the majority of these services. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at the stations, and they are valid for all forms of public transportation within the city.

Taxis are readily available throughout Dusseldorf. They can be hailed on the street, picked up at taxi stands, or booked in advance. All taxis use meters, and drivers are generally honest and reliable.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Dusseldorf. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're not familiar with the city or don't speak German. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone.

Dusseldorf is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city, or use the city's bike-sharing program, Nextbike.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of Dusseldorf. However, parking can be difficult and expensive in the city center, and the city's narrow, one-way streets can be challenging to navigate. Most international car rental companies have offices in Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking an excellent way to get around. Many of the city's main attractions, including the Old Town, the Rhine Promenade, and the Königsallee shopping street, are within easy walking distance of each other.

The Rhine River is a major feature of Dusseldorf, and there are several ferry services that operate on the river. These can be a scenic and enjoyable way to get around, particularly in the warmer months.

Dusseldorf is well-connected to other German cities and European destinations by train. The city's main train station, Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof, is a major transportation hub. Regional and long-distance trains depart from here regularly.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Dusseldorf, Germany as a first time visitor

1

Dusseldorf is located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

2

The official language is German, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

3

The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments.

4

Dusseldorf is known for its fashion and art scene. It's a good idea to pack some smart casual clothes if you plan on visiting any upscale restaurants or events.

5

The city is very walkable, but it also has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (underground subway).

6

Dusseldorf is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

7

Tipping is customary in Germany. A tip of 10-15% is usually added to your bill in restaurants, but it's also common to round up to the nearest Euro in bars and taxis.

8

The city has a temperate maritime climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), while winters (December to February) can be cold with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C).

9

Germany uses the Type F electrical plug, so you may need to bring an adapter if your devices use a different type.

10

Dusseldorf is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

11

The city is known for its Altbier, a type of German beer. It's worth trying if you're a beer enthusiast.

12

Smoking is banned in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants. However, some places have designated smoking areas.

13

Dusseldorf has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in the Altstadt (Old Town) area.

14

The city is also known for its carnival celebrations, which take place in February. If you're visiting during this time, be prepared for large crowds and festive events.

15

Dusseldorf has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

16

Many shops in Dusseldorf close on Sundays, except for those in train stations and airports.

17

If you're planning to use public transportation frequently, consider getting a DusseldorfCard for unlimited travel and discounts on various attractions.

18

Germany has strict laws on downloading copyrighted material, including music and movies, so avoid doing this while in the country.

19

Tap water in Dusseldorf is safe to drink, but bottled water is also widely available.

20

Emergency numbers in Germany are 112 for general emergencies and 110 for the police.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shprek-en zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ish versteh-eh nickt

Expressing lack of understanding

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

vo ist

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Badezimmer

bah-deh-tsim-mer

Asking for the restroom

Help

Hilfe

hill-fe

Asking for help

Food

Essen

ess-en

Talking about food

Water

Wasser

vah-ser

Asking for water

Beer

Bier

beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

vine

Ordering wine

Check, please

Die Rechnung, bitte

dee reck-noong bit-te

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet es?

vee feel kost-et es

Asking for the price

Good night

Gute Nacht

goo-teh nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimwear (if planning to swim)

  • Raincoat or Umbrella (depending on the season)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and Conditioner

  • Body Wash

  • Razor and Shaving Cream

  • Makeup and Makeup Remover (if applicable)

  • Hairbrush or Comb

  • Prescription Medications

  • First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's License or ID card

  • Credit and Debit Cards

  • Cash and Coins

  • Hotel Reservation Confirmation

  • Travel Insurance Documents

  • Emergency Contacts and Addresses

  • Maps and Guidebooks

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for Smartphone

  • Power Bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if not using phone camera)

  • Charger for Camera

  • Universal Power Adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Travel Pillow and Blanket

  • Books or E-books for entertainment

  • Travel-size Laundry Detergent

  • Reusable Water Bottle

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen (if applicable)

  • Travel Locks for luggage

Weather Conditions

When visiting Dusseldorf, Germany, it's important to be prepared for a temperate maritime climate. The city experiences moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year, so packing a waterproof jacket or umbrella is a must. The summer months, from June to August, are the warmest with temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This is a great time to visit if you prefer warmer weather, but do keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season. Autumn, from September to November, sees cooler temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C). The city's parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during this season as the leaves change color. Winter, from December to February, can be quite cold with temperatures often dropping to around 32°F (0°C), and occasionally lower. Snow is not uncommon during these months, so pack warm clothing and good footwear if you plan to visit during this time. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures gradually warming up from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C). This is a lovely time to visit as the city comes to life with blooming flowers. Regardless of when you visit, remember that the weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Enjoy your visit to Dusseldorf!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

6° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Dusseldorf, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Dress warmly and be prepared for possible snowfall.

February

7° / -1°

February is still quite cold, with temperatures slightly higher than January. Snowfall is less likely, but still possible.

March

12° / 2°

March sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still chilly. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer tourists.

April

15° / 5°

April is when spring truly begins in Dusseldorf, with temperatures rising and the city starting to bloom. It's a beautiful time to visit, especially for nature lovers.

May

19° / 9°

May is a pleasant month to visit Dusseldorf, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

June

22° / 12°

June marks the beginning of summer in Dusseldorf. The weather is warm, but not too hot, making it a great time for outdoor activities.

July

24° / 14°

July is the warmest month in Dusseldorf, with temperatures often reaching the mid-20s. It's a great time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.

August

24° / 14°

August is similar to July in terms of temperature, but with a higher chance of rain. It's still a great time to visit, especially for those who don't mind a bit of rain.

September

21° / 11°

September marks the beginning of autumn in Dusseldorf. The weather is still warm, but the leaves start to change color, making it a beautiful time to visit.

October

17° / 7°

October sees a drop in temperature, but it's still a good time to visit. The autumn colors are at their peak, making the city incredibly picturesque.

November

11° / 3°

November is a chilly month in Dusseldorf, with temperatures dropping and the days getting shorter. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy the quiet and calm of the off-season.

December

8° / 0°

December is a festive month in Dusseldorf, with Christmas markets and holiday decorations. It's cold, but the festive atmosphere makes up for it.

Did you know?

Did you know that Dusseldorf is known as the 'desk of the Ruhr' and is a major hub for the German advertising and fashion industries?

1 of 10

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