Dusseldorf Tourist Attractions

Situated just 8 km from the city center, Düsseldorf Airport has the advantage of being exceptionally close to all main tourist attractions in the area, and is ideal for a perfect city getaway. Thanks to outstanding transport links (via the railway, underground, car hire, bus or taxi) tourists can make the most of their stay in relative comfort and perfect ease.

A state of the art transport system monitors the flow of traffic to ensure a smooth passage, even during rush hours and big events. The city itself is vibrant and modern and is regarded as one of Europe’s most fashionable destinations. If you wanted to enjoy a variety of attractions in between fine dining and high end shopping, Düsseldorf will not disappoint.

Tourists who visit year after year will know to head straight for the upmarket Königsalle shopping district, where they’ll find a variety of independent boutiques and designer outlets. The area is also famed for its cultural heritage – museums, theaters, art galleries and concert halls are all situated here, ready to entertain and delight. Visitors will notice a marked contrast between old and new as they wander through the streets of Düsseldorf. Contemporary buildings designed by Frank Gehry at Media Harbour are as much a part of the city’s identity as the old quarter’s winding passages and religious chapels.

On your arrival why not purchase the Düsseldorf Welcome Card? This will entitle visitors to free rides on all trams and buses throughout the city for a limited period. Visitors can purchase the card at the Düsseldorf Tourist Association (Verkehrsverein Düsseldorf), situated in the city center. The card also entitles visitors to discounts at many Düsseldorf tourist attractions.

The lively Altstadt (Old Town) in known the world over as the ‘longest bar in the world’. This is mainly due to the hundreds of popular bars, cafes and nightclubs that fill the area. In the night it can get quite crowded, so it is best to visit during the day when its other landmarks such as the Basilica St Lambertus and the old Rathaus (City Hall) really stand out.

Gourmets will enjoy a walk around the Carlsplatz farmers’ market at Carlstadt, but for more impressive dining visitors should head to the Rhine Tower (Rheinturm), where they can enjoy magnificent views of Düsseldorf and Rhein-Westfalia while ordering a meal in the revolving restaurant. On an especially clear day one can see as far as Cologne.

For families travelling with children, a visit to the Loebbecke-Museum und Aquazoo is a must. Home to over 550 species of fish, mammals, reptiles and insects, kids will be amazed at the variety as they wander through rooms with 80 aquariums, a tropical greenhouse, and marvel at natural history exhibits. Why not combine the trip with a stroll around the neighbouring Nordpark which is situated just behind the museum.

As the river runs directly through the city, no visit to Düsseldorf would be complete without a walk along the Rheinufer Promenade (Rhine pathway). This runs from the old town up to the new harbour, and there are information points to explain the various sites and locations. Visitors needing a break, will appreciate the many points at which they can relax and watch the barges sail by as they enjoy a coffee or spot of lunch. It is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon, especially in the summer months.

If all that sounds like hard work, there’s always the easier option of joining the open top Hop On Hop Off City Tour Bus. This bus departs from the main station outside the Tourist Association and has 8 stops on either side of the Rhine, allowing visitors to enjoy Düsseldorf tourist attractions from the comfort of modern bus.