What are the best places to visit in Düsseldorf?

Among the best-known hotspots in Düsseldorf are several central areas of the city, each with its own distinct character. The Old Town forms the historical and gastronomic heart of the city, featuring the Rhine promenade and traditional breweries, whilst the Medienhafen is renowned for its modern architecture, including buildings designed by Frank O. Gehry, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. Königsallee is renowned as a shopping boulevard and urban axis, complemented by areas such as the Kö-Bogen, whilst Little Tokyo along Immermannstrasse and Klosterstrasse is a hub of Japanese culture and cuisine.

Which attractions in Düsseldorf are free?

In Düsseldorf, many public green spaces and urban areas are accessible free of charge. These include the Rheinwiesen, a vast riverside landscape with views of the Rhine; the Hofgarten, a historic park situated between the Old Town and the city centre; and the Nordpark, with its extensive gardens and the Japanese Garden. The Old Town itself is also freely accessible and features historic buildings, squares and access points to the Rhine, all of which are free to visit.

What are the hidden gems in Düsseldorf?

Among the lesser-known but distinctive areas of Düsseldorf are neighbourhoods with an alternative or creative character. Kiefernstrasse is a short residential street that stands out for its distinctive urban art and local subculture, whilst urban art can also be found in other parts of the city in the form of murals and temporary installations. Flingern is a former industrial district featuring studios and unique restaurants, and Unterbilk combines residential areas with the media, design and creative industries near the Media Harbour.

Is it possible to explore Düsseldorf on foot?

Yes, Düsseldorf is easy to explore on foot, as many of the main attractions are close together. Areas such as the Old Town, the Rhine promenade and neighbouring districts are all within walking distance of one another, with Königsallee serving as a main pedestrian route leading to the Kö-Bogen. Key factors include the compact layout of the city centre, the flat terrain and the well-maintained pavements.

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Düsseldorf

Live close feel free

The special appeal and charm of the lovable state capital on the Rhine will surprise you with its many facets and faces.

Whether by bike or on foot, there are many ways to explore Düsseldorf in an environmentally friendly way! Exciting city tours show you the green corners of the city, away from the main shopping streets you will find handmade unique items and innovative products and many restaurants in Düsseldorf are committed to using regional, seasonal and vegan ingredients.

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Highlights

Monet – Cézanne – Matisse. The Scharf Collection
Duration: March 12 to August 9, 2026 at Museum Kunstpalast
This exhibition presents, for the first time, an important private collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by Monet, Cézanne, and Matisse. Around 180 exhibits illustrate the development of modern art and the history of the Scharf Collection.

Spot On: 100 Years of GeSoLei
Duration: May 8, 2026 to February 21, 2027 at Kunstpalast
This exhibition commemorates the GeSoLei of 1926, which focused on themes such as health, sports, and social welfare. It also highlights the architecture and art of Düsseldorf’s Ehrenhof, which continue to shape the area to this day.

Jörg Immendorff – Retrospective at Kunstpalast
Duration: September 25, 2026 to January 10, 2027
With this major retrospective, the Kunstpalast dedicates a comprehensive exhibition in Düsseldorf for the first time to one of Germany’s most influential post-war artists. Around 100 works from all creative phases are on display – from his early pieces during his time at the art academy to his later paintings and sculptures. The exhibition explores Immendorff’s artistic engagement with politics, society, and the role of the artist, offering deep insight into his multifaceted body of work.

Niki de Saint Phalle – Dream Machine at K20
Duration: September 10, 2026 to February 7, 2027
K20 presents «Dream Machine», a major exhibition dedicated to the world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle. At its core are her iconic «Nanas» – the colorful, voluptuous female figures that rank among the most famous sculptures of the 20th century. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, drawings, and multimedia works, highlighting how Niki de Saint Phalle challenged traditional gender roles and placed themes such as freedom, self-determination, and female identity at the center of her art. This exhibition is one of the cultural highlights of Düsseldorf’s exhibition year 2026.
The state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is a lovable, modern and diverse city: multicultural, tolerant and aware of its history. The Rhine is its lifeline and at the same time its special charm. The most beautiful and best-known places include the Old Town, Königsallee and the Medienhafen. Locals and visitors meet in an uncomplicated and open-minded way in the many cozy restaurants and trendy clubs throughout the city. Düsseldorf is greener than almost any other major city. Parks and green spaces such as the Rhine meadows, the Hofgarten and the Nordpark with its Japanese Garden are the green lungs of the Rhine metropolis and oases of relaxation.
Discover Düsseldorf consciously with an eco-friendly journey and stay! During guided city tours, you will learn interesting facts about climate adaptation in cities, while parks invite you to relax. Events that focus on sustainability, inspiring sustainable shopping tips and regional, vegan delicacies in selected restaurants contribute to your unique experience.
Düsseldorf plays in the international premier league when it comes to culture. The density of museums is also record-breaking. Fans of modern art in particular get their money's worth here, which may also be due to the fact that the city is home to one of Germany's most renowned art academies, the Kunstakademie. The young, creative Düsseldorf has also turned the city into an open stage for urban art.
This is home to Germany's largest Japanese community and characterizes the vibrant "Little Tokyo" along Immermannstrasse and Klosterstrasse between the main train station and the city center. Locals, Japanese business people, young manga fans and foodies meet here over noodle soup, sushi and sake. Excellent restaurants and izakayas (Japanese pubs) serve authentic Japanese cuisine.
Everyone who is anyone in international high fashion is represented in the famous luxury shopping street "Königsallee" with a prestigious store and the latest catwalk trends. Known as the "Kö" for short, it is a boulevard and place of longing for international fashionistas and the direct route to the world of luxury labels. In the Flingern and Unterbilk districts, individual stores with inspiring fashion and handmade gifts guarantee a varied shopping spree.
The Architecture in Düsseldorf celebrates diversity from the organically shaped iconic triad by architect Frank O. Gehry in the MedienHafen to the architectural interplay of Kö Bogen I and II. This is where New York star architect Daniel Libeskind has set an exclamation mark at the upper end of Königsallee and where you will also find the largest green building in Europe.

Insider Tips

Exhibitions

Düsseldorf presents a variety of exhibitions in 2025:

From 12.3.2025 the Kunstpalast will explore diverse artistic interpretations of motherhood, showcasing works from the 14th century to the present day.

The K20 of the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is presenting a special highlight from 15.3. to 10.8.2025: visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the magical visual world of Marc Chagall, one of the most fascinating artists of modernism.

Our tip: The Art:Walk48 ticket grants admission to all six art museums for just €25.

Düsseldorf by bike

In Düsseldorf, cyclists can explore almost all the sights on their bikes. Whether it's the riverside, Königsallee or the old town - discovering the Rhine metropolis by bike combines entertainment and sport!

Klima(wandeln) in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf and climate change: a 120-minute city walk combines sights with exciting facts about the climate on the Rhine and shows how it affects urban development.

DüsseldorfCards

The DüsseldorfCards allow you to explore the city by public transport, bike or e-scooter and offer discounts on city tours, museums and souvenirs. Discover Düsseldorf in a flexible and affordable way!

Altbier safari

Experience Düsseldorf's beer culture in 2 hours: Visit the five house breweries, taste and learn all about the art of craft brewing and the history of Altbier.

Urban Art Ride

Discover Düsseldorf's most beautiful murals by bike. In addition to museums and galleries, this city now also offers fascinating urban art - an exciting new art movement in public spaces.

Inclusive city tours

Experience Düsseldorf on an inclusive city tour. Barrier-free routes and easy-to-understand explanations make the city accessible for everyone to discover its beauty and history.

Shopping with a good conscience

Local labels, second-hand stores and fair fashion boutiques in Düsseldorf offer inspiring fashion, handmade unique pieces and sustainable products with a focus on quality and fair production.

Sustainability Rallye

Discover locations relating to sustainable development in Düsseldorf during the sustainability rally, solve the quiz and find out more about local projects and the 17 sustainability goals.

Europe's largest green façade

Green as far as the eye can see. Marvel at the largest green building in Europe in Düsseldorf!
On the green façade of the Kö-Bogen II, 30'000 hedges of hornbeams have been planted, corresponding to a distance of 8 kilometers. The innovative building is a market hall and it was opened in 2021 after 12 years of construction.

Altbier Braumeister

Düsseldorf is the city of Altbier. Brewing this dark, top-fermented brew has been a tradition here for many hundreds of years and there are still 5 traditional breweries in the old town: Füchschen, Schumacher, Schlüssel, Uerige and Kürzer, which cultivate this craft. Depending on the variety, the Altbier tastes mild to hoppy.

The Kürzer brewery is young and modern. The aim here is to show that tradition can also be cultivated in a contemporary way. Without humtata, with a pub interior in industrial chic style, lots of modern comfort and plenty of charisma. Watch the Braumeister at work and try an Altbier for yourself.

Events

24.11.2022 19:00 - 25.07.2026 01:00 | Andreasstraße 11, 40213 Düsseldorf
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29.05.2026 16:00 - 30.08.2026 20:00 | Mannesmannufer 2, 40213 Düsseldorf
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17.07.2026 14:00 - 26.07.2026 23:59 | Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 49, 40545 Düsseldorf
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21.08.2026 13:00 - 23.08.2026 20:00 | Königsallee, 40212 Düsseldorf
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19.11.2026 11:00 - 30.12.2026 20:00 | , 40213 Düsseldorf

04.02.2027 11:11 | Marktplatz, 40213 Düsseldorf
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08.02.2027 12:30 | , 40213 Düsseldorf
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The content for the events is provided by destinations and service providers and is automatically integrated via the Knowledge Graph of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).

Impressions

Impressions

Frequently asked questions

Among the best-known hotspots in Düsseldorf are several central areas of the city, each with its own distinct character. The Old Town forms the historical and gastronomic heart of the city, featuring the Rhine promenade and traditional breweries, whilst the Medienhafen is renowned for its modern architecture, including buildings designed by Frank O. Gehry, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. Königsallee is renowned as a shopping boulevard and urban axis, complemented by areas such as the Kö-Bogen, whilst Little Tokyo along Immermannstrasse and Klosterstrasse is a hub of Japanese culture and cuisine.
In Düsseldorf, many public green spaces and urban areas are accessible free of charge. These include the Rheinwiesen, a vast riverside landscape with views of the Rhine; the Hofgarten, a historic park situated between the Old Town and the city centre; and the Nordpark, with its extensive gardens and the Japanese Garden. The Old Town itself is also freely accessible and features historic buildings, squares and access points to the Rhine, all of which are free to visit.
Among the lesser-known but distinctive areas of Düsseldorf are neighbourhoods with an alternative or creative character. Kiefernstrasse is a short residential street that stands out for its distinctive urban art and local subculture, whilst urban art can also be found in other parts of the city in the form of murals and temporary installations. Flingern is a former industrial district featuring studios and unique restaurants, and Unterbilk combines residential areas with the media, design and creative industries near the Media Harbour.
Yes, Düsseldorf is easy to explore on foot, as many of the main attractions are close together. Areas such as the Old Town, the Rhine promenade and neighbouring districts are all within walking distance of one another, with Königsallee serving as a main pedestrian route leading to the Kö-Bogen. Key factors include the compact layout of the city centre, the flat terrain and the well-maintained pavements.

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Düsseldorf is full of surprises – and well worth more than a weekend! The Rhine metropolis captivates with a unique blend of urban lifestyle, art, culture, and a relaxed vibe. By train, you’ll find yourself at the heart of the action in no time: about six hours from Zurich and just four from Basel.

Düsseldorf offers the perfect blend of the urbanity in a modern metropolis and the coziness in a village. The unique location on the Rhine adds a special quality of life and influences the relaxed flair of the city. Luxury shopping and trendy districts coexist, art and culture are omnipresent and bear witness to a lively and diverse creative scene.