The Altstadt (Old Town), with its views of the Rhine, lines of shops, and the world’s longest bar, is a bustling hangout for locals and tourists alike. The Marktplatz Square has beautiful architecture steeped in history. Also, the Altstadt houses Dusseldorf’s best museums and the most beautiful churches. A walk in the Altstadt thus promises gems at every turn for tourists.
Medienhafen, Dusseldorf’s historic harbor, has donned on a new outfit to become the most contemporary part of the city, all while retaining its old-world charm. It boasts of futuristic architecture (for example, the Gehry buildings), rows upon rows of nightclubs and the best restaurants in town.
Tourists who want to experience Dusseldorf like a local must visit one of the many farmer’s markets in the city. These markets offer fresh vegetables and fruits straight from the farm, as well as meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, and an assortment of other attractive items. Many of these markets have snacks or lunch options, which makes them an ideal half-day activity.
This mid-18th century baroque palace is one of the most gorgeous sights in Dusseldorf. The palace is perched in the heart of a sprawling garden dotted with sculptures and rows of trees. The former residence of the Elector Palatine, Schloss Benrath is now a museum that offers public tours.
Benrather Schlossallee 102, Dusseldorf, Germany, +49 211 899 3832
What is a holiday without some retail therapy? And if shopping (or at least window-shopping) can be done in one of the most glamorous shopping streets in Europe, the vacation has to be memorable. The biggest and best brands of the fashion world line this boulevard, along with luxury restaurants and hotels, upping the glam quotient of Dusseldorf several notches.
Dusseldorf’s love for cartwheels goes back a long, long way. To keep the historic tradition alive, abundant images of the cartwheeler have been spread all across the city. The most famous one is the Radschlagerbrunnen in Burgplatz, which is a fountain depicting two young boys engaged in this fun sport.
Burgpl. 13, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Radschlagerbrunnen (Cartwheel Fountain) Dusseldorf, Germany | © TLaurenS/Flickr
The Kiefernstrasse, chock full of spectacular street art, is no less than a museum. Talented artists have transformed an ordinary street into am ensemble of intricate and gorgeous paintings, patterns, shapes, and colors, wowing locals and tourists alike.
Kiefernstrasse, Dusseldorf, Germany
Kiefernstraße, Dusseldorf, Germany | © Michael/Flickr