Germany

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf blends Rhine-side charm with world-class art and nightlife.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
0.62M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $60 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $128 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $17.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DUSDüsseldorf International AirportMain airport, 8 km from centre; S-Bahn and new U-Bahn connect.
HowCostTime
S-Bahn S11Hauptbahnhof€3.5012 min
Runs every 20 min; ticket valid for onward travel in Düsseldorf.
U-Bahn U80/U81City centre€3.8020-25 min
New subway extension since Sep 2026; drops you below the city.
TaxiCity centre€4020 min
Fixed rate to Messe is €25.
Uber/BoltCity centre€30-4020-30 min
App-based; prices vary.
CGNCologne/Bonn AirportAlternative entry, 60 min by train; use for cheaper flights.
HowCostTime
Train RE 6 (RRX)Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof€1560 min
Direct; buy local transport ticket.
Train S19 + RE 1/RE 5Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof€1560-70 min
Change at Köln Messe/Deutz.
TaxiCity centre€80-10050-60 min
Expensive; train is better.
Uber/BoltCity centre€70-9050-60 min
Check app for availability.
NRNWeeze AirportLow-cost airport 80 km from Düsseldorf; not directly connected to rail.
HowCostTime
Train RE 10 + bus SW1Weeze Airport€18-2090-120 min
Train to Weeze, then shuttle bus.
Shuttle busDüsseldorf Hauptbahnhof€15-2075-90 min
Check schedule; book in advance.
TaxiCity centre€120-15060-75 min
Fixed rates may vary.
Uber/BoltCity centre€100-13060-75 min
May be limited; check app.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Düsseldorf

Getting around

Walk in the centre; use U-Bahn and trams for longer hops and always validate your ticket.

  • Metro ★Rheinbahn runs U-Bahn, trams and buses. Single ticket €3.80, 24-hour pass €7.60 (2026). Validate before boarding; fines €60 for unstamped tickets.
  • BusRheinbahn buses fill the gaps where trams don't run. Same tickets as U-Bahn and trams; validate before boarding.
  • Taxi / ride appsUber, Bolt and Free Now work in Düsseldorf. Handy for late nights and airport runs.
  • Rental carThe city centre is an environmental zone; cars need a pollution sticker. Parking is limited, so a car is best for day trips out of town.
  • Walking ★Walking is easy in the compact centre. Bike hire from about €9 a day is a good alternative.
  • FerryNo ferry across the Rhine. Use the bridges to cross between the centre and Oberkassel.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: the Rhine, Altstadt, Medienhafen and Königsallee make one full day, with one museum as a bonus.

Best for
  • CultureAltstadt lanes, the Rhine promenade and the big museums.
  • FoodAltbier, Rheinish comfort food and the markets.
  • ArtK20, K21 and the NRW art scene.

Weather by month

6°1°Jan🌧 17d
8°2°Feb🌧 14d
11°3°Mar🌧 14d
15°5°Apr🌧 11d
19°9°May🌧 12d
23°14°Jun🌧 11d
24°15°Jul🌧 13d
24°15°Aug🌧 13d
21°12°Sep🌧 11d
16°9°Oct🌧 14d
10°5°Nov🌧 15d
8°3°Dec🌧 17d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Temperate and changeable: mild summers, cool winters, and rain in every month. Pack layers and an umbrella year-round.

  • Rain all yearExpect 11–17 rain days every month. Showers pass quickly; a small umbrella and a waterproof jacket help.
  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs around 19–24°C and long evenings. Ideal for the Rhine promenade, Altstadt terraces and parks.
  • Cool wintersDecember to February highs are 6–8°C with lows near 1–3°C. A warm coat, scarf and gloves are worth packing.
  • Rarely very hotSummer highs top out near 24°C. Heatwaves are short; most days are comfortable for walking.
  • Good shoulder monthsApril, May, September and October are mild and less crowded. Rain is still likely, so keep plans flexible.
  • What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. Add a warm coat and gloves for November to March.

Landmarks 6

Must-see · 5

  1. 1

    Rheinturm

    Düsseldorf's most famous landmark, a slender concrete television tower on the Rhine with an observation deck and restaurant offering sweeping views over the city and river. Go near sunset for the best light, and check opening hours before you climb since the deck can close early in winter.

  2. 2

    Altstadt, Düsseldorf

    The historic old town, known as the 'longest bar in the world' for its dense cluster of pubs and breweries, is the heart of the city and a must for a first visit. Wander it on foot in the late afternoon, then settle in for an evening of Altbier.

  3. 3

    Königsallee

    Düsseldorf's grand boulevard, split by a wide canal lined with trees and high-end shops, is the city's elegant showcase. It is free to stroll; come on a weekday morning for a quieter walk and good photos along the water.

  4. 4

    Schloss Benrath

    A pink rococo palace set in parkland on the southern edge of the city, one of Düsseldorf's finest historic sights. Reach it by tram or S-Bahn, and book a guided interior tour in advance as access is by tour only.

  5. 5

    St. Lambertus Basilica

    The old town's landmark church with its distinctive twisted spire, a short walk from the Rhine promenade. Entry is free and quiet; visit in the morning to avoid crowds and dress respectfully.

1Rheinturm2Altstadt, Düsseldorf3Königsallee4Schloss Benrath5St. Lambertus Basilica

Cultural

Old Town 1

Urban Hub 1

Tower 1

Palace 1

Christian 1

Activities

Painting 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Düsseldorf

    Aachen · 51 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 79 km from Düsseldorf

    Best way: Direct regional trains reach Aachen Hbf in 51 minutes, faster than the 2h 20m bus and far cheaper than a taxi.

    Regional trains from Düsseldorf Hbf reach Aachen Hbf in roughly 1.5 hours, usually with a change in Cologne or via the direct RE line.

    • Train ★51 min · from €6
    • Bus2 h 20 · from $13-$20
    • Car54 min · taxi ≈ €220

    What to see

    • Aachen Cathedral
    • Cathedral Treasury
    • Rathaus
    • Elisenbrunnen
    • Printen bakeries

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Aachen Cathedral is a UNESCO site and the main draw
    • Book train tickets ahead for the cheapest fares
    • The cathedral treasury has limited opening hours

    Wuppertal · 20 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 33 km from Düsseldorf

    Best way: The train takes just 20 minutes from Düsseldorf Hbf, much faster than the 1h 25m bus.

    Direct S-Bahn or regional trains run from Düsseldorf to Wuppertal in about 40-50 minutes; the Schwebebahn connects stations in the valley.

    • Train ★20 min · from $3-$23
    • Bus1 h 25 · from $7-$9
    • Car30 min · taxi ≈ €90

    What to see

    • Schwebebahn suspension railway
    • Historische Stadthalle
    • Von der Heydt Museum
    • Luisenviertel
    • Zoo

    Good to know

    • The Schwebebahn suspension railway is the classic experience
    • Ride the Schwebebahn between valley stations
    • Allow time to explore the old town

    Duisburg · 11 min by train

    ★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 28 km from Düsseldorf

    Best way: Frequent direct trains take only 11 minutes, quicker than the 25-minute bus.

    Frequent direct regional trains and S-Bahn lines connect Düsseldorf Hbf with Duisburg Hbf in about 15-25 minutes.

    • Train ★11 min · from €3
    • Bus25 min · from $2-$10
    • Car28 min · taxi ≈ €80

    What to see

    • Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
    • Inner Harbour (Innenhafen)
    • Museum Küppersmühle
    • Lehmbruck Museum

    Good to know

    • The Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord is best at dusk when illuminated
    • The inner harbor is good for a stroll
    • Trains run very frequently so no need to book

    Mönchengladbach · 20 min by train

    ★★☆☆☆ · Half day · 32 km from Düsseldorf

    Best way: Direct regional trains take about 20 minutes, much faster than the 1h 17m bus.

    Direct regional trains run from Düsseldorf Hbf to Mönchengladbach Hbf in about 30 minutes.

    • Train ★20 min · from $5-$22
    • Bus1 h 17 · from $3-$11
    • Car27 min · taxi ≈ €90

    What to see

    • Abteiberg Museum
    • Mönchengladbach Cathedral
    • Bunter Garten
    • Schloss Rheydt

    Good to know

    • Check train departure station, some leave from Düsseldorf-Bilk
    • The city is known for its football club and park
    • Fewer classic sights than Aachen or Wuppertal

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    The city rewards visitors with a compact centre, excellent museums, and lively riverside districts. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

    A compact first visit: Old Town lanes and the Rhine on day one, MedienHafen and the tower the next morning.

    Stay: Altstadt. Sleep among the old-town bars and the Rhine promenade. Walk to most sights. Can be noisy at night.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EUR 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EUR 59
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    EUR 110–220
    1 night · Altstadt
    Day 1

    Altstadt and the Rhine

    Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 24
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 281 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 6
    2. 1

      14:00–16:00 · Free to walk

      Altstadt (Old Town) Landmark quest

      Start in the lanes around the Rathaus. Cobblestones, so wear flat shoes.

      Open Always open; bars busiest in the evening

    3. Taxi · 345 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 6
    4. 2

      16:15–17:00 · Free to enter; pay per stall

      Carlsplatz food market

      Closed Sunday. Good for a snack if you are peckish.

      Open Mon–Fri roughly 08:00–18:00, Sat until about 16:00; closed Sunday

    5. Taxi · 499 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 6
    6. 3

      17:15–18:15 · Free

      Rhine promenade (Rheinuferpromenade)

      Walk the riverbank towards the bridge. Best light near sunset.

      Open Always open

    7. Taxi · 347 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 6
    8. 4

      19:00–20:30 · Pay per glass; check on the day

      Altbier brewery tasting

      Try a small Altbier in a brewery in the Old Town. Check opening hours on the day.

      Open Breweries open daytime into evening; check on the day

    Day 2

    MedienHafen and the tower

    Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 35
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    2. 1

      09:30–11:00 · Free to walk

      MedienHafen architecture walk

      Gehry buildings and the harbour fronts. Always open.

      Open Always open

    3. 2

      11:15–12:00 · Pay per item; check on the day

      MedienHafen cafés and riverside bars

      Coffee or an early lunch by the water. Check on the day.

      Open Daytime into evening; check on the day

    4. Taxi · 1211 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 8
    5. 3

      12:15–13:15 · Observation deck ticket; check current price on the day

      Rheinturm Landmark quest

      Lift up for the view. Roughly 11:00–24:00, check on the day.

      Open Daily, roughly 11:00–24:00; check on the day · Source

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
    7. 4

      13:45–14:45 · Free to walk

      Königsallee Landmark quest

      Short walk or one tram stop. Shops closed Sunday.

      Open Shops roughly 10:00–20:00 Mon–Sat; closed Sunday

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 881 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 7

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a city afternoon for Schloss Benrath: a palace and gardens south of town, reachable by tram or S-Bahn. Check opening days.
    • Take the train to Cologne for the cathedral and old town, roughly 25–35 minutes each way. Check times and fares on the day.
    • On a rainy day, swap a walk for the Kunstpalast or the Film Museum. Check current exhibitions and prices.

    Getting around

    • Rheinbahn operates U-Bahn, trams, and buses; single ticket €3.80, 24-hour pass €7.60 (2026).
    • Validate tickets before boarding; fines €60 for unstamped tickets.
    • Ride apps Uber, Bolt, and Free Now work in Düsseldorf.
    • Driving: city centre is an environmental zone; cars need a pollution sticker.
    • Walking is easy in the compact centre; bike hire from ~€9/day.
    • No ferry across the Rhine; use bridges for crossing.

    Where to stay

    • Altstadt · ≈ EUR 110–220 a night
      Sleep among the old-town bars and the Rhine promenade. Walk to most sights. Can be noisy at night.
    • MedienHafen · ≈ EUR 130–260 a night
      Modern architecture and riverside walks. Quiet at night, a short tram or walk to the centre.
    • Stadtmitte · ≈ EUR 100–200 a night
      Central and well connected. Best for shopping on Königsallee and easy transit links.
    • Oberkassel · ≈ EUR 120–240 a night
      Leafy left-bank neighbourhood with cafés and a Rhine view. Cross the bridge for the Altstadt.

    Food & drink

    • Try Rheinish dishes: Himmel und Erde (black pudding with apple and potato), Sauerbraten and Reibekuchen (potato fritters).
    • Drink Altbier in the Altstadt brewpubs. It comes in small glasses and is refilled without asking; say when to stop.
    • Go to the Carlsplatz market for snacks, cheese and coffee. Check opening hours on the day.
    • Rheinish mustard and Printen gingerbread make easy gifts. Look in the Altstadt shops.
    • Book dinner ahead on weekends. Many kitchens close earlier on Sundays; check on the day.

    Tips

    1. Try Altbier (traditional dark beer) in the historic breweries of the Altstadt
    2. The Altstadt is dubbed the 'longest bar in the world' due to its hundreds of interconnected pubs
    3. Königsallee (the Kö) is one of Europe's premier luxury shopping streets, complete with a scenic canal
    4. The city has the largest Japanese community in Germany; don't miss the authentic ramen in the Little Tokyo district
    5. Rivalry with neighboring Cologne is a running joke; avoid ordering Kölsch (Cologne beer) in Düsseldorf
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Altstadt, Düsseldorf
    • Cruise the Rhine past the old town waterfront
    • See the city skyline from the water
    • 3,331 reviews · 4.1 rating
    Rhine viewsMost reviewed

    City Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.1 (3,331)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Altstadt, Düsseldorf
    • Visit traditional breweries in the Altstadt
    • Sample Altbier with a guide
    • 1,859 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Beer tastingsLocal guide

    Brewery Tour with Alt Beer Tastings

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,859)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Altstadt, Düsseldorf
    • Two-hour walk through the old town
    • Five Altbier tastings along the way
    • 1,303 reviews · 4.5 rating
    5 beers includedWalking tour

    Altbier-Safari 2-Hour Walking Tour with 5 Beers

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (1,303)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Altstadt, Düsseldorf
    • Follow a night watchman through the old streets
    • Hear local history and legends after dark
    • 1,118 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Evening tourStorytelling

    Guided Tour with a Night Watchman

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,118)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Rheinturm
    • Skip-the-line style entry to the tower
    • Panoramic views over the Rhine and city
    • 343 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Entry includedBird's-eye views

    Rhine Tower Entry Ticket for Bird's-Eye Views

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (343)

    Souvenirs

    ABB Traditional Mustard

    EUR 7–151 small stoneware jar · estimate

    A traditional hot mustard from Düsseldorf. It is a local favorite that people in the city often bring home as a gift.

    Where: Düsseldorfer Senfladen, Berger Straße
    Buy the small stoneware jar. It is easy to pack and carry home.

    Killepitsch Herbal Liqueur

    EUR 15–25500 to 700 ml · estimate

    A herbal liqueur that is a well-known Düsseldorf specialty. It is a classic souvenir from the city.

    Where: Official retailer near Uerige, at Et Kabüffke
    Check the volume and alcohol content on the label before you buy.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Düsseldorf hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for DüsseldorfStay connected in Germany from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in DüsseldorfDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce