Top 20 Dusseldorf Attractions, Germany

The city of Düsseldorf has existed since the 13th century. For a long time of progressive development, it has become an economic, industrial and cultural center, lying around the northern part of the Rhine. The old urban district of Altstadt is called the “world bar counter” because of the abundance of traditional German beer houses, architectural monuments of the 13th-18th centuries flaunt on the city squares, the picturesque Rhine embankment lights up every evening with colorful lights.

The abundance of historical castles, interesting modern architectural structures, as well as a variety of museum collections attract tourists from all over the world to Düsseldorf. The best time to visit the city is spring, summer or early autumn. At this time, parks and gardens are dressed in multi-colored diversity, and a relaxed atmosphere is in the air.

What to see and where to go in Dusseldorf?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Old City - Altstadt

The historical part of Düsseldorf and its cultural center. In addition to the invaluable heritage of past eras, Altstadt will please the tourist with numerous old pubs, where brewing traditions have been observed for several centuries. From the Old Town you can go on an exciting walk along the Rhine or take a walking tour of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Burgplatz square

Square on the banks of the river Rhine, the center of the Old Town. The history of this place began with the history of Düsseldorf in the 13th century. The central building of the square is the Castle Tower (Schlossturm), which houses the Museum of Shipping and Navigation. This building is the remains of the castle of the Duke of Berg that burned down in the 19th century. There is a panoramic restaurant on the top floor of the Schlossturm.

New Customs

The complex of buildings erected on the site of the former customs house within the Düsseldorf harbor. The New Customs House is a modern building in 1998 in the style of deconstructivism, invented by F. Gehry - the author of the famous "Dancing House" in Prague. The complex consists of three parts of white, mirror and red colors. Each part is a separate asymmetric complex with curved lines.

dusseldorf town hall

The 16th century municipal government building is in a typical late "German Gothic" style with elements of the Renaissance and Rococo. The oldest facade of the town hall overlooks the Marktplatz square; of all the other parts of the building, it is the only one preserved almost in its original form. Opposite the building is a monument in honor of Elector Johann Wilhelm of the Palatinate, a great art connoisseur who did a lot for Düsseldorf.

Basilica of Saint Lambert

One of the oldest Catholic churches in Dusseldorf. Its history began in the 8th century with a small chapel built in honor of the missionary St. Lambert. At the end of the 13th century, a monastery was formed on the basis of the church. Inside the temple are sacred relics and works of art from the early 12th century. The Basilica of St. Lambert is subordinate to the Holy See of the Vatican and has the status of "Basilica Minor".

Church of the Apostle Andrew

The former Jesuit church of the 17th century, where the remains of the representatives of the royal Wittelsbach dynasty are buried. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order, the temple was used as an ordinary parish church. In 2005, it was transferred to the possession of the Dominican Order. Despite the modesty of the decoration of the external facade, the interior of the church is made with grace and some luxury.

Tonhalle Concert Hall

City Philharmonic, located in the former building of the planetarium. This is an ideal place for concerts, as the spherical shape of the structure ensures good acoustics and no blind spots in the auditorium. During performances, the lights on the dome light up, creating the illusion of a starry sky. Hundreds of concerts are held annually in Tonhalle, and the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra often performs here.

Museum of the Kunstpalast

City Art Gallery, which exhibits and stores more than 100 thousand works of art: paintings, graphic drawings, textiles, photographs, glass collages and much more. The museum collection includes part of the exhibits of the Düsseldorf Museum of Applied Arts and the collection of ceramics of the Hetjens Museum. The Kunstpalast is housed in a building from the beginning of the 20th century.

Goethe Museum

An exposition on the territory of the Jägerhof Palace dedicated to the life, philosophical path and research of the great German philosopher Johann Goethe. The museum contains not only personal belongings, letters and manuscripts of the thinker, here you can also see surreal illustrations for the famous work "Faust" or admire the collection of luxury items, commemorative medals and books.

German Museum of Ceramics

A unique collection of ceramic exhibits, the only museum of its kind in Germany. It was created at the very beginning of the 20th century on the basis of the collection of the famous urban collector of antiquities Lauren Heinrich. Since then, about 8 thousand copies have accumulated in the museum's vaults, which have arrived from all over the world. The most impressive exhibit is a 17th-century Pakistani ceramic dome.

Art Collection of North Rhine-Westphalia

Gallery based on the works of avant-garde artist Paul Klee. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art of the 20th century. There are works by Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Pollock, as well as works by Cubists, Fauvists, Dadaists, Expressionists and contemporary trends of modern times. The expositions are housed in two buildings called K20 (art of the 20th century) and K21 (art of the late 20th - early 21st century).

Neanderthal Museum

Archaeological Museum, located in the Neanderthal Valley on the territory of the reserve. It was in this area that the remains of the most ancient man were found. The museum is dedicated to the Neanderthal man and the time period in which our distant ancestor lived. Expositions and interactive educational programs allow the visitor to make a "time travel" and imagine the world as it was tens and hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Benrath Palace

An elegant palace of the late 18th century in the rococo style with a transition to classicism, built for the Elector Karl Theodor von der Pfalz. The ruler lived here with his wife. Benrath is surrounded by a picturesque landscape park. The interior decoration and furnishings of the palace are well preserved and have survived to this day. The Museum of Natural History and the Museum of European Garden Art are located on the territory.

Helltorf Castle

The first mention of Heltorf dates back to the end of the 12th century. Until the middle of the 17th century, these lands constantly changed owners, until they became the property of the count family von Spee. Representatives of this family still own the castle. The building itself is closed to the public, but there is a beautiful landscaped park around it, where you can take a pleasant walk on weekends and holidays.

Kalkum Castle

The former manor's courtyard of the 9th century, which eventually turned into a small castle. Over the 1000 years of its existence, it has repeatedly changed its appearance. The modern pale pink building was erected at the beginning of the 19th century. Today, Kalkum Castle is used as a venue for classical concerts. In addition, the state archive of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia is located on the territory.

Imperial Palace in Kaiserswerth

The ruins of the Kaiserwerth fortress in the northern part of Düsseldorf, built during the Early Middle Ages. The remains of the palace have been declared a state monument. The fortress existed until the beginning of the 18th century. It was repeatedly stormed, destroyed, restored and rebuilt. During the War of Spanish Succession, the castle could not withstand the pressure of 12 thousand cores and fell.

Reinturm tower

City 240-meter TV tower on the banks of the Rhine, the tallest building in Düsseldorf. Broadcasting began in 1981. At the level of 170 meters there is an observation deck, which is visited by about 300 thousand people annually. The TV tower is located near the historical part of the city and many popular attractions. The Rheinturm is considered a modern symbol of Düsseldorf.

royal alley

One of the most prestigious, picturesque and elegant city streets, created at the beginning of the 19th century. The alley was built on the site of the former defensive fortifications along the moat. Initially, it was supposed to collect a toll on it. By the middle of the 19th century, the street had become one of the most important "arteries" of Düsseldorf. Hotels, restaurants, administrative buildings were actively built here. Nowadays, luxury hotels and expensive boutiques are located on the Royal Alley.

Hofgarten park

Düsseldorf Central Park, the first state public park created under Karl Theodor. The design of the territory is made in the English style, the architectural buildings were erected in the Baroque style. The infrastructure of the Hofgarten is aimed at meeting the needs of citizens for recreation. In the mornings you can meet joggers or other athletes here, in the evenings the benches are filled with walking youth.

Rhine embankment

Pedestrian zone on the right bank of the Rhine, about 2 km long. Walks through the urban areas of Karlstadt, Unterbilk and Altstadt. Within the waterfront there are many attractions of Düsseldorf: the town hall, the castle tower, Burgplatz and many others. The promenade has existed since the end of the 19th century, but after the Second World War a highway was laid here. Only since 1995, the territory again acquired the status of a pedestrian area.