The city of Dusseldorf is a fascinating blend of ancient history and cutting-edge modernity. You'll find a wide mix of visitors enjoying this old electoral capital all year round.
A great place to start is a walk along the Rhine River promenade, which links many of the top attractions. The paved route is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars and offers fantastic views of the Rhine.
1. St. Lambertus Cathedral
One of the most famous landmarks in Dusseldorf, St. Lambertus Cathedral is a 620-year-old three-aisled hall church, built in the Lower Rhine brick Gothic style.
Inside, there are a number of attractions to see, including a shrine with reliquaries and a large organ. The most intriguing feature of the church, however, is its distinctive twisted tower.
The spire was rebuilt after a fire in 1815, and its twist is believed to be due to the use of fresh wood during the reconstruction process. But it was also said that the devil tried to rip out the tower, and this may have influenced its unusual twist.
In the 1950s, a new west portal was added to the church by sculptor Ewald Matare, who included the tower’s twisted shape in its design. This is why the spire continues to stand to this day, slightly bent, drawing the attention of tourists.
2. Schloss Benrath
One of the most recognizable sights in Dusseldorf is Schloss Benrath, a magnificent Baroque palace whose sumptuous interior and gardens attract countless visitors. It was built in 1756-1773 for Elector Palatine Karl Theodor von der Pfalz and is 12 kilometres from the city centre.
The palace was designed by French architect Nicolas de Pigage, who laboured on its construction for 20 years before it was finished in 1770. Inside, you'll find the main palace building corps de logis and two wings containing two museums: Museum of European Garden Art in the east wing and Museum of Natural History in the west wing.
A popular summer tourist attraction, the park is also a great place to visit in winter. Here, you can enjoy a Christmas market and a ice skating rink. It's also home to the city's annual Lichtterfest, a festive celebration of music and lights.
3. Media Harbour
The Media Harbour is a popular destination for locals and visitors who want to take in the best of Dusseldorf’s architecture. Today, the former Rhine harbour has been redeveloped into a modern district with building complexes designed by internationally renowned architects.
The redevelopment has made the area a vibrant, lively place for food and drinks. There are many high-profile restaurants in the area, but you can also try some hole-in-the-wall places where you can enjoy delicious German cuisine.
Besides all that, the Media Harbour is home to several clubs and DJs. Whether you’re looking for hard rock, ska or club music – you will find something to your liking in this district!
There are also many guided tours in the area. It’s a perfect way to get the most out of your visit to this vibrant part of the city!
4. Altstadt
The Old Town, or Altstadt, of Dusseldorf is a fascinating mix of historic and modern. The elongated promenade along the Rhine has a Mediterranean feel, and is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and galleries.
- The quaint streets are lined with pubs and bars, where you can enjoy the local Altbier or other German dark beer. While the city is famous for its bar culture, it’s also home to a range of interesting museums.
- A highlight of the city’s history is the Castle Tower (Schlossturm), a 13th-century castle that once dominated the city. It’s now a home to the Schiffahrtsmuseum, focusing on shipbuilding and trade.
- Stroll through the narrow lanes and pretty laneways of Altstadt with an expert guide on this 1.5-hour tour. Stop at key attractions including Basilica St. Lambertus, the Schlossturm – housing the shipping museum, the Old City Hall (Rathaus) and the Equestrian statue of Jan Wellem on the Market place. Throughout your tour, you’ll gain an understanding of the city’s rich past.
