Dusseldorf Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Travel & Planning
Is Düsseldorf worth visiting? Yes, it’s generally considered a pleasant city with a lot to offer, especially for those interested in art, fashion, Japanese culture, and a lively Altbier scene.
How many days are enough to explore Düsseldorf? 2-3 days are usually sufficient for the main sights within the city.
What’s the best time of year to visit Düsseldorf? Summer months offer lively outdoor activities and events, but it can be rainy and cooler in other seasons, so pack accordingly. Christmas markets are popular in winter.
Is Düsseldorf expensive? It’s a modern German city, so prices are comparable to other major European cities. Accommodation and eating out can vary.
Do I need to know German to get by? While knowing some basic German phrases is helpful, many people in tourist areas, hotels, and larger shops will speak English. However, for everyday matters, German can be necessary.
Is Düsseldorf safe for tourists? Generally, yes. Like any city, be aware of your surroundings, especially around the main train station at night.
What currency is used in Düsseldorf? Euro (€).
Are credit cards widely accepted? Most grocery stores and chains accept cards. Restaurants often do, but it’s always good to ask or have some cash, as smaller stores might not or may require a minimum amount for card payments.
What’s the time zone in Düsseldorf? Central European Summer Time (CEST) during summer, Central European Time (CET) during winter.
What are some “must-see” places in Düsseldorf? Altstadt, Königsallee, MedienHafen, Rhine Tower, Hofgarten, Little Tokyo.
Accommodation
Where should I stay in Düsseldorf? The Altstadt and areas near the city center like Friedrichstadt or close to Königsallee are popular for tourists. Areas around the main train station can be less desirable at night.
Are there budget-friendly accommodation options? Yes, there are hostels and budget hotels. Consider chains like Holiday Inn Express or Meininger Hotels for central, affordable options.
Any recommendations for mid-range hotels? NH Düsseldorf City, Premier Inn Düsseldorf City Friedrichstadt, Meliá Düsseldorf, Novotel Düsseldorf City West are good options.
What about luxury hotels? Hotel Kö59 Düsseldorf (Member of Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection) is a highly-rated luxury choice.
Are there hotels near the airport? Yes, Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf and Van der Valk Airporthotel Düsseldorf are close to the airport.
Is it better to book accommodation in advance? Yes, especially during peak season or major events like trade fairs.
Are there apartment rentals available? Yes, platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb will have options. Numa is a digital apartment rental company also present in Düsseldorf.
Transportation
How do I get from Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) to the city center? You have several options: SkyTrain to the train station (Düsseldorf HBF), bus 721, or the S-Bahn (train) from the basement of the terminal.
Can I walk from the airport to certain areas? If you’re staying in Unterrath, it might be walkable (around 10 minutes from the terminal).
How do I get around the city? Public transportation (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses) is excellent. Walking and cycling are also great options, especially in the city center.
What is the U-Bahn? Düsseldorf’s underground train system.
What is the S-Bahn? The suburban train system, connecting Düsseldorf to surrounding areas.
What is a DüsseldorfCard? A travel card offering unlimited public transport within the city for a certain duration, plus discounts on attractions.
Should I get a DüsseldorfCard? If you plan on using public transport extensively and visiting several museums or attractions, it can be cost-effective.
What is the “eezy” app for tickets? An app that offers a “hop-on, hop-off” style payment for public transport, where you pay based on distance. It can be useful for travel beyond city limits.
What is the Rheinbahn app? The app for the local public transport company in Düsseldorf, where you can buy tickets.
What is the VRR app? The app for the local public transport authority (VRR) that covers Düsseldorf and surrounding regions.
Do 24-hour public transport tickets cover all transportation? They usually cover regional transportation (bus, subway, regional trains like RE, RB, and S-Bahn) within the VRR region for Düsseldorf (Zone A). They do not cover inter-regional trains like IC and ICE.
Can I travel to Cologne with a Düsseldorf public transport ticket? No, Cologne is managed by a different provider (VRS), so you’ll need a separate ticket or a regional ticket like the Deutschlandticket (if applicable for your travel dates).
What is the Deutschlandticket? A monthly ticket (€49) that allows unlimited travel on all regional public transport throughout Germany. It’s only worth it if you plan extensive travel beyond Düsseldorf.
How do I buy public transport tickets? Through apps (Rheinbahn, VRR, eezy), ticket machines at stations, or sometimes from bus drivers (though it’s usually preferred to buy in advance).
Can I flag down a taxi on the street? No, taxis need to be booked by phone in Düsseldorf. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are available.
Is Düsseldorf bike-friendly? Yes, it’s a remarkably bike-friendly city with bike lanes.
Can I rent a bike? Yes, Nextbike is a popular bike-share system. Electric scooters (Bolt, Tier, Voi) are also available.
Do I need a car in Düsseldorf? Not for exploring the city center. A car rental is only recommended if you plan extensive day trips outside the city.
Is parking readily available in Düsseldorf? Yes, but most parking areas charge a fee.
Sights & Activities
What is the Altstadt? Düsseldorf’s Old Town, known for its historic charm, breweries, bars, and restaurants. It’s often called “the longest bar in the world.”
What is Königsallee (Kö)? A famous luxury shopping street with a canal in the middle.
What is MedienHafen? A revitalized old port area with modern architecture, restaurants, and bars.
What is “Little Tokyo”? The area around Immermannstraße, known for its large Japanese community, restaurants, and shops.
Can I go up the Rhine Tower? Yes, for panoramic views of the city.
What’s Hofgarten? A large and beautiful city park, good for a relaxed stroll.
Is there a Japanese Garden in Düsseldorf? Yes, in Nordpark.
What are the Düsseldorf Fountains? Recognizable landmarks throughout the city, like Mackbrunned Fountain and Radschlagerbrunnen Fountain.
What is the Landtag? The local government building with modernist design, open to visitors on weekends.
Any interesting museums? K20, K21, Kunsthalle NRW, and Kunstpalast are art museums. The Aquazoo (maritime zoo) is also a popular attraction, especially for families.
What’s Benrath Palace? A beautiful pink Baroque pleasure palace located a short distance south of Düsseldorf, with sprawling gardens.
Is there a market to visit? Carlsplatz is a popular market.
Are there Christmas markets in Düsseldorf? Yes, they are a big attraction during the holiday season.
What about events? Check local listings for festivals like the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival.
Are there any unique local experiences? Trying Altbier at a traditional brewery, wandering through Altstadt, exploring Little Tokyo, and a walk along the Rhine promenade.
Food & Drink
What food is Düsseldorf famous for? Japanese food, Alt beer, and Killepitsch (a local liquor).
Where can I try traditional German food in Düsseldorf? Traditional breweries (Brauhäuser) like Füchschen, Schumacher, Uerige, or Schlüssel serve hearty German dishes.
What are some specific German dishes to try? Himmel & Ähd (Heaven & Earth: mashed potatoes, apples, blood sausage), Rheinischer Sauerbraten (slow-cooked marinated beef roast).
Where can I find good Japanese food? Immermannstraße is the hub for Japanese cuisine. Recommendations include Takumi Tantan, Takumi Chicken & Veggie, Kagaya, Nagomi, Yabase, and Food Jung for Onigiri.
Any recommendations for ramen? Any shop on Immermannstraße is generally good.
Where can I try Killepitsch? In the Altstadt.
Is Düsseldorf mustard worth trying? Yes, it’s a local specialty, good as a souvenir.
Are there good non-pork options? Many Asian restaurants offer a wide selection. Specific recommendations include Koi Sushi, Gusan, Phox, Takezo, Yaki-the-emon, Yangguofo Malatang, and Casita Mexicana.
Any good burger places? Bob and Mary at the harbor often get good reviews.
Where can I get good breakfast? Bistro Zicke (cash only) near the Rhine.
Are there good bakeries? Germany is known for its bakeries; look for local “Bäckerei” shops.
What is Altbier? A locally brewed top-fermented dark beer, unique to Düsseldorf.
Can I do a brewery tour? Many of the traditional breweries in the Altstadt offer a glimpse into the brewing process and tastings.
Are there good cocktail bars? Yes, look for recommendations in the Altstadt area.
Any wine bars? Yes, there are some decent wine places.
Are restaurants in the Altstadt tourist traps? Some can be, but breweries like Schumacher are generally good and affordable.
Do I need reservations for restaurants? For popular Asian restaurants, especially on weekends, reservations are often recommended or expect longer waiting times.
Nightlife
What’s the nightlife like in Düsseldorf? It’s lively, especially in the Altstadt, which is known as “die längste Theke der Welt” (the longest bar counter in the world).
Where are the main nightlife areas? The Altstadt (Heinrich-Heine-Allee is a central train station stop).
What kind of venues are there? A mix of traditional breweries, pubs, intimate cocktail bars, and nightclubs.
What are some popular breweries for nightlife? Füchschen, Schumacher, Uerige, Schlüssel, Kürzer.
Are there any specific bars or clubs recommended for a lively night? Kürzer, Peters Diebelstreff, Weißer Bär. For more “trashy” fun, Kuhstall, Ballermann, or Oberbayern.
When does the Altstadt get busy? Streets start to get packed around 10:30/11 PM on weekends.
Is it easy to bar-hop in the Altstadt? Yes, everything is walkable.
How does Düsseldorf nightlife compare to Cologne? Some travelers prefer Cologne for clubbing, but Düsseldorf’s Altstadt offers a unique pub experience.
Day Trips from Düsseldorf
What are some easy day trips by train from Düsseldorf? Cologne, Essen, Wuppertal, Maastricht, Aachen, Bonn.
How long does it take to get to Cologne? As little as 20 minutes by high-speed train (ICE) or around 40 minutes by regional services.
What are the main attractions in Cologne? Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, Roman-Germanic Museum, Museum Ludwig.
What’s unique about Wuppertal? The Schwebebahn, the world’s oldest electric elevated railway (suspension railway).
How far is the Neanderthal Museum? About a 15-minute train ride from Düsseldorf.
What can I do at the Neanderthal Museum? Explore the exhibition, see the discovery site, and visit the animal park with Ice Age animal models.
Is Maastricht a good day trip? Yes, it’s a popular choice for a day trip.
What is Zons? A charming medieval town near Düsseldorf, accessible by S11 train to Dormagen, then bus 875.
What is Schloss Dyck? A historic castle with extensive landscaped gardens, about a 30-minute car journey from Düsseldorf.
Is Mönchengladbach worth visiting? Some consider it a hidden gem, about a 40-minute S8 train ride.
What about Schloss Burg? A picturesque castle in Solingen overlooking the Wupper River, ideal for a day trip.
Can I visit Bonn from Düsseldorf? Yes, about an hour away by ICE train.
What’s notable about Bonn? It was Beethoven’s home, and his house is open to the public.
What’s the NRW Ticket? The SchönerTagTicket NRW is a good option for unlimited regional train travel within North Rhine-Westphalia for a day.
Practical Tips
What’s the weather like in Düsseldorf? Prepare for rain, as it can be common. Temperatures vary by season.
Should I bring a rain jacket? Yes, it’s recommended.
What are the general opening hours for shops? Shops are typically closed on Sundays.
Are museums open on Mondays? Many museums are closed on Mondays, so check in advance.
Are there guided tours available? Yes, Düsseldorf Marketing and Tourism offers inspiration for places and tours.
Are electric scooters allowed? Yes, but use bike lanes when possible.
Where can I find information on current exhibitions? Check websites for K20, K21, Kunsthalle NRW, Kunstpalast.
Is Düsseldorf suitable for solo travelers? Yes, it’s generally safe and easy to navigate.
How do I find hidden gems? Local travelers often have discussions on hidden gems.
What about language barriers when ordering food? Many menus will have English translations, especially in touristy areas. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.