If you don’t know what every tourist should see in Dusseldorf, our review will help you plan your sightseeing itinerary right now. We will tell you about the most significant sights of Dusseldorf.
What to see first in Dusseldorf
When compiling our rating of the “best sights of Dusseldorf”, we took into account the recommendations of local residents, travelers and experienced guides. In our general opinion, your trip around the city should include the following excursions in Dusseldorf:
1. Old Town – Altstadt
One of the streets of the historical center of Dusseldorf Marek Gehrmann
The historical center is an old Town filled with souvenir shops, museums and ancient buildings. Discos, restaurants, beer pubs and bars are located next to cultural attractions such as the Ceramics Museum, the Rhine Opera House and the Academy of Art. If you don’t know what to visit in Dusseldorf first of all, come to Altstadt.
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2. Burgplatz Square
Burgplatz Square at night
Approaching the square, you will see the clock of the New Embankment, called the Green Matilda (date of creation – 19th century). Their granite pillar is used as a water meter. Burgplatz itself is home to numerous Dusseldorf attractions, such as the Shipping Museum and the fortpost of the 14th-century Dusseldorf Castle. It’s worth coming here for the unique atmosphere, and exploring the ancient monuments of history and culture.
3. Dusseldorf Town Hall
Facades of the Dusseldorf Town Hall
A U-shaped Gothic building built in the 16th century. The five-storey building is made of pink brick, and is decorated with a tower with a tent. Once inside the tower, you can climb up the spiral staircase. In previous years, the Old Town Hall housed an art gallery, craft and trade warehouses and workshops. Just like five centuries ago, today the building serves as the residence of the mayor.
4. St. Lambert’s Basilica
The shrine with the relics of St. Apollinaria at St. Lambert’s Basilica in Dusseldorf Till.niermann
The current building was erected to replace the wooden temple of the 8th century. It was with the construction of this landmark that the Christianization of Dusseldorf began. The appearance that the basilica has now, she received by the decision of Duke William the First. By the way, then it was named after the Mother of God. If you don’t know where to go in Dusseldorf, but are passionate about architecture, come here. You will be able to look at stained glass windows with rose petals (the symbol of the Virgin Mary), a unique portal, bronze knights and a tall spire with an offset axis.
5. The Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
Interior view of the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle in the “Old Town” of Dusseldorf Ostrovsky Alexander, Kiev
The Baroque church of 1629, built in memory of St. Andrew and is the last shelter for I. Pfalzsky. The building has a rich history. Inside, you can see an organ from 1782, a magnificent marble altar created by E. Matare, and sculptures of the 12 apostles. The church underwent restoration several decades ago.
Check out the beautiful views of Dusseldorf in this exciting video!
6. The Reinturm Tower
The Rheinturm Television and Radio broadcasting Tower in the park on the banks of the Rhine in Dusseldorf Till Niermann
This 240-meter tall TV tower is the tallest building in the city, and it adorns many magnets, postcards and other souvenirs. Representative offices of TV and radio companies are open inside the building. If you want to see all the interesting places of Dusseldorf in one go, buy a ticket to the Rheinurm observation deck. Together with the restaurant with panoramic windows, it is located at a level of 174 meters, and slowly rotates. No less interesting will be the inspection of a huge decimal clock consisting of numerous LEDs. A modern lighting system is built into the base of the tower.
Official website: https://www.rheinturm.de
7. Royal Alley
Triton fountain on the Royal Avenue in Dusseldorf
Your trip to Dusseldorf should definitely include a visit to this green complex. Century-old chestnut trees grow on each side of the alley. There are also chic cafes and restaurants, expensive and trendy shops. The alley is also popular due to the colorful canal with bridges without railings. Walking along it, you will come to the fountain with sculptures, created by F. Kubillier in 1990.
8. New Customs
The buildings of the “Art Center and the Media Center” in Dusseldorf Harbor
An architectural ensemble with “dancing” planes, made in brown, silver and white colors. Over 60 million euros were spent on the construction of the landmark. In the complex of concrete and glass buildings, you can see Alu-Buerodose with its incredibly curved windows, Solitaire, as if woven from rags, the 75-meter Igla high-rise, and the Roggendorf-Haus, whose facade is climbed by people made of plastic.
9. The Goethe Museum
The Goethe Museum on the territory of the castle of the Jaegers of the late 18th century in the Baroque style Jörg Wiegels
Like many other attractions in Germany, this one appeared thanks to the efforts of a private collector. A. Kippenberg gave his daughter the most valuable rarities that formed the basis of the current exhibition – folios, manuscripts, personal belongings of the famous thinker and writer. An ancient castle surrounded by a flourishing park complex was chosen to create the museum. In the 18th century, the building gradually fell into disrepair, was raided and looted. Many priceless copies have disappeared without a trace. The modern museum with a reading room and library has preserved the atmosphere of the Goethe era. Its visitors can see a collection of coins, paintings, porcelain objects, antique furniture.
Official website: https://www.goethe-museum.com
10. Tonhalle Concert Hall
Interior of the Mendelssohn Hall Tonhalle Andreas Praefcke
The date of construction is 1926. In its shape, the building with windows in the Gothic style resembles an indoor stadium. Previously, the building belonged to the planetarium, but today its stars are not on the ceiling, but on the stage below. Famous symphony orchestras, rock singers, jazz performers and opera soloists perform regularly. The site has a new organ. The cost of tickets is quite high, but the number of art lovers is consistently impressive. Experienced guides in Dusseldorf like to talk about how, thanks to the 2005 renovation, the hall received innovative three–dimensional decorations and LED lighting – local productions have become even more enchanting.
11. The Kunstpalast Museum
The collection of paintings of the Kunstpalast Art Museum in Dusseldorf Kippelboy
You can easily recognize this 1971 museum complex by its “Egyptian” appearance and the shape of the developing ribbon. The facade is decorated with an original sculpture standing in the pool. The halls feature collections of art from the 20th and 21st centuries. A special place in the exhibitions is given to the works of the legendary P. Klee – you will be able to look at hundreds of paintings by the famous abstract artist.
Official website: https://www.smkp.de
12. German Ceramics Museum
Exhibition of ceramic products at the Hétiens Museum in Düsseldorf Marcus Cyron
A rare and priceless exhibition of ceramic objects, created in the 20th century thanks to a private collector. Over the years, it has been replenished with new works of art. Currently, the museum has over 8,000 samples from different parts of the world. The giant dome of the 17th century is of great interest – it is also made of ceramics, and was brought to Dusseldorf from Pakistan.
13. Art Collection of North Rhine-Westphalia
The K20 Art Museum on Grabbeplatz with the exhibition “Art of the 20th Century” by Alice Wiegand
The K21 Museum in Stendhaus, where the art of the late XX – early XXI centuries Alice Wiegand is presented
An exhibition center that houses paintings by artists such as Matisse, Pollock and Piccuso. Initially, an ancient castle was given over to the complex. However, there was not enough space to showcase more and more new masterpieces. Therefore, about 40 years ago, another building was added to the palace. This is the best option for all fans of art to see in Dusseldorf in 1 day.
Official website: https://www.kunstsammlung.de
14. The Neanderthal Museum
Entrance to the Neanderthal Museum in Dusseldorf Uniesert
The building was built in 1996 on the territory where the country’s first Neanderthal was discovered 150 years ago. The collections of exhibits tell about the theory of revolution and the development of mankind. The museum has a park complex with its own valuables – the first stone tools.
Official website: https://www.neanderthal.de
15. The Cinema Museum
Cinematic relics at the Dusseldorf kodiak Cinema Museum
On four levels of the building, half a thousand figures from the ancient shadow theater, opened back in 13 centuries, are stored. Other exhibits include vintage posters from film sets, costumes, lighting equipment, cameras, and other film–making equipment.
Official website: https://www.duesseldorf.de
16. Mustard Museum
Mustard Museum in one of the brand stores of the famous German company Löwensenf Catatine
The museum complex is located in Levensenfa, a famous store that produces and sells branded German mustard. Guests are invited to inspect the machines, dishes and raw materials used for the production of seasoning. A movie dedicated to technological processes is broadcast on the projector. Here you can taste and buy mustard with chili pepper, fruits, beer, etc. Other original products are also on sale. Reviews about visiting this museum are always enthusiastic.
17. Museum of Shipping and Navigation
The Museum of Shipping in the Castle Tower Jörg Wiegels
Talking about the main sights of Dusseldorf briefly, it is impossible not to mention this complex from 1984. Now there are two thousand copies in his collections (photos, maps, etc.) telling about the history of the city, the development of the port, shipbuilding and shipping.
18. The Theater Museum
Dusseldorf Theater Museum in a two-story Renaissance building Kürschner (talk)
The theater museum houses exhibits such as sketches of dolls and stage outfits, old newspaper clippings, original manuscripts, theater textbooks, posters and posters, and ancient photographs.
19. Lebbecke Aqua Zoo and Museum
The skeleton of Physcem macrocephalus at the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum in Dusseldorf Frank Vincentz
Lebbecke is a natural science museum with its own aquatic zoo. There are reptiles and fish in huge tanks. Insects and amphibians are also present among the inhabitants. You will be able to see penguins, exotic turtles, fur seals and predatory sharks. Many tourists come to the aqua zoo in order to walk through a real mini-jungle: in the humid and hot forest of the tropics there are ponds with toothy alligators, hummingbirds and giant colorful butterflies rush through the thickets.
20. Benrath Palace
View of the palace from Benrath Park
A luxurious Rococo building dating back to 1723 with extensive parkland. The attraction was opened for visitors only in 1929. In addition to the castle itself, the complex includes greenhouses with unique plants, a horseshoe-shaped lake, houses for servants and guests, and an underground tunnel (formerly used to serve dishes to the palace). The main castle has an incredibly elegant design: a majestic dome and oval windows with asymmetrical shutters. The interiors are represented by sculptures, pilasters, and rich marble decor. Visitors are allowed to explore the main rooms and octagonal offices, the central hall.
Official website: https://www.schloss-benrath.de
The sights of Dusseldorf: what else to visit in Dusseldorf?
We hope that the sights of Dusseldorf, the photos with the names and descriptions you have just seen, will be of interest to you. In addition to them, we recommend visiting:
21. Calcum Castle
A picturesque building with pale pink towers amidst a magnificent landscape by Marek Gehrmann
Just like some hotels in Dusseldorf, this Neapolitan Baroque castle has an impressive surrounding area – a 16th-century forest park with alleys and hunting lodges. Now the Calcum is in municipal ownership. It attracts many tourists with its loopholes and defensive moat, tent-shaped ceilings and entrance turrets.
22. Heltorf Castle
The moat around Heltorf Castle in the Angermund area in the north of Dusseldorf Beckstet
The 19th century building has survived in its original appearance. The fortress walls, watchtowers, the bridge and the water moat of Heltorf were created much earlier – in the 14th and 16th centuries. The heirs of the count’s family still live in the house, so you will not be able to inspect the interiors. However, you will be allowed to stroll through the 1796 English Park.
23. The Imperial Palace in Kaiserswerth
Panorama of the ruins of the Imperial Palace in Dusseldorf
The remains of a defensive structure, recognized as a national treasure. The fortress stood until the 18th century, more than once it was destroyed, rebuilt and reconstructed. Only the battles for the Spanish succession were able to destroy the palace.
24. Hofgarten Park
View of the alley in the old Hofgarten park in Dusseldorf
Date of creation – 16th century. Initially, the park complex was supposed to be a free place for locals to relax (the first in the country at that time). The landscaped area was made famous by the Neanderthal museum, an artificial lake, numerous sculptures, fountains and shady alleys.
25. The Rhine Embankment
The clock of the late 19th century on the Town Hall Embankment (part of the Rhine Embankment) in Dusseldorf
The pedestrian zone is two kilometers long. While walking, you can see such significant monuments as Burgplatz, castle tower and city hall.
26. Beer houses Altstadt
The standard glass of the Dusseldorf viola by Johann H. Addicks
Altstadt Street has over 250 breweries, a huge number of traditional pubs and beer halls. Most often they drink local dark beer altbir, which is served in small (200 ml) glasses made of thin glass. Every lover of foamy drinks should visit Altstadt Street.
Dusseldorf is one of those cities that will be interesting to visit for people of all ages and with any hobbies. Read also about the sights of Berlin and be inspired to continue your journey through Germany.
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