Dusseldorf holidays

Germany’s fashion capital has the feel of a quiet urban village with the cultural heft of a metropolis twice its size. Holidays to Dusseldorf should take advantage of its excellent transport system, which brings you to the front door of stylish boutiques, iconic music venues and some of the best ‘wurst’ in Western Germany. Pining for a quiet patch of grass? You’re in luck — more than half the city consists of green space.

Dusseldorf holiday highlights

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Urban art

Street art is part of daily life on holidays to Dusseldorf. Colourful murals brighten up gritty streets like Kiefernstrasse in Flingern. A popular stop on the city’s art trail is Museum K20 to see the ‘Hornet’ honeycomb wall. Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious Pac-Man ghost stickers – there are around 2,000 to find.

Feathered friends

You wouldn’t expect to see parrots flitting about the rooftops in Germany’s industrial heartland, but look up and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Dusseldorf offers more than just architecture and dining — the city is also home to flocks of green parakeets rumoured to have escaped from a zoo decades ago. You’ll spot them in Konigsallee and Hofgarten.

A taste of Japan

Swap Germany for Japan with a visit to Little Tokyo. This lively district is home to all things Japanese, including manga shops and sushi spots. It’s a fun place to explore on cheap holidays to Dusseldorf, with plenty of opportunity for wallet-friendly eating at the local ‘izakaya’ bars.

Dusseldorf: Know before you go

Language

German

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Dusseldorf

Weather in Dusseldorf

March – May: Pack layers for mild days and cooler evenings. This is a great time to see the crocuses in bloom in Rheinpark Golzheim.

June – August: Warm, sunny days make this the ideal time for outdoor activities and walks along the Rhine. July experiences the odd rain shower, so bring an umbrella and be prepared to hit the museums.

September – October: Autumn’s unpredictable weather will have you touring Dusseldorf’s galleries and cosying up in the city’s coffee shops and breweries. Don’t miss the amber foliage in the Hofgarten.

November – February: Winters are cold and wet, though snow is usually unlikely. Expect crowds around the festive season but fewer tourists once the Christmas markets close.

Events in Dusseldorf

Japan-Tag (May or June): This festival honours Japanese culture with everything from tea ceremonies and martial arts demonstrations to taiko drumming and J-pop concerts.

Rheinkirmes (July): Head to the banks of the Rhine for this annual funfair full of amusement rides, games and food vendors selling German treats like bratwurst and pretzels.

New Fall Festival (October to November): Celebrating indie and electronic music, this festival sees dozens of national and international acts performing at cultural landmarks across the city, including the Tonhalle, the Ehrenhof and the Schauspielhaus.

Christmas markets (November to December): Get into the festive spirit at Dusseldorf’s Christmas markets. The ‘Handwerker’ (Artisans) Christmas Market is one of the city’s best, known for its food and handicraft stalls.

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The best neighbourhoods in Dusseldorf

Altstadt (Old Town)

Altstadt’s streets are full of architectural treasures like the Rathaus (city hall) and St Lambert’s Basilica. If you love history, this is the best area to stay in Dusseldorf. The Rhine promenade sunsets are pretty special too. Many come here for lively pub nights — Altstadt is known as the ‘longest bar in the world’ for a reason.

Good for: Bars, restaurants, historic buildings

Carlstadt

Famous for its antique shops and art galleries, the elegant Carlstadt district bursts with Old-World wonders. It’s quieter than Altstadt, making it where to stay in Dusseldorf if you’re a light sleeper. Uncover the city’s past at the Stadtmuseum or enjoy a stroll around Hofgarten, Germany’s oldest public garden.

Good for: Museums, architecture, galleries

Flingern

Flingern is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Dusseldorf for craft breweries, trendy shops and budget hotels. Full of leafy squares and vintage boutiques,the district attracts the city’s hip crowd. Check out the street art, sink your teeth into artisan burgers, or dance with locals at punk rock clubs.

Good for: Bars, boutiques, street art

Things to do in Dusseldorf

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Family friendly things to do

Travelling with kids? There are lots of fun things to do with family in Dusseldorf. Come face-to-face with crocodiles in the Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum, hand-feed deer at Wildpark Grafenberger Wald and let imaginations run wild at the Puppet Theatre. Keep energy levels topped up with sticky pastries and gingerbread from Backerei Hinkel.

Shopping

For high-end shopping in Dusseldorf, visit Konigsallee Street, where you’ll find luxury brands like Chanel and Dior. The architecture of the KO Galerie is as exclusive as its products. If catwalk trends aren’t your thing, rummage for vintage clothing at the Radschlagermarkt. Looking for arty souvenirs? The Flingern boutiques are your best bet.

Take in the culture

Art enthusiasts will love exploring the museums in Dusseldorf. The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is known for its masterpieces by Pollock and Kandinsky, while the Museum Kunstpalast is packed with paintings by the Old Masters. For something spicier, pop into the Mustard Museum and get your taste buds tingling.

Nightlife

Night owls with a thirst for beer should head to Altstadt, where traditional German pubs line the streets. When it comes to clubs in Dusseldorf, the Salon des Amateurs is the place to party if you can handle a bit of cosmic synth. Leave the tourists behind and dance the night away with locals at Zakk, a cultural centre with live DJs and indie rock shows.

Places to eat

Dusseldorf is a cosmopolitan city with a menu to match. Sample cheese and ‘wurst’ (sausage) at Carlsplatz food market or try ramen on Immermannstrasse. For sky-high dining, QOMO 2018 is one of the best restaurants in Dusseldorf, serving up sashimi with a generous side of views. To experience the locals’ Dusseldorf, the bistros on Nordstrasse are a favourite with residents.

Free things to do

There are heaps of free things to do in Dusseldorf. Instead of paying for a gig, watch street performers showing off their moves at the Rhine Steps. Want to learn about one of Germany’s top poets? The Heinrich-Heine-Institut is free on Sundays and weekday evenings. For picnics and birdwatching, Schloss Benrath park offers shade and serenity.

Plan your holiday to Dusseldorf

Budget

Take advantage of the city’s free attractions and quieter winter season to enjoy a cheap holiday in Dusseldorf. You’ll usually spend less than 20 euros (€) on a simple meal in a restaurant and under €5 for a local beer. Save money by walking or taking public transport. Need a lift? A short taxi ride is usually around €15.

Day trips from Dusseldorf

Only 20 minutes away by train, the vibrant city of Cologne is best known for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and historic old town. For even more history, drive under an hour to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. The birthplace of Beethoven, you can tour the iconic composer’s childhood home and explore the neighbouring old town.

Getting around Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is easy to get around using public transport. U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains take you pretty much anywhere you want to go in the city. Buy the Dusseldorf Card for free travel and discounted attraction entry. For a more vintage ride, hop on a tram. The stops can be hard to spot, so look for the green ‘H’ signs.

FAQs about Dusseldorf holidays

With around 10 cm of rainfall, July is the wettest month. If you're taking your Dusseldorf holiday then, you might want to include some indoor fun in your plans. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or hit the shops for some retail therapy.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) while on your trip to Dusseldorf. Besides your cards, consider having cash available for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
January brings the coolest weather for a Dusseldorf holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -3ºC (27ºF).
Your city break in Dusseldorf can vary in price based on anything from where you stay to your travel dates. To land the best deals on Dusseldorf flights and hotels, try to have flexible departure dates and take advantage of early booking promotions.
From Rhine Tower to Konigsallee, this city is filled with experiences worth your time. Kick-start your next great adventure by making a list of the best things to do in Dusseldorf.
German is the language you're most likely to hear. Master some local greetings or phrases during your city break in Dusseldorf and you'll fit in perfectly.
Most holidays to Dusseldorf can fit comfortably into a long weekend, giving you enough time to tick off the top sights. If you want to venture into the surrounding area or even take a day trip to Brussels, you’ll easily fill a week.
August is the warmest month in Dusseldorf, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 28ºC (82ºF).
Your holiday to Dusseldorf should be a stress-free experience, as the city is seen as a safe place to visit. Still, you'll want to take some commonsense precautions. Stay alert in crowded spaces and ensure valuables like your credit cards and phone are safely stored away. A money belt or crossbody bag with a zipper comes in handy no matter where you go.
Summer in Dusseldorf is about chilling in beer gardens and strolling along the Rhine. For cheap deals on flights and hotels to Dusseldorf, opt for a winter trip. Come in March or April to see the cherry blossoms in South Park and at EKO-Haus in the Niederkassel district. They look best in the afternoon when the sun illuminates the blooms.
Come in December for Christmas markets and ice skating. Or dress up and party in the streets at the feisty February Carnival, one of the most popular winter attractions in Dusseldorf. Spring brings the Street Food Festival and a smorgasbord of taco trucks and live music to keep you entertained.