Düsseldorf is known for its fashion and design industries, its striking modern architecture in the Medienhafen, and its lively Altstadt, home to hundreds of breweries serving the city's own dark Altbier. It's also a major hub for art, trade fairs and Japanese culture in Europe.
Discover Authentic Düsseldorf: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
Ask anyone at Mercure Hotel Duesseldorf City Center for a weekend plan and you'll get the same answer: start at the river, end at the Kö. Düsseldorf is a city of quiet confidence — a fashion and design capital that never stops feeling walkable, with a wildly creative harbour district standing right next to a 700-year-old Altstadt. We've distilled what our guests love most into one local's route through the city.
Our map pins local favourites such as the MedienHafen, the Rheinturm and Carlsplatz market.
Top 5 Things to Do in Düsseldorf
Discover the Medienhafen
This former industrial harbour is now Düsseldorf's architectural showcase, with Frank Gehry's twisting Neuer Zollhof buildings anchoring a waterfront of bold, modern design.
Go sky-high at the Rheinturm
The 240-metre Rhine Tower offers a panoramic viewing platform and revolving restaurant, with the world's largest digital decimal clock climbing its exterior.
Stroll the Rheinpromenade
This riverside walkway through the Altstadt is affectionately nicknamed the 'longest bar in the world' for its dense run of breweries serving the city's own Altbier.
Open your mind at the Kunstpalast
One of Germany's major art museums, the Kunstpalast holds an outstanding collection spanning old masters to contemporary glass art in a grand riverside building.
Shop the Kö Galerie on Königsallee
Düsseldorf's famous boulevard, the 'Kö,' pairs a tree-lined canal with high-end flagship stores and the elegant Kö-Galerie shopping arcade.
Explore Düsseldorf's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Düsseldorf
We've mapped local spots in Düsseldorf, from Gehry architecture to the Rhine promenade.
Architecture & views
MedienHafen
The old harbour, reborn as a media and design district with buildings by Frank Gehry, David Chipperfield and more, waterfront restaurants and a promenade.
MedienHafen · District · Perfect for architecture
Rheinturm
Built between 1979 and 1982, the 240-metre Rhine Tower has an observation deck, a revolving restaurant – and lights that turn it into a giant clock after dark. Can you read the time?
MedienHafen · Tower · Made for views
Rhine promenade
River views, spectacular sunsets and cafés and restaurants such as Kasematten all along the way.
Altstadt · Promenade · Ideal for sunsets
Art, shopping & food
Kunstpalast
Reopened in 2023 after renovation, the Kunstpalast spans centuries of art, with around 3,500 photographic prints, exhibitions and events.
Ehrenhof · Art museum · Perfect for art lovers
Kö Galerie
On the Königsallee, an elegant mall of premium and luxury brands across three floors, with cafés and restaurants such as Barolo.
Königsallee · Shopping centre · Great for luxury shopping
Carlsplatz market
Monday to Saturday, more than 60 stalls of fresh produce, cheeses, chocolates and street food from around the world. Lunch, sorted.
Carlstadt · Market · Perfect for lunch
Takumi
Authentic Hokkaido ramen, among the best in Düsseldorf's large Japanese quarter. Slurp away.
Little Tokyo · Ramen bar · Made for noodles
Zum Schiffchen
Düsseldorf's oldest restaurant, on record since 1628, famous for its sauerbraten.
Altstadt · Restaurant · Ideal for German food
Brauerei Kürzer
The Old Town's youngest Altbier brewery, opened in 2010. Prost!
Altstadt · Brewery · Great for local beer
FAQ
Düsseldorf's Altstadt and riverside sights are best explored on foot. The Rheinbahn network of trams, buses and the U-Bahn connects the wider city efficiently, and the airport has a direct S-Bahn link to the main station in about 15 minutes.
May through September offers the warmest weather for enjoying the Rhine promenade and Altstadt beer gardens. The city's Christmas markets (late November to December) and its own boisterous Carnival season in February are also excellent times to experience local traditions.
Yes. The 240-metre tower has an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.
Düsseldorf's former harbour, now a district of striking architecture by Frank Gehry and others.
At Carlsplatz, open Monday to Saturday, with more than 60 stalls.
Where to Sleep in Düsseldorf
See Mercure hotels in Düsseldorf, all within reach of these picks.