Dusseldorf 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf, a vibrant city on the Rhine River, is known for its art scene, fashion districts, and lively nightlife. This itinerary focuses on exploring these highlights, with options for tailoring based on your personal interests.

Day 1: Art, Architecture & Rhine Views

  • Morning: Start your day at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, a renowned museum showcasing modern and contemporary art. Explore their impressive collection of Picasso, Warhol, and other iconic artists.
  • Afternoon: Stroll along the picturesque Rhine Promenade. Enjoy the fresh air, take in the views of the Rhine River and its bridges, and maybe even take a boat trip to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Evening: Dine at Zum Schiffchen, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional German cuisine with a modern twist (reservations highly recommended). Afterwards, experience Dusseldorf’s vibrant Rhine nightlife by checking out a local bar or club in the Altstadt (Old Town) for dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Fashion & History

  • Morning: Visit the Königsallee, known as “Kö” by locals, the famous shopping street of Dusseldorf. Explore the luxury boutiques and high-end restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Dive into the world of fashion design at the Museum Kunstpalast.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Takumi, a renowned Japanese restaurant offering stunning views of the Rhine River and the city skyline (consider booking ahead).

Day 3: Rhine Promenade & Modern Architecture

  • Morning: Take a leisurely walk or cycle ride along the Rhine promenade to explore its history. Visit the Rhine Tower, a symbol of the city, and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
  • Afternoon: Explore the modern architecture of the MedienHafen (Media Harbour) - a vibrant area with museums, art galleries, and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Old Town Brewery & Pub, savouring traditional German cuisine while experiencing the lively atmosphere of the Altstadt’s diverse nightlife scene.

Things to know:

  • This itinerary assumes you will be arriving in Dusseldorf in the morning. You can adjust the timing depending on your arrival time and preferences.**

  • Düsseldorf is a relatively safe city, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Altstadt.

  • Germany uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

  • Learning a few basic German phrases like “Guten Tag” (Good day), “Danke schön” (Thank you very much), and “Bitte” (Please/You’re welcome) can enhance your experience, but many people speak English in Dusseldorf.

  • Public transport is excellent in Düsseldorf, with a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and trains connecting all parts of the city.

  • The Altstadt is a must-visit, known for its lively nightlife and traditional German pubs.

Other things of interest:

  • Rhine Promenade: Enjoy a walk along the Rhine River and take in the beautiful scenery.
  • Königsallee (Kö): Visit the “Düsseldorfer Rheinwiesen” (Rhine Meadows) for festivals, outdoor events, and simply relaxing by the river.
  • Explore the Altstadt: This vibrant district is known for its historic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and lively atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • Public Transport: The Dusseldorf public transport system is well-connected and efficient. Consider purchasing a travel card for unlimited use on trams and buses during your stay.

  • Walking: Düsseldorf is a very walkable city. Walking allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.

  • Cycling: A great way to get around the city, especially along the promenade.

  • Public Boat Tours: Take advantage of the Rhine’s navigable nature with a scenic boat tour.

Tips:

  • Purchase a “Düsseldorf Card” for free public transport and discounts at museums and attractions.

  • Plan your visit during the week: The Altstadt is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

  • Visit local breweries: The Altstadt offers a variety of breweries serving locally brewed beers.

  • Explore beyond the city centre: Take day trips to nearby towns like Ratingen or Neuss for a different perspective on the region and its history.

  • Enjoy the culinary scene: Düsseldorf is known for its “Reibekuchen” (potato pancakes) and traditional German dishes.

  • Check out the local markets: Immerse yourself in the city’s culture by visiting one of the many vibrant markets, like the Carlsplatz Market or the Fressnapf.

  • Experience the Altstadt: Düsseldorf’s old town is a delight for tourists. It offers a range of traditional restaurants and pubs.

Other activities:

  • Take a Rhine River cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat tour from the Altstadt to see the city from a new angle.

  • Visit the “MedienHafen” (Media Harbour) area: Explore the modern architecture, including the iconic Gehry Buildings.

  • Explore the Altstadt (Old Town): Immerse yourself in the charming cobblestone streets and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

  • Enjoy the shopping at Kö:

    • Shop for designer goods: Düsseldorf is a hub for fashion with many high-end boutiques on Königsallee.

    • Visit the “Rheinuferpromenade” (Rhine Promenade) and take in the views.

    • Explore the art scene:

      The Kunstpalast, the Kunstmuseum, and the Kunsthalle are all fantastic options.

  • Experience the nightlife in the Altstadt: Explore the bars, pubs, and clubs, or enjoy a beer garden experience.

  • Visit a local brewery: “Zum Schiffchen” is renowned for its traditional German brews.

  • Explore the Rhine Tower: Enjoy the views from the top and savour a meal at their revolving restaurant with stunning panoramas.

Düsseldorf Card:

The “Düsseldorf Card” offers free travel on all public transport within the city and access to numerous museums, attractions, and events. It’s a great way to save money if you plan on visiting several places.

  • Enjoy the Rhine River: The Altstadt is a charming area with a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and nightlife.

  • Experience the “MedienHafen” (Media Harbour):

    • Explore the modern architecture:

      The MedienHafen, meaning “media harbour” in German, showcases the city’s architectural prowess with its iconic buildings designed by renowned architects.

      • Enjoy a meal at the harbor:

    There are numerous restaurants and cafes in the area, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

  • Explore the “MedienHafen” (Media Harbour) on the Rhine: Enjoy the picturesque setting and explore the city’s historical landmarks.

Düsseldorf is known for its vibrant culinary scene:

Try traditional German food: Düsseldorf offers a wide range of traditional German dishes, from hearty sausages and schnitzels to delicious pastries and cakes.

  • Enjoy a variety of cuisines:

    The Altstadt is home to many restaurants serving international cuisine, including Italian, French, and even Japanese options.

  • Experience the “Rheinpark”: Enjoy a picnic at the Rhine River: Düsseldorf’s “Rhine Tower” offers stunning views from its observation deck.

Enjoy the “MedienHafen” (Media Harbour) area:

Take a walk along the river, visit the museums, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in this bustling area.

  • Explore the Rhine River: Düsseldorf’s picturesque promenade is a great place to stroll, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the atmosphere of the Rhine.
  • Visit the “Medienhafen” (Media Harbour) with its modern architecture:

Dusseldorf is renowned for its architectural heritage.

Enjoy the culinary scene:

Explore the diverse offerings of the Altstadt, from traditional German restaurants to modern cafes and bars.

  • Explore the “Old Town”: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Düsseldorf’s vibrant center.
  • Experience the “Rhine Promenade” (Rheinuferpromenade): Enjoy a stroll along the Rhine, visit the historic buildings, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the “Alstadt” (Old Town) nightlife:

The Altstadt offers a variety of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes.