How to Spend 3 Days in Düsseldorf

One of Germany’s nightlife capitals and ideally located for cruising the Rhine River, Düsseldorf makes a great choice for a city break. Three days is enough to enjoy the highlights and still have time left over for a day trip. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in this modern German city.

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

Take in the sights on a walking or Segway tour of Düsseldorf’s historic Old Town (Altstadt), starting at the Burgplatz castle tower, then following the Rheinuferpromenade along the riverfront. Pay a visit to landmarks such as City Hall (Rathaus), St. Lambertus Basilica, Neander Church, and the Rheinpark, then hit the shops along the famous Königsallee (King's Alley). If you’d rather tour the city at your own pace, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus instead. Spend the evening barhopping in the Altstadt, nicknamed the longest bar in the world for its nearly 300 bars, pubs, and clubs, and be sure to sample the local brew,altbier.

Day 2: Along the Rhine

Spend your second day taking in Düsseldorf’s modern attractions. Start with a morning walk along riverfront Media Harbor, one of the city’s most stylish areas, and take in the unique Frank Gehry buildings and views from the Rheinturm TV tower. After lunch, board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Rhine River to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, spend the afternoon browsing the art collection at the Museum Kunstpalast, or, if you’re traveling with kids, observing marine life at Sea Life Oberhausen. As the sun begins to set, head back to Media Harbor for dinner and cocktails at one of the city’s most glamorous bars or nightclubs.  

Day 3: Get Out of Town

Use your final day to take in nearby sights such as Benrath Castle (Schloss Benrath) or take a day trip to nearby Cologne, where you can view the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; explore the picturesque Old Town; peruse the acclaimed modern-art collection at Museum Ludwig; or embark on a cruise through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley. Other popular choices include Bonn, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. The Schengen agreement makes day-tripping to another European country a breeze, so you might even consider spending your day touring the hip warehouse district in the Dutch town of Eindhoven.