Düsseldorf Old Town

Düsseldorf Town Hall stands in the heart of the Old Town and looks back on several centuries of the city’s history. Behind its historic façade, city politics are still conducted to this day, whilst in front of it the Jan Wellem horseman watches over the goings-on. All around lie the Old Town’s narrow streets, breweries and the River Rhine. An excellent starting point, then, for exploring Düsseldorf.

With its breweries, bars and historic alleyways, it’s a great place to go shopping. Small boutiques, well-known brands and unique shops are often just a few steps apart here. So feel free to stray from the beaten track, turn down the side streets and see what Düsseldorf has to offer.

Standing right on the banks of the Rhine, the castle tower serves as a reminder of Düsseldorf’s City Palace, which once stood here. Today, it is one of the landmarks of Düsseldorf’s Old Town and houses the Maritime Museum. Anyone who dares to look up – or climbs to the top themselves – is rewarded with an impressive view over the Rhine and the Old Town.

St Lambert’s Basilica is one of the oldest landmarks in Düsseldorf’s Old Town and, with its striking, twisted tower, dominates the skyline along the Rhine. Situated right on Stiftsplatz, its walls harbour a wealth of the city’s history. A true Old Town classic with a little twist.

Right in the heart of the Old Town, the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf demonstrates that art doesn’t always have to be pleasing. Changing exhibitions bring contemporary perspectives, new ideas and, quite often, food for thought to Grabbeplatz. The striking concrete building is a statement in itself. Step inside, have a look round, and let it sink in.

Once you step out of the narrow streets, the Rhine is right there in front of you. The Rhine promenade links the Old Town with the river and is perfect for a stroll, people-watching or simply sitting back and relaxing. Add to that the boats, the skyline and plenty of that Düsseldorf atmosphere. It’s particularly lovely here as the sun slowly sets.

People have been shopping, sampling and chatting at Carlsplatz for generations. amongst the fruit and veg, cheese, flowers and little delicatessen stalls, there’s plenty of Düsseldorf to sample. It’s best to come when you’re feeling a bit peckish, have a wander round, and see what takes your fancy.

Just a few steps from the Old Town, the scene is set. The Düsseldorf Theatre Museum tells the story of great performances, powerful productions and everything that happens behind the scenes. Costumes, set designs, photographs and stories bring the theatre to life here, even without a performance taking place.

Not far from the Old Town lies Düsseldorf’s most famous shopping boulevard: the Kö. Shopping, urban greenery and the Düsseldorf way of life go hand in hand here. Amidst big-name shops, little breaks and the leafy Kö-Graben, it’s all about having a look around, strolling, doing a bit of shopping and simply going with the flow.