Located just 2.5 hours from Rotterdam, 3 hours from Zeebrugge, and 4 hours from Calais, a fun-packed weekend in Düsseldorf is certainly achievable from any of these ports. This vibrant German city is perfect for foodies, culture vultures, and fans of architecture, as it truly caters for all interests, making it a top spot for weekends and short breaks.
Discover the Altstadt (Old Town)
Despite being just half a square kilometre in size, Düsseldorf’s Old Town (Altstadt) is a hive of activity, with shops, cafes, restaurants, beer halls, bars, and clubs lining its narrow streets. Many of the eateries in this area serve traditional German food, making it the perfect place to experience this hearty cuisine for yourself during a weekend in Düsseldorf. You’ll also see a number of interesting landmarks as you wander around the Altstadt, including St. Lambertus Church and its famous twisted roof, the Burgplatz, which is thought to be the most beautiful post-war squares in Germany, and the very striking City Hall which boasts buildings from across a number of eras.
Try a local Altbier
Due to boasting over 250 bars, many of which are joined together, you’ll also find that Düsseldorf’s Altstadt is affectionately known as being the longest bar in the world! This means that, unsurprisingly, one of the best things to do in the city’s old town is to sit and enjoy a beer or two! The area’s traditional beer is called Altbier, and is enjoyed from 6oz glasses which are constantly refilled by attentive waiters. Thought of as being a lager/ale hybrid, Altbier has a clean, malty taste, and is not fruity like a typical ale. One of the most popular places to try Altbier is at Zum Uerige, a beer hall that has been brewing its own Altbier since the 1860s. Once you’ve finished exploring the old town, and consumed all you can, take the short walk to the Rhine promenade where you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Take a Rhine River Cruise
A Rhine River Cruise offers the perfect opportunity to see the city from a new perspective during your weekend in Düsseldorf. Enjoy informative commentary as you sail along on a sightseeing cruise, or opt for an all-inclusive option that includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. These river cruises along the Rhine take place throughout the day, so you can select one at a time that best fits your plans. One of the top places to see during a river cruise is Düsseldorf’s MedienHafen (Media Harbour), which boasts post-modern architecture that is sure to catch your eye, and you’ll also sail under the Theodor Heuss Bridge, Germany’s first cable-bridge For the best views, head to the top deck of the boat in good weather for uninterrupted panoramas of the city.
Visit Düsseldorf’s MedienHafen
After seeing Düsseldorf’s MedienHafen during your river cruise, it’s time to experience the area’s wide variety of buildings up close. The Media Harbour combines the old with the new, as amongst historic warehouses, characterful quays, and traditional wrought-iron railings, you’ll find post-modern delights created by architects such as David Chipperfield, Steven Holl, Claude Vasconi, and Frank O. Gehry. This once abandoned harbour is now home to over 700 companies, including those in the media, design, and fashion industries, and you’ll find plenty of great places to eat here too. Simply wandering around Düsseldorf’s MedienHafen is an activity in itself, but you can choose to take a guided tour if you’d like to learn more about this fascinating area.
Have a drink in the Rhine Tower
At the MedienHafen’s entrance you’ll find the Rhine Tower, which is the tallest building in Düsseldorf. Standing at an impressive 240.5m tall, this telecommunications tower can be seen and appreciated from around the city. At 168m, you’ll find M168, the tower’s viewing platform. Here, you can enjoy snacks and drinks while you admire the views – which can stretch as far as Cologne Cathedral on a clear day. Alternatively, if you’d like to treat yourself during your weekend in Düsseldorf, have a meal in the 172.5m QOMO restaurant. This Japanese style eatery rotates once every 72 minutes, and offers guests delicious Japanese food with both European and Asian influences – one of the only places where you experience this style of cuisine in Europe. Plus, the QOMO Bar offers exquisite cocktails that go perfectly with the view.
Put together a picnic at Carlsplatz Market
If you’ve planned a day of exploring during your weekend in Düsseldorf, you simply must head to Carlsplatz Market where you can find everything you need for an amazing picnic. Located in a square just south of the Altstadt, this fabulous food market sits under a glass canopy and offers food from around the world, including popular German delicacies. Pack up everything from meats and cheeses to baked goods, and create a lunch to be proud of. Carlsplatz Market is also a great place to pick up souvenirs to take home with you, so you can pack your car full of coffee, spices, beans, and pulses before travelling back to the UK. Top tip: Try the fish soup from the Fischhaus Obst stall – it’s definitely worth queuing for!
Ready to plan your own weekend in Düsseldorf? Book your ferry crossing with us today and your holiday will start as soon as you step on board.
