Düsseldorf is one of Germany’s most visitor-friendly cities: compact, walkable, with excellent public transport and widespread English proficiency. This FAQ covers the practical details that save you time and money in the North Rhine-Westphalian capital.
Düsseldorf Travel Tips: Getting to Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) Transport
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is Germany’s third-busiest, 8km north of the city center. The S-Bahn line S11 runs from the airport terminal station to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (central station) every 20 minutes (3 EUR, 12 minutes). A taxi from the airport to the Altstadt costs 25-30 EUR and takes 15-20 minutes. The SkyTrain monorail connects the terminals to the long-distance train station (Düsseldorf Flughafen) for ICE connections to Cologne, Frankfurt, and beyond.
Arriving by Train
Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof is a major ICE hub with direct connections to Cologne (25 minutes, from 20 EUR), Frankfurt (1.5 hours, from 30 EUR), Berlin (4 hours, from 20 EUR advance), and Amsterdam (2 hours 15 minutes, from 20 EUR). The station is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute tram ride to the Altstadt (any tram from the station’s front exit toward Heinrich-Heine-Allee).
Getting Around Düsseldorf
Rheinbahn Trams and U-Bahn
Düsseldorf’s public transport system (Rheinbahn) consists of trams (Strassenbahn) and underground light rail (U-Bahn). Single tickets within the city (Preisstufe A) cost 3.10 EUR. A 24-hour pass costs 7.80 EUR. Buy tickets from machines at tram and U-Bahn stops (machines have English language options). Validate tickets in the orange boxes before boarding. The Rheinbahn app allows mobile ticket purchase. Key lines for visitors: U70/U74/U75/U76/U77/U78/U79 connect the Hauptbahnhof, Heinrich-Heine-Allee (Altstadt), and the Messe (trade fair).
Walking and Cycling
Düsseldorf’s city center is genuinely walkable. The Altstadt to the MedienHafen takes 20 minutes along the Rhine promenade. The city’s bike-sharing system (nextbike) offers rentals from 1 EUR per 15 minutes or 9 EUR per day. The Rhine embankment paths on both sides are excellent cycling routes.
Düsseldorf Travel Tips: Practical Information
Money and Tipping
Germany uses the Euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Düsseldorf, though smaller Altstadt pubs may prefer cash. Tipping is expected but modest: round up to the nearest euro for drinks, 5-10% for sit-down meals. Hand the total amount including tip to the server rather than leaving it on the table.
The Düsseldorf-Cologne Rivalry
Düsseldorf and Cologne have a 700-year rivalry that’s mostly good-natured but loaded with local identity. Ordering Kölsch (Cologne’s beer) in a Düsseldorf Altstadt pub will earn you mockery or a flat refusal. Similarly, Altbier in Cologne will not be served. The cities are only 40km apart (25 minutes by train) but culturally distinct: Düsseldorf is the wealthy, fashion-conscious advertising capital; Cologne is the more bohemian, working-class cathedral city. The rivalry peaks during football matches between Fortuna Düsseldorf and 1. FC Köln.
Düsseldorf Travel FAQ
What is Altbier and where should I drink it?
Altbier is Düsseldorf’s traditional top-fermented dark beer, served in small 0.2-0.25L cylindrical glasses. The five main brewpubs are Uerige (Berger Strasse 1, the most famous), Schumacher (Oststrasse 123, the oldest from 1838), Fuchschen (Ratinger Strasse 28, the most tourist-friendly), Schlosser (Burgplatz, the newest), and Kürzer (Kurze Strasse 18). Each brewpub’s Alt tastes slightly different. A glass costs about 2.20 EUR. Waiters (Köbes) automatically bring a fresh beer when your glass is empty unless you place a coaster on top.
Is Düsseldorf worth visiting compared to Cologne?
The two cities are complementary, not competitive. Düsseldorf offers better luxury shopping, a more modern skyline, the MedienHafen architecture, and a polished, affluent atmosphere. Cologne has the Cathedral, more Roman and medieval history, and a grittier, more bohemian character. They’re a 25-minute train ride apart, so visiting both in a single trip is practical and recommended. Base yourself in one and day-trip to the other.
Suggested Hotels in Düsseldorf
Breidenbacher Hof
Düsseldorf’s grandest 5-star hotel on the Königsallee with 85 rooms and suites, personal-assistant service, a luxury spa, and the Duchy restaurant. Soundproofed windows overlook the Kö canal. Best for luxury travelers and special occasions wanting Düsseldorf’s best address. Check rates and availability
Hotel Indigo Düsseldorf
Design-forward boutique hotel in the Carlstadt with 83 rooms themed around Düsseldorf’s fashion heritage. Rainfall showers, hardwood floors, and a 5-minute walk to the Altstadt without the noise. Best for design-conscious travelers wanting style and quiet in a central location. Check rates and availability
Altstadt Hotel Barcelona
Simple, clean hotel on a quiet Altstadt side street with rooms from 65 EUR. Basic but functional with en-suite bathrooms and a 2-minute walk to the Uerige brewpub. Best for budget travelers wanting an Altstadt base without paying Altstadt prices. Check rates and availability
