Correio newspaper | 11 places to visit in Dusseldorf

The German city has a wide variety of attractions and activities to suit all tastes.

Capital of the state of North Rhine, in fact the name Rhineland comes from the river Rhine, Dusseldorf is vibrant and rich in contrasts and one thing is certain: it is worth indulging in the charms of this city, even if you only have one day to enjoy it. them.

Start by booking the Visit Düsseldorf Card, which gives you discounts on public transport and important attractions. It’s the best way to save money during your visit. With museums and galleries galore, Dusseldorf is a delight for art and history lovers. One of the highlights is the Kunstpalast museum, with valuable works including Renaissance and Baroque paintings, medieval sculptures, design, photographs, graphics and drawings.

In addition, it has one of the main glass art collections in the world, housing Egyptian and Roman objects, from Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles to contemporary pieces. When you visit the Kunstpalast museum you will take a fascinating journey through the world of art through the centuries.

Between permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum displays almost all artistic genres and a variety of eras under one roof. Kunstpalast is just a few minutes from Königsallee boulevard. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm, on Thursdays it is open until 9pm.

NRW-Forum Düsseldorf, is another interesting space dedicated to the arts. It is an innovative international exhibition center that hosts exhibitions and events, focusing on photography, pop and digital culture. Its main characteristic is its approach to current social issues, portrayed in collective and individual exhibitions, festivals and workshops. The concept of the NRW-Forum is to seek the fusion of a wide variety of cultural areas. A modern and thought-provoking artistic look that will please the whole family. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm, on Thursdays it is open until 9pm.

Those who like luxury brands need to visit Königsallee, also called Kö, a tree-lined avenue with countless exclusive boutiques, designer stores and many charming cafes. It is one of the main luxury shopping streets in Europe, a true paradise for lovers of fashion and refinement. Walking along this boulevard, where European glamor meets modern sophistication, is a unique experience.

Another interesting tour is Little Tokyo in Dusseldorf. Did you know that the third largest Japanese community in Europe is in Germany? That’s right. The Little Tokyo Japanese neighborhood is home to the largest Japanese colony in Germany. A walk through this area is a must. The streets are colorful, very busy and have a wide variety of authentic restaurants.

It is an excellent choice for lunch, in authentic Asian restaurants in general. In this neighborhood you will find a Japanese version of everything, from ramen restaurants, bakeries, bars, specialized supermarkets, stores that sell everything from manga to traditional Japanese products, bookstores and hotels. Additionally, the community promotes cultural events and festivals that provide visitors with an immersion in Japanese culture within Germany. It is a tour that stimulates the senses.

For those who prefer modern and vibrant streets, the recommended neighborhood is Media Harbor. Located along the River Rhine, the old port region was completely renovated, giving way to modern buildings. Many of the buildings built there were designed by renowned architects. One of them is Frank Gehry, who designed three residential buildings with metal facades that reflect sunlight, creating a fascinating spectacle.

In addition to architecture, the neighborhood offers multiple cultural options, with emphasis on the German Cinema Museum, where there are exhibitions on the history and evolution of German seventh art. Many events, festivals and open-air fairs take place in Media Harbor, attracting locals and tourists from all over. It’s worth checking out.

The neighborhood’s food scene is also robust. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, with options ranging from local cuisine to international cuisine. And your lunch or dinner can become an even more appetizing gastronomic experience if you choose between the various restaurants that have panoramic views of the Rhine and the city. The neighborhood’s nightlife is very lively and glamorous, with several sophisticated nightclubs and lounges originals that will surprise the most demanding night owls.

Every trip requires a little rest. The ideal place for a break is the Hofgarten Park, just a few steps from the historic center. This immense park covers 27 hectares and many of its trees are 200 years old. It is one of the largest green spaces in Dusseldorf, much sought after by residents and tourists for a relaxing walk or a picnic.

Various monuments and sculptures dot the gardens, such as the reclining figure of Henry Moore by Soviet avant-garde sculptor Vadim Sidur. There is a museum dedicated to the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the famous 18th century poet, novelist and playwright.

Children will also have fun with the Fairy Tale Fountain or figurines of three children looking at frogs, designed by Max Blondat. It’s a very Instagrammable tour.

As you pass through the Historic Center, stop for a few moments at Burgplatz square, on the banks of the Rhine and listed among the city’s archaeological monuments. Around the square there are several restaurants and many events are held there, which has become a popular meeting point for locals and visitors. The view we have of the Rhine from that square is simply stunning.

Don’t miss Dusseldorf’s main Catholic church, St. Lambertus Parish. Located in Altstadt, the old center, it is made up of the parishes of Santo André, São Lambertus, São Maximiliano and Santa Maria Conceição. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, but the tower was rebuilt after a fire in 1815 and the use of damp wood gave the tower a twisted shape, giving it a very peculiar shape.

The basilica houses the tombs of Saint Lambert, Duke Wilhelmv of Jülich-Kleve-Berg and the remains of Saint Apollinaris, the city’s patron saint. Saint Lambertus is one of the landmarks of the old city, from the outside the tower attracts attention and inside the silver and gold pieces are impressive.

Another point that provides a spectacular panoramic view is the Rheinturm, or Rhine Tower, an iconic landmark in Dusseldorf. It is a 240 meter high television tower, which has an observation deck. It is the tallest building in the city, which is intended both for TV broadcasting and as a tourist attraction. From up there we see the entire city and a long stretch of the River Rhine. It’s wonderful to see everything from up there.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Dusseldorf is the Nordpark urban park. Opened in 1937, it is an extremely beautiful and invigorating place. The park’s water areas alone occupy 4,000m², the park’s main promenade is surrounded by beautiful fountains and valuable sculptures that remind us of ancient palaces.

The flower gardens are lush and one, in particular, is a true jewel, the Japanese Garden on the Rhine. Donated by the Japanese society in 1975, the area has a lake with carp, pine trees, Japanese maples and stone lanterns. It’s the ideal place to reflect on life or simply not think about anything. Children also have a space reserved for them, there are 5 play areas with sand, swings, slides, climbing, hammocks, a water and mud island.

The sky swing, 4 meters high, can be used by both teenagers and daring adults. Another Nordpark attraction that appeals to people of all ages is the Aquazoo-Löb-Becke Museum, an institution that combines a zoo, aquarium and natural history museum in the same place.

There are several marine and terrestrial species, a collection of natural objects from the areas of biology, geology and paleontology and interactive areas that address the aquatic ecosystem. The museum offers guided tours, classes and workshops that allow you to learn about the lives of various animal specimens. Nordpark is a key destination for anyone visiting Dusseldorf.

To end the day, there’s nothing better than a Bier Safari, that is, a tour of local breweries. A walking tour through the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, or Old Town, to explore the flavors of Altbier, the region’s typical beer. There are several microbreweries concentrated amidst historic architecture, with a variety of artisanal flavors that are more than delicious, they are unforgettable. The Bier Safari is an excursion into the Dusseldorf lifestyle and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Dusseldorf, a destination with attractions that guarantee a unique experience for all tastes and ages. And to make exploring all these wonders easier, the Visit Dusseldorf Card offers free or discounted access to various attractions and public transport, making your visit to the city even more enjoyable.

By Camila Karam – Qual Viagem magazine