Dusseldorf Altstadt: Absolutley everything you need to know

Dusseldorf Altstadt (Dusseldorf Old Town) really is a central hub of the city. Like the rest of the city, for me, it has a great blend of old and new. You’ll find all the beautiful historic buildings in its town hall and churches accompanied by lots of bars and museums. There’s so much to see and so, here’s my guide to everything you need to know about Dusseldorf Altstadt and its surrounding area!

From ceramics museums to the world’s longest bar with plenty of unique statues and secrets hidden in its nooks and crannies, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Dusseldorf Altstadt. My personal highlight is the Carlsplatz food market, check out this guide for other unmissable spots!

Dusseldorf Altstadt: Absolutely everything you need to know

What you need to know

• What is Dusseldorf Altstadt known for? It’s probably best know as ‘The Longest Bar in The World’ due to all of it’s pubs and bars, but it has plenty of great historic sites too!

• Is Dusseldorf Altstadt big? The area actually only covers around half a square kilometre!

Dusseldorf Altstadt map

Düsseldorf Rathaus – Dusseldorf Town Hall

Sat in the centre of Dusseldorf Altstadt is Dusseldorf Rathaus, the Town Hall. Its oldest sections date back to the late 1500s. Today, the Town Hall is a collection of buildings, with three wings bordering the Marktplatz. During the festive season, one of the city’s Christmas markets lights up the square outside. The Rathaus also serves as the seat of the city council, blending history with modern-day governance.

Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild Statue

Directly in front of the Rathaus is the unmissable Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild Statue. The statue pays tribute to Jan Wellem, an elector (prince), who is shown on horseback in ornate armour. He was a well-loved figure in Dusseldorf and set the scene for what is now a buzzing art scene within the city. As one of the oldest equestrian statues in Germany, it remains an iconic feature of Düsseldorf’s Altstadt.

‘Longest bar in the world’

Düsseldorf’s Altstadt is famously known as the “Longest Bar in the World,” thanks to its more than 250 bars, pubs, and restaurants packed into a half-kilometre radius. If you’re looking for a drink, there’s no better place to visit. Be sure to try Düsseldorf’s renowned Altbier, a top-fermented beer that has become synonymous with the city and its bar scene.

Basilika St. Lambertus

Basilika St. Lambertus, a majestic landmark in Dusseldorf Altstadt, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Built-in 1394, this Catholic church stands as one of the city’s most iconic structures. One of its most striking features is its twisted tower, which has inspired various local legends. Some say the devil attempted to uproot the church, causing the tower to spiral, while others believe it twists toward heaven. However, the real reason for the unique shape is the use of damp wood during its construction.

Burgplatz – Castle Square

Bridging the gap between Dusseldorf Altstadt and the Rhine River is Burgplatz. It’s a wide-open space named after the now-destroyed Dusseldorf Castle which today hosts many festivals and city events. Alongside the Schlossturm, you’ll also find the Cartwheeler’s Fountain, a tribute to one of the city’s quirky traditions.

Cartwheeling holds a special place in Düsseldorf’s history, with many myths and stories surrounding the activity. You’ll spot tributes to cartwheeling all over the city—on drain covers, fountains, and other landmarks.

Schlossturm – Palace Tower

The last surviving structure of the historic Dusseldorf Castle, you’ll find Schlossturm looking a little lonely on Burgplatz. The first three levels of the tower date back to when the Castle was originally built around 1260, with further levels added in 1552 and 1845. The Castle burnt down in 1872 and on top of the tower you’ll see a weather vane in the design of a fire blower.

Schifffahrtsmuseum – Maritime Museum

Inside the Schlossturm you’ll find the Maritime Museum. The museum documents the Rhine’s role in Dusseldorfs trade and travel industry. The museum is filled with replica boats and maritime memorabilia as well as photos and videos that bring the river’s legacy to life. Head on up to the upper levels for a great view out of the city and river!

Schneider-Wibbel Statue

Schneider Wibbel is the title of a popular play, first performed in Düsseldorf in 1913. The play has become a beloved part of the city’s cultural heritage. In Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, there’s a street named Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse, which is also home to Schneider-Wibbel-Haus.
Throughout the area, you’ll notice various sculptures and carvings of the character. One particularly famous sculpture shows him sitting cross-legged, and it’s said to bring good luck if you rub it!

Stadterhebungsmonument – City Founding Momument

Celebrating the moment Düsseldorf gained its city rights, the Stadterhebungsmonument (aren’t long German words fun?) was unveiled in honour of the city’s 700th anniversary. Dusseldorf was granted city status after the Battle of Worringen, which is the intense scene the statue is depicting. Head over to Joseph-Wimmer-Gasse to see this epic monument!

Carlsplatz Market

One of the most well-loved spots in Dusseldorf Altstadt, and my favourite spot, has to be the Carlsplatz Market. This historic market is filled to the brim with traders selling all kinds of delicious food, from fresh produce and flowers to tasty meals, if you’re hungry this is definitely the place to head to!

Flinger Strasse & Mittelstrasse (shopping)

If you’re looking to do some shopping, Dusseldorf Altstadt has you covered. Both Flinger Strasse and Mittelstrasse are central shopping points within the city that contain many well-known stores and brands. Flinger Strasse is actually the most frequented shopping street in the city and one of the busiest in Germany!

Confrontation statue

Regarded as one of the most photographed spots in Dusseldorf Altstadt, the confrontation is a popular spot with tourists. The statue on Mittelstrasse depicts two men in conflict and is supposed to show discrepancies between different generations.

Rhine embankment promenade

Just beyond Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, the Rhine promenade invites you for a stroll along the river. Head down to the waterfront for great views of the city and perfect photo spots. Along the riverbank, you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and lots of boat and river cruise options if you fancy setting sail.

Museums

Hetjens-Museum – Ceramics Museum

The Hetjens-Museum is a must-visit, not only for ceramics enthusiasts, with an extensive collection of pieces spanning over 8,000 years from around the globe. This unique museum showcases every type of ceramic imaginable, from everyday items like tiles and vases to rare and extravagant works of art. One standout exhibit is the reconstructed Islamic ceramic dome, a stunning example of the craftsmanship on display.

Mahn- und Gedenkstätte – The Düsseldorf Memorial

Honouring the victims of the Nazi regime, the Düsseldorf Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to those who suffered under these atrocities. Once the site of the former police headquarters, it now serves as a museum, archive, and research centre, housing different exhibitions. Visitors can also see the basement, which once functioned as an air raid shelter during the war.

K20 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen – K20 Art Gallery

Dusseldorf is a city for art lovers with the K20 being a vibrant hub of 20th century art. Home to works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, the museum’s collection captures the cultural shifts and upheavals of the last century. It’s the ultimate spot for fans of classical modernism and also features many changing exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.

Heinrich-Heine-Institut

Celebrating the life and legacy of one of the city’s most renowned figures, the Heinrich-Heine-Institut is a must-visit in Dusseldorf Altstadt. The museum explores all aspects of the poet’s life, from his family to the beginning and evolution of his work and even displays Heine’s death mask, a plaster cast taken of his face and neck.

There’s such a great variety of things to see and do in Dusseldorf Altstadt. Although it only covers half a square kilometre, it’s packed with cultural and historic sites – and plenty of bars! I loved my visit here, there’s certainly enough to keep you entertained!