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Art, Altbier & Architecture: A Weekend in Düsseldorf
A weekend in Düsseldorf is like a little short break for the senses: between Altbier and avant-garde, between Rhine promenade and design buildings, between relaxed strolling and urban energy. The city is often underestimated, but once you've been there, you quickly understand why Düsseldorf is more than just fashion and trade fairs. It's a city with character, humour and style – and it's wonderful to explore over a weekend.
Friday: Arriving and Immersing Yourself in the Old Town
After work, hop on the train, put your headphones in, switch on your favourite playlist – and two or three hours later, you're there: Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof. The city greets you with the typical mix of Rhine ease and metropolitan vibe. Just a few minutes from the station lies the a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, your perfect starting point for the weekend.
The a&o Hotel and Hostel is modern, clean and – which isn't a given in Düsseldorf – really affordable. You can choose between shared dormitories or private rooms, get free Wi-Fi, a stylish lobby with a bar and enjoy a brilliant location: in less than ten minutes on foot, you're at the Königsallee or in the Old Town. Ideal, then, to start the evening straight away.
The Longest Bar in the World
The Düsseldorf Old Town is legendary. Narrow cobbled lanes, old brick façades, pubs on every corner and this very own, friendly atmosphere. No one drinks quietly by themselves here – you get chatting, laugh, toast each other. The term “the longest bar in the world” didn't come about by chance: around 260 bars and breweries lie here side by side. The classic among them: Uerige on Berger Straße. Here you get the famous Düsseldorf Altbier, freshly tapped and straight from the small wooden barrel pump. The Köbes (that's what the waiters are called) automatically brings you the next beer as soon as your glass is empty – so be careful if you actually only wanted to drink “just one”.
After one or two Altbiers, a stroll to the Rhine Promenade is a good idea. Especially in the evening, when the sun sets behind the Rhine Tower and the city lights reflect in the water, the atmosphere is magical. You see the skyline, the bridges, the passing ships – and immediately feel why Düsseldorf loves being outdoors so much. If you fancy, you can round off the evening in summer at the Kasematten-Ufer. There, one open-air venue follows the next, music plays, people chat – the perfect Rhine “end-of-workday feeling”.
Saturday: Architecture, Art & Metropolitan Flair
After a restful night at the a&o, you start the new day with breakfast (the buffet is large and reasonably priced). Sightseeing is on the agenda today – and Düsseldorf has more to offer than many think.
Morning: MedienHafen & Modern Architecture
The MedienHafen is one of the most exciting places in the city. Formerly warehouses and cranes stood here, today glass façades, design hotels and extraordinary buildings shape the picture. Particularly well-known are the Gehry Buildings at Neuer Zollhof: three sculptural buildings of stainless steel, brick and white render that appear intertwined. A dream for architecture fans and photographers. Next to them rises the Rhine Tower, the city's landmark. From the top, you have a grand view over the Rhine, the Old Town and, in clear weather, as far as Cologne. If you fancy, you can have a coffee in the revolving restaurant and let your gaze wander over the city – the perfect moment to take a few photos for Instagram.
Lunch: Lunch with Rhine View
Around the MedienHafen there are many small establishments, from stylish burger joints to fine dining. Particularly popular is the area around the Zollhof with terraces directly on the water. A light lunch – perhaps pasta, salad or a snack with a view of passing ships – is ideal before heading on towards the city centre.
Afternoon: Between Luxury, Art & History
From here, you can stroll leisurely to the Königsallee, or “Kö” for short. The Kö is Düsseldorf's most famous shopping street and one of the most elegant in Germany. Between the old plane trees flows a small canal, on both sides are lined boutiques, designer shops and cafés. Even if you don't want to buy anything, you can watch people wonderfully here – and enjoy the flair. Just a few steps further lies the Hofgarten, Germany's oldest public park. Wide paths, old trees, ponds, ducks and joggers – a green oasis in the middle of the city. Here you can catch your breath before continuing towards the Old Town.
Experiencing Art and Culture
Düsseldorf is an art city – perhaps even Germany's most important when it comes to the art scene. The Düsseldorf Art Academy has produced world stars like Gerhard Richter, Andreas Gursky and Joseph Beuys. Accordingly large is the range of galleries and museums. Particularly recommended:
- Kunstsammlung NRW (K20/K21) – Modern art at the highest level, from Picasso to Warhol.
- Museum Kunstpalast – Changing exhibitions ranging from Renaissance to contemporary art.
Those who prefer to be outdoors can take a stroll along the Grabbeplatz – there architecture, sculptures and street cafés meet in a charming way.
Evening: Enjoyment & Nightlife
In the evening, Düsseldorf lures you back to the Rhine. Perhaps you fancy something typically Rhine region like Sauerbraten or pork knuckle? Classics can be found at Schlüssel, Füchschen or Zum Schiffchen, one of Germany's oldest inns. Afterwards, you can wander through the Old Town or head to the modern trendy district Flingern. Here there are stylish bars, creative restaurants and a younger crowd. Especially in summer, something's happening everywhere – live music, street festivals, spontaneous open-air events. If you'd rather round off the evening more quietly, head back to the Rhine Promenade. With an Altbier in hand, gazing at the city lights and perhaps street music in the background – a Saturday can hardly end more beautifully.
Sunday: Rhine Air, Markets & Farewell with a View
On Sunday morning, it's worth getting up early – especially if you want to experience the city once more in a completely relaxed way. Many cafés open around nine o'clock, ideal for a late breakfast or brunch. A hidden gem is the Carlsplatz, a traditional market in the middle of the Old Town. There you get fresh fruit, baked goods, coffee and small specialities. Perfect for rounding off the weekend with a leisurely stroll.
Afterwards, you can take one last stroll towards the Rhine. If you have a bit more time, take the tram to Kaiserswerth, a picturesque district in the north. Here you'll find old half-timbered houses, cobblestones, small cafés and the ruins of the Imperial Palace – a beautiful place for a walk by the water. Back in the city, perhaps one more detour to the Rhine Terraces, before heading back towards the station.
Accommodation Tip: a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof
If you're planning a weekend in Düsseldorf, you'll certainly want to stay centrally but not spend a fortune – exactly what the a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof is ideal for. The affordable hostel is only around 900 metres from the main station, is modernly furnished and perfect for everyone who travels flexibly: whether alone, with friends or family. You can choose between single, double and shared dormitory rooms. Wi-Fi is included, reception is open 24 hours, and in the lobby you'll find a cosy bar as well as snack machines.
One particular plus: the location. In less than ten minutes, you're at the Königsallee or in the Old Town – ideal for setting off spontaneously. Whether sightseeing, shopping or nightlife: from here, you're right in the middle of it.
Two Days, Many Faces
Düsseldorf is a city you have to experience, not just visit. It has this rare balance between metropolis and cosiness. You can marvel at architecture in the morning, stroll through parks in the afternoon and look at the lights of the Rhine in the evening with an Altbier in hand. A weekend is completely enough to fall in love with this city – and with the right accommodation, you have the perfect starting point for your little city adventure. So: pack your bag, book your ticket, and off to Düsseldorf – where culture, cuisine and joie de vivre come together in a completely natural way.
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