Well, it’s certainly not easy to explore Düsseldorf in one weekend, but it can be done. Düsseldorf is filled with incredible art museums, shopping streets, and cultural hubs. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch one of the cities famous events taking place (Japan Day, Karneval, Weihnnachtsmarkt, etc.)
So for everyone planning to come to visit Düsseldorf…
Here are my tips to explore Düsseldorf in one weekend!
1 – Panoramic Rhine River Cruise on the KD
Guided tours aren’t always a blast, sometimes you can get stuck with an awkward group, a guide that doesn’t speak your language well or worst, a tour that is way overpriced for what it was worth. The Panoramic Rhine River Cruise on the KD is none of the above. Do I need to explain more beyond the title? Anything with the word ‘panoramic’ in it… count me in! This is a beautiful and relaxing ride along the river with an audio guide giving you small updates about important buildings and landmarks along the river. You can also get yourself a bite to eat or a cold beverage onboard the boat! Tours start at 9.50 euros per person (prices always subject to change).
If you’re planning on getting the Düsseldorf Card while you’re visiting, you also receive some great discounts here!
2 – Düsseldorf City Tour Hop on Hop off
Surely you’ve heard of ‘hop on, hop off’ before, and if you haven’t… well then start traveling more! This is without a doubt one of the best ways to see a city in one day. On more than one occasion I have visited places for only a day or two and the hop on, hop off tours is what gives me a good base to still be able to write a blog or two. In Düsseldorf, the tours start at just 11 euros and offer you a full scope of what the city has to offer. The reason I prefer hop-on, hop-off tours to any other is because you have the ability to just jump off when you want to visit something by foot. Let the guide spark your interest and hop off when you’re ready.
3 – Düsseldorf by Bus & Bahn with the Düsseldorf Card
Usually, my go-to plan in any city if I find out that everything is far too overpriced, is simply taking the bus, tram, and train around the city. With the Düsseldorf Card, you have full access to all three (run by Rheinbahn) along with many discounts to other sightseeing activities, food, and shopping! You can purchase individual or family tickets starting at just 9 euros per person. For 9 euros, 24 hours of full transportation and a range of wonderful opportunities to explore the city, I wouldn’t think twice about getting this card!
4 – Düsseldorf by Bike Tour
If you haven’t figured it out from my previous blog posts, biking is a fairly popular past time activity for the Germans and many tourists across the country. Düsseldorf has many different bike rental companies across the city which can offer you rentals for 12 – 15 euros. There is one, in particular, I would like to mention because, a. it’s perfectly located and b. the price is much better! The Radstation ZWD Düsseldorf is located in the main train station of Düsseldorf (which is typically where most tourists will arrive from). For 24 hours, you are able to rent a bike for only 10 euros. There are also cheaper options like 4 euros for 2 hours. Most places will make you rent the bike out for the full 24 hours at a price no cheaper than 12 euros so definitely check out Radstation if you’re interested in biking through the city. **and be careful of all the cars – I couldn’t deal with the stress of traffic**
5 – Tour the city by E-Scooter
The best part about e-scootering around the city is that if you go on the E-Scooter City Tour, they give you the option of choosing a scooter with or without a seat. You’ll also get to see a lot more on the e-scooter than you would on foot. Another great option is renting one of the scooters that locals use from companies like LIME or Bird. If you’d rather go a bit bigger, then we also have vespa-like scooter available for rent around the city too.
6 – Grab a Segway and get a little wild
If you’re one of those people that loves to pack a city trip in with a little adventure, then the Segway City Tours offered in Düsseldorf will definitely be right up your alley.
This photo was not taken in Düsseldorf – just one of my travels.
7 – Meet a friend with a car or rent a car
The last secret to exploring Düsseldorf fast is by making friends with someone who has a car! Having a car gives you access to all the hidden spots in Düsseldorf like the flower/plant manufacturing facility and the old city of Hamm. Friends in different countries is always a huge benefit, so don’t be afraid to socialize a little! If you’re looking for a rental car, you can often find some great deals for as little as 15 – 20 Euro per day on a rental car comparison website.
Looking for some accommodations? Compare your prices below according to the dates to make sure you get the best price!
