Exploring the Best of Benrath, Düsseldorf

Benrath is well-known as Düsseldorf’s upscale suburb situated just outside the bustle of the city and nestled alongside the Rhine River. It’s true, it is a beautiful residential community surrounding Schloss Benrath (often known as the ‘pink castle’) in an area boasting some pretty incredible nature.

Expat and Benrath local, Elena, has jumped on board to write this feature so that other visitors and locals in Düsseldorf can take the time to explore the best that Benrath has to offer. Elena moved to the city a little over a year ago and has fallen in love with exploring the hidden gems of Benrath and surrounding areas.

 

Best Food Spots in Benrath? 

Sifting through the options for eating out in Benrath, you’ll easily spot a theme –

ice cream, chocolate, and a relaxed/laid-back atmosphere

This is reflective of the general vibe of the district, which gives you a chance to switch down a gear and treat yourself to some simple, everyday pleasures.

What could possibly sweeten the experience of a long walk in the park on a sunny day? A great bowl of ice cream to savor after it – and Eiscafe am Schloss delivers just that. Situated right across the street from Schloss Benrath (Benrather Schloßallee 111), it’s a family-owned café that takes pride in producing its ice creams, toppings, and pastry batter in-house.

Another long-standing staple on the Hauptstraße (a pedestrian-only shopping street), is Eiscafe Baldini, known for being a preferred spot for locals and visitors alike. With its unassuming, convivial ambiance and more than 40 types of ice cream flavors, it’s no wonder why the place is practically full any time of the day, all year round.

 

But Elena, you say, for what it’s worth, my sweet tooth is not that easily satisfied so what about my chocolate cravings?

Well, you’re in luck here in Benrath, as right behind St. Cäcilia church in the pedestrian area, you will find yourself in chocolate heaven. Feeling peckish? There’s a wide selection of the finest chocolates from Germany, Italy, Belgium, France and more.

Thirsty? One of the 95 chocolate drinks available will surely match your taste. Interested in chocolate and wine pairings? You can enjoy a designated seminar and properly cosset your taste buds. Refined, exquisite, adventurous – the Schoco&Laden (Friedhofstraße 5) simply keeps you coming back for more.

Honorable mention in the sweet category goes out to Cacaogalerie Café & Chocolaterie (Görresstraße 7) for what is there not to love about delicious hot chocolate and fresh waffles served in the very definition of a cozy atmosphere?

Am I an expert on sushi? Admittedly, not. But I know good food when I taste it and Bistro Kombu (Sophienstraße 2) has a lot of it to offer to the hungry connoisseur.

I am no expert on Thai food either but – curry lovers beware – can attest that Patty’s original Thai food truck on Benrather Marktplatz serves it hot, freshly made, and absolutely delicious.

Grill-Point Düsseldorf might catch you by surprise. If you visit it at Nürnberger Straße 40-42 and have trouble finding it, don’t panic – just go inside the Zurheide Feine Kost and you can enjoy some of the finest quality meat from Japan, Argentina, Ireland or Australia. or just pick something from the menu of the day. Inviting and laid-back, it turns a trip to the supermarket into a first-class dining experience. The same can be said for the in-house Gourmet Bistro that offers a wider variety of meals and the appropriate alcoholic drinks to pair with them. *Technically, the Zurheide Feine Kost Centre is just on the border between Benrath and Reisholz. It’s so close and accessible that it’s as good as being in Benrath.

 

Best Sights to See in Benrath? 

A top place to see is Benrath Palace (Schloß Benrath) with the exquisite park that surrounds it. Prominent and unapologetic in baby pink, it is impossible to overlook and only a stone’s throw away from the river Rhine. A large pond that is popular with local swans? Check. An even larger pond on the opposite side? Check, check. And all that beauty is surrounded by a lush green park that invites you for a walk, jog or just to hang around as it is open and free to the public.

The Schloß-area is also a home to the Museum for European Garden Art that boasts a long and rich historical tradition, as well as the Corps de Logis Museum that provides insights into the mesmerizing architecture, and the Natural History Museum (housed in the west wing of the palace).

*All three have a busy events calendar that is always worth checking out and guided palace tours exclusively in English are available regularly.

 

Coolest Shops in Benrath? 

The majority of shops and services can easily be found concentrated in the pedestrian area in the center of Benrath, surrounding the market square.

The usual chain stores alongside some smaller specialty shops make up an interesting patchwork. Those who are interested in whipping up their own custom skincare might find checking out Spinnrad (Hauptstraße 9) worth a try.

Tea enthusiasts who know about all of Düsseldorf’s hottest tea spots would consider Teehaus Benrath’s selection of over 200 types of loose tea (Cäcilienstr. 3) a delightful exploration. A personal highlight for me is the big flower stand in the marketplace that offers a great selection of seasonal flowers and potted plants with helpful, friendly advice for gardening novices. There are also a number of other beautiful farmers’ markets around the city worth exploring too!

 

Best Entertainment in Benrath?

Bowling! On Wimpfenerstraße, one can spend many fun evenings playing with friends. There’s also an in-house catering with sweet and savory snacks and meals.

$ SAVING TIP: Check out the deals on Groupon before, you’ll likely find a number of great deals on adventures like bowling, mini-golf, etc.

Rowing enthusiasts will be happy to check out Ruder-Gesellschaft Benrath (Benrather Schloßufer 35).

Right next to it on the N37 is Tennisclub Benrath 1912.

The palace of Benrath provides a beautiful setting for the annual Festival of Lights – Lichterfest. Held often in June, it is an evening of classical music in the open, in the unique ambiance of the illuminated palace and pond. Did I mention the fireworks? Oh, there are some impressive fireworks to be seen, here is a quick look at last year’s event:

The Benrath Christmas Market in the pedestrian area also spills over to the palace grounds around the Schlossweiher pond and boasts some of the nicest settings to enjoy a glass (or four) of mulled wine.

 

Best Nature Spots in Benrath?

A beautiful feature of nature is the bank along the Rhine River, which on sunny days attracts people (and swans, and ducks, and rabbits) like a magnet. Just going for a quick stroll, or a picnic, or sunbathing? It is a preferred spot for all ages. The park grounds around the Benrath Palace are invitingly beautiful all year round and a perfect place for relaxation and recharging one’s energy.

Up for some more adventure? Why not explore one of the other districts with us?! Check out our best of series for Grafenberg, Gerresheim, Oberbilk, Düsseltal, Derendorf, Oberkassel, Bilk, and Unterbilk!