Hugging the east bank of the Rhine River is the historic heart of Düsseldorf, the Altstadt, which is famed for its copper-colour Altbier. The area is clustered with bars and pubs serving this traditional brew, as well as restaurants dishing up Rhineland specialties. Occupying many of the Altstadt’s historic buildings are cultural museums showcasing the area’s maritime and artistic heritage.
Things to do in Altstadt
Occupying a historic castle tower is the Schifffahrtsmuseum, which details the history of shipbuilding and travel along the Rhine River. Through artefacts and multimedia displays, it explores the ecology of the waterway and its role as a trade route. After your visit, head to the observation floor where you’ll find a relaxed cafe and magnificent views across the Altstadt.
Art enthusiasts can visit Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which showcases the art collection of North Rhine-Westphalia. Affectionately known as the K20, it’s one of three art-focused institutions run by the state and overlooks the bustling Grabbeplatz. In addition to works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Jackon Pollock, the museum is renowned for its large number of drawings and paintings by Paul Klee.
On the eastern edge of the Altstadt is the Hofgarten, a sprawling green space and the oldest public park in Germany. It was established back in 1769 and includes Baroque-style gardens, English landscaped beds and wildflower-filled meadows. Stretch your legs on the lakeside walking trails, admire the Henry Moore sculpture or delve into the history of German theatre at the Theatermuseum der Landeshauptstadt.
Getting around Altstadt
The Altstadt is around a five-minute drive from the Düsseldorf Central railway station and is served by the D-Benrather Straße and Tonhalle/Ehrenhof U-Bahn stations. Buses and trams travel along the edge of the Altstadt while the district’s attractions are best explored on foot.