Print Preview : 6. How to move around and where to go

6. How to move around and where to go
The infrastructure in Düsseldorf and North-Rhine-Westphalia is top-notch. In the city, the 20 lines of the metro-system take you everywhere you want to go in no time. Local trains to the surrounding cities as well as fast ICE-trains to major cities in Germany and Europe stop at Düsseldorf central station.

Even though many of Düsseldorf’s attractions are within walking distance, we recommend you to invest in a WelcomeCard, the cheapest and simplest way of getting to know the city. It not only grants you unlimited use of trams and buses within the city area, but also free or reduced-price entry to museums, various attraction and leisure facilities.

In addition to your Düsseldorf WelcomeCard, a set of information, including the Düsseldorf city guide, the official calendar of events and a current list of exhibitions is available from our Tourist Information offices.

Key Places to visit

Altstadt (Old Town) – Although it is most famous for its almost 300 inns, breweries and restaurants and often named the “longest bar in the world”, this square kilometre between Rhine and “Kö” is far more then that: landmarks such as the historic town hall with the equestrian statue of the elector Jan Wellem, the old castle tower, Heinrich Heine’s birthplace, churches from several centuries and museums of world fame show yet another aspect of Düsseldorf. Tip: A stroll along the most beautiful promenade on the Rhine.

Königsallee - The city’s trademark and one of Germany’s most famous streets. A splendid tree-lined boulevard featuring stylish shopping arcades, designer outlets and malls. Tip: Take a seat at one of the pavement cafés and enjoy ‘to see and to be seen’.

Hofgarten – In 1769, the Elector Carl Theodor commissioned Germany’s first public gardens on the basis of plans by Nicholas de Pigage. Incidentally, the English Garden in Munich was later on modelled on the Hofgarten. The park contains the rococo Jägerhof Palace, an Aquazoo with aquariums and science exhibitions, North Park with fountains, sculptures and all manner of beautiful flora and fauna. Tip: In summer open-air concerts take place in the park.

Rheinturm – A radio tower built between 1979 and 1982. Ascend in the high-speed lift to the observation platform for city’s most spectacular views, e.g. ideal view of the city and the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia at its foot. Next to it is Düsseldorf's new landmark, the Stadttor (city gate), which was awarded a prize as 'Europe's best office building' and is also the seat of the State Chancellery. Tip: Have a coffee break or dinner in the panorama restaurant.

MediaHarbour – Famous architects such as Frank O. Gehry, David Chipperfield, Joe Coenen, Steven Holl and Claude Vasconi have made the MediaHarbour a meeting point for connoisseurs of architecture from all over the world. Where just a few years ago a gloomy atmosphere emanated from disused storehouses, renowned companies from the fields of advertising and the arts, communications and TV production have now established their offices, such as WDR (West German broadcasting station), QVC and CNN Germany. Tip: Try one of our boat excursions that will, among other things, give you the opportunity to get a fabulous view of the MediaHarbour.