Dusseldorf Travel Guide

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist. Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events. Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne, and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.

Things to do in Dusseldorf

Getting Around

Getting around in Dusseldorf is relatively simple using public transport. The bus, tramway and subway network are interconnected, and tickets are sold at stops or from vending machines. Instructions are usually only in German. It is often worth buying a Day Pass (Tagesticket), which is valid until 3am the following morning. Dusseldorf is fairly flat and compact, however, and many visitors choose to walk between attractions in the city centre. Those that can't be reached on foot are accessible by taxis, which are easily hailed on the street. Renting a car in Dusseldorf is also a good option but not really necessary unless travelling outside of the city centre.

Dusseldorf Climate and Weather

Dusseldorf has a temperate oceanic climate, and is among the warmest cities in Germany thanks to the strong breezes blowing in from the nearby North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Average temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn are warm and pleasant, ranging from 57°F (14°C) in May and October to around 66°F (19°C) at summer's peak in July and August. Winters are cold but not bitterly so, with average low temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C). Rain is fairly steady throughout the year, although the long days of summer offer more sunshine hours than winter. The best time to visit Dusseldorf is between May and September, although visitors should prepare for sudden rain showers, especially in June and July.

Germany travel info

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Language

German is the official language. English is also widely spoken and understood.

Money

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are widely accepted in large shops, hotels and restaurants. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATMs that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily.

Tipping

German law stipulates that all prices, menus and bills include both tax and a service charge, so tipping is not necessary in restaurants. Cleaning staff, hairdressers, taxi drivers and other menial services appreciate small tips.

Health

There are no serious health risks for visitors to Germany and no vaccinations are required. The German health service is excellent and there is a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Nationals of other countries should take out travel insurance.

Safety

A visit to Germany should be trouble free, but visitors should take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, especially at airports, railway stations and markets in the large cities.

Local customs

Visitors are not required to carry their passports with them at all times in Germany, but carrying some form of identification is advised. Smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants is illegal.

Doing business

In Germany, business is conducted in a formal manner, with a conservative and formal dress code being the norm. Punctuality is vital at all meetings and it's considered rude to be late. Germans use titles often, with men referred to as 'Herr' and women as 'Frau', followed by their last names.

Meetings are often purely business and may not occur over lunches, which are generally more social. Shaking hands at the beginning and end of the meeting is common. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.

Duty free

Passengers arriving from EU countries can enter Germany without paying duty on 800 cigarettes or 400g cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 90 litres of still wine; 110 litres of beer; and 10 litres of alcohol stronger than 20 percent or 20 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22 percent.

Passengers arriving from non-EU countries, over the age of 17, can enter Germany without paying duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume; or 2 litres of spirits under 22 percent volume. Other goods to the value of €430 for travellers arriving by air or sea, and €300 for travellers arriving by land.

Communications

The international access code for Germany is +49. Travellers will find it easy to use a local SIM card, Skype, WhatsApp or similar apps. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA members require proof of onward or return tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA are exempt from the requirement to hold onward tickets.

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Germany. Note that Temporary passports will not be recognised.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Germany. A visa is not required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

German National Tourist Board, Frankfurt: +49 (0)69 751 903 or www.germany-tourism.de

110 (Police); 112 (Ambulance/Fire)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

German Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 298 4000.

German Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7824 1300.

German Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1101.

German Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 1911.

German Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 427 8900.

German Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3011.

German Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6063.

Embassies / consulates in Germany

United States Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 83050.

British Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 20 4570.

Canadian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 203 120.

Australian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 880 0880.

South African Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 730.

Irish Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 720.

New Zealand Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 206 210.