German's most underrated city: #4 Düsseldorf

When most people plan their first trip to Germany, they immediately look toward the grit of Berlin or the fairytale aesthetic of Munich or even the dazzling port-sites of Hamburg. I was exactly the same, until I start discovering other less prominent cities ex. Freiburg, Ingolstadt and Leipzig, and I hopped on a train to the west side of Germany and found myself in Düsseldorf for couple of months.

Known as the "village on the Düssel," it’s actually a high-fashion, high-energy metropolis that feels more intimate and welcoming than it's nearby bigger hubs like Cologne (a.ka. Köln in German) or Dortmund. If you want to experience a side of Germany that's much more than Lederhosen and pretzels, this is the city that will surprise you. Here is why Düsseldorf became one of my favorite "secret" German gems too! 😀

• Awesome city architecture, esp. in Altstadt

• Great Night Life with many famous Pubs

• Japan Streets & Culture

• Festivals throughout the 4 seasons

• Beautiful river with a famous bridge

• Varieties of parks with various landscapes and uniqueness

• International city with opportunities to mingle easily via international events

• Nearby to other big cities in NRW, all within 1 hour ride (ex. Cologne (Koln), Dortmund, Wuppertal, Essen)

1. The Architectural Soul of the Altstadt

Walking through the Altstadt (Old Town) is like experiencing a visual timeline of Germany. I spent my first afternoon getting lost in its narrow, cobblestoned alleys, admiring the historic town hall (Rathaus) and the iconic St. Lambertus Church with its unique twisted spire. But the real magic happens when you walk just a few minutes south to the MedienHafen. The contrast is incredible: you leave the 14th-century vibes and walk straight into the future with the "dancing" Frank Gehry buildings. Their tilted, silver walls reflect the water in a way that makes the whole harbor feel like a modern art gallery.

2. The "Longest Bar in the World"

As a traveler, you quickly learn that German beer culture is regional, and in Düsseldorf, Altbier is king. The Altstadt is famously called the "longest bar in the world" because there are over 300 pubs, bars, and breweries packed into a tiny area. My favorite part of the nightlife here is the "standing culture." Outside historic breweries like Uerige or Füchschen, locals and travelers alike crowd the streets with small glasses of dark, nutty beer. The waiters, known as Köbes, are legendary for their brusque humor and will keep replacing your empty glass automatically until you place a coaster on top to say, "I'm done!"

3. Little Tokyo: An Unexpected Cultural Slice

I never expected to find world-class Japanese culture in the heart of the Rhineland. Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe, and the area around Immermannstraße is a total sensory shift. I spent a morning slurping authentic ramen at Takumi and browsing Japanese bookstores that made me feel like I’d been teleported to Shinjuku. If you can, visit during Japan Day in May, the city explodes with cosplay, traditional music, and a firework display that puts most New Year’s celebrations to shame.

4. A City for All Seasons

Düsseldorf doesn't have an "off-season." Every time I’ve visited, there was a different festival bringing the streets to life. In the winter, the Christmas Markets are genuinely magical, especially the one at Marktplatz with its hand-carved stalls. Spring brings the cherry blossoms with night festivals and carnivals in cities, whereby people are playing dress-ups while summer belongs to the Rheinkirmes, a massive funfair on the riverbanks that feels like a month-long party, with a lot of food stalls and cuisines from across the world able to be found here. Even in the autumn, the city’s art scene takes over with various cultural "nights" and open-gallery events.

5. Sunset Walks and the Famous Bridge

The heart of the city's social life is the Rhine Embankment Promenade. It’s where the locals go to see and be seen. I spent many evenings sitting on the steps at Burgplatz, watching the sun dip below the horizon behind the Rheinkniebrücke. This massive cable-stayed bridge is a masterpiece of engineering and provides the perfect backdrop for photos. There’s something peaceful about watching the massive cargo ships navigate the river while the lights of the Rhine Tower begin to glow above you.

6. Urban Oases: From Palaces to Deer Parks

   
   

For a city known for industry and fashion, Düsseldorf is surprisingly green. I loved the diversity of the parks here. You have the Hofgarten, which is the oldest public park in Germany and perfect for a central stroll, but the Nordpark was my favorite, it houses a serene Japanese garden gifted by the Japanese community. If you want something more "wild," head to the Grafenberger Wald, where you can actually walk among free-roaming deer and boars in the Wildpark.

7. An International Hub Where You’ll Never Feel Alone

   
   

One thing I worried about as a solo traveler was the language barrier, but Düsseldorf is incredibly international. Because it’s a global business hub, almost everyone speaks English, and the vibe is exceptionally open-minded. There are constantly "English-speaking meetups" and international events at the various museums and galleries. It’s the kind of city where you can walk into a pub alone and walk out with three new friends from three different continents.

8. The Ultimate Gateway to the Ruhr Valley

Perhaps the best part about staying in Düsseldorf is that it’s the perfect "base camp." The NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) region is the most densely populated area in Germany, meaning you are never more than a short train ride from another adventure. I was able to visit the Cologne Cathedral, ride the famous hanging monorail in Wuppertal, and explore the industrial-cool UNESCO sites in Essen, all within an hour. You get the luxury of staying in a chic city while having five other major cities at your fingertips.

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So hey, what are you waiting for? Go down to this city before going to Cologne and bask at the awesome lustful garden and having the night of your life at the longest pub-row in Germany and even in the world here in Düsseldorf!