Düsseldorf on a Dime: An Epic 5-Day Itinerary

Discover Düsseldorf's charm without breaking the bank on a budget-friendly trip.

21 June 2023

As a budget traveler, Düsseldorf is the perfect destination for you. Venture into the Old Town area and experience the vibrant nightlife and local cuisine while staying at affordable hostels. Take advantage of the free walking tours and explore the iconic landmarks such as Rhine Tower and Hofgarten.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

Check into Hotel Am Hofgarten, a cozy budget hotel in the heart of the Old Town
Stroll through the Altstadt, admiring the quaint half-timbered houses and charming cobblestone streets
Visit the Marktplatz and sample some of the local specialties at the weekly farmer's market
Stop by the Schlossturm for panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River
Enjoy a traditional German dinner at Brauerei Schumacher, accompanied by a crisp, refreshing Altbier

Day 2

Art and Culture

Start the day at the Kunstsammlung NRW, a world-class collection of contemporary art
Explore the picturesque Königsallee, with its high-end shops and stunning canal
Visit the Düsseldorf Opera House for a performance or a tour of the elegant 18th-century building
Take a stroll through the Hofgarten, a beautiful park with winding pathways and scenic ponds
Savor a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria Parmigiano, accompanied by a glass of rich red wine

Day 3

Day Trip to Cologne

Take a train to Cologne and spend the day exploring the city's historic landmarks
Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world
Stroll through the charming Altstadt, with its vibrant cafes, shops, and street performers
Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge and watch the sunset over the Rhine River
Enjoy a hearty meal at Früh am Dom, a popular brewery known for its delicious Kölsch beer

Day 4

Nature and Relaxation

Explore the beautiful MedienHafen district, with its impressive modern architecture and bustling harbor
Take a relaxing stroll along the Rhine promenade, admiring the scenic views of the river and skyline
Rent a bike and cycle through the lush greenery of the Nordpark, stopping to smell the flowers and enjoy the sunshine
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Rheinbad, a unique floating swimming pool in the middle of the river
Enjoy a laid-back meal at Bistro am Markt, a cozy restaurant with delicious local cuisine and friendly service

Day 5

Shopping and Farewell

Spend the morning browsing the trendy boutiques and designer stores of the Flingern district
Visit the futuristic Rheinturm, with its stunning panoramic views and rotating restaurant
Pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the Carlsplatz Market, a bustling outdoor market with a wide variety of unique products
Head back to the hotel for a final night's sleep before departing from Düsseldorf the next morning.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Düsseldorf, Germany by plane is to fly into Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) from major cities around the world, which offers numerous direct flights from airlines such as Lufthansa, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

Car

The best way to drive to Düsseldorf is to take the A3, A44 or A52 highways, which connect the city to major cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Travel time and traffic may vary depending on the starting location.

Train

There are multiple trains per day that arrive at Düsseldorf Central Station from major cities in Germany as well as from other European countries. Deutsche Bahn and EuroCity trains are some options.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Düsseldorf. However, visitors can take a Rhine river cruise from Cologne to Düsseldorf with KD Rhine River Cruises, which offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and historical landmarks.

Bus