Delightful Dusseldorf: From Königsallee to the Fashion Mecca’s Old Town

Dusseldorf, Germany’s answer to Milan, isn’t just known for its fashion industry. With portions of Dusseldorf’s old town built as far back as the 1300s, it packs a historical punch too. On this walking tour, I’ll show you the city’s historical highlights and share a few little-known stories.

This Dusseldorf tour starts near the Heinrich-Heine-subway station. From there, you’ll quickly find yourself in Königsallee, a boulevard known for its posh, upscale stores. As you peruse the high-end brands, I’ll share the area’s history and point out several historical and picturesque bridges. You’ll soon find yourself in the beautifully preserved Old Town where I’ll show you which of the ancient houses survived the war, and which were restored. By the time we reach the Rhine Embankment Promenade, you’ll have an idea of what the area looked like some centuries ago. After passing St Lambertus Basilica, you’ll take in the old Marktplatz (Market Square), stroll along the Longest Bar in the World, and see poet Heinrich Heine’s birthplace.

On this hour long tour, you’ll also have a chance to:

• Gaze at the statue of Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz, a Dusseldorf landmark in Markplatz
• See the white tower that houses the city’s maritime museum (the Schifffahrtmuseum) and learn about its history
• Take in the city prison’s old gate which was replaced by Filmmuseum Düsseldorf
• Find out who discovered the fashion icon Versace
• Sample tasty treats in the city’s most important market square, Carlsplatz
• Pass by a 17th-century restaurant whose famous diners included Napoleon, Japanese princess Hisako, Queen Silvia of Sweden, and actress Brooke Shields
• Ponder the story of St Lambertus’ crooked church spire
• Search for hidden details in Stadt Erhebung Monument, a sculpture depicting the city’s founding story
• Hear about one of the city’s bloodiest battles
• Stroll along the old harbour
• Learn about one of Germany’s greatest poets, Heinrich Heine

So put on your walking shoes and discover the quirky corners of Germany’s most interesting cities.