Dusseldorf is one of those German cities that might seem off the beaten path to some. Located on the Rhine River in Western Germany, it is likely not one of the first places you think of when you plan to visit Germany. But Dusseldorf surprised us in many ways, including a high-end experience throughout our visit. We did not expect to fall in love with Dusseldorf like we did. I’ve been telling all my traveling friends they should visit Dusseldorf, and now I’m telling you as well.

Full of history, culture and delicious food, this German hamlet became our home base for a tour of the Rhine Valley. We traveled here from California to embark on a luxury river cruise from the port in Dusseldorf,. As it turns out, we were happy we booked extra days in this charming city before and after our cruise. This became one of the highlights of our entire trip, thanks to the luxurious experiences we enjoyed here.

Visit Dusseldorf for Luxury on the Rhine River

There’s a lot to love about Dusseldorf, and it starts in the streets. As we were driven into the city center from the Dusseldorf Airport, we entered an urban forest. Tree-lined streets and parkways were green with new leaves. Grassy areas were freshly mowed, and garden beds sprung up with blooming flowers. It took just 15 minutes to navigate these historic streets to our hotel, with plenty of beauty along the route.

As we pulled up to our hotel Breidenbacher Hof, we crossed a gorgeous old bridge spanning a canal so picturesque it belongs in brochures. Known for its broad collection of outdoor sculpture and art, downtown Dusseldorf has created pedestrian-friendly pathways, parks, seating areas and promenades. Lots of streets in the Old City (Altstadt) are designated as pedestrian-only, which adds to the Old World charm of this historic city.

Why Visit Dusseldorf?

The history of this city is impressive, and it provides a backdrop for the many reasons to visit Dusseldorf. We love to travel to historic places and learn the stories of what we are seeing, feeling and experiencing. Dusseldorf is the capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state of Germany. It’s the sixth-largest city in the country, with a 2024 population of more than 600,000 residents.

Historic Beginnings

Dusseldorf was first written about in 1135, when a small band of families occupied the marshland by the banks where the River Dussel meets the Rhine. (Dusseldorf literally means “the village of the Dussel”.) The village was officially recognized in 1288, and grew in importance as a regional hub for various ruling parties. As it prospered through the centuries, the town became a city and attracted many residents to its busy commercial center. From there a world class city was born, bringing travelers from across the globe to visit Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt Charms Visitors and Locals

The Old Town (Altstadt) area of Dusseldorf has many attractions and reasons to visit. Within walking distance of our hotel, the pedestrian-only streets wind among the historic buildings. The architecture was fascinating, the public art and sculpture was plentiful and the history of this beautiful city was all around us. With such ideal proximity to the banks of the Rhine, Altstadt features a pedestrian promenade along the river. During our visit this area was enjoyed by both locals and visitors, rain or shine.

Of particular interest to us was the Schlossturm, an historic watch tower turned maritime museum next to the Rhine River. Nearby, St. Lambertus Church makes an impression on the skyline with a tall, twisted spire that looks like an architectural mistake. Yet somehow it works in this historical context, adding charm to the downtown neighborhood. 

Düsseldorf has been widely recognized as the fashion capital of Germany for many years. The city took over this position from Berlin as WWII ended and that city was heavily occupied and split by communism. As the country slowly recovered and fashionable clothing trends began anew, Dusseldorf hosted fashion shows to highlight designers to local buyers. Schools of fashion design soon followed, and there are a number of well-regarded schools in Dusseldorf to this day.

Perhaps this is why so many fashion brands flocked to Dusseldorf’s Altstadt to open retail stores and design centers. Adding to the luxury feel of the city, the Altstadt streets are dotted with shops, galleries, historic museums and restaurants. Luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Dior, Chanel and many more are situated along the grand boulevard called Königsallee.

Local boutiques carry a mix of European labels and others, while the jewelry stores dazzle with diamonds, watches and gems. But there is far more than luxury shopping on the list of reasons to visit Dusseldorf.

Carlsplatz Food Market

Speaking of the Local Beer Scene

Another reason to visit Dusseldorf is the delicious local brew called Altbier, which literally translates to Old Style Beer. Brewed in a similar way to European pale ales, the beer is hoppy for sure. Perfected over centuries, these Alt beers are amber in color with a lager flavor profile and touch of fruitiness. Of course, we had to sample several varieties of this local elixir. We agree with the locals that it is quite good.

Düsseldorf’s Old Town has more than 250 pubs and bars serving their local Altbiers. This area has come to be known as “The Longest Bar in the World.” The title originated from the close density of pubs to each other in a few short blocks, implying that their bars are actually connected in one continuous line. As we wandered through the area, we happened into Zum Schlussel for a taste and were not disappointed.

A Thing for Mustard

When you visit Dusseldorf, the subject of mustard will invariably come up. Locals are very proud of their strong, Dijon-style mustard that is stored in a traditional clay pot called a Mostertpöttche. At every local  restaurant serving German food, it is nearly impossible to miss these pots of mustard. Many dishes here feature mustard, and a local favorite is Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten – steak roasted with a mustard crust. Delicious.

While touring the streets of Altstadt, we ventured into a local mustard purveyor called Lowensenf to sample some of their wares. In the back of the store stands a tasting station, where at least 20 different flavors of mustard were available to try. Some were so delicious we had to bring some home, including the onion-dill, barbeque, cherry and coconut-curry flavors.

Visit Dusseldorf for Global Dining

With so many travelers coming to this city for luxury experiences, it’s not surprising they would also visit Dusseldorf for global dining. The options throughout the town are impressive, and although we were there a short time we managed to enjoy several highly recommended restaurants.

The Duchy

Located within the Breidenbacher Hof Hotel, The Duchy welcomes a steady stream of guests from outside the hotel and we can see why. The dishes we sampled at The Duchy were on par with some of the most elegant dining we have experienced in our European travels. The food was simply delicious and beautifully prepared and presented.

Saittavini

This Italian restaurant is the real thing, complete with very attractive Italian chefs and servers. The food at Saittavini is elevated, and our pasta dishes were fantastic. The wine list here is extensive and full of delicious options from Italy and other parts of the world. The atmosphere is very charming, and worth the cab ride from the City Center to this sweet neighborhood across the river.

Fischhaus

Like the name implies, Fischhaus is a seafood restaurant. The primarily Mediterranean menu features fresh fish prepared a variety of ways. In the front is an enormous display case filled with ice and then laid with fresh whole fish and shellfish. I chose to try one of my favorites – pasta vongole (clams) – and it was just what I hoped.  Outdoor seating is extensive and the people watching top-tier.

Cecino’s

Located in the lobby of the architecturally significant skyscraper named Dreischeibenhaus, Cecino’s Italian restaurant features homemade pizzas, pastas and more. Dining here for lunch while exploring the luxury shopping and museums, we greatly enjoyed the calamari fritti. Also of note was the mushroom and parmesan pizza, which was devoured quickly.

Dusseldorf Luxury Hotel Serves Up Amazing Stays

Our luxury hotel was highly impressive. The Breidenbacher Hof Hotel is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and it lives up to this reputation. It’s small(ish) with 79 rooms, but the hotel’s building edifice is large and impressive. Luxury here is served at the next level, and we considered this to be one of the nicest hotels we have stayed in throughout our travels in Europe. The attention to detail evident throughout all touchpoints at the Breidenbacher Hof is truly impressive.

Our Two Suites

Suite One

Since we were embarking from Dusseldorf on a Riverside Luxury Cruise of the Rhine River, we booked a room for before and after the cruise. We were so happy to have chosen Breidenbacher Hof as our home base in Germany. Upon arrival we were shown to our suite through the private guest lounge on the ground floor. Separated from the main lobby, this exclusive area is outfitted with comfortable furniture and places to relax without being in a public area. Guest room elevators are accessed from this lounge.

On our first night at the Breidenbacher Hof, we were amazed at the size and beauty of our suite. The expansive space included a separate living room and study, king-sized bedroom and enormous full bathroom. I had a little work to do, and sat down at the antique writing desk with a fresh cup of tea. I felt like I had traveled back in time.

Because jet lag is a real thing, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the hotel’s restaurant The Duchy before retiring for the evening. Now, my true measure of hotel luxury is the bedding. The sheets have to be soft, and they have to be sheer but not slippery. At Breidenbacher Hof, they’ve gotten it exactly right. In the European style, the down comforter serves as cover without a top sheet. The four soft-but-not-too-soft pillows made the bed feel like a comfy cocoon. It was the perfect slumber after a long journey.

Suite Two

After disembarking our Riverside Luxury Cruise in Dusseldorf,  we returned to Breidenbacher Hof.  However, this time we had been upgraded to an even more luxurious suite – as if that were even possible. The Grand Suite was beyond enormous, bigger than many of our friends’ New York apartments.

With a separate dining area and study, the living room was gigantic. The room included a sofa with comfortable seating for at least 6-8 guests, along with built-in book shelves decorated in a residential style. The shelves were arranged with books, picture frames, art and baubles that made it feel instantly like someone’s home. A large gas fireplace took center stage with a large-screen TV above it.

Again, the king sized bedroom was more than spacious and the bed the perfect degree of comfort. In this suite, the bathroom also took a starring role with its marble tiles and counters, oversized spa bathtub and giant shower. The enormous bathroom also had one of my favorite features: a heated floor so guests’ toes don’t get cold on the stone floor. I have stayed in hotel rooms smaller than this bathroom.

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World

We were so pleased to learn that the Breidenbacher Hof is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). Even better, SLH has a partnership with Hilton Hotels whereby a guest can book these special luxury boutique hotels through the Hilton website and earn Hilton Honors points in the process. In fact, Hilton Honors members have booked a tremendous number of SLH stays around the world. In the process, they have redeemed more than 10 billion Points.

SLH’s partnership with Hilton has been growing fast since it was formed one year ago, expanding to more than 450 SLH hotels worldwide. Through this effort, Hilton has expanded its global luxury footprint from 35 to 90 countries.

More about Visit Dusseldorf

For more information and to begin planning your visit, click through to the Visit Dusseldorf website for details, deals and schedules for local events and festivals.