Finding where to stay in Düsseldorf as a first-time visitor can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Düsseldorf for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Düsseldorf for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and things to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Düsseldorf and recommend some of the best hotels for visitors with various budgets.
Düsseldorf is a bustling city in western Germany, situated on the eastern bank of the Rhine River. It is known for its diverse population, fashion industry, art scene, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
The Altstadt, or Old Town, is famous for its historic architecture, narrow streets, and lively nightlife. It’s often referred to as the longest bar in the world due to its concentration of bars, pubs, and breweries.
The city’s picturesque promenade along the Rhine River offers stunning views of the river, as well as recreational activities such as cycling, walking, and river cruises. You can find the modern architecture of the MediaHarbor area along the river.
The city is home to renowned art galleries like the Museum Kunstpalast and the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which features works by artists like Picasso, Klee, and Richter.
It’s regarded as a fashion capital in Germany, with the Königsallee (Kö for short) being one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Düsseldorf is well-connected by transportation, with an international airport (Düsseldorf Airport) and a central train station (Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof), making it a hub for both domestic and international travel.
Is Düsseldorf safe to visit?
Yes, Düsseldorf is generally a safe place to visit. But, like in any city, it’s essential to take standard precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not leaving drinks unattended, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Where to stay in Düsseldorf for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Düsseldorf for first-timers and tourists are The City Center (Stadtmitte), Altstadt (Old Town), Oberbilk, Friedrichstadt, and Pempelfort. As with any city, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution regardless of where you stay.
In general, the City Center (Stadtmitte) and Altstadt (Old Town) are usually the most recommended areas to stay for the first time due to their central location and proximity to major landmarks, restaurants, and shops.
Altstadt is a lively area filled with historic buildings, churches, and squares, known as the “longest bar in the world” due to its concentration of pubs and bars. Staying here puts you within walking distance of landmarks like the River promenade, Hofgarten and the K20 and K21 art museums.
Stadtmitte (City Center) is bustling with activity, featuring prominent shopping streets like Königsallee (Kö) where you’ll find high-end boutiques and department stores. The City Center is also closer to the Central Station compared to the old town.
Other areas like Oberbilk, Friedrichstadt, Hafen, and Pempelfort offer their own unique experiences but may not be as centrally located or as tourist-friendly as Stadtmitte and Altstadt. However, they can still be great options depending on your preferences and interests.
For example, Hafen (Harbor) offers modern architecture and trendy restaurants along the waterfront, while Pempelfort is known for its charming streets and cafes.
During my trip to Düsseldorf, I stayed at the Hotel Sir & Lady Astor. It was a good value for money in a quiet area in the city center, within walking distance from the Königsallee shopping district, as well as trams, U-bahn, and S-bahn stations. My room was clean with a comfortable bed. Breakfast was absolutely lovely too.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Düsseldorf for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Düsseldorf, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Düsseldorf have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best/ Safe areas to stay in Düsseldorf for first-timers and tourists:
1. The City Center (Stadtmitte)
Staying in the City Center (Stadtmitte) of Düsseldorf is an excellent choice for first-timers and tourists due to its central location and vibrant atmosphere.
The City Center is well-connected to transportation hubs, including the main train station (Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof) and the airport. This makes it easy to explore the city and also provides convenient access for day trips to nearby destinations.
If you’re a fan of shopping, Stadtmitte is home to Königsallee (Kö), one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe. Here, you’ll find a wide range of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and department stores like Galeria Kaufhof.
The City Center is dotted with cultural landmarks and attractions. Art enthusiasts can visit the K20 and K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen museums, which showcase modern and contemporary art. The nearby Hofgarten, a scenic park, provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Stadtmitte offers a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. Whether you’re craving traditional German cuisine, international dishes, or trendy cocktails, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste.
Additionally, the area boasts a vibrant nightlife, particularly around the Altstadt (Old Town), where you can experience the famous “longest bar in the world.”
Many of Düsseldorf’s main attractions are located within walking distance or a short tram ride from the City Center. This includes landmarks like the Rhine River promenade, the Burgplatz with the Schlossturm (Castle Tower), and the St. Lambertus Church in the Altstadt.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf City Center for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Kö59 Düsseldorf, great 5-star beautiful modern hotel conveniently located in the city center of Düsseldorf, on the exclusive Königsallee shopping street. It has soundproofed rooms, an indoor pool, very good breakfast, and free access to the adjoining Holmes Place Health and gym. Great base for shopping, sightseeing, and for Christmas markets.
Mid-range ($$): me and all hotel Dusseldorf, part of JdV by Hyatt, 4-star a boutique hotel situated in central Düsseldorf in the famous Japanese Quarter, 10 mins walk from The River Rhine, Media Harbor and Königsallee shopping street. It has a 24-hour front desk, excellent breakfast, family rooms, and fitness center. The Central Station is also within walking distance.
Budget ($): Moxy Duesseldorf City, popular 3-star hotel located in Düsseldorf city center, close to the Little Tokyo, U-Bahn, Christmas market, and the train station. They have spacious rooms and extensive breakfasts with lots of choices.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN STADTMITTE2. Altstadt (Old Town)
Choosing to stay in Altstadt (Old Town) when visiting Düsseldorf is a fantastic decision, especially for first-timers and tourists. Altstadt is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and vibrant nightlife.
Altstadt is home to several must-see landmarks and attractions. You can explore the Rhine River promenade, where you can enjoy scenic views of the river and watch the boats go by.
Visit the Burgplatz, dominated by the iconic Schlossturm (Castle Tower) and adjacent to the Old Town Hall (Rathaus). You can also admire the impressive St. Lambertus Church and take a stroll through the Marktplatz, where you’ll find the historic market square and the Jan-Wellem monument.
Old Town has a vibrant nightlife with a high concentration of pubs, bars, and breweries. During daytime, you can explore the small boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops tucked away in the historic streets.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf Old Town for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): The Wellem, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, 5-star conveniently located in the old town of Düsseldorf, featuring suites and studios with a fully equipped kitchen. Short stroll from Castle Square, Town Hall, and Hofgarten Park. Close to the main shopping street and public transportation.
Luxury ($$): Living Hotel De Medici, 5-star accommodation in the heart of Düsseldorf, featuring comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour reception, a bar and a terrace. Easy walking distance from the Königsallee shopping street, the German Opera on the Rhine, and the Kunsthalle gallery. Close to bus, tram and underground for further exploration.
Mid-range ($$): Ruby Luna Hotel Dusseldorf, popular 4-star hotel in Carlstadt near the Old Town. It features a nice bar in the lobby and a rooftop bar. It is within walking distance to the markets, nightlife, beer gardens, the Rhine river, and the Königsallee commercial boulevard.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN3. Pempelfort
Pempelfort, located next to the old town and Stadtmitte, is an excellent area to consider staying in when visiting Düsseldorf, particularly for those who appreciate a more laid-back atmosphere while still being close to the city center.
Pempelfort is known for its picturesque streets lined with beautiful buildings, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Local attractions include the Museum Kunstpalast, which houses an impressive collection of art spanning various periods.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf in Pempelfort:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Indigo – Dusseldorf – Victoriaplatz, an IHG Hotel, 4-star hotel located on a quiet street, in Pempelfort, 10 mins subway ride from Messe Düsseldorf convention center and the Old Town. Close to supermarkets, restaurants and transportation.
Mid-range ($$): Muze Hotel, 4-star hotel located only a 10 min walk from the city center. Many restaurants and shops are within 10 minutes walking distance.
Budget ($): Hotel National Düsseldorf (Superior), 3-star good value for money hotel in Pempelfort, short stroll from Victoriaplatz Underground Station for an easy train ride to the city center. The hotel has a seasonal sauna and excellent breakfast buffet. Rooms are spacious and comfortable.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PEMPELFORT4. Oberbilk
Oberbilk is a budget-friendly base for those who want to stay near the main train station. You can find some very popular, busy hotels in this area. It is a bit removed from the city center but you can easily reach it by public transportation.
Like many train stations in the world, the area around the station can be a bit rough, but as long as you exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. Overall, it is a great base if you want to stay close to the public transport hub of the city.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf in Oberbilk:
Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Düsseldorf – Hauptbahnhof, an IHG Hotel, popular 3-star hotel conveniently located in a quiet area, close to the Central Station and the Capitol Theater. It has a 24-hour front desk, good breakfast, an elevator, and onsite parking. You can find a park with a little pond nearby for a nice walk. Rooms are spacious and clean.
Budget ($): the niu Tab, 3-star hotel in Oberbilk, close to the main train station, convenient base if you want convenience access to the train. It is a little removed from the city center but walkable, 30 mins walk or 10 mins ride on the subway.
Mid-range ($$): Leonardo Hotel Düsseldorf City Center, 4-star hotel located only 2 mins walk from Train Station ( 10 mins train ride from the airport), 20 mins walk to the Altstadt.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OBERBILK5. Friedrichstadt
Friedrichstadt is a great base for a more local vibe, easy access to the city center, and the main train station. Known for its diverse population and cultural scene, Friedrichstadt has a bohemian vibe with trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf in Friedrichstadt:
Luxury ($$$): The Fritz Düsseldorf Königsallee, 4-star hotel located near Friedrichstadt, within a short walk from Königsallee shopping street and promenade. They have beautiful rooms and bathrooms, and great breakfasts. 3 mins walk from U-Bahn station, and 20 mins walk from the heart of AltStadt.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Stadt München, popular 4-star family-run accommodation conveniently located only a 5 mins walk from the Central Station, and 10 mins walk from Königsallee street. Short stroll to Berliner Allee Tram Stop, where you find 6 different lines. It has secure parking, which is a bonus if you have a car.
Budget ($): B-Hotel, 3-star good value for money located in Friedrichstadt, easy access to the city center, tram and rail services. Main shopping areas and the old town are also nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN FRIEDRICHSTADT6. Hafen
Hafen/ the Harbor District, Formerly an industrial area, has been revitalized into a modern waterfront district with sleek architecture, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities.
Best places to stay in Düsseldorf im Hafen:
- Luxury ($$$): Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf, 5-star hotel in the lively MedienHafen district, along the Rhine River, offering views of the harbor. Great base if you have a car.
- Mid-range ($$): Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf, 4-star hotel located in the trendy MedienHafendistrict, 20 mins walk to the city center along the banks of the River Rhine.
- Mid-range ($$): INNSiDE by Meliá Düsseldorf Hafen, 4-star hotel located in Media Harbor, a little far from the old city center and touristy area, but it can be reached by walking or taking public transport nearby.
In conclusion, The City Center (Stadtmitte), Altstadt (Old Town), Oberbilk, Friedrichstadt, and Pempelfort are the best places to stay in Düsseldorf for first-timers and tourists. These are generally safe areas where you can find a variety of accommodations and amenities for all needs.
You can continue reading about Düsseldorf and other destinations in Germany in these articles:
- Best areas to stay in Nuremberg
- Best areas to stay in Berlin
- Best areas to stay in Hamburg
- Best areas to stay in Frankfurt
- Best areas to stay in Munich
- Best areas to stay in Cologne
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Düsseldorf. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.