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Historic neighborhood · Düsseldorf, Renânia do Norte-Vestfália
Altstadt
Düsseldorf's old town by the Rhine: narrow streets with more than 300 bars, restaurants and Altbier breweries, the town hall, the Burgplatz square with the tower of the old castle and the crooked-tower church St. Lambertus.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altstadt
The Altstadt is Düsseldorf's old town and the historic, political and cultural core of the state capital. It occupies less than half a square kilometre on the Rhine and much of it is pedestrianised. More than 300 bars, restaurants and nightspots are concentrated there, which gave the neighbourhood the nickname "the longest bar counter in the world".
On the Marktplatz stands the town hall (Rathaus) and, in front of it, the equestrian statue of Elector Prince Jan Wellem, made by Gabriel de Grupello in 1711. A few steps away, the Burgplatz opens onto the river and preserves the Schlossturm, the tower that remained from the old castle and now houses a shipping museum. The St. Lambertus church nearby has a twisted-topped tower because the wood used was damp and warped.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours to walk around; in the evening, as long as you want in the breweries.
Best time
During the day to see the squares and churches at a relaxed pace; at night, especially from Thursday to Saturday, when the streets fill up. In December, Christmas markets usually occupy the central squares from late November until close to Christmas.
How to get there
From the central station, Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, take the subway to Heinrich-Heine-Allee station, on the edge of the Altstadt, in just a few minutes. On foot it's about a 25-minute walk.
Tip
In the brewery, tell the waiter when to stop; in many places, placing the coaster on the glass is the signal. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded weekend and Carnival streets. Climb the steps at Burgplatz to see the river.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altstadt
What is Altbier?
It is Düsseldorf's typical beer: dark, top-fermented and quite hoppy. It is served in small glasses at the traditional breweries in the Altstadt, which brew their own beer.
Is the Altstadt a good place to stay?
It's convenient for those who want to go out at night and walk to the river. Those who prefer quiet can stay in the area between the Königsallee and the central station.
Why is the tower of St. Lambertus crooked?
The wood used in the tower's roof was damp and twisted as it dried. The crooked tower has become one of the city's landmarks.
When is Carnival in Düsseldorf?
The season begins on November 11 and ends on Ash Wednesday; the high point is the week before, with the Rosenmontag parade.