Düsseldorf sits mostly on the right bank of the Rhine, at the point where the small river Düssel meets it. It is a business and trade-fair city with a strong cultural streak, known for its art academy, its fashion and trade shows, its Japanese community and its Rhenish Carnival celebrations in February and March.
For a visitor, the useful mental map is simple. The main railway station sits on the eastern edge of the centre, the Old Town and the Königsallee shopping boulevard lie just south and west of it, and the Rhine runs along the western side of the inner city. Oberkassel sits across the river on the left bank, the Media Harbour occupies the old harbour area, and a few quieter residential quarters spread to the north. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of trips.
Best areas to stay in Düsseldorf
1. City centre around the Hauptbahnhof and the Old Town
This is the most practical base for a first visit. The central railway station is the hub for local transport, so connections both inside Düsseldorf and to the wider region are excellent, and the Old Town and the Königsallee are within easy reach on foot. You will find the widest spread of accommodation here, from simple budget rooms to large international hotels.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the main sights rather than plan around buses and trams. The trade-off is that this is the busiest, noisiest part of the city, especially around the station and the Old Town in the evening.
2. Königsallee and the streets just south of it
The Königsallee, usually shortened to the Kö, is the city's central shopping boulevard and the address for its most established luxury hotels. It is a calm, formal stretch of the inner city, close to the Old Town and the Rhine but removed from the station crowds.
It suits travellers who want to be central and are willing to pay for it, and anyone who prefers a quieter street to come back to at night. Note that some properties carrying the Königsallee name actually sit on side streets a fair distance south of the boulevard, so check the exact location before booking.
3. Oberkassel
Oberkassel lies on the left side of the city, across the Rhine from the centre. It is a residential quarter rather than a sightseeing district, which makes it a quieter choice while still being connected to the middle of town.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who prefers a low-key neighbourhood base. The main practical point is that you will cross the river to reach the Old Town and the station, so factor that into your plans.
4. Media Harbour
The Media Harbour is the old harbour area, reworked into a design-led quarter. It is the most contemporary-feeling part of the city to stay in, and it draws visitors who want something other than a traditional central hotel.
It suits travellers who value architecture and a modern atmosphere over proximity to the railway station. It is not the Old Town, so you should expect to travel between the two.
5. The north of the city
The northern districts hold several larger hotels, including renovated traditional properties and modern chain hotels. This is a quieter, more spread-out part of Düsseldorf, away from the concentrated sightseeing core.
It suits travellers with business in the north of the city, or those who prefer space and calm and do not mind using transport to reach the centre.
6. Around the Oberbilker Market
The area around the Oberbilker Market sits within the city and near the Rhine, and holds a number of larger hotels. It is a functional, central-ish location rather than a tourist quarter.
It suits visitors who want a mid-range or upscale chain hotel with straightforward access to the rest of the city, and who do not need to step out of the door into the Old Town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostel-style accommodation, including a city hostel on the left bank in Oberkassel and backpacker places in the centre and near the Corneliusstraße area, plus simple family-run hotels between the station and the Old Town.
- Mid-range: international chain hotels and traditional renovated properties, found around the main station, on side streets south of the Königsallee, and in the north of the city.
- Splurge: first-class and luxury hotels on and around the Königsallee, and design-led properties in the Media Harbour.
Best area for a first visit
The city centre around the Hauptbahnhof and the Old Town is the best base for a first visit. The station is the hub for local transport, so you can reach the rest of the city and the region easily, and the Old Town and the Königsallee are close enough to walk. It also gives you the widest choice of places to stay at every level.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to walk to the main sights?
Base yourself in the city centre, between the Hauptbahnhof and the Old Town. The station area gives you the best transport connections, and the Old Town and the Königsallee are within walking distance.
Which area is best for budget travellers?
Oberkassel, on the left side of the city, has hostel-style accommodation, and there are backpacker places in the centre and near the Corneliusstraße area. Simple family-run hotels also exist between the station and the Old Town.
Where do the upscale hotels tend to be?
The Königsallee and the streets around it hold the city's luxury and first-class hotels. The Media Harbour is the other option at the higher end, with design-led properties.
Is staying near the main station a good idea?
Yes, if transport matters to you. The Hauptbahnhof is the hub for local transport, so connections both inside and outside Düsseldorf are excellent, and it is a short walk to the Old Town.
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