Düsseldorf is a perfect city-break destination. Offering everything a traveler looks for in a city like shopping, dining, parks, culture, nightlife and unique experiences. This summer I had the opportunity thanks to the nice folks at Tourism Düsseldorf, to explore everything this hidden city has to offer. From castles to dancing fairy tale puppets, here are some pretty magical things to do in Düsseldorf.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf
Totally magical and fairy tale like things to do in Düsseldorf.

 

Things to do in Düsseldorf

 

Summer is a lovely time of year to visit Düsseldorf. The trees are green, the sky is blue and flowers are in full bloom. It’s a great time for photos, taking strolls through the parks, exploring historic sites and shopping.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Benrath Palace
Benrath Palace photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Benrath Palace is a 200-year-old palace built as a summer home and hunting lodge for the Elector Carl Theodor and boasts a spectacle of baroque architecture and interiors. With its 60-hectare gardens, it’s thought of as a rare example of  late rococo Gesamtkunstwerk in Europe. Three gardens offer geometric and romantic ambiance.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Benrath Palace
Benrath Palace photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Benrath Palace
Benrath Palace photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Benrath Palace
Benrath Palace photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Benrath Palace
Benrath Palace photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Schloss Dyck brings nearly 1000 years of history to the lower Rhine. This 17th-century castle complex stands on four islands all designed by the Scottish landscape gardener Thomas Blaikie in the style of the English landscape garden. With 70-hectares to explore and divine interiors to command your attention, this is quite the magical place.

Shopping

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck, Christa Thompson
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Schloss Dyck
Schloss Dyck photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Marionetten Theater is perhaps one of the coolest places I’ve ever explored on a city break. It’s that kind of spot where you think “okay, this will be cool.” But then you’re like, “wow, that was way cooler than I thought!”. Such a hidden gem of things to do in Düsseldorf, the Marionetten Theater is home to magical puppet shows based on famous fairy tales and fantasy legends. Almost everything that can be seen on stage is produced in the well-equipped workshops of the theater. The figures, props, and decorations are made by the members of the ensemble according to the design of the theater’s director who himself affects the sculpturing.

 

An ensemble of magicians and humans, beasts and devils, the queen of the night and Dr. Faust welcomes the visitor and takes him away to a realm of fantasy.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Marionetten Theater
Marionetten Theatre photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Marionetten Theater
Marionetten Theatre photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Marionetten Theater
Marionetten Theatre photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Marionetten Theater
Marionetten Theatre photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth Tower Ruins is a beautiful scene of middle-aged ruins which sit alongside the Rhine in Kaiserwerth. Very peaceful and quiet, ruins make for a lovely stroll with your partner as well as a great place for photos. It’s also close to the village of Kaiserwerth which still has a very middle age feel to it. Certainly a great spot for a walk and to get some lunch.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf
Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth Tower Ruins photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf
Kaiserpfalz Kaiserswerth Tower Ruins photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf
Kaiserswerth Photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Kaiserwerth
Kaiserswerth Photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Kaiserwerth
Kaiserswerth Photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Kaiserwerth
Kaiserswerth Photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Shopping in Düsseldorf is a special experience. From high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co. to your everyday Primark, there’s something for everyone. As for things to do in Düsseldorf, you’ll likely want to explore its Königsallee, the German equivalent of Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Kö’ it’s home to the best of the best in shopping and also offers jewelers, antique shops and book shops.

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Christa Thompson
Shopping in Dusseldorf photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Alstadt
Shopping in Düsseldorf photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf,Alstadt
Shopping in Düsseldorf photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Alstadt
Shopping in Düsseldorf photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

Things to do in Dusseldorf, Alstadt
Shopping in Düsseldorf photo Christa Thompson 2016

 

If you love the fairy tale side of a destination while enjoying the energy of nightlife, great food and a bustling city atmosphere you will love Düsseldorf. For more information on things to do in Düsseldorf, check out Tourism Düsseldorf where you can plan your trip and get the best out of your city break.

 

dusseldorf-logoSpecial thanks goes to Tourism Düsseldorf for helping me get around so I could share these things to do in Düsseldorf with you. This in no way shaped my opinions in this post.
Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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