Düsseldorf is one of the most popular cities in Germany for tourists – and it’s no wonder why! The city is a thriving hub for arts, fashion, culture, architecture and (most importantly) food.
The city is a cultural melting pot and it has the culinary delights to show for it. The cuisines in Düsseldorf are out-of-this-world. You’ll want to figure out how you can fit more than three meals in!
Düsseldorf is also home to an entrancing nightlife for both locals and visitors. The city is known for having the ‘longest bar in the world’ and with over 300 bars in Altstadt, I’m sure you’ll find one that tickles your fancy.
As it is a busy city, it can be difficult to navigate your way around Düsseldorf. Neighborhoods are large, and there aren’t any clear boundaries showing where one starts and one ends. The decision of where to stay in Düsseldorf is not an easy one.
The best place to stay in Düsseldorf completely depends on you, your budget and what you want to during your time in the city. And you’ve come to the perfect place.
That’s why I’ve built this guide. I’ve compiled the five best neighborhoods to stay in Düsseldorf, and categorised them by what they are best for. Whether you want clubbing, culture or calm I’ve have you covered.
So let’s get into it.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Düsseldorf.
For all the budget backpackers – we’ve got your back! These amazing hostels in Düsseldorf offer some serious bang for your buck. Enjoy an affordable place and the chance to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world.
EU Centralhotel im Tönnchen | Best Hostel in Düsseldorf
As the best-rated hostel in the city, EU Centralhotel has to take our top spot for backpacker accommodation in Düsseldorf! The excellent ratings are thanks to the fantastic facilities, excellent levels of service and sociable atmosphere. It is also right in the heart of the budget-friendly neighborhood.
Altstadt Hotel St Georg | Best Hotel in Düsseldorf
Right in the heart of the historic centre of Düsseldorf, Altstadt Hotel St George is perfect for those that want to stay close to all the main attractions without breaking the back! With complimentary breakfast, WiFi and coffee, they have everything you need for a short stay in the area.
Houseboat with Fireplace | Best Airbnb in Düsseldorf
One of the benefits of AirBnB is the opportunity to stay in some of the most unique accommodation options in the world – and this houseboat is a great example of something a bit different right in the heart of Düsseldorf! It is well maintained and gives you easy access to the city centre attractions.
Altstadt
The Altstadt (German for Old Town) is the historic centre of the city and a great starting point for those visiting for the first time! Though it was mostly destroyed during the war, the Old Town has been revived to mimic its former glory.
Flingern
Whilst Flingern was once one of the more undesirable neighborhoods of Düsseldorf, it has since been gentrified to become the hippest area in the city!
Unterbilk and Hafen
Whilst most of the traditional nightlife offerings are in the Old Town, Hafen is one of the most modern districts in the city and is slowly becoming the place to be for bars and clubs in the city!
Friedrichstadt
Alongside the Old Town, Friedrichstadt is one of the most popular tourist districts in the city! It has a much more modern feel to it, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, luxury shops and laid-back bars.
Oberbilk
Another great neighborhood based in the suburbs, Oberbilk is nevertheless well connected to the city by the excellent public transport network! It is best known as the home of one of the largest parks in Düsseldorf and has a generally peaceful atmosphere.
North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most important states in Germany, and Düsseldorf lies at its heart! It is easily connected with Cologne, Bonn and Duisburg, making it a great option for those that want a base during a longer trip around North West Germany. The city is well facilitated and is famed across the country for its vibrant nightlife.
One of the best places to experience this nightlife is Hafen. This ultra-modern neighborhood, alongside neighboring Unterbilk, is where you will discover some of the most contemporary clubbing options – with plenty of choices to suit all budgets and tastes.
That being said, the Altstadt and Friedrichstadt are also great neighborhoods for nightlife! Altstadt has a more old fashioned atmosphere, with traditional German taverns lining the streets. It also provides direct access to the riverside.
Friedrichstadt, which neighbors Altstadt, is a little bit more contemporary, and the perfect spot for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
Whilst these are the most popular tourist districts, Flingern and Oberbilk are gaining popularity! Flingern is particularly popular with the hipster crowd – and though it is further out, is well served by public transport and has some great budget-friendly options.
Oberbilk, which is also located in the suburbs, has a calmer atmosphere – making it a popular spot for couples and families.
Still need some more help deciding? We have some more detailed guides below!
Düsseldorf’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighborhoods in Düsseldorf. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you.
1. Altstadt – Where to Stay in Düsseldorf for Your First Time
The Altstadt (German for Old Town) is the historic centre of the city and a great starting point for those visiting for the first time! Though it was mostly destroyed during the war, the Old Town has been revived to mimic its former glory. It still feels quite authentic and is ideal for learning about the traditions and culture of the city.
Its location on the waterfront means it also comes alive during the evenings! It is common for locals to grab a beer and take it down to the river to admire the sunset, before heading along the main strip to experience some of the best bars in the entirety of Germany.
BLK Hostel | Best Hostel Altstadt
Düsseldorf’s newest hostel, BLK comes with all the modern conveniences you could ever possibly need for a short backpacking trip to the city! High speed WiFi can be accessed throughout, and there are automated check-in desks for those arriving late or departing early. They have privates and dorms.
Altstadt Hotel St Georg | Best Hotel in Altstadt
Right in the heart of the Alstadt, Hotel St George might be on the pricier end of our hotel picks but it is still well worth it if you want to stay centrally! They provide a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning – helping to set you up for a long day of exploring.
Studio Blueberry | Best Airbnb in Altstadt
This gorgeous studio is tucked away in one of Düsseldorf’s historic buildings – allowing you to experience the city’s past first hand! It is well decorated with modern furnishings, and the host has superhost status – meaning you know you will be well looked after throughout your stay. A coffee machine is available.
Things to See and Do in Altstadt
- Bolkerstrasse is the main street in the area – head here in the evenings to sample the traditional nightlife and multiple restaurants
- Zum Uerige is a popular brewery in the area – they also offer tours, so you can learn about the history of German beer making
- Head down to the waterfront every evening where you can mingle with locals and admire the view – we suggest taking a few beers
- The K20 Museum is a must-see attraction for any visitors to Düsseldorf interested in contemporary artwork
- More interested in cuisine than partying? Wallstrasse proudly showcases the best of all the multicultural restaurants in the city
- Take a trip down to the Old Town Hall – whilst there isn’t much inside, the surrounding area has some great examples of traditional German architecture
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Flingern – Where to Stay in Düsseldorf on a Budget
Whilst Flingern was once one of the more undesirable neighborhoods of Düsseldorf, it has since been gentrified to become the hippest area in the city!
Flingern has a very youthful atmosphere and is packed with excellent bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Despite the gentrification, it also remains one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city.
It is well connected with the city centre by public transport, with both the Altstadt and Hafen easily reached within twenty minutes! This is a popular area with those looking for more alternative nightlife options – so even if you don’t choose to stay here, we recommend stopping by for a visit.
Central & Stylish Smart Studio | Best Airbnb in Flingern
Another great pick from an Airbnb Superhost, this small studio comes with a private balcony where you can admire views across the city! Despite this little luxury addition, it comes in at a very favourable price when compared to other private apartments across Düsseldorf. Luxury bed linen is provided.
EU Centralhotel im Tönnchen | Best Hostel Flingern
For backpackers on a super strict budget, you can’t go wrong with EU Centralhotel im Tönnchen! Right in the heart of Flingern, this hostel not only has the best reviews but also comes with the lowest prices of hostels in the city. They provide a complimentary breakfast every morning.
Hotel Engelbert | Best Hotel in Flingern
Situated on the boundary between Flingern and Oberbilk, Hotel Engelbert gives you easy access to two of the best neighborhoods in the city! Though fairly basic, it comes in at an excellent price – making it a great pick for those on a budget that want a little more privacy.
Things to See and Do in Flingern
- Kiefernstrasse is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, known for its street art
- Pechmarie is a local bar and restaurant that also serves as a record store, music venue and even occasional art gallery
- For something more traditional, the Philara Collection is a huge exhibition of glass creations – and they also offer a tour of their facilities
- Café Hütgold is something of a Düsseldorf institution, known for their carefully crafted cakes and patisserie selection
- Shop ‘til you drop at Ackerstrasse – the main shopping district in the area, it comes with plenty of alternative options
- At night, the central square comes to life – it is popular with the alternative crowd, and the bars offer some well-priced drinks
3. Unterbilk and Hafen – Best Area to Stay in Düsseldorf for Nightlife
Whilst most of the traditional nightlife offerings are in the Old Town, Hafen is one of the most modern districts in the city and is slowly becoming the place to be for bars and clubs in the city! Once known for lavish hotels, businesses in the area have since diversified to include excellent entertainment options day and night.
Neighboring Unterbilk also has some great nightlife options, as well as some of the most popular visitor attractions in the city! This district is generally cheaper than Hafen, so a good option for those that want to experience modern nightlife without breaking the bank.
Hotel Karolinger | Best Hotel for Backpackers Unterbilk and Hafen
There aren’t any hostels in either Unterbilk or Hafen, however, Hotel Karolinger is so budget-friendly that it appeals to many backpackers wanting to stay in a more modern part of town! Officially a guest house, it has more of a communal feel than other hotels – allowing you to mingle with other visitors.
Radisson Blu Media Harbour | Best Hotel in Unterbilk and Hafen
This four star hotel might be one of the priciest in the city, but it is well worth splashing out on if you want something a bit more luxurious! The top floor bar is a popular attraction both with guests and locals wanting to admire the views of the city and excellent cocktails.
Houseboat with Fireplace | Best Airbnb in Unterbilk and Hafen
This houseboat is a truly unique experience right on the waterfront! It is only a short walk away from the Frank Gehry Buildings – perfect for checking out the city’s modern nightlife and dining options. A fireplace is also included, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable stay year-round in this well-reviewed accommodation.
Things to See and Do in Unterbilk and Hafen
- Most of the best nightlife options are located right on the waterfront – we recommend MeerBar for their great cocktails and unbeatable location
- No trip to Düsseldorf would be complete without a trip up the iconic Rheinturm – the largest structure in the city with the best views
- The Frank Gehry buildings are symbolic of the postmodern regeneration of Hafen and have some great restaurants and bars within them
- Heinrich-Heine University has a large botanic garden that is free for the public – perfect for a stroll during the summer
- Pilot Düsseldorf, based in Unterbilk, offer some of the most budget-friendly bike hire facilities in the city
- Head to Seifen Horst to start off your night and discover excellent craft beers from across the region and even other parts of Germany
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Grab an eSIM!4. Friedrichstadt – Coolest Place to Stay in Düsseldorf
Alongside the Old Town, Friedrichstadt is one of the most popular tourist districts in the city! It has a much more modern feel to it, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, luxury shops and laid-back bars.
In particular, Friedrichstadt is great for young couples that want a romantic getaway to the city.
As the most modern district in the city centre, Friedrichstadt is also one of the most multicultural parts of Düsseldorf! The Japanese Quarter houses cutting edge Japanese restaurants and bars, and for those looking for something a bit cheaper there are also major Turkish and Bulgarian communities offering excellent takeout options.
Backpackers-Duesseldorf | Best Hostel Friedrichstadt
This easy-going hostel is locally owned, allowing you to enjoy a more warm and welcoming atmosphere than you would expect at the chain hostels! It is one of the oldest hotels in the city, and their years of experience is apparent with the excellent facilities and sociable customer service.
Hotel Lindenhof | Best Hotel in Friedrichstadt
This three star boutique hotel is perfect for those on a mid-range budget that want to stay in the heart of one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city! In particular, it is a great choice for couples that want to stick to a budget whilst enjoying a few small luxuries. A buffet breakfast is included.
Luxury Design Apartment | Best Airbnb in Friedrichstadt
This small apartment has stylish finishing touches that reflect the cutting edge design of the Friedrichstadt neighborhood! Despite the modern décor, it is housed within a historic building – allowing you to also be able to enjoy a little piece of the city’s history. It is a small studio, making it perfect for couples.
Things to See and Do in Friedrichstadt
- The Königsallee is the most iconic street in the entire city – flanked alongside the main canal, this is the place to be for luxury and high street goods
- Immermanstrasse, on the other hand, is the best street in the Japanese Quarter where you can truly soak up the multicultural atmosphere of the neighborhood
- Head to the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus, a modern theatre that houses traditional German performances from across the nation
- Takagi Books is another popular attraction in the Japanese Quarter – this huge store contains comics, books and souvenirs from Japan
- You absolutely must visit the Museum of Modern Art – it is the best-rated gallery of its kind in Germany and has a large collection
- The Savoy Theatre has a more typical offering for culture hunters – featuring both classic and modern productions
5. Oberbilk – Best Neighborhood in Düsseldorf for Families
Another great neighborhood based in the suburbs, Oberbilk is nevertheless well connected to the city by the excellent public transport network! It is best known as the home of one of the largest parks in Düsseldorf and has a generally peaceful atmosphere. This makes it an excellent pick for families visiting the city.
Oberbilk is a bit more residential in nature than the other neighborhoods mentioned in this guide, so it is also a great option for those wanting to discover local culture! There are plenty of locally-owned cafes, bars and restaurants waiting to be discovered, as well as laid-back entertainment venues.
Vintage Flair | Best Airbnb in Oberbilk
One of the largest apartments in the city with superhost status, Vintage Flair is the perfect choice for families that want maximum privacy! There are two bedrooms, and the kitchen area – whilst small – comes with all the equipment you need for a short stay. Located in a historic building, it is decorated to reflect this.
Hütte 91 | Best Hostel Oberbilk
This ultra-modern hostel is one of the newest in the city – but already has some excellent reviews thanks to the great social facilities and welcoming atmosphere! All rooms are private, however, the common areas maintain a hostel atmosphere. It is quite small, giving you a more intimate experience.
Auszeit Hotel Düsseldorf | Best Hotel in Oberbilk
Located right next to the park, Auszeit Hotel is perfect for families that want to stick to a budget whilst enjoying high-quality facilities! A complimentary breakfast is included – and guests can choose from a buffet, full English and continental options. There is also a large fitness suite and a sauna.
Things to See and Do in Oberbilk
- Volksgarten is the largest park in the city – it comes with plenty of facilities throughout the year, as well as some of the most popular outdoor events
- Mitsubishi Electric Halle is a popular cultural venue in the city – in particular, we recommend checking out their live music offerings
- Streichelzoo am Sudpark, located just on the outskirts of Volksgarten, is a small petting zoo that makes for an excellent family activity
- Whilst mostly a residential area, Oberbilk still has plenty of excellent art galleries – we recommend K-13 for contemporary art
- Wander along the main street to the east of Volksgarten to sample some of the best Southeast Asian restaurants in the country
- MonDieu is a small craft store offering handmade goods from furniture to small ornaments – they also have regular events with visiting designers
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Düsseldorf
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Düsseldorf and where to stay.
What To Pack For Düsseldorf
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a truly rewarding destination right in the heart of Germany’s most populous state where you can enjoy the amalgamation of German tradition with contemporary culture!
Renowned across the country for its diverse culinary scene, it also has some fantastic nightlife options and excellent attractions for those interested in the creative arts. It’s proximity to other major tourist hotspots make it a great base for exploring Western Germany.
For the best place to stay, we have to go with Friedrichstadt! This hip neighborhood is right in the heart of the city, giving you great connections to most of the other areas mentioned in this guide. Convenience aside, it also has a good selection of attractions and dining options that allow you to enjoy this eclectic metropolis.
Nevertheless, all of the neighborhoods mentioned in this guide have their positives and it largely depends on what you want to get out of your trip! We hope this guide has helped you to better plan your upcoming trip to the North Rhine and Westphalian capital.
Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments below!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Germany.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Dusseldorf.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
