The Rhine Promenade is the perfect place for fine wine, dining and people watching, against a background of graceful ships gliding along the river in the background.
Stretching along the banks of the Rhine between the ultra-modern harbour area and the historic Old Town, the paved walkways of the Rhine Promenade provide a place to catch a breath of fresh air and enjoy idyllic views across the river. Photographers will love the panorama of buildings, ancient and modern, reflected in the rippling water, with the picturesque Oberkassel dominating the skyline.
The riverbank used to be covered by a traffic-choked freeway, which prevented the town from accessing the river. In the 1990s, a German architect - Niklaus Fritschi – moved the road underground and gave the area back to Dusseldorf residents as a revamped pedestrian space.
The entire city is centred round the river, so a boat trip along the Rhine is a must. Departing from Bugplatz, the trips offer beautiful views and fascinating insights into the city’s history – both water and land-based. A round trip is inexpensive and lasts about an hour.
The region of North Rhine Westphalia is home to the largest Japanese community in Europe. Every summer they congregate on the Rhine Promenade to celebrate the unique Japan Day, a series of traditional activities dedicated to Japanese culture. If you are in Dusseldorf in May or June, check the city’s website for dates as this really is a must-see event!
There is any number of activities taking place on a daily basis along the strip – sports displays are popular, including martial arts master classes and an annual beach volleyball tournament. Open-air concerts are a regular feature and there are often firework displays in the evenings. During the day, the pavements are packed with people running, skating and cycling - if you fancy letting off some steam, why not put on a pair of skates or grab a board and join them.
The Rhine Promenade sits on the eastern bank of the River, between Medienhafen and Altstadt. It is easily walkable from most of the major city centre attractions and can also be reached by bus and train.
