Dusseldorf Christmas Markets!

I visited recently on a FAM trip with fellow travel agents, giving us the chance to experience the city properly — from transport and accommodation to food, culture, and, of course, the Christmas markets. It’s a compact, friendly city that still has plenty going on, making it ideal for a festive weekend break or a longer stay paired with a Rhine cruise.

Day One: Arrival & First Impressions

Our flight into Düsseldorf went smoothly and comfortably with Eurowings, and arrival through the new EES immigration system was refreshingly quick and easy. We were met at the airport by local representatives and took the train straight into the city — a simple, efficient journey that immediately shows how easy Düsseldorf is to navigate.

After checking into our centrally located hotel, we had time to freshen up before dinner at a traditional Altbier brewery. The service was famously efficient — small glasses of Altbier kept appearing before you even asked — and the food was excellent. Schnitzel, Düsseldorf meatballs, and beautifully cooked beef dishes reminded me just how strong the food culture is here. Portions are generous and flavours rich, something worth bearing in mind when planning meal times!

The evening ended at the hotel rooftop bar, with city views, a DJ, and a great atmosphere — a lovely introduction to Düsseldorf’s relaxed but lively nightlife scene.

Day Two: Exploring the City & Christmas Markets

After breakfast, we met our guide from Visit Düsseldorf, who hosted us for the day and brought the city’s architecture, art, and history to life. Düsseldorf is an ** artistic, design-led city**, home to striking modern buildings alongside historic areas that survived much of the war.

We explored by tram and train, visited the Media Harbour, and headed to the Rhine Tower overlooking the river. Despite misty weather limiting the views, it was still easy to see how green and well-planned the city is, with cycle paths running along the Rhine and plenty of open space.

From there, we walked along the Rhine promenade, passing cultural landmarks like the Apollo Theatre, before arriving at one of Düsseldorf’s highlights — the Christmas markets.

Unlike some cities, these markets feel genuinely authentic. Stalls vary from area to area, and there’s a real sense of tradition rather than repetition. With markets spread across the city, wandering between them becomes an experience in itself.

That evening, we enjoyed a ride on the Ferris wheel by the Rhine, offering beautiful views back over the river and the twinkling lights of the Old Town. Dinner followed at another local restaurant specialising in schnitzel, before strolling the markets with churros and glühwein in hand.

Day Three: Festive Fun & Farewell

The following day allowed us time to see more of why Düsseldorf works so well as a short break destination. It’s a fashion-forward city, home to high-end brands, but also deeply cultural — with several museums, strong Japanese influences in Little Tokyo, and lush green spaces. Visitors using the Visit Düsseldorf Card benefit from savings on attractions and transport, including free zoo entry.

Lunch at Wilma Wunder was a highlight — fresh, flavourful food and excellent wine. One thing I’d recommend is balancing sit-down meals with market snacks; the food is delicious but filling!

Later, we tried ice skating at the Christmas markets, set around a beautiful fountain by the river — incredibly picturesque. Warm drinks followed, watching skaters (and a few slips!) from the sidelines.

Our final dinner took place in a glass-fronted restaurant in the Old Town, overlooking the Ferris wheel and the castle tower — a perfect closing view. The trip ended, fittingly, with one last rooftop drink and reflections on just how welcoming and easy Düsseldorf feels.

Why I’d Recommend Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is ideal for:

A festive city break

A first-time Christmas market experience

Pairing with a Rhine river cruise

Travellers who want culture, food, shopping, and walkability without crowds

Easy transport, excellent food, and a relaxed but lively atmosphere make this a city I’d confidently recommend — and one I’d happily return to.