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Discover the best neighborhoods in Düsseldorf
a thriving German business city that offers a high quality of living and plenty of culture
By Gary Buswell
The capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia state, Düsseldorf, is one of Germany’s international business and financial centers known for its trade fairs. It’s also one of Germany’s top cities for quality of life
so it’s unsurprising that many expats choose to relocate here
Discover what Düsseldorf offers and which neighborhoods are best for internationals to move to
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Often referred to as the “pearl on the Rhine,” Düsseldorf is a thriving and international city in Germany’s west. As of December 2021, about a quarter of its residents were expats
undoubtedly drawn in by the city’s job opportunities and great international schools
From its humble beginnings as a village around 800 CE
Düsseldorf has blossomed into one of Germany’s key economic hubs
home to major national and international companies in finance
The city’s six universities attract a diverse range of international students throughout the year
There are ten districts in Düsseldorf
These include buzzing inner city areas and more peaceful and green suburban parts. Big attractions include Altstadt (Old Town)
the pretty Königsallee shopping boulevard
and the 240-meter-high Rheinturm telecommunications tower
According to Numbeo, the monthly living costs for a single person in 2024, excluding rent
Interestingly, Düsseldorf has the largest Japanese community in Germany. The city has around 8,400 Japanese nationals and 400 Japanese companies
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy in Düsseldorf
there are plenty of avenues for searching for suitable accommodation
These include using a professional estate agent (makler)
exploring the many property portals available
and utilizing local networks connected to the city – for example
ensure they are registered and have a trade permit (Gewerbeerlaubnis) from the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also
ask for a list of potential fees upfront so you don’t receive a surprising invoice later
Finding housing online is one of the most popular modern methods
Good sites for accommodation in Düsseldorf include:
For further support, the City of Düsseldorf website has a section (in German) with useful housing information
Düsseldorf has various types of accommodation available
These include individual townhouses and apartments within larger buildings
Rented accommodation is typically unfurnished as standard
although there are plenty of companies that supply furnished or serviced apartments.
Homes in Düsseldorf typically consist of a living room (Wohnzimmer)
and between one and three bedrooms (Schlafzimmer)
while some apartments on higher floors have balconies
Renting is common in Düsseldorf as it is across Germany, especially for those moving to the city who usually want to settle in first before thinking about buying a place. Germany has the lowest homeownership rates within the EU, with less than half of inhabitants (49.1%) owning their homes
Many rentals are available in Düsseldorf, although competition can be fierce as it is a popular city to move to. Prices are slightly above German national averages. Using 2024 prices
Once you find a place to rent in Düsseldorf
you typically have to pay a deposit – around three months’ rent – and provide necessary documentation such as photo ID and proof of income
Your landlord should give you a tenancy agreement or contract that details the rights and responsibilities of both parties
You can buy a place in Düsseldorf if you prefer
Expats who move to Germany are not restricted from purchasing property
although getting a mortgage can sometimes be more challenging.
As with renting, prices in Düsseldorf are slightly more expensive than average when buying property. Here are the average costs as of May 2024:
It’s worth noting that there are a number of property websites, such as Engel & Völkers
where you can check current property prices in Düsseldorf and other German cities
Real estate guide: buying a house in Germany
Düsseldorf consists of ten districts (stadtbezirke) that subdivide into 50 neighborhoods (stadtteile)
Districts 2–3 are also fairly central
District 4 is the only district on the west side of the Rhine
Districts 5–6 are in the north of the city
Düsseldorf’s public transport system connects all of these districts and neighborhoods. Hoodmaps provides information on the different city areas.
Sitting on the eastern bank of the Rhine and consisting of six neighborhoods, Central Düsseldorf is District 1 (in German) and the city’s inner borough
It’s the most lively part of Düsseldorf – and contains some of the most expensive accommodation – but also has some quieter
Like most city centers, it’s very multicultural and popular with younger demographics with a disposable income and a hunger for the night-time culture. Altstadt (Old Town) is known informally as the ‘longest bar in the world’ due to having around 260 bars
and restaurants within half a square kilometer
including the gothic Basilika St Lambertus Church and the Kom(m)ödchen cabaret theater
Meanwhile, Stadtmitte (city center) is where you’ll find Königsallee (often called Kö) and the Japanese quarter
which is filled with great Asian restaurants
the small but picturesque Carlstadt has a village feel with its cobbled streets and antique shops
There is a daily outdoor market where you can buy German and European foods.
You can find slightly cheaper housing on the outskirts. Derendorf is the most affordable central neighborhood
with residential complexes built on former industrial land
It’s also the base for big global companies such as L’Oreal and TK Maxx.
Pempelfort is the city’s arts and culture hub
with numerous museums and Jägerhof Castle
The University of Applied Sciences is also here
making it a popular place for students.
Finally, Golzheim is known for its fashion exhibitions and trade fairs
Its Rheinpark waterside park (in German) has also made it a mecca for water sports enthusiasts.
Only a short commute from the center, Düsseltal is one of three neighborhoods in District 2
It has a fair amount of green space and some lovely residential areas where you can find cool apartments
It’s a popular neighborhood for families looking for somewhere a bit quieter but with good connections
is one of the most beautiful parks in Düsseldorf
such as Rethelstrasse and Ackerstrasse
Families with children can take advantage of excellent facilities
The neighborhood also boasts high-quality schools
ensuring a well-rounded education for your children.
Prices are a tad on the high side because this is one of the city’s most sought-after parts.
The most populous neighborhood in Düsseldorf, Bilk sits in District 3 and can lay claim to being one of the city’s coolest quarters
Its residents include many expats and students – Heinrich Heine University is based here
In addition to having some top-rated international restaurants
Bilk has a vibrant nightlife and a buzzing underground scene
It’s the place to come if you’re into independent cinema or leftfield jazz.
Understandably, there is competition over living space in Bilk. It’s a popular neighborhood for young professionals and artsy types. However, housing and living costs are slightly cheaper than in the inner city
One of the most famous streets is Die Karolinger
which has a charming canal running down the middle
Other attractions in the area are the Rheinturm
and the Alt St Martin Kirche (the city’s oldest church).
The Oberkassel neighborhood is on the left bank of the Rhine, one of four District 4 zones
It’s one of the more affluent – and therefore expensive – parts of Düsseldorf featuring some spectacular art nouveau architecture and luxury family housing.
and its Luegallee shopping area is perfect if you’re after high-end boutique brands
Separated from the rest of the city by the Rhine
it’s within easy reach of the city center
You can even walk there via the Oberkassel Bridge
if it’s a high-quality life you’re looking for
you could do worse than moving to Oberkassel
To the north of Oberkassel on Düsseldorf’s west bank
Niederkassel is another charming and picturesque neighborhood where many expats have chosen to settle
Niederkassel is the location of the Japanese International School
A beautiful Japanese garden is also popular with tourists and is the only Japanese Buddhist temple in Europe.
Niederkassel also has a fair number of English-speaking residents
There is a movie theater here that shows English-language films
Although you can find some appealing family homes with gardens here
In Düsseldorf’s most northern District 5
Kaiserswerth is the oldest neighborhood in the city
The Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz)
Much of the architecture from older periods has been retained
There is a pretty small town market on the Lower Rhine that attracts tourists as well as locals.
Kaiserswerth is a draw for expats moving to Düsseldorf
It provides a nice mix of pleasant surroundings
good transport links to the city
These include good schools, banks
It was in these parts that Florence Nightingale once studied
There are also many good restaurants and beer gardens offering great views of the Rhine.
The smallest and most westerly neighborhood of Düsseldorf’s eastern District 7
Grafenberg sits at the foot of the forest of the same name
The surrounding green space and availability of relaxing sports activities such as golf
and tennis make this a haven for retirees
A big retirement home sits on the former site of the Jan Wellem Spring
Grafenberg is also a target for those looking for affordable properties
Much modern housing was built here in the late 20th century
The area’s central hub is the Staufenplatz
the market square that hosts events such as circuses
Also known as Medienhafen (Media Harbor)
this rivals Bilk for the hippest neighborhood in Düsseldorf
and they’re right next door to one another
It has become a national media giant (hence the name) where you can find various advertising agencies, TV stations
the modernist housing is sparse and expensive. It’s one of the priciest neighborhoods in the city
the area attracts a young and trendy crowd.
Down in the leavy southern Düsseldorf suburbs of District 9
Himmelgeist is the place to head to if you fancy a bit of countryside life with easy access to the city center
Its name translates to “heaven spirit,” and there’s a tranquil atmosphere around these parts.
Himmelgeist provides affordable riverside village living for expats wanting a quiet life
meaning it’s an excellent area to find spacious detached housing with garden space
If you have a family with children or pets and want plenty of nearby open space
All parts of Düsseldorf are friendly, but some of the outer districts have parts with smaller concentrations of foreign residents. Therefore, there will be more emphasis on learning German and integrating it into the culture.
crime rates are higher in busier areas such as the city center
Small crimes such as pickpocketing will always be more common in areas with more tourists
avoiding areas like Stadtmitte and Altstadt might be better
If you experience or witness any criminal activity in Düsseldorf, you should contact the local police immediately.
Finding the right part of Düsseldorf to move to requires some research
It will largely depend on what you’re looking for
do you want to be somewhere vibrant and central or would you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle
Do you want to live close to other expats who speak the same language as you or immediately immerse yourself into a German community
Do you drive or rely on public transportation to get around
These questions will dictate your accommodation search to some extent
Once you’ve worked out what you want
Gary has been freelancing for Expatica since 2016
An expert writer with experience in social research and community development
he focuses on topics such as politics and current affairs
Light rail vehicles like this one could be running between Bonn
Niederkassel and Cologne as early as eight years from now
Imagine: You get on the train in Rheidt-Süd or in Lülsdorf-Schulzentrum and travel directly to downtown Cologne or Bonn without changing trains
Within a few minutes you will be at your destination
If things go according to the ideas of the planners of the Rhein-Sieg district
"At the earliest," as it says in a detailed paper to the political bodies
The current status for the planning of the Bonn-Niederkassel-Köln light rail system
commonly known as the right bank of the Rhine
has already been presented in the Cologne Regional Council and the Niederkassel Transport Committee
which includes a bridge connection to the left bank of the Rhine
is expected to cost around 490 million Euro
Should the project receive funding from the federal programme under the Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG) and also be included in the public transport requirements plan and the corresponding infrastructure financing plan for NRW
the entire measure could be subsidised by 95 percent
the prerequisite for this is that the variant with the highest benefit-cost factor is chosen
the benefit-cost study had to be proven independently of the Rhine bypass planned as a highway crossing
but different framework conditions have to be taken into account - especially since the autobahn has more of a large-scale traffic benefit and the light rail system can be planned much more flexibly due to its narrower route width
a tunnel solution is favoured for the Rheinspange between the A555 and A59
while a bridge solution is basically being pursued for the railroad
the planners and experts see the so-called North 2 variant as the best solution
This would connect the Rhine bank railroad between Sürth and Godorf
Since the port expansion in Godorf was permanently discarded by council resolution of the city of Cologne in September 2019
the route could be planned directly next to the current port area
The planners see many advantages in the realisation of this Rhine bank railroad
Not only do around 60,000 people live in this axis between Cologne-Langel and Bonn-Beuel
many of whom (them?) commute to work in Cologne or Bonn
the population of Niederkassel alone has increased by about 50 percent
and due to the tight housing market in Cologne and Bonn
a further increase in the number of inhabitants is to be expected on this stretch of the Rhine
"Considerable traffic shift effects can therefore be expected with a light rail system," they say
there is already an existing line operated by Rhein-Sieg Verkehrsgesellschaft (RSVG)
which is currently used by the Evonik plant in Lülsdorf for freight traffic
there is a project by DB Netz AG to build a new freight siding between Lülsdorf and the rail line near Cologne-Wahn
this existing line can be used completely for light rail operations
The plan is to double-track this existing rail over a length of around 6.8 kilometres between Niederkassel-Mondorf and Lülsdorf
Ranzel and Lülsdorf could thus be optimally connected to the railroad
In order to then connect the railroad directly to Bonn's light rail network
a new line around 5.6 kilometres long would have to be built between Bonn-Beuel and Mondorf
The Siegaue nature reserve would not be affected because the route would run parallel to the L169 state road
the route would only be largely single-track over this length of around 2.8 kilometres instead of an existing bus lane
it is planned to run the railroad on two tracks again in the centre of the L16 state road
At the intersection of Sankt Augustiner Strasse and Niederkasseler Strasse
the tracks can be connected to the existing line 66
The Bonn villages of Geislar and Schwarzrheindorf would also benefit from this light rail system with their own stops
The gap to Cologne could be closed in two ways: either via a Rhine bridge to the left side of the Rhine and a connection to the light rail lines 16/17 of the Cologne Transport Authority (KVB) or to the low-floor light rail line 7 in Cologne-Zündorf
would mean a significantly shorter travel time to downtown Cologne
It would also allow the trains to be integrated into the uniform high-floor system of Bonn and Cologne at the same time
The first option also means a much higher benefit-cost factor
The operating concept envisages an extended light rail line 17 from Cologne-Sürth via Niederkassel to Bonn main station
this solution would benefit 12,500 outbound commuters and around 3,301 inbound commuters
The passenger volume on this entire route would be enormous
Uncertainties: A route determination for the freight connection line can only be made after the line determination of the Rheinspange 553
The planners must also take into account a planned high-speed bicycle path of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia between Cologne and Bonn on the right side of the Rhine
This must be taken into account for the route planning of the light rail system
this bridge would not be wide enough for joint use by individual traffic
a double-track light rail line and the high-speed bicycle path
the structure will have to be renewed anyway
Further planning is to take place at the beginning of 2022
followed by the planning approval procedure
all the municipalities concerned must pass political resolutions
the planning approval could be available in 2026
Tenders would then be invited and construction would start in 2027
The first train would then be put on the line in 2029 at the earliest
(Original text: Dylan Cem Akalin / Translation: Mareike Graepel)
The project involves the construction of a new light rail link on the right bank of the Rhine between Cologne and Bonn via Niederkassel
The existing rail line operated by the Rhein-Sieg-Verkehrsgesellschaft (RSVG) between Mondorf and Lülsdorf will be converted for light rail operation and connected to the Cologne and Bonn light rail networks via three new gaps
The total length of the new line sections is around 21.3 kilometres
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Some places in and around Bonn allow you to pick your own strawberries
visitors can pick their own certified organic strawberries starting June 3
The farm announces the dates for each week on its website
At the Engels farm location in Niederkassel-Rheidt
harvesting is expected to be possible starting in August
Schneiders Obsthof also allows you to pick your own strawberries in the field
Other farms offer freshly picked strawberries from their own cultivation in their farm stores or at sales stands in and around Bonn
An overview is provided by the NRW Chamber of Agriculture at Landservice.de
This is a listing that does not claim to be complete. It is also not a ranking. The order is arbitrary. Is a strawberry field missing from the listing? Send us an email to online@ga.de
There are many carnival parades and parties in and around Bonn
The carnival season is already in full swing and the first carnival parades will soon be making their way through Bonn and the surrounding towns
After the storming of the town hall on Weiberfastnacht
the so-called fifth season finally reaches its climax and there will be plenty of parties on the carnival days
There are more than 30 parties from Weiberfastnacht to Rosenmontag in Bonn alone
Some of them include fancy dress competitions
>>> You can find an overview of the parties in Bonn in this article (in German)
the street carnival started with the Geisterzug ("Ghost Parade") in Graurheindorf on Friday
The carnival hustle and bustle reaches its climax ten days later with the big Rosenmontag parade in Bonn city centre
>>> You can find all 2024 carnival parades in Bonn in this article <<<
The first carnival parade on the Rhine and Sieg will take place in Siegburg-Brückberg on Sunday
The street carnival ends with the parades on Rosenmontag
>>> All carnival parades in Siegburg, Sankt Augustin, Niederkassel, Troisdorf and Hennef can be found in this article <<<
Six carnival parades are on the programme in Wachtberg in 2024
>>> You can find all carnival processions in Wachtberg in this article <<<
Meckenheim and Swisttal are scheduled between Saturday
>>> All carnival processions in Rheinbach, Meckenheim and Swisttal can be found in this article <<<
From the children's carnival parade in Bornheim-Sechtem to the Veilchendienstag parade in Alfter-Ort: There are numerous parades in Bornheim and Alfter
>>> You can find all carnival parades in Alfter and Bornheim in this article <<<
Carnival revellers will also be parading through the streets in the Siebengebirge region this session
https://www.kamelle.de/narren-news/koenigswinter/bad-honnef-und-koenigswinter-alle-karnevalszuege-2024_aid-42724287
Remagen or Sinzig: there are plenty of parades along the Ahr this year
>>> You can find all carnival processions in the Ahrweiler district in this article <<<