Duisburg Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Duisburg. Read our travel guide to learn more!


Introduction to Duisburg

Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, Duisburg is a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, industrial heritage, and natural beauty. It is part of the Ruhr region, a unique cultural landscape that includes 53 cities and townships that have come together to form a “European Capital of Culture”.

From stunning museums and historical landmarks to scenic hiking and biking trails, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Duisburg. It is an ideal destination for both tourists who want to explore Germany’s rich cultural history and those who seek outdoor adventures.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through some of the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Duisburg.

List of Places to Visit in Duisburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Duisburg Inner Harbor

The Duisburg Inner Harbor is a stunning example of urban renewal and transformation. Once an industrial center, it has been converted into a vibrant cultural and recreational hub that attracts visitors from across the globe. The harbor is home to numerous museums, shops, and restaurants and is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening relaxing by the water.

Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord

Located in the former Meiderich Ironworks, the Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord is a stunning example of repurposed industrial wasteland. The park features a wide range of attractions, including an adventure playground, a climbing wall, and an outdoor cinema.

Museum Küppersmühle

Housed in a beautifully restored 1908 building, the Museum Küppersmühle is the place to be if you’re a fan of modern art. The museum’s impressive collection includes works by some of the most famous artists of the past century, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Gerhard Richter.

Natural Attractions of Duisburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Six-Seen-Platte

The Six-Seen-Platte is a scenic lake district located just outside of Duisburg. It is a popular destination for hiking and biking, with dozens of trails winding through the beautiful landscape. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and eagles.

Walsum Power Plant

Located on the banks of the Rhine River, the Walsum Power Plant is a spectacular example of industrial architecture. The power plant features a large observation deck that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Duisburg

Duisburg is home to a number of scenic hiking and biking routes, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s natural beauty up close. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The Rhein-Ruhr-Radweg (Rhine-Ruhr cycle path)
  • The Emscher Park cycle trail
  • The Ruhr valley cycle route

Best Things to Do in Duisburg: Activities and Tours

In addition to the attractions listed above, Duisburg is home to a wide range of activities and tours that allow visitors to experience the city in new and exciting ways. Some of the best options include:

  • A guided tour of the Duisburg Inner Harbor
  • A boat tour of the Rhine River
  • A visit to the Zoo Duisburg, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world
  • A trip to the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a former industrial site turned park

Week-Long Itinerary for Duisburg

Day 1: Explore the Duisburg Inner Harbor

Day 2: Visit the Museum Küppersmühle

Day 3: Hike or bike through the Six-Seen-Platte lake district

Day 4: Take a boat tour of the Rhine River

Day 5: Visit the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord

Day 6: Go to the Zoo Duisburg

Day 7: Buff up your knowledge on industrial culture by exploring Museum der Deutschen Binnenschifffahrt (Museum of Inland Shipping)

Food and Drink Scene of Duisburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pfefferpotthast: a hearty beef stew that is a specialty of the Ruhr region
  • Halve Hahn: a traditional German snack that consists of rye bread, cheese, and mustard
  • Reibekuchen: a type of potato pancake that is commonly eaten as a snack or side dish

Local Beverages

  • Altbier: a dark beer that is brewed using traditional methods in the nearby city of Düsseldorf
  • Killepitsch: a local liqueur that is made from 90 different herbs and spices

Where to Stay in Duisburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Duisburg offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Plaza Duisburg: a centrally-located hotel that offers comfortable rooms and great amenities
  • Jugendherberge Duisburg Landschaftspark: a youth hostel located in the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
  • Ferienwohnung Wilhelmi: a spacious guesthouse located in the heart of the city

What to Buy in Duisburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex: a handcrafted model of the famous Zollverein Coal Mine
  • Krupp-Stahl: a pocket knife with a handle made from steel from the Krupp steelworks
  • Korn: a type of schnapps that is made from rye and is a popular local beverage

Local Culture and Customs of Duisburg

Duisburg is known for its friendly and welcoming locals. Germans in general are punctual, polite, and dress conservatively. When greeting someone in Duisburg, it is customary to shake hands and make direct eye contact.

Best Time to Visit Duisburg

The best time to visit Duisburg is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating on the Rhine River.

Do’s and Don’ts of Duisburg

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including Pfefferpotthast and Halve Hahn
  • Explore the city’s industrial heritage
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces
  • Be rude or inconsiderate to locals
  • Wear revealing clothing in places of worship or conservative areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Duisburg

Duisburg is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. Visitors should take the same precautions they would in any other large city, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Duisburg

Duisburg has a well-functioning health system, with several hospitals and medical centers located throughout the city. Travelers should ensure they have adequate health insurance before arriving, as medical expenses can be high in Germany.

Getting to Duisburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Duisburg

The closest airport to Duisburg is the Düsseldorf International Airport, which is located just 20 minutes away by train. Other nearby airports include the Cologne/Bonn Airport and the Dortmund Airport.

Bus Stations Near Duisburg

The central bus station in Duisburg is located near the city center, and offers connections to other cities in the region.

Other Options

Duisburg is well-connected by train, with several high-speed trains running through the city each day.

How to Get Around in Duisburg

Duisburg has a reliable and efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. Visitors can purchase a WelcomeCard to enjoy unlimited travel on public transportation and discounts on attractions.

Where to Go Next from Duisburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Duisburg is located in the heart of the Ruhr region, a unique cultural landscape that includes dozens of other cities and townships. Nearby destinations worth exploring include:

  • Essen: a city known for its culinary scene and cultural heritage
  • Düsseldorf: a bustling metropolis that is home to some of Germany’s best shopping and nightlife
  • Münster: a historic university town with a vibrant cultural scene

Conclusion

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and vibrant city to explore, Duisburg has something for everyone. With its stunning museums, scenic hiking and biking trails, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that Duisburg has become one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Duisburg!

Disused furnace at the former Meiderich steel mill, now landscape park Disused furnace at the former Meiderich steel mill, now landscape park Tiger & Turtle—Magic Mountain landscape sculpture, a modern landmark of Duisburg Tiger & Turtle—Magic Mountain landscape sculpture, a modern landmark of Duisburg Duisburg Hauptbahnhof Duisburg Hauptbahnhof The Lehmbruck Museum holds an acclaimed collection of modern sculpture The Lehmbruck Museum holds an acclaimed collection of modern sculpture Inner Harbour (Innenhafen) with Museum Küppersmühle (left), Werhahnmühle (centre) and Explorado children's museum (right) Inner Harbour (Innenhafen) with Museum Küppersmühle (left), Werhahnmühle (centre) and Explorado children's museum (right) Dragonboat racing on the Innenhafen Dragonboat racing on the Innenhafen Theater Duisburg, housing the Deutsche Oper am Rhein (opera) and Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra Theater Duisburg, housing the Deutsche Oper am Rhein (opera) and Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra Walsumer Hof - a restaurant so old it is now heritage-protected! Walsumer Hof - a restaurant so old it is now heritage-protected!