North Rhine Westphalia, Germany
Telekom (D1 network) generally holds the best coverage and speed. Vodafone (D2 network) also has good coverage. O2 (Telefonica network) grows its coverage and often has the cheapest plans.
Free Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, public libraries, and at Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and Hauptbahnhof.
Language: German is the official language. English finds wide speaking, particularly by younger generations, in tourist areas, hotels, and larger shops. For longer stays or deeper immersion, consider language learning tools like Rosetta Stone.
A few basic phrases can smooth your interactions and bring appreciation from locals.
Even a few German phrases earn appreciation and smooth interactions with locals.
Discover typical operating hours and how holidays influence services in Düsseldorf.
Shops: Generally open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Smaller boutiques may close earlier. Most shops remain closed on Sundays.
Supermarkets: Typically open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM. They also close on Sundays.
Restaurants: Hours vary. Lunch service usually runs from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Dinner service starts around 6:00 PM. Cafes/Bakeries open early.
Banks: Generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Some branches may pause for lunch. Limited Saturday hours are rare.
Some smaller, independent businesses may close for a few weeks during summer holidays (July/August).
Public holidays bring about closures for most businesses; confirm schedules beforehand to avoid disruption.
Grasping local customs and appropriate conduct enriches your travel experience.
Greeting: 'Guten Tag' (good day), 'Guten Morgen' (good morning), or 'Guten Abend' (good evening). Use 'Sie' (the formal 'you') for strangers, older individuals, or those in authority. 'Hallo' (hello) and 'Tschüss' (bye) among friends, family, younger people. Use 'du' (informal 'you') here.
Photography: Generally fine in public spaces. Be respectful. Ask permission before close-up photos of individuals, especially children. Check signs for rules in private property/museums; flash often prohibited.
Germans often communicate directly, which other cultures might see as blunt. It usually aims for clarity, not rudeness. Germans generally prefer a bit more personal space.
Dress modestly when visiting churches, making certain shoulders and knees are covered. Maintain quiet and respectful behavior, especially during services.
Düsseldorf makes efforts to enhance accessibility for travelers with various needs.
Many public buildings, museums, and larger shops have wheelchair access. Newer U-Bahn stations and trams design with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, lifts, and low floors.
Attractions: The Rheinturm, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K20/K21), Museum Kunstpalast, and Aquazoo are largely accessible. Verify individual attraction websites for details on ramps, elevators, and specific facilities.
Public transport announcements feature both visual displays and audible announcements.
Early planning and communication with service providers can significantly aid travel for specific needs.
Düsseldorf works to make its offerings available to all travelers, with ongoing enhancements to accessibility.
