8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Düsseldorf and Surrounding Cities

Day 1: Düsseldorf Exploration

Düsseldorf, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Eiscafé Rialto

Start your day with delicious pastries and strong coffee in this cozy café located near the city center.
Take a short walk from your accommodation.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Rheinturm

The iconic Rheinturm offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, perfect for the whole family.
Walk 15 minutes to the riverside and follow signs to Rheinturm.
EUR9, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Uerige Brewery

Taste authentic local cuisine and refreshing Altbier in this traditional Düsseldorf brewery, a family-friendly establishment.
A 10-minute walk from Rheinturm.
EUR40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through the Altstadt

Explore Düsseldorf’s Old Town filled with shops, galleries, and picturesque streets; a delightful place for children to enjoy outdoor activities.
10-minute walk from the brewery.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Museum Kunstpalast

Discover a wide collection of art in this family-friendly museum with activities and workshops for children.
A 15-minute walk from Altstadt.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at PÉGAZO

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at this vibrant restaurant, specializing in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, great for family dining.
15-minute tram ride (Line 707) from the museum.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Delights in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Oma's Küche

Savor delicious homemade breakfast options in a charming setting that feels like grandma’s dining room.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the K20, Kunstsammlung NRW

Featuring modern art, this museum offers family workshops on weekends for creative minds of all ages!
10-minute tram ride (Line U79) from the café.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Carlsplatz Market

Stroll through the market and sample local delicacies, including sausages and cheese; a fun tasting experience for the family.
15-minute tram ride (Line 703) back to the market.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum

Explore underwater worlds, live animal exhibits, and interactive displays that captivate children's imaginations.
15-minute tram ride (Line 703) from Carlsplatz.
EUR10, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Nordpark

Relax in this spacious park with playgrounds and Japanese gardens, perfect for letting kids run around while adults unwind.
10-minute walk from the aquarium.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hase Restaurant

Enjoy a family meal with seasonal dishes and organic ingredients, with vegetarian options for everyone.
15-minute walk from Nordpark.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Cologne

Cologne, Germany

7:30AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Schmidt

Start the day with freshly baked goods and local specialties at this popular bakery near the hotel.
Local tram to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Cologne

Take a short 30-minute train ride to beautiful Cologne; easy and comfortable for families.
Deutsche Bahn direct train from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
EUR20, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site; children will be amazed by the intricate architecture and stories of its construction.
15-minute walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Löwenbräukeller for Lunch

Family-friendly German restaurant where you can taste traditional dishes in a lively atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore the Chocolate Museum

Engage in an interactive chocolate experience where kids can learn about chocolate making and even enjoy a chocolate tasting!
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR12, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Cologne Zoo

End the day with entertaining wildlife experiences at one of Germany's oldest zoos with fun activities for children.
20-minute tram ride (Line 18) from the Chocolate Museum.
EUR16, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Brauhaus Sion

Wrap up the day by enjoying classic Kölsch dishes in a rustic setting that feels welcoming for families.
10-minute tram back to the city center.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Train back to Düsseldorf

Return to Düsseldorf, reflecting on a fun-filled day in Cologne.
Direct train to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
EUR20, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discover Bonn

Bonn, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Blum

Delight in a traditional German breakfast with fresh bread, meats, and cheeses at this charming café.
30-minute train ride from Düsseldorf to Bonn.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Beethoven House

Learn about the life of Beethoven at his birthplace, where interactive displays make the history come alive for children.
10-minute walk from the café.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Bonn Botanical Garden

Explore beautiful themed gardens; a great space for kids to enjoy nature and learn about plants.
15-minute walk from Beethoven House.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant im Kunstmuseum

Enjoy a scenic lunch with seasonal options surrounded by art; kids can appreciate the surroundings too.
10-minute walk from the botanical garden.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art

Experience contemporary art with engaging exhibits, ensuring an enriching experience for the family.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Rheinaue Park

A perfect location for kids to play and enjoy the outdoor adventures; you can even rent pedal boats on the lake!
30-minute walk or a short bus ride from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Santini

Finish the day with hearty pizza made with fresh ingredients in a family-friendly atmosphere.
15-minute bus ride to town.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Düsseldorf

Head back to your hotel with smiles and stories from a day of fun in Bonn.
Train back to Düsseldorf.
EUR20, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Trip to Essen

Essen, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Wiese

Start your day with delicious German pastries and coffee at this beloved local bakery.
Direct train from Düsseldorf to Essen.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Zollverein Coal Mine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take part in interactive exhibits that tell the story of coal mining—a fun and educational experience.
15-minute tram ride (Line 11) from the station.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Finca

A lovely café offering a variety of international dishes which the whole family can enjoy.
10-minute tram ride from Zollverein.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Grugapark

This large park has playgrounds, a petting zoo, and beautiful flower gardens, ensuring a great afternoon for the whole family.
20-minute tram ride from the café.
EUR7, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Ruhr Museum

A kid-friendly museum providing exciting exhibits about the region’s industrial history and its transformation over time.
15-minute walk from Grugapark.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Potato

Wrap up your day with a casual dinner focused on delicious potato dishes, sure to please selectors young and old.
15-minute walk to the train station.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Düsseldorf

Time to relax on the train journey back to Düsseldorf and enjoy cherished family memories.
Direct train from Essen to Düsseldorf.
EUR20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Excursion to Dortmund

Dortmund, Germany

7:30AM

Breakfast at Kaffeekommune

Start with artisanal coffee and snacks to fuel your day in Dortmund, at a café known for quality brews.
Train to Dortmund.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Westfalenpark

Enjoy exploring this expansive park featuring gardens, playgrounds, and an observation tower with beautiful views.
10-minute tram ride from the train station.
EUR8, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Restaurant Mondo

Savor a variety of international lunch dishes and kids’ options in a family-friendly environment.
15-minute tram ride from the park.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Discover the Dortmund Zoo

Explore the diverse wildlife and interactive exhibits at one of the oldest zoos in Germany—kids will love the petting zoo!
15-minute tram ride to the zoo.
EUR14, 2.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the German Football Museum

Learn all about the nation’s favorite sport and take part in interactive games; perfect for football fans of all ages.
20-minute tram ride from the zoo.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Batz:

Indulge in indulgent burgers and fries with vegetarian choices and a kids’ menu for happy faces around the table.
15-minute tram to the restaurant.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Train to Düsseldorf

Return to Düsseldorf while discussing what each family member enjoyed most about the day.
Direct train to Düsseldorf.
EUR20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Wuppertal Adventure

Wuppertal, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Moccafee

Fuel your day with delicious coffee and breakfast dishes, including fresh pastries, at this artsy café.
Train to Wuppertal.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Experience the Wuppertal Suspension Railway

Take a ride on this unique monorail for a thrilling view of the city from above, a highlight for all ages!
Short walk to the station from the café.
EUR6, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Wuppertal Zoo

Enjoy seeing a variety of animals in their natural habitats; the zoo is well known for its commitment to conservation.
15-minute walk from the railway stop.
EUR14, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Ibérica

Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at this family-friendly restaurant featuring a diverse menu for everyone.
15-minute walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Von der Heydt Museum

Explore art exhibitions in a cultural setting; the museum often has kid-friendly workshops and lessons.
15-minute tram ride from the restaurant.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Enjoy a walk in the Hardt Park

Relax and unwind in this lovely park with play areas and beautiful walking paths, a favorite among local families.
20-minute tram ride from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Steakhaus

Conclude your day at a family-friendly steakhouse where you can enjoy grilled meats with a convivial atmosphere.
15-minute tram ride to the restaurant.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Train back to Düsseldorf

Reflect on your Wuppertal adventure while heading back to your hotel.
Direct train back to Düsseldorf.
EUR20, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Final Day in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast at St. Vith

Start your last morning with a delightful breakfast that includes freshly squeezed juices and hearty options.
Local tram to the café.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Japanese Garden

Experience tranquility in this beautiful garden area; kids will have fun exploring the pathways and observing koi fish.
30-minute tram ride to the garden.
EUR5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Langenfeld

Enjoy a comforting lunch in a bright and friendly café, where kids’ menus are available.
15-minute tram ride from the garden.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Düsseldorf’s Media Harbor

Stroll along this vibrant waterfront area showcasing contemporary architecture, ideal for photo opportunities and family bonding.
20-minute tram ride to the harbor.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pizzaboy

Conclude your trip with pizza that is loved by both kids and adults alike, perfect for your final meal in Düsseldorf.
Short tram ride from the harbor.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Last Moments in Düsseldorf

Take in the sights as you reflect on the wonderful adventures of your trip before heading back to your accommodation.
Walk back to your hotel.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability