At Dusseldorf’s City Hall, or Rathaus, you’ll find a complex of buildings that highlight architecture from three eras and a square in which to sit at a cafe and watch city life pass by. Originally built in the late 1500s, then redesigned in the 18th and 20th centuries, the City Hall sits in Marktplatz in the center of Dusseldorf’s Old Town. Architecture and history enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the complex’s different buildings. A good way to learn about them is on a free guided tour. Find more details on the official Dusseldorf Tourismus website.

On the northern side of Marktplatz is the old town hall. Renaissance architect H. Tussmann designed it in 1570. Its most prominent feature is the clock tower. German-born architect Johann Joseph Couven then redesigned the building in Baroque style in 1749. Look for his rococo portal and balcony. Check out the Grupello House, adjacent to the old town hall building. First constructed in 1706 and rebuilt in Neo-Renaissance style in the 1880s, today it serves as the Plenary Hall.

Don’t miss the equestrian statue of Johann Wilhelm II, which fronts the entrance to the City Hall. Its creator, Gabriel de Grupello, previously lived in the Grupello House.

Surrounding the City Hall is Marktplatz, a popular meeting point for residents of the city. Come in the summer months and enjoy a beer or coffee at the cafes’ outdoor seating areas. In winter, warm up with mulled wine while you shop for handicrafts at the Christmas market.

Located in the center of the Old Town, the City Hall is close to Dusseldorf’s main attractions. Hofgarten and the Rhine Promenade are both short walks away. Public transportation, such as the tram and metro, has stops nearby.

Visit the Dusseldorf Tourismus website for details of the City Hall’s opening hours.