At the Dusseldorf Hafen you can visit Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and visit some the city’s most intriguing buildings. Originally this was a shipping and trading dock in the early 19th century, but the harbor’s warehouses stood derelict until the late 1900s when media and gastronomy companies gave it a new look. Also known as the Medienhafen (Media Harbor), today the district is one of Dusseldorf’s most modernized areas.

Take time to admire the harbor’s buildings. Famous architects, including Canadian Frank O. Gehry and Englishman David Chipperfield, designed them. The most prominent building is Gehry’s Der Neue Zollhof. Architecture fans will enjoy taking photos of its asymmetric leaning and twisting towers.

Go to the observation deck of the Rhine Tower to enjoy views of the city and Rhine River. Have dinner at the rotating restaurant. From the outside look for the world’s largest decimal clock created by Horst H. Baumann. Find the restaurant and viewing deck opening times on the tower’s official website.

The Dusseldorf Hafen places an important emphasis on gastronomy. You’ll find a large concentration of restaurants, bistros, and bars located on Kaistrasse. Berens am Kai is a Michelin-starred restaurant. Come here to try its famous curry sausage.

A good way to learn about the harbor is on a guided tour. Join a photo tour and discover the best spots to take pictures of the historic and post-modern architecture. Foodies will enjoy the Gastro-Rally tour, which visits a selection of the harbor’s restaurants. Alternatively, join a boat tour and see the harbor from the Rhine River. Check the Medienhafen’s official website for tour times and prices.

Located at the southern end of the Rhine Promenade, Dusseldorf Hafen is a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. Pay-and-display parking is available nearby. Public transportation, such as the metro or tram, is a cheaper option. Alternatively, it is a 30-minute walk from the city center.