The vibrant heart of Dusseldorf’s historic old town pulsates with life all year round.
The modern city of Dusseldorf grew up around the Marktplatz, the centre of urban life from the 14th century to the present day. This picturesque market square in the heart of the old town (Altstadt) is easy to explore on foot.
The impressive Baroque and Neo-Renaissance buildings that make up the City Hall (Rathaus) dominate two sides of the square. The clock tower which is a prominent feature of the façade dates back to the 16th century, while the ornate Rococo touches were added by the famous German architect Johann Joseph Couven in 1749.
Walk to the middle of the square for a closer look at the splendid statue of Johann Wilhelm II on his horse, the work of Italian-Flemish sculptor Gabriel de Grupello. Close by you will find a smaller statue of a young boy, designed by Willi Hoselmann in 1932. The “Cast Boy” was inspired by the story that Grupello, short of metal for his ambitious monument, sent a young apprentice to ask the citizens for donations of cutlery and coins. He was so successful that Grupello was able to finish the statue.
The Marktplatz comes alive at carnival season, which runs from early November to Ash Wednesday. The festivities kick off each year at 11.11 a.m. on 11 November, when the jester character known as the Hoppeditz is awoken for another season. The streets are filled with beer tents and food stalls and the noisy party goes on into the small hours.
In the run-up to Christmas the square is transformed by the twinkling lights of the traditional Christmas market. From late November until the end of December you can enjoy mulled wine and spicy gingerbread, hot soup and sizzling sausages while watching local artisans at work and listening to live music. There’s a colourful carousel for the little ones and a huge Christmas tree, as well as a variety of stalls selling unusual gifts, handmade decorations and local delicacies.
Marktplatz is a short walk from the Hofgarten and the shopping district of Königsallee. The nearest tram and metro station is Heinrich-Heine-Allee.
