Is Dusseldorf Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Düsseldorf is a city in western Germany situated right on the river Rhine.

It is a mall, prosperous, easy-to-get-around city that resembles a town rather than a city in the traditional sense: the city itself has, even though it is the state capital, only 640.000 citizens.

However, it has some features of a big city, as an international airport with direct flights to LA, Chicago, Boston, Moscow, Abu Dabi, etc, one of the biggest Japanese enclaves outside Japan, international schools, etc.

You can live in the vibrant center, the Altstadt or one of the quieter suburbs like Benrath with a castle and park.

It’s an extremely safe city.

Warnings & Dangers in Dusseldorf

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Dusseldorf is very safe to travel to. Your biggest worry, when traveling to this city, should be the pickpockets and scammers. If you apply basic precaution rules, that should minimize the risk of something going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation and taxis are generally safe and reliable in Dusseldorf, but do be careful in public transport, as it's a place where pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any European city, there are pickpockets at popular tourist landmarks. Follow your common sense and remain vigilant at all times, especially in public transportation and at crowded stations.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

There is no particular threat of natural disasters in Dusseldorf, except for some earthquakes that happen now and then.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are low chances of getting mugged or kidnapped in Dusseldorf, although it is advised to remain cautious and avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and areas. If you find yourself in such a situation, hand over your belongings immediately.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There have been terrorist attacks in Germany's recent history, but, thankfully, they resulted in only a few casualties. The risk of a terrorist attack happening, therefore, applies to Dusseldorf, too. No tourists have been targeted, but extreme vigilance is advised.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any city, especially a top tourist destination, there is a risk of getting scammed. Be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Dusseldorf is very safe to travel to if you are a female traveling solo. Apart from a few general precaution rules you should apply, such as not walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas, not finding yourself in a strange company at night, etc, you can relax because Dusseldorf is very safe in this respect.

So... How Safe Is Dusseldorf Really?

Dusseldorf is generally as safe as other European cities of similar size.

Its crime rates are low and the law is strictly respected.

Pickpockets might be a more serious problem, like in many cities, so be street smart and keep your wallet close to your body, not in a backpack.

Violent crimes such as homicide, robberies, rape, or assaults are also not an issue in this country.

Avoid crowded places, and apply extreme precaution when in public transportation or on bus or railway stations (airports, too).

Even though it’s not a serious issue, be careful and avoid getting into altercations with aggressive beggars, should they cross your paths. Some beggars are organized in groups.

The only place where you can expect violence or crime would be the “Altstadt” tourist places at night on a weekend, where you might encounter drunken young male tourists out for a fight, local youths willing to fight, and petty criminals looking to relieve the drunken tourists of their valuables.

As for safer, quieter areas with gardens and parks, these are the Golzheim, Rath, Eller, Beneath, Underoath, and Derendorf areas.

These are very nice and safe neighborhoods, but much more residential and less touristy.

How Does Dusseldorf Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local German embassy for further details about your visa based on your nationality.

Currency

Euro is the official currency in Dusseldorf. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, in cities and towns, rarely in villages. Credit cards, however, are not widely accepted, only in larger establishments such as restaurants and hotels.

Weather

Dusseldorf has a moderate climate and has no longer periods of cold or hot weather, with warm summers and no dry season. The warm season lasts from May 27 to September 3, The cold season lasts from November 28 to February 29.

Airports

Düsseldorf Airport is the international airport of Düsseldorf. It is located about 7 km north of downtown Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf is the third largest airport in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Dusseldorf, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Dusseldorf Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Germany - Safety by City