Marktplatz, square in Düsseldorf, Germany
Marktplatz is a central square in Düsseldorf’s old town, shaped like a near-square of roughly fifty meters per side and framed by old buildings on all four edges. It is bordered by the city hall complex to the west and north, with a row of shops and eateries along the eastern side.
The square appeared in records in 1392 after the town expanded and needed a new market area. In 1544, city leaders moved into a building here, and in the early 1500s a follower of Martin Luther preached and debated at a nearby inn.
The name reflects its past role as a trading spot, and that memory continues through small festive markets and outdoor gatherings held here at certain times of year. The raised statue in the middle serves as a common meeting point, while cafe terraces on the east side let you sit and watch the rhythm of the square.
Walking here from the Rhine promenade or nearby art museum is simple, and the flat stone paving makes the square easy to cross on foot. Go on a weekday morning if you prefer fewer people, since the space is often busiest during festivals and holiday gatherings.
Though it no longer holds daily markets, the square keeps a quiet link to its trading past through short-lived seasonal stalls. Many visitors miss that the sides of the plaza are not quite equal, giving it a slightly irregular shape that changes how the surrounding buildings appear from each corner.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
