Burgplatz is a riverside square in the heart of Düsseldorf’s Altstadt, where the old town opens onto the Rhine. Its defining landmark is the Schlossturm, or Castle Tower, the surviving remnant of a palace that once stood here and was largely destroyed by fire in 1872. The castle’s origins reach back to the Middle Ages, though the tower was altered over the centuries.
Today, the tower houses the Schifffahrt-Museum, which explores the history of shipping and navigation on the Rhine. Outside, the broad square is a natural stopping point between the Altstadt’s narrow streets and the Rheinuferpromenade. The river steps are a good place to pause and watch boats pass, particularly in the late afternoon when the light softens across the water.
Burgplatz is a short walk from Heinrich-Heine-Allee U-Bahn station and easy to combine with a stroll through the old town. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter look at the square, or come in the evening for a livelier riverside atmosphere; weekends can be busy thanks to the nearby pub quarter. Check the museum’s opening hours before visiting, especially if you’re planning to go on a Monday.