Things To Do
in Neuss

Neuss sits on the Rhine opposite Düsseldorf, with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The historic Altstadt features half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and the impressive Quirinus Church. The city blends a charming old-town feel with modern shopping, dining, and riverfront spots.

It's a convenient base for exploring the Rhine-Ruhr region, with easy access to nearby Düsseldorf and Cologne.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of Neuss, taking in the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings. Make your way to the St. Quirinus Church, where you can admire its stunning Gothic features and learn about its rich history.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Clemens Sels Museum to explore its impressive collection of art and artifacts that showcase the city's cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can indulge in traditional German cuisine. Afterward, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Rhine River, enjoying the scenic views and the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the town square for a delightful dinner at one of the local eateries. Experience the lively ambiance as you dine outdoors, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Neuss. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the charm of the city at night.

day 2
Art and Culture Exploration
morning
:

Begin your morning with a visit to the Kunsthaus NRW, where you can immerse yourself in contemporary art exhibitions. Enjoy a coffee break at the museum's café, reflecting on the thought-provoking pieces you’ve just seen. Take some time to browse the gift shop for unique art-related souvenirs.

afternoon
:

After lunch, engage in a guided walking tour of Neuss, focusing on its artistic heritage and the stories behind its murals and sculptures. Visit local galleries and studios to meet artists and gain insight into their creative processes. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to the historic Neuss town hall, where you can admire its impressive architecture.

evening
:

As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional dishes for a delicious dinner. Enjoy local wines as you discuss the day’s artistic discoveries with your companions. If you're in the mood for entertainment, check out any local theater productions or live music events happening in the city.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/tea$3-5
🥖Lunch sandwich or bakery item$6-10
🚌Public transit ticket (one-way)$2-3
🎬Movie ticket$9-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable old town with river views
  • Good access to Düsseldorf and Cologne for day trips
  • Strong Rhine-Ruhr regional cuisine and breweries
  • Family-friendly with parks and museums
  • Less nightlife variety compared to larger cities
  • Smaller city feel may feel quiet for some travelers
  • Weather can be changeable with frequent rain
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like... (to order)
  • "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The check, please.

Places to Visit in Neuss

Visit one of these nice places.

Quirinus Church and Marktplatz

Iconic medieval church with a grand façade, best photographed from the Marktplatz and the surrounding cobbled streets.

Rhine Promenade

Wide river views, boats, and sunsets perfect for long exposure and skyline shots.

Hafen Neuss

Harbor area with industrial textures and waterfront views, especially at blue hour.

Stadtwald Neuss (City Forest)

Green spaces and walking paths offering nature portraits and seasonal color.

Culinary Guide

Food in Neuss

Neuss sits in the Rhine-Ruhr region, where hearty Rhineland cooking meets modern dining. Expect seasonal produce, sausage and potato dishes, and regional beers or regional wine selections.

Neuss Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Himmel un Äd

A classic West German dish of mashed potatoes and apple sauce, often served with black pudding or sausage.

Must-Try!

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

Marinated beef roast in a tangy gravy, typically served with red cabbage and dumplings.

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

Kale with sausage (Pinkel), a hearty winter staple in the Rhineland.

Reibekuchen with applesauce

Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce, a popular street-food snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Neuss Wochenmarkt am Marktplatz

A seasonal market on the main square offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties.

Hafenviertel Street Food Alleys

Lively food stalls near the harbor offering quick bites, currywurst, pretzels and seasonal snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Neuss has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, so layering is wise.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite hello and a handshake; address by the title and last name until invited to use first names.

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and reservations; reserve for business and social events.

Dining Etiquette

Keep hands visible on the table; wait to start until everyone is served; say please and thank you.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good; use common sense in crowded areas and at night. Watch pockets in crowded places and keep valuables secure.

Tipping in Neuss

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping of 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and bars; rounding up is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; EC cards are popular; some small vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with pleasant evenings; occasional rain showers; ideal for river walks and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; good for city strolls and harvest meals.

Winter

Cool to cold, possible snow; many indoor cultural events and festive markets.

Spring

Rising temperatures, blooming trees; great for parks and outdoor photography.

Nightlife Guide

Neuss at Night

Neuss has a laid-back nightlife scene with cozy pubs, wine bars, and some riverside spots in the Hafenviertel and Altstadt. Expect moderate crowds, especially on weekends, with live music and seasonal events.

Hiking in Neuss

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rhine Riverbank Trail

Flat, scenic riverside paths ideal for easy hikes and photography.

Hardter Wald Loop

Forest trails to explore nearby wooded areas with varied terrain.

Bergisches Land Panorama Trail

Rolling hills and viewpoints in the nearby Bergisches Land for day trips.

Airports

How to reach Neuss by plane.

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

Major international airport serving the Rhine-Ruhr region; quick rail and road access from Neuss.

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Secondary international airport nearby with domestic and European connections; reachable by rail or car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Neuss is quite walkable in the historic center, with most sights reachable on foot. The riverfront and Altstadt are pedestrian-friendly, and bike lanes connect major neighborhoods. For longer trips or to reach the outskirts, public transit is efficient and convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Very common in the city; schools and parks are well integrated.

Young Professionals

Part of the Rhine-Rerg area workforce; many live in nearby cities and commute.

Students & International Residents

Several universities and exchanges; cosmopolitan mix of residents.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community fields.

Cycling

Widespread cycling culture; city paths along the Rhine and through parks.

Swimming & Water Sports

Public pools and access to Rhine for swimming and water activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally well-managed with a strong public transit network (buses and trains) connecting to Düsseldorf and Cologne. Peak hours can bring congestion on major arteries near the river and in business districts. Parking is available in town but can be limited in the Altstadt; consider using transit for city sightseeing.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Neuss.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options abound in many Neuss restaurants, with salads, cheese plates, and veggie versions of regional dishes; ask for vegetable-forward dishes and sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Neuss is well-developed, with general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. EU residents can use their EHIC, and private health insurance covers most services. In an emergency, dial 112 for medical help.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide