Ratinger Tor: A Classical Gateway to Düsseldorf's Past
Discover Düsseldorf's last city gate, a neoclassical masterpiece blending history and art at the entrance to the vibrant Altstadt and the serene Hofgarten.
The Ratinger Tor, Düsseldorf's last remaining city gate, offers a glimpse into the city's transformation from a fortified town to a modern metropolis. Built between 1811 and 1815 in a Neoclassical style by Adolph von Vagedes, a student of Schinkel, it replaced a medieval gate that fell victim to the demolition of the city's fortifications. Inspired by the Propylaea in Athens, the gate consists of two almost identical buildings adorned with Doric columns and metopes decorated with golden laurel wreaths. Situated at the intersection of Heinrich-Heine-Allee and Maximilian-Weyhe-Allee, the Ratinger Tor serves as a symbolic entrance to the Altstadt (Old Town) and a reminder of Düsseldorf's rich history. Its location near the Hofgarten and the vibrant Ratinger Straße makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of historical significance and urban energy. The gate stands as a testament to Düsseldorf's ability to adapt and innovate, blending its past with the present.
A brief summary to Ratinger Tor
- Maximilian-Weyhe-Allee 1, Düsseldorf, Stadtbezirk 1, 40213, DE
- +4921117202867
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to capture the best photos with fewer crowds and softer light.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Hofgarten, Düsseldorf's central park, for a relaxing escape.
- Explore the Altstadt (Old Town), easily accessible from the Ratinger Tor, and discover its traditional breweries and lively atmosphere.
Getting There
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Walking
From Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (central station), exit and walk north towards the Altstadt. Head north on Worringer Straße, continuing onto Bolkerstraße. Turn left onto Max-Weyhe-Allee. The Ratinger Tor will be on your left, approximately a 15-minute walk. This route is straightforward and passes through the heart of the city.
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Public Transport
Several public transport options can get you close to Ratinger Tor. Take the U-Bahn to Heinrich-Heine-Allee U station (U70, U71, U72, U73, U76, U79, E). From there, it's a short walk east on Maximilian-Weyhe-Allee to the gate. Alternatively, take the tram to Sternstraße station (lines 701, 705, 706), which is also within walking distance. A single ticket within Düsseldorf (Tarifzone A) costs approximately €2.90.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof to Ratinger Tor will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €10-€15. The drop-off point is typically on Maximilian-Weyhe-Allee, right next to the gate.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to Ratinger Straße 50, 40213 Düsseldorf, which is the location of the Parkhaus Ratinger Tor, a parking garage near the gate. Parking fees at this garage are approximately €2.00 for the first hour, and €1.00 for each additional 30 minutes. The daily maximum is €30. Other nearby parking garages include Campus am Kunstpalast and Kunstsammlung. Be aware that parking in the city center can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Discover more about Ratinger Tor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kriegerdenkmal im Hofgarten
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Heinrich-Heine-Allee
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Kay-und-Lore-Lorentz-Platz
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A public square in Düsseldorf's Old Town honoring Kay and Lore Lorentz, founders of the Kom(m)ödchen cabaret, a place of reflection and appreciation for the arts.
Dreischeibenhaus
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Gedenkbrunnen zum 650. Jahrestag Düsseldorfs
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Dreieckswiese - Begehbares Dach
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Schlossturm
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Burgplatz
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Discover Düsseldorf's Burgplatz: A historic square where the past meets the present, offering stunning Rhine views, cultural events, and a vibrant gateway to the Altstadt's charm.
Rheintreppe
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Experience stunning views of the Rhine River and Düsseldorf’s skyline at Rheintreppe, a vibrant observation deck perfect for leisurely strolls and photography.
Wilhelm Marx Building
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Schneider-Wibbel Statue
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Burgpl. 1
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Rhine embankment promenade
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Marktplatz
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Jan-Wellem-Reiterstandbild
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hofgarten
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Märchenbrunnen
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Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
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Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
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Theatermuseum der Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf / Dumont Lindemann Archiv
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German Oper am Rhein
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Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
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Vier Karyatiden
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Kom(m)ödchen
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St. Andreas, Düsseldorf
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Löwenhaus
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Nagel
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Altstadt
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Kö-Bogen
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Memorial Dusseldorf
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Essential places to dine
Brasserie Stadthaus
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Restaurant Pink Pepper
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Parlin | Essen und Weinbar
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Sansibar by Breuninger Düsseldorf
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Le Petit Chef - Düsseldorf
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Jones
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La Bouillabaisse
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Vente
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Casita Mexicana
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Weinhaus Tante Anna
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Schwan Restaurant Düsseldorf Altstadt
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BLOCK HOUSE Düsseldorf
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Louisiana Düsseldorf Altstadt
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The Duchy - Düsseldorf
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Manhattan | Restaurant Düsseldorf
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Unique Store
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Sorti
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Breuninger Düsseldorf
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GALERIA Düsseldorf Königsallee
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VERSACE
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SOLO & LYA by SOLO
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déjà vu Boutique Düsseldorf
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Louis Vuitton Düsseldorf
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Talbot Runhof Boutique Düsseldorf
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Montblanc
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Schadow-Arkaden
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Jeckes Lädchen
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Urban Outfitters
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Subdued
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Vintage Galerie Vaseline
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cubanitos Bar
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BEUYS Bar
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o’reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
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Eduard's by Breuninger Düsseldorf
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The Oak’s Bar - Düsseldorf
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Holy Craft Beer Bar
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MAITAI Cocktailbar
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The Irish Pub Bei Fatty - Fatty's
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Füchschen Alm
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Weißer Bär
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Kostbar Düsseldorf-Altstadt
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Schaukelstühlchen - Düsseldorf
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Siam Bar - Düsseldorf
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Em Pöötzke
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Sweetheart Düsseldorf
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