Düsseldorfer Büchermeile

Books on the Rhine — four weekends per season

The Düsseldorfer Büchermeile is one of Düsseldorf's most charming events: a wandering open-air bookstore on the Rhine promenade, between Burgplatz (with the Castle Tower and Old Town) and the Alter Hafen (Old Harbour). Four weekends per season, Saturdays and Sundays – a proven format that appeals equally to bibliophiles, collectors, and casual strollers.

Dates 2026

In 2026, the book mile will open on four weekends:

• March 14–15, 2026 – Spring kick-off
• May 9–10, 2026 – Early summer
• July 11–12, 2026 – High summer
• September 12–13, 2026 – Late summer finale

Opening hours are always Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.

Around 65 exhibitors

Around 65 booksellers, antiquarian dealers, and private collectors from all over Germany will display their stock on the promenade. The range is broad: bargain bestsellers at low prices, antiquarian treasures with high-quality first editions, children's books, travel guides, art books, comics, collector cards, old prints, and city maps. Each stand has its own profile – some specialize in Düsseldorfiana, others in art or history.

Free appraisals

A special feature of the Düsseldorfer Büchermeile is the free appraisal of brought-in books by the attending antiquarians. If you have a find from your attic and want to know if old books are valuable, you can bring them for appraisal without prior registration – a rare opportunity to get expert advice.

More than books: winemakers and culinary delights

In 2026, the format will be more closely integrated with local partners. In addition to books, there will be wine stands with tastings, diverse culinary offerings, and an information stand from the City Management. This transforms the book mile from a pure sales market into a relaxed promenade experience.

Rhine promenade — the stage

The Düsseldorf Rhine promenade is one of the most beautiful urban waterfronts in Germany. It was created in the 1990s after the Rhine embankment road was covered and offers a direct view across the Rhine to the left bank. With the Castle Tower at Burgplatz and the Alter Hafen at the southern end, the stretch is about 700 meters long – ideal for walking the book mile and taking breaks with a Rhine view.

Düsseldorf Old Town and the connecting stroll

Visitors to the Düsseldorfer Büchermeile are in the center of the Düsseldorf Old Town – with the 'longest bar in the world', over 260 pubs and restaurants, from Altbier breweries to Michelin-starred cuisine. An ideal combination: browse books in the morning, enjoy Altbier and a typical Düsseldorf lunch (Reibekuchen with apple sauce, Killepitsch) in the afternoon.