Tips for attending The Boot, Düsseldorf Boat show
It is the biggest indoor show in the world! It is amazing how they manage to
put inside such big yachts and sailing boats inside the building. Check out this
video out on how they assemble it all and the logistics to prepare for the
show.
There are 2,000 exhibitor stands, and every year they get 250,000 visitors ! Half of the visitors are German but there are also people coming from all over the world.
What to Pack
The show is in January hence it is winter in Germany with temperatures
ranging between -2C to 8C. Therefore it is recommended to wear something warm. Don’t worry
you wont be carrying your jacket around, you can check your winter jacket at
the cloak room inside the show. Don’t pack your sunglasses, as you won’t be
needing those there 
Dusseldorf is often foggy and wet. However you can
pack your swimsuit, as there is a big wet area for testing all sort of
water toys. There is a big wave are where you can learn how to surf and try
your balancing skills.
There is also a huge Olympic pool where you can do wake boarding, paddle
board, SUP competitions and more.
Since the boot is so big, you would need to walk a lot hence comfortable
shoes (no high heels) are advised.
For a full check list on what to pack before you travel to make sure you don’t
forget anything, check the ultimate packing list here.
Where to stay
A very popular hotel where many people stay is The Hyatt
in the city center. Located in the Harbour it has stunning views and
close by to nice restaurants.
If you are looking for a business hotel something not too fancy and yet
close by the Messe where the boot is located, you find the Mercury Dusseldorf
Steernsee.
The show also has its own recommendations and sometimes has nice packages including transport and tickets.
Location/ Getting there
It is located at the Messe which is located about 15 minutes’ drive from the city
center. You can also take the tram to get there. However Public transport in
Dusseldorf is known for being not ideal, it sometimes take long waiting times
(and remember that is January hence is cold outside!)
There are no ubers in Germany, they work through the taxi system (hence it’s
the same price) on the bright side, the tram is very economical and takes you directly to the Messe Arena.
From the airport to the city center driving or by taxi takes about 6
minutes and the rate is 20 euros.
From the city center (which they call Altstadt) tothe Messe driving or by taxi takes about 15 minutes.
On your GPS you can put: Messe Düsseldorf
Arrival
You should check on the map online for the various entrances, this place is
HUGE and going from one entrance to another can take you 20 minute walk, so it
is advised to know which entrance you are heading to.
Don’t pre- stress or panic, at the entrance you have registration kiosks
with a lot of helpful people which will help you get registered with an
entrance ticket.
Tickets
The best is to buy them online as they are cheaper than buying it at the
entrance. The day pass cost around 19 euros ( is a bargain compared at 200 euros for the Monaco Yacht show!) and if you buy them at the entrance is 25 euros.
Yacht buyer visitor
If you are going there with a specific brand of boat you would like to buy
(for example a Sunseeker) you can also contact the brand directly to set up an
appointment and they would provide you with free visitor voucher passes.
Boating for Beginners
If you are new in boating, dont panic! at the boot they will show you the ropes and everything you need to know, their message is ‘
Your dream of watersports does not have to be a leap into cold water: Our independent experts in the new start areas start boating (Hall 3) and start sailing (Hall 15) gladly provide practical tips and advice to all those interested in boating. From boating licenses to chartering yachts and suitable equipment, all your questions will be answered competently here. For free, of course! And in the other areas, too, beginners will find help from experts and countless opportunities to try out various watersports activities for themselves ‘
Learn how to sail, surf, dive, get a boating licence, everything FOR FREE!
Halls
The show is divided in various halls, divided into categories. Depending on
your interest you can pre-plan your visit. There are 2,000 exhibitor stands, so you can imagine the amount of people and the size of the show!
In total there are 17 halls but these are the main ones:
Sailing Center
Motor Boating
Super Yacht Word
Diving area
Sport fishing Center
Yacht Equipment
Travel World
Beach World
World of Paddling (is that even a thing?)
Where else can you test canoes and kayaks in a trade fair
hall and try out the latest water toys equipment?
Moving around the show
There are internal shuttles that take you from one Hall to another, they are
called circle line. You can find them outside of the halls turning around.
Going on board a yacht
If you are doing a yacht visit, remember to check the ‘yachting etiquette
blog’ so you know the do’s and the don’t while going on board a boat.
Buying a boat
Some brands make special boat show discounted specials, so make sure to ask
for them! Usually the ones they have on diplay or in stock are the ones going
for a deal.
Where to eat inside the show
There are a number of kiosk, small bistros and snack bars inside the convention center.
Fine dining in the city
it is considered to be ‘the best Italian restaurant in Dusseldorf’. I went
there for dinner and I must say the food was very authentic and the wine was
fantastic. It is also a wine bar with a big wine selection. The waiters and the
chef are all Italian, when you walk in they greet you ‘Buona Sera’ and have the
authentic italian warm welcome.
It is a famous steakhouse which cooks meet in a unique and special way at
800 degrees C. The high temperature causes the fat on the outside of the steak
to caramelize, creating an incredibly tasty but dark crust and yet juicy
inside. They have the best cuts from Argentina, Uruguay, USA and more.
Located in the main street of the city, this steakhouse is well known for its meat, service and ambience.
PHOTO GALLERY:
