Nature and history have left a rich heritage here in the wine-growing Rheingau region whose origins date back to pre-Roman times. The inescapable romanticism of the Rhine, the historic palaces and ancient castles, excellent riesling and pinot noir wines, together with Rüdesheim's famous hospitality and conviviality give the town a very distinctive atmosphere.

Rüdesheim has many attractions, such as the Drosselgasse lined with wine taverns and gardens and the Niederwald monument, depicting the mythical figure of Germania, which can be reached from Rüdesheim and Assmannshausen by foot through the vineyards, or by cable car or chair lift. The ruins of Ehrenfels Castle are in an idyllic location surrounded by vineyards above the Rhine gorge.

The Medieval Torture Museum illustrates crime and punishment in the Middle Ages. The Brömserburg Wine Museum in Brömserburg Castle features the history of local wine making. Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet is a musical adventure with "antique computers" that play music.