Geography Best known for the 4 million tourists that swarm the city in summer to take part in the outrageous Kirmes Carnival for nine days of fun, Dusseldorf is a German city with plenty of high culture, fizzy entertainment and inspiring sights to pack any city-break. Located on the east of the Rhine River where it meets the Düssel River, Dusseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Although it originally started as a handful of farming and fishing villages in the 8th century, the city is today one of Germany’s most happening economic centres. Your airBaltic flight arrives in Dusseldorf International Airport, Germany’s third largest and with airlines that provide international and intercontinental flights. Languages Ja, natürlich, (Of course) the language is German in Dusseldorf. English is widespread, however and understood by most of the younger generation, so a city-break here may require a little German to help you out. For instance, on the Kö, you may wish to inquire about the prices before you handle the goods, so a polite was kostet das, bitte? (how much does this cost, please) should suffice. See and Do As in other European cities, the Old Town (or Altstadt) is the heart of Dusseldorf. At its centre is the Marktplatz where the city’s town hall built in 1573, known as the Rathaus, stands along with a statue of the art benefactor Jan Wellem. Connected to the new city by a series of five bridges, including the magnificent Oberkassel, the Old Town is famous too for its Altbier, beer served in small glasses at one of the 500 bars and clubs along the cobble streets of the Old City, which many visitors have affectionately (and aptly) named the longest bar in the world. Before exiting the Old City, pay a visit to the house of Heinrich Heine's birth, to the the Schlossturm (Castle Tower) and St. Andreas Church. Elsewhere throughout the city are several excellent museums for visitors to enjoy. Delve into the life and times of Germany’s literary master at the Goethe Museum, located inside the breathtakingly rococo Schloss Jägerhof. The K20 museum features work by Paul Klee, Picasso, Matisse and other international stars, while its sister museum to the south, K21 holds a collection of contemporary art work on display in the 19th century parliament building.
For a walking delight, follow the Rhine promenade along the river beside the Altstadt, to the river park with its 240 metre tall Rhine Tower. Beyond the promenade ends up in the Medianhafen the city’s once derelict harbour, where travellers have even more trendy nightlife options or may simply enjoy the high-tech architecture, including some work by Frank Gehry.
For luxury goods head to the shopping street of Königsallee, or simply called the Ko, where there are plenty of boutiques and definitely not cheap shops to help you lighten your wallet. In addition to the summer carnival, visitors making their city-break in December will enjoy the annual Christmas market, which is centred about the Altstadt. |
