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Stylish streets and traditional pubs: Düsseldorf
Strictly speaking, Düsseldorf – the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia – was not originally built along the Rhine, as one might think, but extends either side of the narrow river Düssel. A visit to the historical heart of the old town, from St. Lambert's basilica to the castle tower, reveals the city's eponymous waterway, tucked away between Liefergasse and Burgplatz square. At the time, there was little indication that Düsseldorf would become a business, fashion and cultural centre of international standing – and one that is now undisputedly on the Rhine.
Museums in the day, bars at night
The old town with its narrow lanes is as popular today as it has always been – and party-goers know it as the longest bar in the world. But there is certainly no shortage of culture either. Events such as the Old Town Autumn, for example, attract tens of thousands of visitors. The old town also features numerous museums, galleries and places of interest, including such a wealth of beautiful old churches that a tour is needed to appreciate them fully. For Düsseldorf generally, its many museums and the acclaimed art academy contribute greatly to its reputation as a city of culture. And every four years, all eyes in the international art world are on the Quadriennale with its high-calibre exhibition programme.
Düsseldorf VIPs: Heinrich Heine and 'Die Toten Hosen'.
For literature fans, Düsseldorf can boast attractions devoted to two of Germany's greatest writers – Heinrich Heine and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Heinrich Heine Institute commemorates the life and work of the poet, one of the city's most famous sons, through the Heine estate library and numerous exhibitions. The Goethe Museum, meanwhile, has an extensive collection that captures Goethe's genius and the spirit of his time.
Then there is the musical genius of Robert Schumann, Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms, all of whom composed and conducted in Düsseldorf and helped earn it a reputation as a city of music. Nowadays, most classical concerts take place in the Tonhalle, the Robert Schumann Hall and the Chamber Music Hall at Wittgenstein Palace. Fans of rock, pop and most other kinds of music are equally well catered for in Düsseldorf. This is the home city of the 'Die Toten Hosen' after all – one of Germany's most popular contemporary punk bands. Incidentally, almost all the major art galleries in Düsseldorf can be found on one axis, which extends from the Kunstzentrum am Ehrenhof to the guildhall. The buildings along this route are themselves masterpieces and include the expressionist Ehrenhof, the K20 art museum and the guildhall, which has a gallery beneath its glass dome.
Inviting parks and one of the prettiest squares in Germany
Those who have had their fill of art and culture can enjoy a spot of relaxation and contemplation in Düsseldorf's beautiful parks. The trees, ponds and romantic fountains in Hofgarten park, for example, are just perfect for this. Or there is Lantz'scher Park, part of a neo-classical residence and laid out in the English garden tradition. Nordpark is perhaps the prettiest of the city's parks. With colourful flowerbeds, statues, fountains, a Japanese garden, play areas, sunbathing lawns and an aquarium it's a great place to enjoy nature and stretch those legs. The ultimate form of relaxation in Düsseldorf, however, involves sitting on Burgplatz, sipping an altbier and looking out over the Rhine. This plaza with the castle tower at its centre was voted one of Germany's most beautiful squares. Deservedly so, as anyone would agree. In the evenings and on weekends, it seems as if all of Düsseldorf congregates on the broad steps leading down to the Rhine. All of a sudden, you'll see what makes the city so cool.
