Dusseldorf Vacations, Dusseldorf Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Dusseldorf Vacation Guide

It may be a relatively small regional capital, but no one told Dusseldorf’s residents. With an architecture, arts and nightlife scenes that would do much larger cities proud, you’ll get a friendly, small-town vibe together with all the big city tastes of Germany that had you heading half way round the world in the first place.

Take the historical Altstadt district, nicknamed ‘the longest bar in the world’, and home to a sleek, vibrant after-dark scene (be sure to try the regional speciality, Altbier) that has it’s own rival in the equally trendy Medeinhafen harbour area just down the road. From traditional, oversized beer halls serving unfeasibly large mugs of lager to glittering cocktail bars, Dusseldorf seems to have everything in terms of nightlife, including freshly cooked Pretzels and street-side Curry Wurst to finish the evening off with.

The ornate buildings of Benrath Palace are Dusseldorf’s postcard attraction, fronted by a lake and huge fountain, and surrounded by expansive gardens, while The Goethe Museum is an ornate baroque building, and a fascinating spot for literature lovers. The Rhine-baroque styles prominent around the Rathaus (town hall) are a big draw, too, as well as the accompanying bronze soldier riding his green-rusting horse.

It’s easy to miss Dusseldorf’s charms at first glance, though. It can come across as a business-focused town, full of serious, suited men who bustle their way between corporate offices. There’s plenty in the way of designer business suits and banking, but getting past this and exploring the restaurants and bars will quickly tell you that Dusseldorf’s residents know very well how to let their hair down.

St Lambertus church is the best of a wide array of spectacular religious buildings, all medieval splendour at the heart of the old town; escape to the country with a brisk ten mile stroll along the banks of the Rhine, admiring the scenery around the tourist restaurants until your reach the harbour and old town.

Dusseldorf is the best of both worlds: a taste of the friendly, village vibe of Germany blended with all the draws of a big city; a hard city not to love.