Overview
Dusseldorf, capital city of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is located at the confluence of the D'ssel and Rhine Rivers; and it is one of the Rhineland's most dynamic cities, boasting a strong economic and cultural foundation. After Frankfurt, Dusseldorf is the largest financial center in Germany and is home to a large and wealthy elite class. Its hallmark is the upmarket nigsallee.
Dusseldorf is internationally renowned for its cosmopolitan culture and is one of Europe's main fashion and fair hubs. It is big and commercial; full of banks and industrial offices and skyscrapers, but it's also refreshingly clean. Dusseldorf is also residence to the largest Japanese population in Europe and boasts a number of excellent Japanese restaurants and shops and a striking Buddhist temple.
Dusseldorf is known for its many bars in the downtown (Altstadt) area. In fact, many visitors refer to the Altstadt as the "world's biggest bar," so called for the more than 500 clubs and discos that line the cobbled streets. Modern Dusseldorf, on the left of the city, is represented by the Gehry buildings in Media Harbor while in the old quarter, obviously on the right, there are quaint passageways, old churches, traditional brewpubs, bars and restaurants. The two sections are connected by five bridges, being the most impressive the Oberkassel.
It is a handsome and elegant, modern city on the banks of the Rhine River. Dusseldorf is a city where everything is close together: just near the wellknown shoppingstreet K'nigsallee is the Altstadt, the old quarter of the city. With its 260 cosy pubs and home-brew taverns it is well known as "the longest bar in the world".
A little further on in your trip, you can find renewed proof that the citizens of Dusseldorf love to promenade, go for walks,: the traditional has recently acquired a new companion promenade, which is even two kilometers long. Now that the new Rhine embankment tunnel has diverted the through traffic, the Altstadt has taken back its traditional place by the Rhine. While the traffic races along underground, strollers on the Rhine embankment promenade can admire the outlook over the Rhine and the art nouveau facades of Oberkassel. The view swings to the Rhine tower, which rises above the North Rhine-Westphalia government building. From a bird's-eye perspective you can see the city, the countryside, the industrialized river. You can enjoy a romantic view of the city by exploring it from one of the many white pleasure steamers´of the "Weisse Flotte" (the "white fleet"). Immediately south of Altstadt are some the most important museums and galleries, K20 is famous for its masterpieces by Klee, Picasso and Dal. K21 is the city's newest contemporary art museum, containing works by Nam June Paik and Bill Viola, and showcasing the latest photographic, sculptural and painting talent.
Getting Around
By Public Transport ----- The local public transport is really efficient, fast and safe. The service is provided by the Rheinbahn AG., it operates buses and trains. There are also underground trains known as "Rheinbahn" which operate along an extensive network in Dusseldorf.
By Car ------ Dusseldorf roads are excellent for drivers, but many people in the city prefer to use the public transport instead of cars to protect the environment. You will not have troubles with the parking spaces; the city is full of them.
By Bicycle ----- Many people in Dusseldorf use the bike for getting around the city, and this way know more about the city and its streets. There are good conditions for cyclists: good cycle path networks and favourable weather conditions.
Event & Fairs
Karneval
This is one of the major events in Dusseldorf that attracts many tourists from different countries; there are dance and music events giving to the city a vibrant aspect. It begins on 11 November and lasts an entire week.
Japan Day
Other big event in Dusseldorf is Japan Day, it is celebrated every year in May. More than 1.2 million visitors arrive to the city to participate in this festival. There are many cultural programs and Japanese entertainment, but the most amazing spectacle is the sight of fireworks.
Christmas Market
The Christmas market is the most important event in this festive season, it has two market areas: the Christmas market in Schadowplatz and the Nikolaus market in the Altstadt. In these markets are offered goodies, ornaments, hand-blown glass from Bavarian Forest and many other things. This event ends with New Years celebrations.
Altstadtherbst
Every July, the SThis is a cultural festival where a varied programme is performed. It lasts for 18 days and takes place in many churches, pubs, galleries, public building and places.
St. Martin's Evening
In this event, Dusseldorf's inhabitants remember St. Martin and his philanthropic act. According to the local legend, St. Martin was passing through the area and he gave his coat to a vagabond. Many children participate in a procession with home-made lanterns while in an original act, people share their coat. St. Martin's Day has its traditional dish: the Martinsgans (roast goose).
Shopping
Dusseldorf is a paradise for shoppers; with its many shops and pavement caf's the city is the informal public walkway for the most recent fashion trends. Many stylish Europeans come to the city to buy the latest and hot clothes. Generally, shops are open only until 6:30 p.m., just for Thursdays they are open until 8.00 p.m.
Shadowstrasse ---- In this area there are enormous department stores such as Kaufh of and Karstadt where are sold many things from food and clothes to watches.
Knigsallee ---- Known as Knigsallee is a splendid boulevard with many malls and shops owned by famous international fashion designers. Knigsallee is one of the most important reasons why Dusseldorf is the most elegant shopping metropolis in Germany..
Old Town --- In the Old Town you find more than pubs and bars, there are also many fashion boutiques and ultramodern stores which sell trendy items. This is the main choice for fashion styles, art and design.
Carlstadt ---- Carlstadt is the favorite area for art fans; there are a number of antique shops, jewelers and galleries where beautiful regional items are sold. In Carlstadt many flea markets offer old books and other rare things, any shopper couldn't resist to shop there!
Food & Drink
Dusseldorf's food is really good; there are many kinds and all budgets. Fortunately, good restaurants are around the entire city, not only in the center of town. There is a wide concentration of Japanese restaurants which serve really good foot; many other gourmet meals have international influence, creating a new regional culinary style. The most traditional dishes in Dusseldorf are the Rhenish Sauerbraten, Blootwosch, dze Zupp, Halver Hahn, Drppke among many others, they are really delicious!
Temperature
Temperatures in Dusseldorf range from 0.1 to 24.0 (Celcius)
Nightlife
Everyone will find a way to spend his evenings on the "longest bar in Europe" - that's how Dusseldorf's Altstadt is called. Between Kurze Strasse, Andreasstrasse and Bolkerstrasse you will find dozens of bars, pubs and restaurants. The best district for dancing is the Bilk quarter, cinemas and theatres ae spread all over the old town.
Region
North Rhine-Westphalia
Area
217 km2 (84 sq mi)
Population
582,222