The massive, commercial Rhineland city of Dusseldorf is the richest in Germany, yet also one of its most pleasant, thanks to excellent post-WWII reconstruction planning. Sprawled along both sides of the Rhine river, Dusseldorf’s elegant urban environment is packed with plenty of tourist attractions, both natural and man-made, which makes this one of the premier destinations in the Rhineland.
The Rhine river separates the city into two distinct districts, with the original old town (Altstadt) on the right bank and the modern industrial and commercial area on the left. Although 85 percent of the Altstadt was destroyed during WWII, visionary redevelopment has created a wonderful new city to complement the few parts which survived the bombings.
Five bridges span the Rhine river, connecting the two parts of Dusseldorf, and many parks line the banks of the river creating dozens of recreation sites. The natural landscape provides a great backdrop for the city, which boasts an impressive resume of attractions. Quaint medieval churches and castles and a handful of museums add some culture to the hip new dining spots and lively nightlife scene in the Altstadt, affectionately known as ‘the longest bar in the world’, thanks to its 200-odd drinking establishments.
Highlights
Hofgarten: this vast rambling park right in the middle of the city is the best place for a long walk or a relaxing moment of contemplation under the ancient shady trees.****
Konigsallee: this street, which follows a lovely canal shaded by trees and crossed by bridges, is lined with the trendiest boutiques, cafés and bars in the city, earning Dusseldorf its title as the fashion capital of Germany.
Kunsthalle Dusseldorf: dedicated exclusively to the contemporary art of the Rhineland and Europe, this cutting-edge museum keeps up with each new movement in the art world.
Kunstmuseum Dusseldorf: a massive sculpture collection complements the extensive paintings from many of the world’s masters in the Rhineland’s largest and most comprehensive art museum.
St Lambertus Church: this Dusseldorf landmark from the 13th century in the heart of the Altstadt is known for its iconic twisted spire, and is worth a visit to view its unique features.