Düsseldorf Travel Guide

DÜSSELDORF, capital city of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, is located at the confluence of the Düssel and Rhine Rivers; and it is one of the Rhineland's most dynamic cities, boasting a strong economic and cultural foundation. After Frankfurt, Düsseldorf is the largest financial center in Germany and is home to a large and wealthy elite class. Its hallmark is the upmarket Königsallee.

Düsseldorf 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. Düsseldorf 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.

Modern Düsseldorf, 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.

Düsseldorf 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. There you can drink the “Altbier” or simply “Alt”, it is a dark beer served in small glasses and is available at practically any restaurant in the city. But, “Alt” is not the only beer that you can enjoy, there are many other beers as Schlüssel, Uerige, Schumacher, and Füchschen.

Immediately south of Altstadt are some the most important museums and galleries, K20 is famous for its masterpieces by Klee, Picasso and Dalí. 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.