Though not on the radar of many tourists, Dusseldorf is a cultural powerhouse in its own right. The city plays host to a number of annual festivals and fairs, including Carnival and Kirmes. Tourists browse the excellent shopping districts of Konigsallee and Lorettostrasse before kicking back with an altbier, the copper-toned beer unique to Dusseldorf.
Top Recommended Day Trips- The town of Bruhl, a little more than an hour south of Dusseldorf, is where you’ll find the splendid Augustusburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ornate Rococo style and beautiful gardens are impress visitors year after year. While you’re in the area, you can check out the Max Ernst Museum as well for a look at his collages and sculptures.
- Just 45 kilometers away, Cologne is replete with museums dedicated to chocolate, communism and even fragrance (it’s where eau de cologne was invented, after all). No trip to the city is complete without visiting the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture that is simply massive in size.
Major Attractions in Dusseldorf- Over on the MedienHafen harbor stand the three buildings of Frank Gehry’s Der Neue Zollhof, which demonstrate the architect’s signature curved, modern style. The harbor also houses a number of upscale restaurants and a great view of the sunset.
- For a pour of altbier, Dusseldorf’s own deep amber brew, head to Altstadt (Old Town), also known as the longest bar in world for its unending rows of bars and restaurants. The atmosphere is friendly from day to night, and it’s easy to visit a handful at a time due to the close proximity of each establishment.