'''Dusseldorf''' [http://www.amazingdusseldorf.com] is a city in western Germany located on the Rhine river. It is the capital city of the state North Rhine-Westphalia.
Understand
Dusseldorf is one of the economic centers of Western Germany and is located along the Rhine River, in the densely populated Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area, with a population of over 10 million.
The city is famous for its nightlife, carnival, events, shopping, also for fashion and trade fairs, like the Boot Messe (one of the world's best in boats and watersports) and Igedo (world leader in fashion). Every year more than 4 Million people visit the Kirmes fair, which runs for 9 days in summer.
Get in
By plane
<listing name="Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS)" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.duesseldorf-international.de/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Dusseldorf International Airport is the third largest airport in Germany and offers connections to 175 destinations worldwide. The main airport of Dusseldorf is located about 15 kilometers away from the main railway station. It takes 12 minutes by city railway "S7" to the main railway station, by car, bus or taxi about 20 minutes. The costs are ?2,20 for city railway or bus ("Preisstufe A"), about ?20/?22 for taxi-taxis are located in front of the airport terminals.Fixed Trip to the city is 13? with taxis.</listing>
<listing name="Koln Bonn Airport (CGN)" alt="" directions="" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://www.koeln-bonn-airport.de" hours="" price="">60 minutes drive away from Dusseldorf city center.</listing>
<listing name="Airport Weeze (NRN)" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.airport-weeze.de" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Frequented by smaller, low-cost airlines flying into Dusseldorf. The airport is 80 kilometers away from Dusseldorf main railway station, by car or bus a 90 minutes drive (bus: 5-6 departures per day, ?14 fare).</listing>
By train
The Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (main station) is a major stop for Deutsche Bahn [http://www.bahn.de] (German state railway).
By car
Dusseldorf is connected to the highways A3, A44, A46, A52, A57 (via Neuss) and A59.
Get around
By bus, tramway or subway: network operated by Rheinbahn AG [http://www.rheinbahn.de]
By suburban railway (S-Bahn)
More specifically, for timetables of buses, trams, etc. use:
bahn.de [http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de] (German, English, French and Italian)
vrr.de [http://www.vrr.de/en/] (German, English and French)
Net Plan of regional transfer service [http://www.rheinbahn.com/fahrplan/liniennetz/Pages/netzplaene.aspx]
Most destinations in Dusseldorf can be reached by local transportation. Tickets must be purchased and postmarked before using the transportation service. After postmarking you usually have 90 Minutes to reach your final destination. Ticket Class "A" is adequate to reach your destinations within Dusseldorf.
See
The tourist information office (across the street from the train station) has free maps with walking routes designed around a specific theme (e.g., "Art Route", "Dusseldorf in 1 Hour").
Old City. -Bahn stop: Heinrich-Heine-Allee. 6-1. The Old City is the place to go for nightlife. It's sometimes called the longest bar in the world because of all the bars and pubs. In the daytime, it's just enjoyable to walk around and get a feel for the area. Some notable buildings: Heinrich Heine's birthplace, the Schlossturm (Castle Tower), St. Andreas Church, Neander Church.
Rhine Promenade. along the river bordering the Old City, it leads all the way down to the Media Harbor.
Media Harbor. ram stop: Platz des Landtages. has several interesting buildings designed by Frank Gehry, Claude Vasconi, and David Chipperfield.
Rhine Tower. ram stop: Platz des Landtages. dults: ? 3.40 . The 240-meter high Rhine Tower is right on the Rhine river, near the Media Harbor. It offers a 360-degree view from the restaurant, at 172 m. The restaurant is overpriced, but it is worth a trip for the amazing view.
Once a year, like in many other German cities, a '''Night of Museums''' [http://www.nacht-der-museen.de] is organized by the City of Dusseldorf and the consulting firm Ernst & Young.
The annual Christmas market, which centres around the Altstadt.
Once a year during summer, there is a carnival - Kilmes - along the Rhein. In the park, there are roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, a flying jinny and also a beer garden. And Watermelons are sold everywhere. The theme park is not very large, but it is quite enjoyable.
Benrath Palace and Park. ram stop: Schloss Benrath, S-Bahn stop: Benrath S. ttp://www.schloss-benrath.de. The Corps de Logis is the central building of the three-wing maison de plaisance, which was erected for the Palatine Elector Carl Theodor by his garden and building director Nicolas de Pigage. Construction was completed in 1770 - it is a complete work of art that unites architecture and nature in one overlapping concept, and is rated as one of the most beautiful palaces of the rococo epoch. The park beside the Palace is enormous, nearly 62.000 square meters.
Do
Altstadt. meaning "old city," of Dusseldorf is very beautiful. Here you can find the famous Alt beer, found in traditional breweries like the "Uerige" [http://www.uerige.de], "Fuchschen" [http://www.fuechschen.de], "Zum Schlussel [http://www.hausbrauerei-zum-schluessel.de"] or "Schumacher" [http://www.schumacher-alt.de] (tourists '''and''' local citizens frequent the Old City pubs, creating an authentic and lively blend of personalities).
Konigsallee. -Bahn stop: Steinstr./Ko. ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6nigsallee Konigsallee of Dusseldorf. This shopping district, known as the "Ko", is internationally recognized for its plethora high level fashion stores. It is sometimes referred to as the "Champs-Elysees of Germany".
Film-Museum. chulstrase 4. ues-Sun 11-17, Wed 11-21. ?; Reduced, 1.50 ?; Students under 18 free.
Hetjens Museum/Deutsches Keramikmuseum. chulstrasse 4. ues-Sun 11-17, Wed 11-21.
Theatermuseum. ofgartnerhaus, Jagerhofstrasse 1. ues-Sun 13-20:30.
Stadtmuseum. erger Allee 2 . ues-Sun 11-18.
Buy
'''Killepitsch''' [http://www.killepitsch.de/] - Killepitsch is a local liquor flavored with herbs (so called "Krauterlikor"). The liquor has a blood red colour and is made from a combination of 90 fruits, berries, herbs, and spices.
Best place to buy: "Et Kabuffke", Flinger Str. 1, 40213 Dusseldorf, Phone: 0211 133269.
'''"Lowensenf"''' [http://www.loewensenf.de/] (Mustard) - One of the most famous producers of German Mustard is situated in Dusseldorf. Moveover, a special mustard-store, with a mustard-tasting-area, is based in the Dusseldorf-Altstadt (some fancy mustards are avaiable at this place: for example "Old Beer Mustard", "Chilli Mustard", "Strawberry Mustard", etc.) Best place to buy: Dusseldorfer Lowensenf GmbH, Berger Str. 29, 40213 Dusseldorf, Phone 0211 8368049?.
'''"Bottles of Old Beer"''' - One nice souvenir/giveaway is a bottle of local old beer. Breweries usually sell these bottels directly in their gastronomies.
Eat
Budget
'''Zum Kochloffel''' Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 41, Phone: +49 211-1 60 96 15 German cuisine, bistro tables.
'''Alberobello''' Dorotheenstr. 104, Phone: +49 211-7334158 Italian cuisine, budget prices and superb quality. Reservation recommended.
'''Curry''' Hammer Str. 2 (Media Harbour), or Moltkestr. 115 (Pempelfort). German cuisine, including the famous sausage with ketchup (on request with golden leaf!).
Mid-range
'''Robert's Bistro''', Wupperstr. 2, in the Media harbour, Phone: +49 211 304821 [http://www.robertsbistro.de/]. One of Dusseldorf's best restaurants. Specializing in French-ish food, the fish and sweets are fantastic. Expect to pay 20-30 euros per person (for food and wine). They don't take reservations so expect to wait and sit next to strangers, but the experience is well worth it.
'''Mongos''' [http://www.mongos.de]. ''Zollhof 10, Media Harbour. Phone: +49 211 - 40 07 27 0.''All-you-can-eat mongolian cuisine, with an enormous choice of unusual foods (i.e. zebra, crocodiles, emu, barracuda, etc).
'''Bug''' Zollhof 13, Phone: +49 211 3020770. Fish restaurant in the media harbor, known for its stylish location.
'''Zum Schiffchen''' Hafenstrase 5. Tel. +49 211 - 13 24 21. Rustic bourgeois brewery restaurant, delicious beer and attentive service.
'''Michele''' Duisburger Str. 6, Phone: +49 211 494349. A small italian restaurant in Dusseldorf-Pempelfort. Famous for the singing Italian chef on Friday evenings. For Friday nights, reservations should be made 3 weeks prior to your stay.
Splurge
'''Im Schiffchen''', Kaiserwerther Markt 9 ''(U79: Klemensplatz)'', Phone: +49 211 401050, Fax 403667, restaurant.imschiffchen@t-online.de, [http://www.im-schiffchen.com]. International, nouveau cuisine, that blends classics with French specialties. T-Sa 19:00-21:30.
'''NAGAYA''', Bilker Strase 3, Phone: +49 211 863 9636, info@nagaya.de, [http://www.nagaya.de/]. Japanese, nouveau cuisine. Open Mo-Sa from 7PM-11PM.
'''Sila Thai'''[http://www.sila-thai.com/start.html] Bahnstr. 76, Phone: +49 211 8604427. Excellent original thai cuisine in the city center. Reservations essential.
'''Meerbar''' [http://www.meerbar.de], Neuer Zollhof 1, im Medienhafen. Phone: +49 211 3398410. Fish restaurant in the Gehry-buildings of the Media harbour; very stylish, very good cuisine.
'''Monkey's West''' [http://www.monkeysplaza.com], Graf-Adolf-Platz 15, Phone: +49 211 64963726. Considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in Germany. New cuisine touched by local traditions.
Drink
Dusseldorf is known for its many bars in the downtown (Altstadt) area. In fact, many people refer to the Altstadt as the "longest bar in the world" ("Langste Theke der Welt"). The most common drink is "Altbier" or simply "Alt." This dark beer, served in small glasses, is available at practically any restaurant in the city. Altbier is only brewed in breweries around Dusseldorf. In the Altstadt you can enjoy Schlussel, Uerige, Schumacher, and Fuchschen beers, at traditional brewery restaurants. The waiters at these traditional restaurants are called "Koebes."
Sleep
Bargain
Jugendherberge Dusseldorf (Backpackers). ity-Hostel. usseldorfer Str. 1. ocated in Dusseldorf-Oberkassel on the left side of the city. 49 (0)211 557310. uesseldorf@jugendherberge.de. 49 (0)211572513. ttp://www.duesseldorf.jugendherberge.de.
Mid Range
'''Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Dusseldorf''' [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1413], Luisenstrase 42, Tel.: +49 211 38670-0. Central location, 82 rooms.
'''InterCity Hotel Dusseldorf''' [http://www.intercityhotel.com/aw/InterCityHotel_Duesseldorf/~ujn/], Graf-Adolf-Str.81-87, Tel.: +49 211 43694-0. Next to the main station, easy access to all sightseeing spots. New openend.
'''Best Western Savoy''' [http://www.savoy.bestwestern.de], Oststr. 128, Tel.: +49 211 388 388-0. Traditional hotel in the city center, opposite the famous "Schumacher" brewery.
'''Innside Premium Hotel Derendorf''' [http://www.innside.de/_new/innside_premium_hotels/duesseldorf_derendorf/willkommen.de.php4?music=1&kalender=1], Derendorfer Allee 8, 40476 Dusseldorf, Tel. +49 211 175 46-0. Newly designed Hotel in the north of Dusseldorf.
'''Hilton Dusseldorf''' [http://dusseldorf.hilton.com], Georg-Glock-Str. 20, Tel. +49 211 4377-0. Renovated traditional hotel in the north of Dusseldorf, good location for business travelers.
'''NH Dusseldorf City Nord''' [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/germany/dusseldorf.html], Kolner Strasse, 186-188, Located in the center of the city on the Rhine, near The Oberbilker Market.
Splurge
'''Capella Breidenbacher Hof''', Konigsallee 11, D-40212, [http://www.breidenbacherhofcapella.com/]. A 5 star boutique hotel located in downtown Dusseldorf. The property consists of 92 guest rooms and suites and offers retail shops, a fitness center, meeting space, the 1806 Restaurant, and a cigar lounge.
'''Intercontinental''' [http://www.duesseldorf.intercontinental.com], Konigsallee 59, Tel.: +49 211 8285-0. New First-Class Hotel located at Konigsallee of Dusseldorf. Awesome Atrium, top-restaurants and concierge-service
'''Radission SAS Media Harbour''' [http://www.radissonsas.com/cs/Satellite/Page/RadissonSAS/Page/rsasHotelDescription/1120201397319/en/], Hammer Str. 23, Tel.: +49 211 311191-0. New Design-Hotel in Dusseldorf Media Harbour, Luxury Class, very hip!
Cope
'''Religious services'''
Holy mass in catholic churches in downtown Dusseldorf:
'''Franziskanerkirche''', Immermannstrase/Oststrase (near the central station).[http://www.franziskaner-duesseldorf.de/lage.html]. Su: 10AM, 12PM; M-F: 3:30PM.
'''St. Maximilian''', Schulstrase/Maxplatz (Altstadt).[http://www.maxkirche.de/]. Su: 10AM, 11:30AM, 6PM; M-Sa: 6PM.
'''St. Andreas''', Hunsruckenstrase (near to the Kunsthalle, Altstadt).[http://www.dominikaner-duesseldorf.de/Dominika/Gottesdienst2.html] Sun: 8:30, 11:00, 18:00; Mon-Sat: 12:00, 18:00 (except Fri)
'''St. Lambertus''' Basilika minor, Stiftsplatz (near the Rhine bank, Altstadt).[http://www.lambertuskirche.de/] Sun: 10:30AM, 5PM; Mo-Sa: 5PM.
Index of churches of all Christian denominations in Dusseldorf: [http://www.ekir.de/duesseldorf/kid/kirchen.html].
Get out
'''Bonn''', the former capital of Germany is located due south and easy to reach by train or S-Bahn.
'''Konigswinter''' A small town reachable by train.
'''Cologne'''
'''Bruhl''' almost a suburb of Cologne contains the Augustusburg Palace which has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The palace is one of the key works of Balthasar Neuman, and contains one of the finest Rococco interiors in the world, the highlight being the main staircase. Also in the grounds is the magnificent hunting Lodge of Falkenslust. Bruhl can be easily reached by train. The theme park of '''Phantasialand''' is also in Bruhl.
'''Ruhr area''' (Ruhrgebiet) If you are interested in heavy industry and/or industrial culture this might be a worthwhile trip. It is located about 50 km north of Dusseldorf. The region, which was the center of montan (coal and steel) industry in Germany is going through a structural transformation and presents their industrial heritage not without proud on the Industrial Heritage Trail [http://www.route-industriekultur.de/media/downloads/RouteAllgemein/Entdeckerpass2008.pdf].
International
Due to Dusseldorf's close proximity to the German/Belgian/Dutch border weekend trips to foreign destinations are easy to arrange.
'''Amsterdam'''
'''Paris'''
'''Brussels'''
Respect
Dusseldorf is in a strong rivalry with its neighbor city Cologne, especially concerning comparisons between the local beers. Cologne is almost twice the size of Dusseldorf in terms of population, and the Cologne Cathedral is known nation-wide. Dusseldorf is an economic powerhouse and capital city of the state of NRW. If you have been to Cologne try to avoid any comparisons between the two cities.