Dusseldorf, the bustling metropolis and the capital city of the state North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany, is located on the banks of Germany's best known river, the Rhine and is one of the major economic centres of Germany. Düsseldorf has a population of 590,000 residents, living on an area of 217 sq km.
How to Get There:
Düsseldorf International Airport is the third largest airport in Germany, after Frankfurt and Munich, connected to more than 180 destinations worldwide by over 70 airlines. The main airport of Düsseldorf is about 15 km away from the main railway station. The city railway takes 12 minutes to the airport. By road, a car, bus or taxi will take slightly longer, about 20 minutes. The fare for city railway or bus is €2.20, taxis charge €20/€22. The taxi stand is in front of the airport terminus.
If you are visiting a fair, the cost is fixed at 13€ by taxi. Köln Bonn Airport is a one hour drive from Düsseldorf city centre, whereas Airport Weeze, frequented by smaller, low-cost airlines to Düsseldorf, is 80 kilometers away, a 90 minutes drive by car or bus. The airport is connected to its railway station by what the locals call ‘the Skytrain’. Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof is a prominent stop for the German state railway. REMEMBER to get your train ticket endorsed. Failure to do so will cost you € 40 or worse. The city, with more than 1,000 train stops, is a major hub in the Deutsche Bahn (DB) network. The central railway station at Konrad-Adenauer-Platz is at the city centre and several lines connect Düsseldorf to other cities by ICE. Local service is by tram, the underground light rail and bus.
What to See:
You will need time if you want to see the city for what it is. The ‘Old City’ is better seen at night as most of Düsseldorf’s night life revolves around this part of the city. The Rhine Promenade; the Media Harbour, whch has several interesting buildings; Rhine Tower, Adults: € 3.50. The 240 m high Rhine Tower is on the Rhine, near the Media Harbour. It offers a 360-degree view from the restaurant, at 172 m; Benrath Palace and Park, over 25 museums, other
historic sites, etc.
Local Products:
Düsseldorf is well-known for its Altbier and four brewpubs in Düsseldorf brew Altbier on premises, the Füchschen, Schumacher, Schlüssel and the Uerige; Killepitsch, a local liquor flavoured with herbs (so called "Kräuterlikör"). The liquor has a blood red colour and is made from a combination of 90 fruits, berries, herbs, and spices. The best place to buy it is "Et Kabüffke" and "Löwensenf", Düsseldorf's famous Mustard. Traditional meals in the region are Rheinischer Sauerbraten, Heaven and Earth (Himmel und Äd) (black pudding with stewed apples mixed with mashed potatoes). In winter Muscheln Rheinischer Art (Rhenish-style mussels) is popular. Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten (Steaks roasted with mustard) is a specialty.
Where to Eat:
The tourist is swamped for choice in Düsseldorf. Im Schiffchen, NAGAYA, Sila Thai, Meerbar and Monkey's West are expensive. Mid-price places are Robert's Bistro, Mongos, Bug, Zum Schiffchen and Michele. Budget eateries are Zum Kochlöffel, Alberobello, Im Alten Bierhause, Zum Schlüssel, Curry and the Ess-Klasse.
Events:
The biggest cultural events in Düsseldorf is the Karneval which starts every year on 11 November at 11:11 a.m., and reaches its climax on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), featuring a huge parade through the streets of Düsseldorf. Karneval ends on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday).
Hotels:
Dusseldorf has almost 500 hotels, serving every pocket, from Youth Hostels to 5-star hotels. Four Points by Sheraton Central Düsseldorf, Steigenberger Parkhotel Düsseldorf,
InterContinental Düsseldorf, Hotel Nikko Düsseldorf and the Hilton Düsseldorf charge a hefty € 225-325 per day. 2-star Hotels like Ibis Hotel Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, Max Garni, Nizza,
Michelangelo, Karolinger and Artus Garni charge upwards of € 45-55 per day.
