Being one of the cities with the best quality of life index on the globe, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia has many highlights to offer. 26 museums, over 20 theatres, many concert halls, more than 100 galleries and Palace Benrath make the city an international metropolis of art and culture. Marked by a cosmopolitan lifestyle this city on the Rhine is one of the most attractive destinations in Germany. Königsallee for example is famous for its flair and internationally known as one of the most elegant shopping streets worldwide.

The Old Town

The old town on the other hand is famous for its rustic pubs and local beer, called Altbier. The "longest bar in the world" counts over 260 pubs: local breweries, lounges, cocktail bars, electro-clubs and sophisticated ambiences. Düsseldorf's Altstadt also stimulates the intellect. Here are most of the city’s art and cultural venues situated. The Museum Kunstpalast, the Filmmuseum, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen and the innovative NRW-Forum, will definitely impress their visitors. Thanks to the opera house Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the theater Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and the concert hall Tonhalle, Düsseldorf is worldwide known as an international centre for the arts and culture. In the city’s centre are also located some of the city's most beautiful churches. Sankt Lambertus Basilika, which was built in the 13th century, gives with its twisting spire the city’s skyline uniqueness. The Rheinuferpromenade is a popular spot to take a break or a stroll. It leads from the castle tower to the MedienHafen harbour area.

Shopping at “Kö” – Königsallee

What would Düsseldorf be without the “Kö”? Düsseldorf's Königsallee is more than mere a shopping street – it's international trademark of the city. It is affectionately called the "Kö" by locals. The origin of its name is as legendary as it is itself. After horse manure was thrown at King Friedrich Wilhelm IV in 1848, as a courtesy the name was changed from Chestnut Avenue to Königsallee, literally meaning King's Avenue. Today you can find here the "Who's Who" of fashion. Shopping malls, small boutiques, famous jewellers and flagship-stores make Düsseldorf’s shopping scenery quite various and colourful. Further, it has developed into a top address for luxury hotels, meaning hotels with their five stars and addition "Superior".

Mediahafen

Internationally renowned architects as David Chipperfield, Frank O. Gehry, Steven Holl, Joe Coenen and Claude Vasconi contributed to the creative skyline of Medienhafen. Listed warehouses were equipped with high-tech, so that the "architectural mile" became an innovative office location for over 700 companies. Also culinary experiences are manifold here. From an exquisite restaurant with Michelin star through cocktail bars, up to a currywurst or a night in the futuristic Club 3001, everything is possible.

Palace Benrath

In the south of Düsseldorf is situated Palace Benrath, which was built between 1756 and 1773 by architect Nicolas de Pigage and is one of the most beautiful park palaces of the 18th century. Today, it is regarded an overall work of art of the late baroque period that combines art, landscaping and nature in a park huge as 60 acres. But not only is the palace worth visiting. Two museums are accommodated within the Palace, the Museum for Landscape Art and the Natural Science Museum.

Art in Düsseldorf

Over 300 years ago Jan Wellen launched with his outstanding collection of art that he had built up with his second wife Anna Maria Luisa de Medici, Düsseldorf's development into the European-wide renowned centre of culture. The city of Heine and Schumann offers everything from art academy to "Museum Kunstpalast", from the literature telephone to opera, theatre, literature and music. Furthermore, the NRW-Forum Kultur und Wirtschaft houses changing exhibitions that deal with topics like photography, media, fashion, communication, architecture, mobility and lifestyle. But Düsseldorf's art scene also has much to offer to youngsters and kids. A museum in a disused tunnel under the promenade along the river Rhine or the Marionette Theatre and guided tours for children at art houses, Düsseldorf welcomes both old and young.

Events in Düsseldorf

Helau! During the fifth season there is no holding back in the Rhine metropolis. From November 11th to Ash Wednesday, Düsseldorf laughs and dances. When the Hoppeditz awakes, carnival starts at the city hall, which is taken over by the ladies on Altweiberfastnacht, when a street carnival takes place in the Old Town. A street carnival on the Königsallee and the carnival Monday procession, a giant procession with decorated floats and people marching on foot parades through the whole city centre should be seen at least once in life.

The biggest fun fair on the Rhine will take place in 2014 for the 113th time at the picturesque Rhine meadows in Oberkassel. On 165,000 sqm national and international carneys present attractions for the whole family.

Düsseldorf's Christmas Market turns the city into a unique magic fairy tale town. Over 210 decorated huts offer handicrafts, hot wine and other specialties.

Traditional concerts turn the Hofgarten Park since 1964 into an open-air music auditorium. In summer between May and September, every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. musicians provide one hour long a varied programme ranging from jazz through pop to brass bands, folk music and classical choirs.

‘HopOn HopOff’ in Düsseldorf

‘HopOn HopOff’: get on or off whenever you like. This special bus tour in Düsseldorf has eight stops on both sides of the Rhine where visitors can get on or off the bus. The tour goes on a red double decker bus to all most important sights. Starting at the Königsallee it goes to the old town, the Medienhafen, and then the Japanese culture centre EKO-House, Aquazoo and Schloss Jägerhof. 

More information: http://www.duesseldorf.de/de/eng/index.shtml

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