Düsseldorf: A Comprehensive Guide

As one of the most vibrant cities in Germany, Düsseldorf has plenty of amazing things to offer. Whether you are looking for exciting attractions, culture, fine dining or just a great night out, Düsseldorf has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through all that this city has to offer and provide you with useful information and tips on the best places to visit and things to do.

History of Düsseldorf

Located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, Düsseldorf is the capital and second-largest city in the state. It is known as the “Media City” as it is home to many magazines, television production companies and advertising agencies.The city was founded in 1288 by Count Adolf V of Berg and was known as “Dusseldorp” until it was destroyed during the Thirty Years War in 1625. It was reconstructed and given its current name in 1671 when electoral leader Johann Wilhelm II inherited it. Düsseldorf grew over the centuries due to its location on the banks of the Rhine, its trade links and industrial production. In 1815, it became part of Prussia and in 1871 became the capital of the German Empire.

Geography

Düsseldorf lies on the east side of the Rhine river and is slightly elevated, at an altitude of 36m. The river is an important part of the city’s identity, with large parts of the city centre situated along the banks of the Rhine. The city is divided into 10 boroughs, or Kreisfreie Stadt in German, each with its own governing body. These boroughs are arranged by distance into inner and outer districts, with the inner districts having a larger population. The climate in Düsseldorf is continental, with warm summers, cold winters and moderate precipitation throughout the year.

Attractions

Old Town

Perhaps one of the most popular attractions in Düsseldorf is its old town (Altstadt). Located on the left bank of the Rhine, the old town is filled with quaint cobbled streets, antique buildings and plenty of places to explore. The old town is home to some of Düsseldorf’s main attractions, including the ancient castle, Stadtturm; Marktplatz square and Münsterplatz. The old town is also a great place for shopping and dining, as it’s home to some of the city’s oldest and most popular pubs and restaurants.

MedienHafen

Directly across from the old town lies the MedienHafen (Media Harbor). This modern and vibrant district offers plenty of cultural and architectural delights, from galleries to museums and iconic buildings designed by renowned architects such as Frank Gehry and I.M. Pei. The harbour area also offers some great opportunities for leisure, with many events such as concerts, exhibitions and festivals taking place throughout the year.

Surrounding Areas

Düsseldorf and its surrounding areas are home to many attractions that are sure to please all types of travellers. The nearby cities of Köln, Essen and Duisburg all offer great day-trip opportunities for those looking for some new sights to explore. For those wanting to enjoy some nature, the area is full of parks, rivers and forests that are perfect for hiking or cycling. For food lovers there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional and international cuisines dotted across the area, as well as unique cafés along the riverbanks.

Transport

Düsseldorf has an excellent public transport system consisting of trams, buses and a light railway network. Rheinbahn operates most of these services and offers an affordable transport option for those travelling within the city. The city is served by two airports – Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Weeze International Airport (NRN). DUS is one of Germany’s largest airports and offers numerous services for both domestic and international travellers. NRN is a smaller airport that mainly serves budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. Düsseldorf also has two main railway stations – Düsseltalbahnhof and Haupbahnhof which serve domestic and international services respectively. The city is connected to other major cities such as Cologne, Berlin and Amsterdam by rail.

Conclusion

Düsseldorf has plenty to offer its visitors – from lively cultural attractions to modern business hubs. Whether you’re looking for a taste of history or something a bit more lively, this city has something for everyone. With great public transport links, a busy airport and lots of interesting sights nearby, there is something here to suit all types of traveller. For more detailed information about Dusseldorf you can take a look at Germany Tourism’s webiste, which provides an extensive guide about Dusseldorf’s history, tourist attractions, activities and transportation links.