Overview

Düsseldorf, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is renowned for being a centre of finance, business and fashion. The longest river in the country, the Rhine hugs the city on it's east side. At first glance it appears as if the city is just a major commercial stronghold however one would be wrong to assume that there are no other attractions for visitors. Düsseldorf city is not only home to a vibrant arts and culture scene but also to a wide range of recreational activities. It's also worth noting that even though locals live in modern times there are definite representations of the past throughout the city. Such as history museums and buildings which were designed and built in the past but are still standing.

Germany is known world wide for it's beer culture so it's no surprise that the 'Old Quarter' in Düsseldorf's centre is called 'the longest bar in the world'. 260 bars are squeezed into an area of just 1 km. Here you can sample the native brew, Altbier, in one of the 4 local brewpubs.

Another good reason to visit Düsseldorf is to enjoy it's carnival atmosphere. Running from November 11th until Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) Karneval takes place. Düsseldorf is renowned for it’s traditional Rhenish carnival festivities and also holds a funfair called Größte Kirmes am Rhein in July. This attracts more than 4.5 million people including both local and tourists.

Attractions

Besides the brewpub scene and the area's fantastic nightlife, there are many other attractions to entice people to visit. Museums and galleries are dotted around the city. There is a music hall, called Tonhalle in Pempelfort. Garden and architecture design is on display in Friedrichstadt. Düsseldorf's Exhibition Centre, which holds 50 trade shows a year, is based in Stockum. There is family fun to be had at the Aquazoo, also in Stockum.

Other notable attractions are the Goethe Museum located in Düsseldorf’s central park, Hofgarten, the Heinrich Heine Institut and Heinrich Heine's Birth House both located in Altstadt, the Hetjens Museum and Filmmuseum both of which are housed in the Palais Nesselrode, Altstadt,  Japanese garden in Nordpark, Stockum, the K20 Kunstsammlung am Grabbeplatz Museum in Alstadt, the Theatermuseum in Pempelfort and the museum kunst palast is also based in Altstadt.

And of course, there are many great restaurants, cafes and shopping streets to occupy your spare time when you're not sightseeing.

Transport

Buses, trains and trams allow visitors to easily travel around Düsseldorf. The Rheinbahn AG is the city's service provider. Düsseldorf’s central railway station is at Konrad-Adenauer-Platz in the city centre. Travelers wishing to get to the airport can catch a train from the central station.