Dusseldorf Germany
Accommodations | Dining | Shopping
As the administrative capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dusseldorf positively dazzles with elegance, modernity, and class. The city is famous for its shopping districts, architectural styles, art galleries, and museums. Situated on the east side of the Rhine River, Dusseldorf is favored with a gentle climate: mild winters and moderately warm summers.
The Königsallee (which means King's avenue) or Kö, an upscale shopping boulevard, is one of the most popular attractions in Dusseldorf. A canal runs along the middle of the boulevard while luxury retail stores are lined up on both sides. Featuring high-end fashion labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Armani, the Kö is definitely the mecca of haute couture this side of Germany.
Another popular shopping street is the Schadowstrasse, just leading off from the Kö. Featuring an extensive array of department stores and retail shops, this busy shopping district has one of the highest sales revenues in the country.
For art connoisseurs and enthusiasts, the Art Axis is the ideal one-stop shop. The axis is an 800-meter stretch from the Enrenhof to the Ständehaus that features the leading art institutions, galleries, and architectural designs in Dusseldorf. Some of the notable buildings on this district are the Art Museum, Art Palace, Art Academy, Kunsthalle art gallery and art association, the North-Rhine Westphalia Art Gallery, the glass-domed Ständehaus, and the expressionist-inspired Enrenhof.
To experience the charm of old Germany, pay a visit to Dusseldorf's Altstadt or “old quarter.” This neighborhood harks back to the past with its quaint passageways, old churches, and traditional pubs, bars, and restaurants. The Altstadt is known as the longest bar in the world with its row of more than 260 bars, ale houses, and restaurants.
The various parks in Dusseldorf is a welcome breather from the urban rush of the city. Hofgarten is the oldest park in Dusseldorf, part of which was built way back in the 18th century. It was Germany's first public park and even the famous English Garden of Munich was modeled after it. The Hofgarten is currently home to the Goethe Museum.
The North Park offers all the amenities of a conventional park and then some. It has fountains, flowerbeds, trees, playgrounds, sculptures, and a Japanese garden but the highlight of the park is the Aquazoo, which features a collection of impressive aquariums and fascinating science exhibitions.
With its display of rich culture coupled with a good dose of modern influence, Dusseldorf certainly stands out as a travel destination.
