Düsseldorf is a center for commerce and the arts, with a striking collection of avant-garde buildings. It's also home to the "longest bar in the world" - a string of over 260 bars, lounges, and nightclubs in the Altstadt. Düsseldorf welcomes visitors with a hospitable flair and a lot to offer.
The Altstadt (Old City) was lovingly restored, and you'll be able admire the medieval and Baroque masterpieces like the Andreaskirche from the early 17th century alongside modern gems designed by world-renowned architects like Frank Gehry, Jo Coenen, and Claude Vasconi.
The Altstadt is home to a lively bar-hopping scene in historic surroundings, with many of the bars doubling as brewers and selling their own beer.
Fashion, broadcasting, and advertising - along with film and fine art - form a big part of life in Düsseldorf, with everything from galleries to film festivals, fashion events, and much more to experience.
You'll find chic boutiques in the Altstadt, big department stores like Breuninger, and huge hypermalls in the suburban areas.
From a craft brew and pig's knuckles at a bar in the Altstadt to high-end fusion cuisine at a sleek dining lounge, there are choices to please every palate in Düsseldorf.
Most visitors come to Düsseldorf between April and October, when daily temperatures are 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above, however, there is a stream of tourism to the city year round.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is located just over 9 miles from the city center. Regular bus service to the city is available from EUR3.80, while a taxi costs about EUR15-20.
The main station, Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof, links to all major centers in Germany and beyond throughout Europe.
The city connects to the rest of Germany via the Autobahn network in virtually all directions, including highways A3, A44, A46, A52, A57, and A59.
Düsseldorf is a hub for IC Bus - NS International, with connections via the main bus station throughout Germany, as well as centers in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.
Stay in regal period splendor at the Hotel Windsor, with antique furnishings in a converted century mansion. The Hotel Mondial offers stylish modern accommodations in comfortable rooms.
Altstadt - the historic heart of the city is home to a hip nightlife scene, along with major art galleries and attractions like the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen and the Filmmuseum.
Flingern - this recently renovated neighborhood has a bohemian flair and an artsy vibe, as well some great nightlife options with places like Stahlwerk, a legendary techno club.
MedienHafen - modern architecture and a string of lively restaurants and hotels have sprouted in this harborside district.
There is an extensive network of public transportation in the city, including bus, trams, and subways. A short-trip ticket, good for 3-4 stops, costs EUR1.60, and a regular ticket anywhere in the city, valid for 90 minutes, costs EUR2.50.
Taxis are plentiful in the city. The starting fare is EUR5, with an additional EUR2.20 for each 0.6 mile.
A car isn't necessary but it can be an option for getting around the city, provided your vehicle displays a sticker showing compliance with local environmental regulations. A compact rental costs about EUR55, and Europcar can be found in town.
The best shopping in the city is centered around Königsallee, where you can stroll along the landscaped canal between your purchases.
You'll find a wide range of products and reasonable prices at REWE city and Kaufland. A gallon of milk costs about EUR2.75, and a dozen eggs about EUR2.60.
Carlsplatz occupies an old fruit market, offering a huge array of options that include cafe-style fare, high-end vendors, takeaway, and much more, with mains starting at only EUR5. Münstermann Kontor is a modern bistro, with locally sourced ingredients and a seasonal menu that starts at EUR20.