What springs to mind when you think of a German getaway? Pulsating youth culture in Berlin? Steins of perfectly-frothed beer in Munich? Or maybe the fairytale backdrop of Bavaria? All these German jewels deserve the hype they’ve earned amongst wanderlusters, but if you’re a regular reader you’ll know that here at P&O, we’re on a mission to #rediscovertravel. Today we’ll be exploring the allures of Dusseldorf, a true hidden gem that has more than enough charm to rival the more famous German cities.
Explore an Ancient City
Did you know that Dusseldorf is home to one of the most fascinating medieval settlements in the world? First settled by monks in around 700 AD, Kaiserswerth saw great expansion in the 12th century under the rule of Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa and the remains still stand to this very day. Take a trip up the River Rhine and explore the crumbling Kaiserpfalz castle and the beautiful gardens that surround it. Kaiserswerth is also noted for being the place where Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, first learned to care for sick people in the 1800s.
A Night at the Museum
Dusseldorf is a dreamland for artists and art appreciators alike. If you only visit one of the many galleries, make it the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW). It might be a mouthful in English, but the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Federal State of North-Rhine Westphalia houses some of the most acclaimed modern art in the world. On the first Wednesday of every month, it’s open until 10pm. Visit by twilight and marvel at German expressionist masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock.
Sip Beer at The Longest Bar in the World
Many places have old towns, but not every old town can lay claim to the longest bar in the world. Yes, you read that right. Berlin might have given birth to electro and Frankfurt might sizzle superior sausages, but Dusseldorf’s beloved Altstadt has more than 300 bars and discotheques in its half a square kilometre area. Legend has it that each pub’s bar connects to that of its neighbour, but we won’t spoil it for you. There’s no better place to sip the city’s delicious Altbier (that’s “old beer” to you and me), which is still made to a centuries-old secret recipe.
Cocktails at a Colossal Height
If beer isn’t really your thing, not to worry. For an unforgettable evening in Dusseldorf, look no further than the renowned Rheine Tower. Standing proud at 234m tall, the majestic structure gives panoramic 360-degree views of the city. The tower is home to a highly acclaimed revolving restaurant called the Günnewig Rheinturm, but tables are like gold dust in the evenings. If you’re not lucky enough to secure a booking, why not head up to the lesser frequented lounge on the 168th floor for a cool cocktail making lesson?
If this has inspired you to #RediscoverTravel, take a look at our adventure page, which forgoes the typical tourist draws to find you something new and exciting for your next escape.
What will you discover? Let us know with #RediscoverTravel
