IMAGECAPTION]PHOTO: A bridge over the Rhine River in Dusseldorf. (photo via Flickr/Andrey Belenko) [/IMAGECAPTION]
Dusseldorf, one of Germany's most underrated cities, is known for many things, including its standing as an economic and cultural hub, its numerous and impressive art collections and its beer … and not necessarily in that order.
Of the many things Dusseldorf is, there is one thing that it isn't. Dull.
And getting there is even easier with the expansion of Condor Airlines into the U.S.
Visitors to this lovely city located on the banks of the Rhine River will find themselves with more than enough to keep them busy from the time the sun rises till long after it sinks into the horizon. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to pick and choose. Here's our list of top things to do in Dusseldorf.
North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection. Dusseldorf boasts more than 100 art galleries, offering visitors the opportunity to take in a stunning amount of art over the course of their visit. Perhaps no collection is more impressive than the North Rhine-Westphalia collection, which is so vast that it is housed in three separate locations. K20 (Grabbeplatz), the largest collection, consists primarily of modern art from before 1945, including paintings by Paul Klee. K21 (Ständehaus) offers up modern paintings and drawings primarily those created after 1980, as well as sculpture and film, while temporary exhibits are housed in F3 Schmela Haus.
Museum Kunstpalast. Home to pieces dating back to the 3rd century BC, this museum offers visitors a little of everything from glass by Helmet Hentrich to Italian Baroque pieces and even modern art, including pieces from Dali and Caravaggio. The museum is also home to some prime examples of pieces from the Dusseldorf School of Painting, in addition to offering musical and theatrical performances.
Neue Zollhof and the Gehry Buildings. Art isn't always housed inside buildings. Sometimes it is the building. Venture over to the Neue Zollhof along the city's old port. Here, gravity-defying buildings designed by Frank Gehry grace the waterfront and give the appearance of being on the brink of toppling in.
Königsallee. Whether you're in the market for luxury items or "Just looking, thank you," this stretch of high-end boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes are a must-visit. Laid out in 1802 along the banks of the old town moat, this tree-lined street is lovely whether you're just out for a coffee and a stroll or ready to engage in some serious retail therapy.
Old Town Dusseldorf. Begin your tour of the Old Town in the Marktplatz with its Rathaus and statue of Elector John William II. While strolling through this quaint part of town be sure to leave some time to visit a few of the many pubs and bars that line the streets. Known as the "longest bar in the world," this small area of town packs in more than 300 drinking establishments many of which serve the local Altbier.
The Embankment Promenade. A relatively new addition to the city's landscape-it was opened in 1997-this pedestrian route runs along the Rhine River from the Oberkassel Bridge connecting the Altstadt to the Parliament buildings. Lined with numerous shops and cafes, it's an ideal spot to grab a bite and indulge in some people watching.
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