Night scene of Rhein River at night in Düsseldorf. ()
When many people plan a weekend escape from the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) area, they usually head toward more glitzy locales such as Paris or Munich. Sometimes the best places to visit are the ones you might not think of. Take Düsseldorf, for example. This dynamic city north of Cologne and west of Dortmund doesn’t always invoke the must-visit feeling. However, with a burgeoning arts scene, scenic riverbanks and a vast array of museums and galleries to gawk at, here are seven things to convince you to put Düsseldorf on your travel bucket list.
Art, art and more art. If you love art, then you will adore Düsseldorf. Not only is it home to a renowned art academy (Kunstakademie), but it also has stunning galleries to peruse. If you’re not one for classical art, head to Kiefernstraße. Once notorious for crime, this street has regained notoriety for vibrant street art. Rows of buildings have been transformed into colorful stories and pictures.
Drink in the views from the Rhine Tower. At first glance, the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) looks like yet another communication tower. If you look more closely, you’ll see the light sculpture serves as a digital clock;it’s the largest of its kind in the world. There is an observation deck and QOMO, a rotating restaurant atop the tower.
Check out the fantastic architecture at the harbor. Düsseldorf is full of a mix of new and old styles of architecture. The best place to see it on display is at Mediahafen or Media Harbor. Designer Frank Gehry conceptualized the Neuer Zollhof, three buildings that seem to twist and bend into themselves while perched on top of abandoned and aging docks.
Enjoy libations at one of the longest bars in the world. Düsseldorf is famous for its “Altbier,” or old beer. Grab a pint or two in the Altstadt, which is home to one of the longest bars in the world. More than 300 pubs and bars were once connected there, hence the moniker. While this may no longer be the case, it’s still a great place to enjoy a “maß” of Düsseldorf’s finest.
Taste your way through Carlsplatz Market. The largest market in Düsseldorf, Carlsplatz offers an array of fresh produce, locally crafted goods, homemade pastries and steaming beverages. It’s a great spot to partake in the German tradition of “Kaffee und Kuchen.”
Discover Japanese culture. Düsseldorf is home to the largest Japanese population in Germany. Little Tokyo is a few blocks northwest of the Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and is a sight to behold. Bookstores, Asian markets, Japanese-style patisseries and Michelin-starred restaurants line the streets. Grab your favorite bento or sushi and immerse yourself in the culture of the neighborhood.
Watch the sunset along the Rhine River. The Rhine River flows through the heart of Düsseldorf. Check out the spectacular skyline at sunset from a river cruise. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective.
