Düsseldorf is a city on the Rhine in western Germany, the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a place where polished fashion sits comfortably beside long-standing German traditions, and visitors often find that the two shape the city's character in equal measure.
Fashion and shopping
Düsseldorf has earned its reputation as Germany's fashion capital, and the city's elegance is easy to notice on its streets. The most famous address is the Königsallee, an upscale shopping boulevard lined with luxury boutiques and department stores. Many people compare it with the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and for anyone interested in high-end retail it makes a rewarding stroll, even without a purchase in mind.
The Altstadt and its breweries
The historic Altstadt, or Old Town, lies close to the river and offers a more relaxed side of the city. Its lively streets are filled with restaurants and breweries, and the local atmosphere in the evenings is one of the reasons visitors linger. It is a good area for an unhurried meal and a glass of the local beer, and for getting a feel for everyday German social life.
Planning your visit
- Set aside time for the Königsallee and the Altstadt, which sit within easy reach of each other.
- Walk along the Rhine to see the city from the water's edge.
- Combine the elegant shopping streets with the traditional taverns for a balanced day.
Düsseldorf suits travellers who enjoy style, good food and a city that keeps its traditions alive while looking firmly forward. Whether you come for the shops, the breweries or the riverside, it offers a visit that is both refined and genuinely easygoing.
