Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors. This city on the Rhine has an industrial past, but has reinvented itself for the 21st century, combining pride in its heritage with an eye towards the future.

The welcome is warm whatever time of year you choose to visit. Many people are attracted by the Christmas markets or the long-running Carnival season, when the old town is packed with revellers and the gaily lit stalls sell mulled wine and spicy sausages. During the summer months locals and visitors alike flock to outdoor events such as Japan Day on the Rhine Promenade or free concerts in the Hofgarten, one of the oldest public parks in Germany.

The old town (Altstadt) contains many heritage gems among its historic sites. The Neo-Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the City Hall (Rathaus) dominate the Marktplatz, the square that has been the social and commercial hub of civic life since the 14th century. The narrow streets are lined with bars and restaurants, earning it the nickname of “the world’s longest bar” – not without justification! The dark local brew, Altbier, is definitely worth sampling, soaked up with a soft, salty pretzel.

The city has plenty to offer culturally, with attractions for all tastes, including the fascinating Film Museum, the comprehensive art collection housed in the Museum Kunstpalast and the impressive sculptures dotted throughout the Hofgarten.

The revitalised Dusseldorf-Hafen has transformed the down-at-heel harbour into a fashionable waterfront destination, notable for its cutting-edge architecture. Frank Gehry’s Der Neue Zollhof has replaced the old customs house with a postmodern complex of leaning towers that have brought a striking new focus to the skyline. The panoramic views from the top of the Rhine Tower are well worth the ride, especially after dark book a table at the revolving restaurant to watch the lights of the city slip past far below.

The centre of Dusseldorf is flat and fairly compact, so it's easy to navigate on foot. Alternatively, most of the main sights are well served by public transport, including buses, trams and metro.