Visitor's Guide

The regional capital of Dusseldorf on the Rhine is characterised by its cosmopolitan lifestyle and a joie de vivre typical for the Rhine valley. It is the hub for communications technology and media, and is known as a fashion and shopping metropolis. The promenade called the "Kö", pulsating with life, is world famous.

The historic old city with numerous bars and restaurants invites you to linger on and offers shopping pleasures of a special kind. The promenade along the banks of the Rhine in Dusseldorf runs along the old city up to the "Mediahafen" or Media Port, with its architectural highlights created by famous international architects. The image of this city of experiences is rounded up by the Benrath Castle and the Neanderthal site not far from Gates of Dusseldorf, which has been turned into an extensive exhibition, as well as the numerous museums, historical buildings and the many fortresses and castles in the vicinity.

From the art academy to the "Museum Kunstpalast", from Heinrich Heine to the literature telephone. Be it something modern of world standing, opera, theatre, literature or music: Düsseldorf is always good for new aspects of culture. Düsseldorf has 26 museums and more than 100 galleries to offer its visitors. These include such famous institutions as the "Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen" (Art Collection Northrhine-Westphalia, the "Museum Kunstpalast" and the "NRW-Forum" (Northrhine-Westphalia Forum for Culture and Business).

Since the rock band Toten Hosen dedicated their song "Altbierlied" (dark beer song) to Düsseldorf's pubs and bars, "the longest bar in the world" has become famous far beyond Düsseldorf. More than 250 pubs, restaurants and bars line the streets of theOldTown. Quaint breweries, trendy restaurants or student pubs with a friendly atmosphere - go for it and explore the variety!

The cultural scene in Dusseldorf has a wide and varied programme to offer. The "Deutsche Oper am Rhein" employs Germany's largest ensemble, the "Tonhalle" (concert hall) is one of the most impressive and modern venues in Germany.

Dusseldorf's theatre (Schauspielhaus) alone offers a choice of four stages, including the "Junge Schauspielhaus" (Young Theatre) and the Central at the main station, a platform for experimental pieces. Venues such as the "Kom(m)ödchen" cabaret in the "Haus der Kunsthalle", the "Komödie" boulevard theatre on Steinstrasse, the "Theater an der Kö" and not least Dusseldorf's "Marionette Theatre" on Bilker Strasse round off the wealth of theatre venues. Roncalli's Apollo Varieté to be found on the Rhine promenade has also been a permanent fixture here for years