Düsseldorf in Seven Days

Düsseldorf at night

Düsseldorf

Managing a travel itinerary can be just as important as managing a project for the office. In a city like Düsseldorf where there is so much to do, it’s important to organize your time so you can see everything you want to see in the time you have scheduled.

Planning where you’re supposed to be, and at what time of day, can make or break a short visit to a tourist destination.

Getting Around

One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a trip is how you are going to make your way around the city. Düsseldorf has an extensive and efficient public transportation system that is inexpensive, safe, and can get you just about anywhere you want to go.

Tickets are easily purchased at kiosks available at any bus, train or trolley station, and one ticket can be used on any city or regional train or bus. Just stamp your ticket when you get on and off the trolley or subway to validate it. Schedules can be found at customer service centers.

Give your schedule and map a quick review before starting out each morning; it will ensure a more pleasant experience.

Düsseldorf shopping steet

Shopping

If you’re fashion forward and always keeping an eye on current trends, you may want to devote an entire day to shopping. The Königsallee is often thought of as the Milan of Germany because of its dedication to elegant boutiques, art galleries, and stylish cafes.

From designer galleries, like Armani and Gucci, to more affordable shopping centers, there is something for every budget.


The Aldstadt in Düsseldorf

The Aldstadt

Düsseldorf’s “old town,” the Aldstadt, is full of shops, breweries, bars, restaurants and cafes. Depending on the location of your hotel, you could plan a trip here on the same day as your shopping trip (the Königsallee borders the Aldstadt) or drop in nightly to eat and relax after a long day of sightseeing.

The pedestrian streets are easy to navigate, and you’re sure to find a place to eat and drink that suits your tastes. The Altstadt has been called “the longest bar in the world” because it houses more than 250 pubs and restaurants.

Kaiserswerth ruins in Düsseldorf

Kaiserswerth

Getting away from the commotion of the city is easy: just hop on a trolley to Kaiserswerth, one of the oldest areas of Düsseldorf. This quaint small town was once home to Florence Nightingale, and is now a friendly place to stroll along the Rhine River or sit down for pizza or an ice cream.

A convenient day trip to Kaiserswerth can take you to the ruins of the Emperor Barbarossa’s castle, or to visit an historic church. Stroll down a pedestrian path along the Rhine for a peaceful retreat from your busy trip.

museum in Düsseldorf

Museums

Visiting museums in Düsseldorf could take an entire day. The K20 and K21 Kunstsammlungs display an impressive collection of modern art. The Film Museum documents the technological journey through the history of film.

History buffs will enjoy the oldest museum in Düsseldorf, the Stadtmuseum; its permanent collection documents Düsseldorf’s history from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries.

Düsseldorf is the perfect city for a one-week vacation or business trip. Because so much of the city is centered around the Aldstadt, you can access almost everything within minutes. Other options branch out from the Aldstadt, effortlessly reached via Düsseldorf’s great public transportation system.

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jason Montgomery is a business travel blogger who also writes for technology and new media sites. Recently he’s been testing and reviewing project management software, including Primavera Software.

Photo Credits: Dusseldorf night: http://www.flickr.com/photos/christian-s/3577273316/; Shopping; http://www.flickr.com/photos/pumpkindelight/126801508/; Aldstadt:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/nen/4137815467/; Kaiserswerth: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreasfucke/4537655967/