Often ignored as a must-see city in Germany, Düsseldorf has more to offer than meets the eye with stunning modern architecture, open green spaces, a riverside location and a vibrant Old Town to explore

Perched on the eastern banks of the river Rhine and just two hours from Amsterdam, Düsseldorf is often forgotten in favour of its more glamorous cousins Munich, Hamburg and Berlin. But with a bustling Old Town, the regenerated Media Harbour (MedienHafen) and the stylish boutiques of Königsallee, it’s emerging as a strong contender on the tourist trail.

Festive fun

The run up to the holiday season is perhaps the most magical time to visit the city with the traditional Christmas markets in full swing until 23rd December. Also, the city’s Fifth Season carnival is under way until 22nd February 2012. This sees the Königsallee come alive with revelry and activity, with stalls selling local brews and people dressing up in all manner of costumes. The festival climaxes in February with the Altweiberfastnacht, which sees the women of Düsseldorf take over the city for one night while the men take part in a series of races.

Not in town for the festival? Then you can still party with the best of them in the city’s buzzing and raucous Altstadt district. This area is just about the best place in Europe for a night out – you can choose from hundreds of nightspots, all serving up a delectable selection of local beverages and packed with fun-loving Düsseldorfers. No visit is complete without a stop here; known as the 'longest bar in the world' it also houses most of the city's theatres, museums and galleries, so in that sense it acts as the cultural centre of the city.
Düsseldorf has a number of great museums to choose from, including K20 Kunst – Sammlung Am Grabbeplatz (kunstsammlung.de/en), where you can find works by Picasso and Matisse. Or for something more contemporary, head to the K21, set in a 19th-century parliament building. You can get a combination ticket that permits entry to both these museums.

Out and about

Not a culture vulture? Then you can spend some time relaxing in Hofgarten, one of the many green spaces dotted about the city. See if you can recognise some of the statues of Germany’s greatest figures and wonder at the grand landscaping, originally laid out during Napoleon’s occupation of the city. Other great parks to visit are Nordpark (with its famous Japanese garden) and the Rheinpark, with its regular bevy of walkers, joggers, in-line skaters and picnicers.

Still craving more fresh air? Then go for a walk along the Rhine's embankment promenade. Although the cafés and benches of the Rheinuferpromenade are best enjoyed in the summer months, the riverfront is still a good place to wander aimlessly and watch the world go by. Or head south along the river towards the Rheinturm, a 240m-high tower offering fantastic panoramic views of the city and the harbour.

The old harbour area, Medienhafen, has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with world-renowned architect Frank Gehry contributing to the regeneration of this crumbling quarter. It seems to be working, as this is now one of the city’s hippest areas, packed full of restaurants and other bold architectural statements.

Talking of bold architectural statements, the beautiful Schloss Benrath, right in the heart of the city, is also worth a visit. Situated within its own parkland in the south of the city, this palace still plays a part in the everyday life of local citizens as they take a stroll or relax with their families in its expansive grounds. The palace regularly holds popular summer concerts, and firework displays. The nearby Benrath village is also worthy of an afternoon stroll.

Fancy a bite

If all this talk of sightseeing has made you hungry then there are plenty of local delicacies to sample in Düsseldorf, from its famous Ähzezupp (pea soup) to Halver Hahn (half a chicken), which is actually a delicious cheese with onion and is great on traditional ryebread rolls.

If German specialities are a little heavy, then Düsseldorf is also home to the largest Japanese population in Europe, so it would be a shame not to sample some of this authentic cuisine. Try Na Ni Wa (naniwa.de) famous for both its noodles and sushi.

Another must-visit is Monkey's, housed in a handsome old post office at Graf-Adolf-Platz 15 (00 49 211 649 63710; monkeysplaza.com). It is named after Monkey's Island, Düsseldorf's first beach club, which used to be found in the nearby harbour and is furnished with bold, contemporary art. The menu is as chic as the decor: a mix of modern European fine dining in Monkey's West and Mediterranean cuisine in the more informal Monkey's South next door.

Either that or take in the Sunday Brunch at Malkasten, something of a local insitution, found in a secluded corner of the Hofgarten. Obviously, this is the place to be in summer when the terrace is open. Just make sure you book!

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Hotels Sir and Lady Astor
These two boutique hotels just a stone’s throw from each other in the centre of town provide guests with a “private and personal atmosphere” to create the “feeling of coming home”. Sir Astor is more masculine with its dark tones and African influences while Lady Astor gives off a more feminine air.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to their sister property, Hotel Windsor

Where to stay?

InterContinental Düsseldorf
Timeless and dashing, InterContinental Düsseldorf fits right in with the contemporary business and fashion hub of Düsseldorf. For fans of high-end Königsallee shopping, this is the place to be. Less than 10 minutes from the airport.
Mustn’t miss: A meal at PÉGA where the menu is inspired by the "slow food mentality"

Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf
Hyatt Regency Düsseldorf is a modern and elegant business hotel located in the heart of the Media Harbour. A new kid on the block in the city, the hotel is located in one of two 19-storey buildings on the tip of a peninsula directly on the Rhine with a stunning view of the harbour and Old Town.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to Hyatt’s Riva Spa

Breidenbacher Hof
A Düsseldorf institution for over 200 years, Breidenbacher Hof is a "must-stay" for any luxury hotel lover who knows their stuff. Dining, shopping and doing as little as possible during your stay are the order of the day at this excellent hotel.
Mustn’t miss: Get buffed and polished at the Schnitzler Beauty Lounge

Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Düsseldorf
Situated in the heart of the trendy Media Harbour, this hotel in Düsseldorf offers guests panoramic views of the harbour and easy access to cultural attractions, such as art and literary museums and popular shopping areas. The hotel also places guests within easy access to public transport, within four kilometres from the main train station and ten kilometres from the Düsseldorf International Airport.
Mustn’t miss: A meal at Amano – the Radisson’s Italian eatery overlooking the harbour