Holiday lettings & accommodation in Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf regularly wins the award for ‘best quality of life in Germany’. It has grown from a small settlement on the right bank of the Rhine, to a sprawling metropolis that now encompasses the opposite bank. It also holds the prestigious claim of being the richest city in modern Germany, so there are plenty of nice districts in which to stay. The newer, industrial and commercial left bank reflects Dusseldorf’s importance to the German economy and cutting edge modern architecture. The Altstadt (Old Town), a tight-knit blanket of cobblestone streets with the added flourish of the Gothic 16th-century Rathaus (Town Hall), show off the city’s credentials as the most elegant in the Rhine Valley. Families might enjoy staying near the parks that line the riverbank, while those looking for something more upmarket and chic will want to stay near the Konigsallee. This tree-lined avenue is an elegant fashion honeypot and department-store stronghold.

The first place to head to on arrival in Dusseldorf is the historic Marktplatz. The square is bordered by the fabulous Renaissance Rathaus (Town Hall), built in 1573, while a grand statue of Jan Wellem, the Elector of the Palatinate and Duke of Julich-Berg, sits imposingly on his horse. After Marktplatz, head for a drink or a cake at one of the multitude of cafes on Rheinuferpromenade, Dusseldorf's main riverside promenade. A visit to Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is a must for all art-lovers. This regional art museum houses a vast collection of 20th Century art, including a good selection of 1980s and 90s canvases, photographs and video. Just south of the city centre is the Schloss Benrath, the elegant palace and pleasure gardens of the late Elector Carl Theodore. Designed by Nicolas de Pigage, the stunning three-winged palace offers both architectural splendour and insight into the rich history of the city's patron.

Charming old world buildings offer hearty portions of excellent German food on nearly every corner of Dusseldorf’s Altstadt. The district is a medley of narrow streets and alleyways, packed with restaurants, boutiques and beer taverns. Zum Schiffchen, located in the Altstadt, specializes in hearty Rheinish fare in a traditional setting. The Brauerei im Fuchschen in the Old Town is a rambunctious Rheinish beer hall, where you can down large glass steins of beer and wade through mountainous portions of Schweinshaxe (roast pork leg). Backerei Hinkel is a traditional German bakery, loved by locals for its delicious breads and cakes, and is an excellent spot to pick-up ingredients for a picnic on Dusseldorf's elegant Rheinuferpromenade. In the evening, head back to the Altstadt to bar-hop - the area is known locally as “Längste Theke der Welt” or “the longest bar in the world” due to the number of drinking spots. Try an Altbier, a locally brewed dark beer served in a small glass.

Dusseldorf International Airport is six kilometres north of the city. The airport is on the local S-Bahn system and trains can be caught to Dusseldorf's main train station every 20 minutes. In addition, a taxi ride to central Dusseldorf takes roughly 30 minutes and costs 25€. Dusseldorf is reasonably large city, so it is best to become familiar with the local public transport system. The S-Bahn railways link the outer suburbs, while buses and the U-Bahn system serve the city centre. Dusseldorf's tourist board offer a Dusseldorf Welcome Card, which provides free use of public transport and free entrance to the city museums. Valid for 24 hours, the Welcome Card costs 9€ or 18€ for a family of four. Taxi metres begin at approximately 5€ for the first 2 kilometres. Like many other German cities, Dusseldorf is also very cycle-friendly, with good bike paths and short distances between major attractions.