Düsseldorf Things to Do Tips by BillNJ

Visit the Mediahafen (Media Port) Media Port - Medienhafen Review

Another popular area of Düsseldorf is the Mediahafen (Media Port). It is a nice area to look at the water and the many boats. In this area, there are also buildings designed by famous modern architects like Frank Gehry. Personally, I'm not a big fan of Gehry's style -- but I know that others are.

Walking with VTers Sabs and Thomas, I did find one building in the Media Port that I like -- the restaurant Curry which serves excellent currywurst and fries! In the restaurants section, I have included a tip on this place.

Stroll along the Rheinuferpromenade Rhine - Rhein Review

In Düsseldorf, the Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine embankment promenade) is a wonderful place to go for a stroll. The weather was dreary on the day that I was there, and it was still very enjoyable. When the weather is nice, it must be awesome.

While there, there are plenty of places to stop for a drink or something to eat. Since many places have seats under tents, you can visit here even if it rains.

Address: Along the Rhine River

Visit the Königsallee Königsallee Review

In Düsseldorf, the Königsallee (or "the Ko" for short) is a high-end shopping district like New York's 5th Avenue. There are many high-end luxury stores. There are many trees lining the street, and there is also a stagnant body of water separating the two sides. During shopping hours, this street is packed with luxury cars -- and the sidewalks are filled with well-dressed consumers. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, this area is a nice place to take a stroll and watch the busy shoppers.

Address: Königsallee

Directions: City center

See the Palm Trees on Graf Adolf Strasse

Near my hotel on Graf Adolf Strasse, I encountered some palm trees in a center median. I think these trees added a bit of tropical flair to the city.

Address: Adolf Graf Strasse

Directions: City center

Go to the top of the Rheinturm (Rhine tower) Rheinturm Review

At 234 meters tall (768 feet), the Rheinturm (Rhine tower) is the tallest structure in Düsseldorf. I heard that the views from the top are amazing. I didn't go up to the top, though, because it was cloudy with next-to-zero visibility when I was visiting.

Drink Altbier at Brauerei Uerige

After fellow VTers Sabs and Thomas gave me a quick walking tour of some of the main sights in Düsseldorf, we stopped to enjoy some Altbier in Brauerei Uerige. At this time, it was a little after 12:00 noon on a Saturday afternoon -- and there were already many people there who had the same idea. We found a small table outside of the entrance, and we were quickly served an Altbier by one of the Köbes (waiters).

My first impression of Brauerei Uerige was that this was an establishment steeped in tradition. Düsseldorf has a proud brewing history that goes back to 1516 when an alimentary law set rules still observed by brewers. Only four ingredients were allowed under this dictum: water, malted barley or wheat, yeast and hops. In 1712, another decree separated the crafts of baking and beer-making to guarantee the best products from both trades. The brewers top-ferment their beer, the legacy of a time when, lacking refrigeration, they had no choice but to let the yeasts rise to the top of vats. The style still defines Düsseldorf's contribution to beer-making, even in an era of global trade. Because of this traditional process, Altbier doesn't travel well. Therefore, to enjoy a true Altbier experience, you must visit Düsseldorf.

When you visit Brauerei Uerige, you participate in this proud Altbier tradition. You automatically share a bond with all of the other patrons who are enjoying the same beverage as you. Here, the Köbes don't wait to take your order because they know what you will drink. Also, they don't wait for you to order a new one when you are finished. Instead, they keep bringing you a new one until you put your beermat on top of your glass to indicate that you are finished.

In a nutshell, Brauerei Uerige is a German beer-drinking establishment that still does things the traditional way. If you enjoy beer and tradition, this place needs to be on your list of places to visit in Düsseldorf.

Address: Berger Str. 1, Altstadt, 40213 Düsseldorf

Directions: Altstadt

Website: http://www.uerige.de/en_home.html

Visit Die Altstadt (the Old Town) Old Town - Altstadt Review

The Düsseldorfer Altstadt is known as the longest bar in the world because this small area of the city contains over 300 bars, pubs, and nightclubs. VTers Sabs and Thomas gave me a tour of the area during the daytime when it is much less crowded. In addition to the nightlife, the Altstadt also has some notable landmarks including the Basilica St. Lambertus and the old Rathaus (city hall). There are also some residences with interesting ornamentation like the one in the photo.