Six experiences that should not be missed on your Düsseldorf vacation

All we can say is: slurp ramen, get a head for heights, relax on the city beach

The list of ideas for how you would like to spend your time out in Düsseldorf is almost endless? From A for Aquazoo to Z for (Neuer) Zollhof? That's right, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia offers so many attractions that you'd be better off thinking about a move instead of a vacation. If this has to wait for various reasons: For starters, why not enjoy a series of the most typical Düsseldorf to-dos. This will give you a first impression of the city's diversity and when you leave, you'll take with you the desire to return as soon as possible. Sounds good, doesn't it? 

Watching passers-by in a café on the Kö 

Does the name Anna Wintour ring a bell? The legendary editor-in-chief of the US fashion bible "Vogue" appears at fashion shows almost exclusively in sunglasses. Why? So that she can critically observe the collections and their details without anyone noticing. If you're planning something similar in Düsseldorf, there's no better place to be than on the legendary Königsallee shopping street, affectionately known as the "Kö". Sit down in one of the many cafés - perhaps in "Rosalie's Café" (Königsallee 1-9) - to enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee and watch the fashionistas from all over the world pass by and the trends they are wearing. Less crowded (especially on Fridays and Saturdays), but no less visually exciting, is the Hofgarten and Pocchino Espresso (Königsallee 2b). From this café, you can also enjoy the best view of the passing public as well as the flora and fauna in and around the Nördliche Düssel.  

Hanging out in Saraceno's net 

Have you had your coffee and breakfast? Then take a little digestive stroll through the Hofgarten before devoting yourself to art and culture. Incidentally, the tip to let the first meal of the day sink in a little is no coincidence - because the K21 art collection (Ständehausstraße 1) takes you to dizzying heights! In fact, you will soon find yourself in a work by Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno made of almost transparent steel nets. "In orbit" turns you into a temporary Spiderman at a height of more than 25 meters (even if the protective suit provided by the museum is less Hollywood-like, but safety first!) Important: The K21 advises you to wear shoes with a strong profile, such as trekking shoes, when entering the spectacular installation. Then nothing stands in the way of your knees shaking like never before, including a whole new feeling of freedom. You can't get more adrenaline in the early morning! 

Slurp ramen in Little Tokyo 

Phew, take a deep breath! Celebrate your courage for having conquered every fear (of heights) at K21 with a really good lunch. And where else would you get this if not in Düsseldorf's Japanese quarter? Whether it's extra fresh sushi, crispy karaage or juicy rice balls, no culinary wish remains unfulfilled around Immermannstraße. One highlight among many: Ramen! The hearty broth, often served with yakibuta (pork ham), negi (spring onions) or gyoza, can be enjoyed in various restaurants, each of which has one thing in common with all the others: The seats fill up so quickly that you can barely bat your eyelashes twice. So if possible, get there before rush hour between 12 and 1 pm or bring a little time to wait, because it's worth it. Once you see the bowl of steaming soup in front of you, with tender pieces of meat, golden miso egg and the finest of noodles swimming in it, you'll understand the daily (!) rush for your favorite dish. It sounds a little spiritual, but if you want to give your inner self a gift, slurp up a brimming plate of this food-based happiness at Takumi (Immermannstraße 28), Café Rika (Gehrtstraße 16) or Naniwa (Oststraße 55), for example. 

A detour to Flingern, Oberbilk, Oberkassel 

Finally (once again) in Düsseldorf, finally time to get to know the city center. A great idea, and yet there may still be a minute or two left to discover the districts that are less familiar to you. We're thinking of Flingern with its inimitable charm, built on a little defiance of appearing too conformist. Or Unterbilk - specifically Lorettostraße - with its many lovingly run stores that offer unique material and culinary delights. And of course Oberkassel, which lives up to Düsseldorf's reputation of being très chic . The Luegallee with the market on Barbarossaplatz and the surrounding top restaurants, cafés and stores should turn you into a fan in no time at all. Try it out for yourself! 

Drink your first Alt in the beer garden in front of the Neanderkirche 

Anyone who has walked at least 10,000 steps on a tour of Düsseldorf will clearly want some refreshment in the form of beer. In Düsseldorf, be sure to reach for the local specialty, the Altbier, which is known far beyond the country's borders and even attracts worldwide attention. Produced by the local breweries Füchschen, Schumacher, Schlüssel, Uerige and Kürzer, among others, the top-fermented drink tastes particularly delicious because it is tart and refreshing. One of the best places to raise a glass is the Neanderkirche church in the old town (Bolkerstraße 36). Built in 1687 in the Baroque style and named after the pastor and hymn writer Joachim Neander (1650-1680), the Schlüssel brewery uses the churchyard as a beer garden. What a setting to taste your first Altbier with a view of the hustle and bustle of the old town and with divine assistance! Don't miss out on marveling at the impressive organ in the Protestant church. Due to its design, it served as a model for a whole generation of subsequent instruments. 

Enjoy the sunset on the city beach 

Loud laughter, trusting whispers, deep gazes in the direction of the object of desire: Düsseldorf's city beach provides the backdrop for many unforgettable evenings among friends and (temporary) strangers - at several locations. Settle down in the deckchairs on the Rheinkniebrücke, Oberkasseler Brücke or Theodor-Heuss-Brücke, for example, to "take in" the view of the Rhine with a crispy bratwurst and a cold drink, only to enthusiastically add your family in the distance via video call. After all, a joy shared is a joy doubled, right? At the Oberkassel Bridge, the Stadtstrand team will also serve you "the finest live music", free of charge (you can find out the program via the Instagram account @stadtstrandduesseldorf). Meanwhile, your relatives are probably already making their way to Düsseldorf. 

Cover picture: Düsseldorf Tourismus