The German city of Düsseldorf is capital city of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

It sits mainly on the right hand (eastern) bank of the River Rhine.

The city is known for its Altbier (old town), vibrant nightlife, carnival and other major events such as the Kirmes fun fair, which attracts some four million thrill seekers for 10 days every summer.

While large swathes of the city were destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II, a rewarding number of historically impressive buildings have survived.

These provide a genuine contrast to the ultra-modern architecture that has grown up around them.

The combination of old and new, plus its youthful zeal, makes Düsseldorf a fascinating short-break destination.

With Düsseldorf is compact city, all that the visitor will be looking for is found in close proximity.

www.visitduesseldorf.de

Getting to know Düsseldorf in 120 minutes

Being somewhere for a short time, one can think about merely 'wasting time' before moving on but not in Düsseldorf.

But, whenever possible, it is always good to take a look around.

Having even, two or three hours of stopover, take advantage of them. So much better than kicking one's heels.

This was certainly the case with Düsseldorf.

Ann and I were in the city waiting to board the VIVA TWO for its two-night maiden voyage down the Rhine.

The three morning hours we had before embarkation gave us more than enough time to take an initial look at the city.

And most rewarding it was.

There was, however, no point in just wandering aimlessly as that does not really get you anywhere.

Get a tour guide

We needed a guided tour.

Whenever we take a city break, Ann and I will look to slot in a guided walking tour on the first full morning of the stay.

Whoever the guide, they are going to come equipped with interesting information and an enthusiasm for their 'home town'.

Peter takes us around

Taking the tour is also a great way to get orientated and acquainted with what is where, and how to get back there during the rest of the stay.

While our first stay in Düsseldorf was limited to the one morning this was time enough a feel for city.

Particularly when our guide was Peter Jaeger, a long time Dusseldorf resident and someone with a passionate interest in the city and its history.

Düsseldorf in 120 minutes

Given our time constraint we opted for the Düsseldorf in 120 minutes tour, described as the city walk for more active newbies.

Meeting us in the heart of the city, on a very rainy day, Peter started his tour with a stroll along the Königsallee, Düsseldorf's main boulevard.

We then the MedienHafen (Media Harbour) and Altstadt (old town) before walking along the grand Rhine Boulevard to the VIVA TWO.

The MedienHafen

The MedienHafen, the Media Harbour, is a district on the banks of the Rhine that was, at one time, the city's thriving harbour area.

By the end of the 20th Century, trade had dropped off and the place had become a less than desirable area.

The harbour's regeneration, and indeed renaissance, began in earnest in the 1990s, and today is an area of stunning postmodern architecture.

Very much like Canary Wharf in London, it is now as much a hub for leisure and entertainment as it is a focus for the many international companies who occupy its towering office buildings.

The Altstadt

We also took a walk through the narrow streets of the Altstadt, old town.

While this was pleasantly quiet during the morning, the old town comes to life in the evening, and particularly at weekends and during the summer months.

For this is city's night-time district, with a string of restaurants, cocktail bars and dance clubs.

Also, any number of pubs offering Altbier, the copper-coloured bier particular to Rhineland, particularly Düsseldorf.

Tours of Düsseldorf

A range of guided, and self-guided, walking tours of Düsseldorf are available as well as those by bike or on a boat.

www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/en/book/city-tours

Making a good first impression

Our first, fleeting get to know Düsseldorf, was enough to reveal the city's fascinating attraction as a short-break city destination.

We have pencilled in a longer stay next time, when the weather will hopefully be better, and I will be able take in an Altbier or two.

Useful links

​ www.visitduesseldorf.de