Discover Dusseldorf on Your Own Terms: Car Rental Guide and Tips
Düsseldorf is home to the third largest the country's airport (Düsseldorf Airport) and two harbours.
Mentions of the city in written sources first appear only in the 12th century. And in the 13th century, Düsseldorf received the status of a city. During its existence, the city has been repeatedly attacked by neighboring countries, in particular France. The city for a long time was under the rule of the French twice. The first time during the Seven Years' War, and the second time during Napoleon's military campaign. After the defeat of the Napoleonic troops, the city returned to Prussia again.
The city changed its appearance many times. After the Seven Years' War, it became the residence of the von Palatinates, who contributed to the fact that active construction began in the city - the emphasis was on the construction of fortifications and high walls. Which, however, did not prevent the French from recapturing Düsseldorf some time later. The city suffered the most during World War II. After the bombing by Allied aircraft, the city was destroyed by almost 90 percent.
The city itself got its name due to the fact that it is located on the banks of the river, and literally it can be translated as “village on Düssel”. The river itself is rather narrow, being a right tributary of the Rhine River. The city is located just on the right bank of the Rhine, at the confluence of the Düssel River. In the evenings, residents can enjoy amazing views of the embankment, the river and the bridge.
Düsseldorf, like the rest of Germany, is quite well oriented towards tourists. They have various special offers. For example, there are ticket machines in the subway, in one of which you can buy a tourist card worth 14 euros. The advantage of such a card is that with it you can get a discount at some restaurants, museums and attractions, the entrance to which is paid. The discount is usually 1-5 euros, but in the amount of several days, this saves a decent amount of money.
You can get around the city both by public transport and by rented car. The second option is still preferable, because to see all the sights of the city you will have to make a lot of transfers, which takes time and effort. You can rent a car on the Bookingautos service.
What are the must-sees in Düsseldorf?
It is best to start your tour of the city from the TV Tower. Its building is visible from any part of the city, so upon arrival it will certainly be the first thing that catches your eye. The heightof the TV and radio tower Reinturm is 240 meters. An elevator will take you up to a heightof 180 meters, where there is a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. It is not necessary to be a visitor to a restaurant to admire the beauty of the city from a bird's eye view. You can only pay for the entrance, the price of which is 9 euros. The feature of this "observation deck" is that the huge windows are made at a slight angle, so you get a better view.
After that, you can go to explore the city. And it’s better to start from the market square, where the Dusseldorf Town Hall, built in the 16th century, is located. The square also houses a sculpture dedicated to Johann Wilhelm. It was under him that the city reached its peak, for which the townspeople still revere him.
Driving by car along the streets remote from the center, it may seem that Düsseldorf is an ordinary industrial city with gray and dull buildings.
But the closer you get to the center, the more unusual buildings you come across along the way.
The eye involuntarily catches the complex of three buildings, which is called the New Customs. The most memorable is the mirror building in the middle.
At Düsseldorf you can always find up-to-date information about the life of the city and an overview of many attractions, which will allow you to decide what exactly you will be interested in visiting. But be that as it may, you should definitely visit Kunstpalast. This is one of the most famous museums in Germany, which was founded in 1710. The main collection of the museum is a large collection of paintings by famous artists, among which there are even paintings by Rubens.
Where to go near Düsseldorf?
Essen and Cologne, which also have something to look at. Essen is sure to appeal to all lovers of hiking. The city has an area with old streets of Verdun, the appearance of which has hardly changed since the Middle Ages. During the Second World War, this area, by some miracle, was almost untouched. So, if you have a desire to look at the "old" Germany in all its glory, then this place is for you.
And Cologne is considered the main cultural center of the country for a reason. There are dozens of museums, galleries and concert halls here. But the first thing to do is to see the Cologne Cathedral, which was built from the 13th to the 19th centuries. A building of extraordinary beauty that survived several bombings during the war. Inside are the remains of the very Magi who were present at the birth of Christ.
The best restaurants in Düsseldorf
In Düsseldorf you will find restaurants for every taste. There are many restaurants serving exclusively local cuisine, but there are also many establishments with Italian, Asian and other cuisines. Be sure to try how local restaurants prepare roasted beef. It is first pickled, and after roasting it is served on the table along with raisins and traditional sauce. The Germans are generally very fond of various hot sauces and mustard. The city even has a museum dedicated to mustard.
Tourists leave the most positive reviews for the following establishments:
The Duchy - Restaurant and Raw Bar (Königsallee 11 Entrance Heinrich-Heine-Allee 36a, +49 211 160900);
Restaurant Setzkasten (Berliner Allee 52 Zurheide Center Dusseldorf Im Crown, +49 211 2005716). The establishment has a Michelin star, which already distinguishes it from a number of other restaurants;
Spaghetti & Stars (Oberkasseler Str. 65, +49 211 553616). An excellent Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
In Düsseldorf, you should definitely visit one of the bars in Allstadt. Locals jokingly call this place "the longest pub in the world", because there are more than 50 drinking establishments.
Parking in Düsseldorf
Almost all parking lots in the city are paid, there are very few free places, and they are almost always occupied. But there are several parking lots with more or less normal prices:
· Kunstsammlung - Grabbeplatz 5. Open from 8 am to 11 pm. Cost per hour - 1.50 €;
· Rheinufer - Rathausufer 10. 24-hour parking, where you will pay 2.40 € per hour.
