Düsseldorf is a city known for its fashion industry and art scene, which is perfect for shopping, visiting art galleries and museums. I have been visiting Düsseldorf from the moment I turned 12 years old, as my parents put me on a flight from Canada to visit my family for the summer and I have been going back ever since. Now that I am closer (Wizzair flights from Budapest to Dortmund take 1 hour 30 minutes and from Dortmund, it is a 45 minute drive) I can go more often, mainly to hang out with my family. Here are some of the places we visited over the Christmas holidays and the highlights from the city.
One of the first stops we made was to the Christmas market. I love visiting the markets in Europe as they are filled with wonderful smells and there's lots of delicious food to try.
The sales started earlier this year and it made people a bit crazy before and after the holidays. Düsseldorf's best known trademark is shopping on Königsallee. It is one of a small number of internationally known streets that can be called a boulevard. Called 'Kö' by locals, the magnificent boulevard with its exquisite shopping malls and arcades is always one of the main topics when people talk about Düsseldorf. Tiffany's, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are just a few of the big fashion labels you will find here. Whether you are shopping or relaxing in one of the numerous cafés, you will live the motto of this unique boulevard: 'To see and to be seen'.
The INNSIDE Düsseldorf Hafen is located in the stunning "Colorium", a symbol of the new cultural district of Düsseldorf Media Harbour. The hotel dazzles with modern design: 62 meters tall and 17 floors, making it one of the tallest and most prominent buildings on the Düsseldorf skyline, and a unique façade composed of 2,000 glass panels attracting the attention of one and all. Located in the district of the Düsseldorf port area and very close to the city centre, the old town, Düsseldorf trade fair centre, the CCD Congress Centre and the Central Station, it was designed by the internationally renowned British architect William Allen Alsop. Its impressive facilities include modern rooms and suites with exquisite interior design and magnificent views, but most impressive is the restaurant and modern sky bar, The View, on the top floor with fabulous views of the port and city centre.
Once you're well rested and all shopped out, a great place to try is ALEX brasserie, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or wine with friends.
Looking forward to my next hang out with my family!
