Düsseldorf offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern architecture, providing an enriching travel experience for visitors.
Contents:
Düsseldorf, Old and New
By Gary Singh
“Eighty percent of Düsseldorf was destroyed during the war,” explains Renate Morton as she guides me through the bustling city streets. Bursting with personality, Renate has immense local knowledge, having spent years both in England and South America, yet she remains Düsseldorf’s esteemed local expert.
Our walking tour unfolds like a fascinating narrative, revealing the city’s history and contemporary culture with each step. Renate shares that supermodel Claudia Schiffer was discovered in a local nightclub and that Düsseldorf hosts Europe’s largest Japanese community. Her passion is palpable as she divulges insights about statues, galleries, and the region’s herbal liqueurs.
We venture into Tchibo, a unique store selling coffee and women’s lingerie. Renate highlights Düsseldorf’s historical hero, Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine, who established an art collection, granted brewers the right to organize guilds, and welcomed Protestant settlers.
As I absorb Renate’s whirlwind of information, it feels like diving into a multidimensional experience from which my own explorations will stem. Below are some of the memorable highlights from our journey through Düsseldorf.
Pearl of Aesthetic
The Breidenbacher Hof radiates a pristine atmosphere, and moments after my arrival, I am introduced to Dr. Branislav Matejic. Dressed casually yet elegantly, he possesses the charisma akin to a well-known director.
This luxurious hotel uniquely houses an elite plastic surgery clinic, Pearl of Aesthetic. Anyone can access the clinic through the hotel or a private entrance on the street. Dr. Matejic, a leading surgeon celebrated across Europe, shares his expertise, having treated numerous high-profile clients.
His clinic embodies the essence of medical tourism, particularly appealing to patients from Russia and the UAE. Notably, the Breidenbacher Hof stands alone in offering a comprehensive experience under one roof, ensuring postoperative privacy for its guests.
Palace Benrath
At Palace Benrath, I don cumbersome slippers to protect its historic flooring as I explore this Baroque-estate with a knowledgeable guide. Constructed by Karl Theodor for his wife, the palace houses a vast expanse of gardens, a hunting lodge, and three museums.
Despite its tumultuous past, the property’s gardens attract local joggers and children playing with toy sailboats on the expansive pond. The blend of European and Eastern designs in the landscape creates a picturesque setting.
During my visit coinciding with the 2010 World Cup, my guide, Nadine Odenthal, and I engage in lively discussions about Germany’s rich soccer history, connecting through our mutual admiration for the sport.
Between Beer and Books
The Breidenbacher Hof’s prime location positions it between Düsseldorf’s vibrant Altstadt, renowned for its nightlife, and the upscale shopping avenue, Königsallee. My quest for the perfect soccer pub leads me to McLaughlin’s, where live World Cup broadcasts attract both locals and visitors.
Altstadt, affectionately called “The Longest Bar in the World,” is teeming with over 200 establishments inviting patrons to savor local brews. Amidst the cobblestone paths, the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming.
My visit also coincides with Düsseldorf’s international book fair, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. With over 120 vendors showcasing a plethora of titles—mostly in German—I revel in exploring the diverse literary offerings.
Schneider Goes Spanish
Hidden in Altstadt, Schneider-Wibbel Gasse features a collection of vibrant Spanish restaurants, all owned by the audacious Primo Lopez, who transformed his early life in Germany into a successful culinary empire.
This lively street carries the legacy of Schneider Wibbel, a legendary trickster whose actions led to an impressive tale of deception. His spirit lives on through a clock monument, where a figure emerges to play the glockenspiel, captivating tourists and photo enthusiasts alike.
Düsseldorf Deconstructivism
Ending my journey in Düsseldorf, I arrive at the Media Harbor, an architectural marvel designed by Frank O. Gehry in the late ’90s. His audacious structures, characterized by fluid shapes and unconventional windows, contrast sharply with traditional German design.
Previously an industrial area, the harbor now balances the remnants of its historic past with modern innovation, attracting both urbanites and admirers of the industrial landscape.
While Düsseldorf may not always dominate travel itineraries, its unique blend of culture and modernity leaves a lasting impression. As Renate wisely articulated, “We have everything that any other city has, but just a little bit less.”
Meta Description: Experience the charm of Düsseldorf, blending rich history with modern architecture, unique dining, and vibrant culture.
Further Information:
Düsseldorf International Book Fair
(in German)
Düsseldorf Media Harbor
(in German)
