In Germany tourists must carry their passports with them all the time as the German police have the right to see identification.

History

Dusseldorf is a city worth visiting. It is the capital of the North Rhine- Westphalia state and one of the most prosperous cities in Germany.

Almost 80 per cent of Dusseldorf was destroyed during World War II and has been reconstructed since then. This includes the historic landmarks especially the riverside medieval buildings.

Dusseldorf started off as a small fishing village and was located where the River Rhine meets the River Dussel. Today it is a statement in glass and steel and a tribute to Germany’s prosperity.

What to see

There are a lot of things to see in Dusseldorf depending on what your interests are. For the party bugs there is the Altstadt where you will find more than 300 restaurants and bars, which have on offer the most amazing range of food. The entire area is just a square mile and is called the longest bar in the world by the locals.

You could also visit the museums in the city such as the Museum Kunst Palast and the Neanderthal Museum.

Also, don’t miss the Burgplatz, the Schloss Jagerhof and the Schlossturm. There is the church of St Lambertus which has an interesting history behind it.

You could also take a trip into the country side from Dusseldorf.

When to visit

You can visit Dusseldorf anytime between March and the middle of November. This is the best time for the wine and food festivals. The season for most of the small towns in the Rhineland is from Easter to October. Don’t forget that the opening hours will be shorter in castles, churches and museums. Check in on the German Wine Institute and get information on the German wines. You will also come to know about the events connected with wine here. There are also offer you could avail of from the wine information offices.

Where to stay

Try to get bookings in the old inns on the river or in the castles. Make sure that you ask for Rheinblick that is a Rhine view room. You will have to book ahead to make sure you get your rooms, as the hotels get full up when the trade fairs and exhibitions are on. Do remember that a lot of hotels close during winter.

Where to shop

You could do most of your shopping at the Ko Center, the Ko Galerie or the Schadow Arkaden.

Where to eat

There are a number of restaurants where you will get the best of European cuisine and where you can taste the wines. And don’t forget to taste the beer at Albier which brews its own beer.

What to wear

Since Dusseldorf is on the Rhine, it can get a bit damp and cold. So make sure you pack a warm sweater and long trousers. If you are travelling in winter, then you need to layer up. Don’t wear white gym shoes as they stand out. Many restaurants and music clubs have dress restrictions

Local transport

Dusseldorf is accessible through three international airports, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Koln-Bonn. There are excellent bus and train connections from each of these airports to the city center and also to other parts of the region.

Money changing

The legislation on cash controls states that a person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare cash if they are carrying 10,000 Euros or more. This includes checks, traveler’s checks and money orders.

You can find ATMs in Dusseldorf, but please remember to let your bank know that you are travelling overseas. You might also be charged for withdrawals. It’s best you change your money before arrival.

A word of warning: please exchange currency only at banks or authorized Bureaux de Change as many unwary people have been arrested for the possession of counterfeit currency.

Pharmacies and Hospitals

There are pharmacies in the airport. As a tourist, you will have to pay in cash to settle the doctor’s and hospital bills. In most cases, credit cards are not accepted.

You should also make sure that you always carry the prescription along with the medicine that you will use.

Tourist office contact

If you require further information please contact: Marktstr. 6, Düsseldorf, D-40213. 0211/172-020. www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de.

Visa

You will need a Schengen visa to enter Germany. US citizens can enter Germany for business or tourism purposes for 90 days without a visa. Please contact the German Embassy for further details.

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