Düsseldorf: The City of Art & Shopping

In this edition of, In the City, we profile an art and fashion capital, Düsseldorf, Germany.  We touch base with Jenna Davis, travel blogger and chapter leader of Düsseldorf and Cologne Travel Massive to learn more about this wonderful city!

How did you come to live here?

Like many travel bloggers, it’s quite the story. I’ve been backpacking on the road for more than four years and while amidst it all, I fell in love and moved to his hometown Düsseldorf, Germany. Though I could have never imagined calling Germany my home before, it’s now one of my favourite places to be. At home in my small Düsseldorf apartment along the beautiful Rhein River, it’s a wonderful city to now call my home.

What makes your city so awesome?

Düsseldorf is known to be the art and fashion capital of Germany, but I’d much rather prefer to tell you all about the incredible flea markets around the city. Though we certainly have our fair share of fashionistas in the city, there is no shortage of vintage shops, second hand stores and awesome finds! Düsseldorf is also an incredible place to explore while travelling, while you kick back and relax along the Rhein with some Alt Bier (a traditional dark Düsseldorf beer).

What surprises people most about your city?

Düsseldorf is quite a popular city to visit for the Germans and Dutch, though it’s still a ‘hidden gem’ for international travellers. I’ve have had many people come to the city to visit and they’re shocked at the sheer beauty of the place, while leaving with the big question “why have I never heard of this place before?!”

Are there any misconceptions about your city, people, custom, or culture?

For Düsseldorf specifically, there aren’t many well noted misconceptions yet – though it is pretty universally known that the Germans drink a lot of beer, and eat a lot of meat. Before moving to Germany a couple of years ago, I followed along with this stereotype. Now that I’m actually immersed in the culture, I’ve learnt that more Düsseldorfer’s drink wine instead of beer, and they actually have quite the large population of vegetarians and vegans.

Best sustainable travel tips for visiting your city?

There are many ways to explore a city, but Düsseldorf is best explored by foot. The Alt Stadt (old town) is easily walkable for people of all ages. If you choose to go by car, you’re going to miss out on a lot of what Düsseldorf has to offer. Shop at the flea markets and support the local community too! This is a great way to souvenir shop – Düsseldorf is filled with history!

Best local food or restaurant?

There are so many incredible places to eat in the city, but there’s a few that I can’t hide from you!

Best Pizza – Lupo Pizzeria
Best Ice Cream – Unbehaun
Best German Specialties – Schweine Janes

Best local drink or bar?

Alt Bier and Killepitsch, no questions about it! There’s Alt Bier to be found all throughout the old town for no more than a couple of Euros. Killepitsch is a traditional herb liquor from the region and enjoyed on many occasions – including the common cold.

Best local neighbourhood to explore and why?

You could spend a couple minutes on Google to find out all the best spots in the old town and the neighbourhoods around the area, but there’s one spot that isn’t mentioned very often and is only about a 15 – 20 minute tram ride across the city. Kaiserswerth is a beautiful old town located within Düsseldorf and is home to Barbarossa Castle, an incredible ruin situated along the Rhein River.

Best local festivals and events people should experience?

February – Karneval: This is a week long festival filled with people dressed in costumes and flying candies as far as you can see! Rose Monday is the day of the float parade where the entire city comes together to celebrate.

December – Düsseldorf Christmas Market: In the old town and along the Rhein, Düsseldorf hosts a beautiful and charming Christmas market where you can drink mulled wine, egg nog and munch on more bratwurst and pork knuckle than you can handle.

Best cultural tradition?

As an expat living in Düsseldorf, I’ve found so many incredible cultural traditions that most of the citizens here don’t even realize. It is amazing to see that the Düsseldorfer’s spend their weekday evenings biking around the city, walking in the park, or sitting outside for a BBQ and beer. I find that the Düsseldorf culture is very family/friend oriented and really understand how to find that perfect work/life balance. It is such an honour to be living in such a great and lively city!

In the City is a monthly series that profiles a unique Travel Massive city around the world. Connect with Jenna on Travel Massive and be sure to join the Düsseldorf and Cologne Chapter for updates on their upcoming event.