The city of Düsseldorf in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has often been voted one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world – and not without reason, of course. In the metropolis on the Rhine, architecture, fashion and culture play an important role. The new Competence Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries has recently also successfully implemented some creative and innovative ideas.

However, many travelers also use their departure from Düsseldorf Airport to explore the city more closely. So you can arrive early and park your car at Düsseldorf Airport – then you can use the S-Bahn to explore the city in a relaxed way.

During the day, the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia has a lot to offer, whether shopping tours or leisurely strolling in a modern ambience. In the old town, there are numerous opportunities to end a day full of events comfortably in a cool bar. If you prefer to be pampered in a nice restaurant, you will also get your money’s worth in Düsseldorf. You will also find many hip clubs where you can party until the early hours of the morning. So one thing is certain – a short trip to the modern city with a special flair is definitely more recommended.

Sights in Dusseldorf

Benrath Palace

Benrath Palace, located in the south of Düsseldorf, is definitely worth a visit. It is the most important work of art in the city and also includes a magnificent complex consisting of the palace building and a large park. The castle originally served as a pleasure and hunting lodge and consists of a main building, an eastern and western cavalier wing and two gatehouses. It’s perfect for getting some fresh, electoral air! In the castle there are original furniture, paintings and porcelain pieces that shine in their beauty. You can also visit the only garden art museum in the world.

Königsallee

Königsallee is the right place for you if you want to expand your wardrobe with trendy pieces. Here there is one so-called flagship store next to the other and small boutiques can also be found in abundance. The boulevard, which is also called “Kö”, is also one of the leading luxury shopping streets in Europe and is considered the flagship of Düsseldorf. In the middle of the Kö, the Düssel makes its way and gives the street a great atmosphere with an impressive avenue of trees along the shore, which encourages strolling. The cosy cafés along the avenue invite you to relax and enjoy after strolling.

Media Harbour

The Media Harbour has established itself as an architectural highlight and an important sight in the city. Since the old Rhine port was renovated, the Media Harbour has been transformed into a hip and cool trendy district. Star architects such as Frank O. Gehry or David Chipperfield have given the port a very special appearance with their great buildings. Above all, the Old Zollhof, planned by O. Gehry, shows a lot of character. Large media groups and companies are based here and develop innovative ideas at the chic harbour.

Rhine Tower

From the Rhine Tower you have a fascinating view over the city of Düsseldorf. The tower is 240 meters high and has a great open-air viewing platform. From here you have a unique view of the Media Harbour, the old town, the Hofgarten and the Königsallee. On a sunny and clear day, you can even see Cologne Cathedral in the distance. Fun fact: Along the column of the TV tower, 39 of 62 portholes glow in the darkness and thus form the largest decimal clock in the world.

Old town

The old town has some insider tips as well as quaint pubs to offer. The well-known part only stretches over half a square kilometre, but as the well-known saying goes: Small but nice! A total of 260 bars are lined up closely followed by clubs – perfect for turning night into day. Düsseldorf’s old town always offers the perfect location, whether to celebrate exuberantly, to spend a cozy evening with friends or to celebrate a festive occasion in a chic ambience. For those who like to drink beer, this district is even a real treasure trove. Here, a freshly tapped Altbier can be enjoyed in the house breweries. On the so-called Brewery Trail, you can learn more details and exciting stories.

Carlsplatz

On the famous Carlsplatz, there is a lively hustle and bustle six days a week. While farmers used to offer their goods here, the oldest market still in operation has now been transformed into a true paradise for gourmets. The motto here is: freshness, variety and quality. From fresh fish, specialties from India or Italy, Dutch cheeses to sweet temptations, everyone gets their money’s worth here. But you can also enjoy a fresh coffee from a market’s own roastery or let yourself be tempted by the delicious lunch offer.

Rhine Fair

The Rhine Fair is the right place for you if you are a fan of thrills. Düsseldorf’s Oberkassel festival meadows are known for the largest funfair with more than 300 showmen on the Rhine. It takes place annually in the third week of July, lasts 10 days and is one of the largest folk festivals in all of Germany. Fun for the whole family is guaranteed here, whether on rides on crazy roller coasters or during the round trip on the Ferris wheel. In addition, the funfair is a paradise for connoisseurs and those with a sweet tooth. From potato pancakes, tarte flambée and Mexican specialties to churros, crepes and fruit covered with chocolate, everyone will find something delicious here. At the end of the fair days, a fascinating fireworks display is organized.

If you want to enjoy a real North Sea feeling, you will find it in Büsum. The small port town in Schleswig-Holstein is located directly on the North Sea. Here you can hear the sound of the North Sea waves and the screeching of the seagulls. Fine sand plays around your feet and when you take a deep breath, you can breathe in the wonderfully salty sea air. It is a perfect vacation spot for everyone. Young couples can have a great time here, as can seniors or families with children. There is plenty of space to play and romp. An event that holidaymakers with pets also appreciate very much. All these factors make Büsum one of the most popular holiday resorts in this area. In terms of overnight stays, it is even the third largest tourist resort on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast behind Sankt Peter-Ording and Westerland.

Maritime flair on a walk through the harbour

Once an island consisting of several villages, Büsum is now (since 1585) connected to the mainland. The townscape of the municipality from the district of Dithmarschen is particularly characterised by the fishing and excursion port. Here you will find typical maritime flair. A wide variety of boats anchor and the nationally known and popular Büsum crabs await you at Germany’s largest cutter harbour. With a romantic-picturesque atmosphere, it is always a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. A trip through the harbour on one of the Börte boats is also worthwhile. Visitors interested in history are drawn to the museum harbour. In addition to historical treasures from fishing, there are old ships and the lighthouse to see. It is Büsum’s landmark.

North Sea spa since 1949

As early as 1837, Büsum was awarded the title of North Sea Resort. In order to be allowed to bear this designation, it requires high requirements in terms of air and water quality, proximity to the sea and tourist infrastructure. Since 1949, the place has even been allowed to call itself a North Sea spa. This also requires the presence of remedies. These include, for example, sea silt or sea salt. Accordingly, holidaymakers will find great bathing opportunities on site. A highlight is the Perlebucht family lagoon. A wonderful dune landscape with wind-protected hollows, spacious natural areas and salt marsh-like vegetation. A bridge leads between the bathing and water sports pools to an entrance to the mudflats.

Barbecue areas, DLRG, playground equipment, hammocks, an attractive promenade and much more round off the offer of the Perlebucht. Of course, the main beach also offers a lot of variety for an extensive day of swimming and beach. Beach chairs for rent promise a box seat on the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An overnight stay in a sleeping beach chair is a particularly great experience. A waterproof and windproof tarpaulin with window allows a carefree view of the starry sky even in less than optimal weather conditions. By the way, the Büsum sleeping beach chairs are manufactured in the workshop of the Stiftung Mensch, which is committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Büsum – a paradise for cyclists

If you want to explore the picturesque Büsum in a sporty way, you should hop on a bike. The event centre and the tourist information office have extensive maps available for holidaymakers. There are wonderful routes along the dike along the North Sea Coast Cycle Path to choose from. Guided bike tours can also be booked. Of course, there is also the possibility to rent a bike in Büsum. Sports and fitness enthusiasts are drawn to the spa gardens, where the vitality course with sports equipment for young and old encourages sporting activity. From June to September, experienced trainers offer insight into the correct use of fitness equipment. And what would a holiday by the sea be without water sports? The Büsum water sports school offers numerous courses for kitesurfing, stand up paddling and much more.

Fun for the little holidaymakers

There is always something going on in the Mini-Maxi-Club. Creative handicrafts and fun playtimes in bright, modern rooms make the hearts of children between 3 and 13 years of age beat faster. The Büsum holiday pastoral care also offers numerous events for the whole family. During the summer holidays, for example, there is mudflat football, sandcastle competitions or the “bedtime story” on the beach. Also exciting for children, but also for adults, is the Phänomania adventure centre. This is a hands-on museum where physics and science can be touched.

Sightseeing in Büsum

In addition to the numerous offers, you should also take time for the more traditional sightseeing during a holiday in Büsum. The Evangelical Lutheran Fisherman’s Church of St. Clemens is worth seeing. Built on the highest point of the city, the structure features an old baptismal font from the 13th century and a carved portrait of Martin Luther. Another attraction is the life-size bronze statue of Neocorus. During a stroll through the pedestrian zone, visitors can see the town hall in baroque style. The rather tranquil Büsum even has a high-rise to offer. The house is 85 meters high and towers over the surrounding buildings many times over.

As you can see from this little insight, the town on the Meldorf Bay has a wide range of offers for its holiday guests. In beautiful nature, you can spend a holiday where you don’t have to choose between activity and relaxation.