My Düsseldorf
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Photo: greg |
A personal opinion about a special place and once my home. Best thing about living in Dusseldorf: Once a village on the banks of the tiny Düssel and the majestic Rhine, the state capital still has a friendly, easy going, clean and safe feel about it. Even in the wrong parts of town and at night. A cosmopolitan flavour with a mix of many nationalities creates the perfect place to live.
Worst thing about living in Dusseldorf: It’s still a village! In the midst of 18 million people, it has no coast, no mountains and little forest but more than enough mid-mainland European grey weather and plenty of German service and smile standards. Well, I was asked.
Best way to get around: The trams and subways take a visitor just about everywhere they may wish to go. Taxis are easy to spot, fairly inexpensive yet not so easy to stop since hailing a cab is still not a Germanic trait.
Favourite secret place: Just a little way off the beaten track, is a tiny Spanish store with a delightful owner. Even if there are only two patrons ahead in the queue, still be prepared to wait for 20 minutes. Several tender Serranos, delicious cheeses and wines to seduce your palate can be purchased at Spanish prices. The clues may just help you discover my undisclosed choice.
Best place to exercise: The western banks of the river where shepherds herd their sheep are wide and the landscape fairly flat. Great for miles and miles (or kilometres and kilometres) of unhindered running and cycling. Indoors, Holmes Place on the prestigious Königsallee is my favourite.
Best place to relax: Developed around the turn of the 20th Century, my home district of Oberkassel is located on a peninsular left by the meanderings of the Rhine. A mild sunny day draws people to soak the energy and for picnics. Another favourite is the Hofgarten.
Best place to refuel: Meet and greet young and (some) old, cute, sexy and good-looking in a traditional and still hot bistro named Muggel. The harbour overflows with trendy bars and popular restaurants.
Most inspirational building: Not so famous for any landmarks, architecture here tends to be more “me too” and not so high. Frank O. Gehry has created a group of three small sisters to Bilbao; Daniel Libeskind has planned a refreshing, yet surprisingly uninspiring creation; and a hideous flyover, having split the city centre in three for decades, is insomuch inspiring as to create arguments about its upcoming demise. The Schauspielhaus or theatre is, to me, the finest building in town.
Best seasonal tip if in town in December: Germany is famous for the Weihnachtsmarkt and Düsseldorf has a sprinkling of smaller ones with bubbling, crowded and jolly Christmassy feeling. Lovers of a not too sweet mulled wine should head straight for the cosy offerings on the Rathaus, square. Snuggled in the back left-hand corner can be found excellent white Glühwein and so-called Flammkuchen. Both are delicious and it’s impossible not to make friends.
Worth noting: This thriving commercial centre boasts a balanced budget and its 600,000 inhabitants makes it about the size of Helsinki. Best of all, the surprisingly international airport is only ten minutes away. This small city truly is a best-kept secret.
