Xenia Goemans, customer service associate at Singapore Airlines’ Dusseldorf office, shares the traditional festivals and treasured watering holes of the German city she calls home
Costumed Capers
In Dusseldorf, Karneval (November 11 to February 28) is known as the fifth season. Throughout this period, numerous carnival clubs organise costume balls. Karneval’s highlight, the Rose Monday Parade (February 27), sees more than 60 wagons pass by hundreds of thousands of people, handing out sweets and other small gifts. The floats usually feature caricatures of public figures.
Little glasses, big eats
When in Dusseldorf, you must have an altbier (old beer) at a German brewery. Waiters at most restaurants and breweries will keep filling your glass until you put your coaster on top of it to signal you want them to stop serving you. Brauerei zum Schiffchen is famous for dishes such as pork knuckles and oxtail, as well as traditional altbier.
It’s a mall world
If you want to shop for fashion, Breuninger is the most luxurious mall in town. It houses 1,000 brands, from top labels to new designers. A 40-minute drive from Dusseldorf, Centro Oberhausen has around 220 shops. The 10,000 sq m Sevens Home of Saturn is one of the world’s largest tech markets. Its products range from computers to cameras and games.
Say 'konnichiwa' (good day)
Dusseldorf is said to house Europe’s third biggest Japanese community, therefore good Japanese food is widely available here. I like Big Tuna Sashimi Bar (Charlottenstrasse 79), which offers tuna dishes of the best quality. During the Japan Day (May 20) celebrations, visitors can expect music, cosplay and culinary delights along the Rhine. The festival’s highlight is the fireworks.
The Rhine runs through
I like the scenic boat tours on the River Rhine. KD Rhine River Cruises Panoramic Boat Tour, which begins and ends at the Burgplatz pier, loops around the MedienHafen harbour. It gives you a stunning view of the numerous attractions along the banks of the river. Information on the sights is also narrated in both German and English. Or you could even take a cruise all the way to Cologne, on which you’ll be served a sumptuous brunch buffet. The atmospheric tour allows you to spend two-and-a-half hours in Cologne.
Party on
The selection of pubs in the Old Town, known as the longest bar in the world, is great. There are music bars, artists’ clubs, and jazz pubs – everyone will find a place to drink a glass of altbier with friendly people. Ufer 8 is a nightclub with a restaurant and summer terrace, which holds regular dance music parties. Expect a stylish crowd, along with carefully selected wines and lovingly prepared cocktails. Stylish weekend club Nachtresidenz, housed within a 100-year-old theatre, plays both house and R’ N’ B music across two levels.
View other useful insider’s guides.
PHOTOS: 123RF.COM, Inmagine, Big Tuna Sashimi Bar, Nachtresidenz, Breuninger
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
