Dusseldorf

Autumn In Dusseldorf’s Konigsalle | The Best Food, Coffee, and Shopping Are All in This One Neighbourhood

October 22, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Dusseldorf Konigsalle is such a beautiful sight. Fall is one of my favourite seasons for many reasons. I love that the weather is mild and the beautiful colours on the trees, to the falling leaves that fall off the trees like snowflakes from the sky.

I love it all and its the only time my hair behaves itself when I straighten it compared to the joys of Summer humidity. That is one of few reasons that drew me to Dusseldorf’s luxurious shopping Avenue that is Konigsalle. Its the dazzling colours of Autumn on this beautiful boulevard and the reflections across the canals and bridges. It extends from Hofgarten Park canal nearby.

Konigsalle is divided by the Stradtgraden canal and lined with beautiful trees with cute bridges that connect the two sides of the canal. Of course, it’s not just the beauty that draws’ people to visits Konigsalle. The main attraction here is, of course, the shopping!

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Coat by M&S // Bag by Celine (similar items below)

Retail Therapy Dream City

Konigsalle is Dusseldorf(possibly German’s) most luxurious street. The boulevard is lined with some of the world’s most luxurious brands. The likes of Hermes, Luis Vuitton, Gucci and many famous boutiques are all here in one place. We rented a car while exploring Dusseldorf of the weekend visit but you don’t necessarily need to have a car as the transportation in Dusseldorf is great.

We had rented our car straight from the airport and as it was easier to attend the wedding we were heading to that weekend. The day after the wedding we had more time to explore the city. There is car park right next to Konigsalle so we left the car there and walked around the boulevard and into downtown and harbour area by the river. You also have downtown or old town of Dusseldorf nearby so we explored that and the many pubs nearby as they were getting into the festive season.

My visit was during November last year so just around this time of the year. If you have not been to Dusseldorf, I highly recommend the city. Its perfect for a city break when you just want to chill and enjoy a little time away with the fuss. There is plenty to do without feeling as if you are part of the hustle and bustle.

I love exploring new parts of the city each time I visit and Konigsalle was one that I missed out on during my last trip to Dusseldorf. Flights to Dusseldorf are so inexpensive from London. I believe two returns on this trip cost us a little over a £100. That’s a bargain in my books. You can read more on my trips to Dusseldorf on the blog.

In addition to shopping, there is plenty to see in Dusseldorf, more on this check out my posts on why you need to visit need to visit Dusseldorf. I mentioned above that Konigsalle canal are an extension of Hofgarten Park, well if you have time to spare this is another part of the city to include in your explorations of the surrounding area. Hofgarten is German’s first and oldest public park.

The park is adorned with historic monuments and sculptures. It’s just beautifully peaceful and serene places in the city and the perfect place to experience all that is glorious about Autumn with a relaxing walk in the park as you watch the season change colours right before you.

Where To Stay In Dusseldorf

As far as staying near the luxurious shopping Avenue. There a few hotels that sit on either side of the shopping avenue both luxury and some mid and budget range. Breidenbacher Hof– A Capella Hotel is just pure luxury in every way possible from the beautiful staircase at the entrance to the beautifully decorated rooms and the beauty of this places is that it is literally a stone’s through from Konigsalle’s boutique stores.

The prices are just as luxurious but if you go to the other end of the canal you will have Leonardo Royal Hotel Dusseldorf which also offers clean comfort minus the luxurious price tag. On this trip, I opted to stay at Renaissance Hotel as it was closer to the wedding venue we were heading to for my friend’s wedding.

On my previous weekend visit to Dusseldorf, I had stayed at the Marriot Courtyard that is right by the harbour and near the Frank Gehry buildings. To compare prices for hotels in Dusseldorf. I usually book my hotels via booking.com but you can also compare prices with Trivago and Agoda too. You can also check out this review on Melia Seestern Hotel in Dusseldorf.

Renaissance Hotel

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Fashion, Architecture and the Art Scene – Why Germany’s Dusseldorf is a Must-Visit

July 23, 2017 by admin 5 Comments

Finally visiting Dusseldorf! With a crazy and hectic travel schedule work can sometimes bring, I am always grateful for the opportunities to meet people and build friendships with people I have met through work. A couple of years ago on a project far away from home and but with a diverse team covering many European countries, I made friends with a colleague from Germany.

Months later I was due to get certification for an IT course for which training was going to be held in Germany’s Kronberg. I knew it was the perfect timing to take up a colleague’s invitation for a guided tour of Dusseldorf before I embarked on my trip to Kronberg for training. So I booked hotel and flights to Dusseldorf, for my very own personal guided tour of the city.

This is how I got introduced to Dusseldorf. A beautiful German city that ticks all the boxes for me; impressive architecture, great art scene, nightlife and city sights and plenty to offer on the fashion scene. I was sold! Dusseldorf is known for its fashion industry and art scene two things that usually get the blood pumping when planning a visit to a new city. I have been to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, all of which are worthy of a visit. In addition to these also add Munich which has plenty of things to do.

So when the opportunity to visit again came up I was super excited to visit. This time I was returning to see my colleague get married to his soul mate. I, on the other hand, was bringing fiancé and getting the chance to show him around the city. If you haven’t heard or even been to Dusseldorf then here are a few reasons why you need to one of Germany’s best-kept secrets. While I had already been to Dusseldorf before and had a friend to guide me around, one of the best ways to explore the city is by the Dusseldorf hop-on-hop-off tour.

Coat M&S / Bag Celine / Boats Office / Skirt Hobbs / Similar items blow.

Architecture

I am a big fan of architecture and have been known to book flights just to see particular buildings before squeezing in a few sights then returning home. I swear in another leave I was probably an architect considering the way a gash over architectural detail. A visit to Dusseldorf is not complete without checking out the beautiful Frank Gehery buildings.

A set of three buildings with contrasting exterior and to a certain extent look much like a sculpture. Frank Gehry is a world renowned architect and one whose buildings draw visitors much for the buildings than their contents. These three buildings are no different and a must see if buildings are your thing as they are mine.

Fashion

Living in one of the world best fashion capitals, a lot of cities have to bring the best A-game to rival the exclusivity of some of London’s best boutiques stores or the likes of Regents Street, Bond Street, and Oxford Street. For any fashionista or anyone looking for a little retail therapy when you visit Dusseldorf the only place you need to head to is Konigsallee.

Known by its fans as “Ko”, it’s paradise for shoppers from high-end luxury shopping to every other budget in between. There is something to suit all budgets. Of course there are restaurants and cafes for refreshing treats in between burning plastic.

Art Scene

I had shared a post on our explorations of the street at the scene by way of Kiefernstrasse. If you are a lover of street art then Kiefernstrasse is a must see as you have apartments in the whole street covered in murals.

For more on the art scene, one cannot go wrong in a city that has over 100 galleries and museums. Check out Museum of Art(Museum Kunstpalast) with artwork that dates back from 3rd Centry BC, then you have quirk spots like Reinraum art exhibits within an old and disused public toilet.

Food

Dusseldorf straddles the Rhine River and with a bustling nightlife on the river’s edge one can also expect to gastronomy to match. Below is a video to give you an insight on what to expect.

Sights

With over 100 galleries, 26 museums, great architecture, an intriguing street art scene and bustle fashion high street you will have plenty to fill your time in the city. For a 360 degree view of the city, check out the Rheintrum or Rhine Tower, a tower standing at 216 meters and the city’s tallest building. It has a revolving restaurant in addition to being the world’s largest digital clock. Other sights to add to your list are Schloss Benrath a small palace with 3 museums and beautiful gardens. Also check Nordpark’s Japanese Garden, The Embarkment Promenade, and Schlossturm Castle Tower, the sole tower that survived a fire that consumed Dusseldorf’s fortress and castle complex.

Where to Stay

The first time I visited I stayed at Marriott Courtyardby the harbor which is next to another cool hotel by Meliaand my second visit I stayed at Renaissance Hotel. Both are great hotels. Marriott is a lot closer to the Old Town and meters from a few interesting sights. You can walk about half an hour to the Old Town but it also a few meters from the Frank Gehry buildings and Rhine Tower as well as sitting right by the riverside. Renaissance, on the other hand, is slightly in the land but still a beautiful hotel and solely selected because we were driving while in Dusseldorf and it was closer to the wedding venue as well as the offer of free parking at the hotel when we booked. Other places to consider are Hilton, Melia and Radisson Blu that is also near the riverside. There is also InterContinental Hotel which sits right by the fashion district of Konigasallee. For more on where to stay in Dusseldorf check out Booking.com, Agoda orTrivago.

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Dusseldorf’s Kiefernstrasse Street Art | Exploring A Colourful Side of side Of The City

April 5, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Kiefernstrasse Street Art | A Colourful Side of Dusseldorf You Need To See

There is something that just brightens up your day with simply a splash of colour and Dusseldorf Kiefernstrasse Street Art has that effect on you the moment you arrive. Ever noticed how just wearing brightly coloured clothes will perk you up, even when the weather is dull and miserable? Yes, it’s that effect I get when I am exploring places with bright and evocative street art.

Street Art today, I guess isn’t what is used to be. It’s become more thought-provoking. It’s no longer just some street kids in dark hoodies that leave their tags all over the streets. I love the political side of it, focus on the current affair as well as social aspects of it. Dusseldorf’ Kiefernstrasse or Dusseldorf graffiti street whichever reference you choose, this is street in Dusselfdorf is a must-visit.

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Dusseldorf’s Kiefernstrasse Street Art

Throw in a little colour and I fall absolutely in love with it all. When you div deep into it, it’s no longer just about the message the art is trying to convey, but the personal style each of the street artist use. I may not know a lot of the street artists’ names but when I can recognise some of the street artist’s pieces when I travel I get excited. Pieces by Stik, Vhil’s use of small explosives to create distinctive portraits, Banksy’s political art not to mention his new installation in a form of a hotel in Palestine call the Walled Off Hotel.

Then there are big and rather ambitious murals. I think Kiefernstraße fits in the latter. Kiefernstraße is a street in the Flingern-Süd district of Düsseldorf that became notorious in the 1980s for squatting. Kiefernstraße has a rather colour past and I guess the street art somewhat represents that in a way.

Dusseldorf Kiefernstrasse Street Art | A Colourful Side of Dusseldorf You Need To See

Kiefernstraße apartment blocks were originally built for workers working within the steelworks factory in the 1900s but when the steelworks closed, the neighbourhood soon went downhill with the lack of investment in the area. By 1980 it was the only place that people could get affordable housing, not long after that, it was the place where the government sent refugees but without further investment and lack of affordable housing, the blocks were soon inhibited by squatters. Some 60 apartments were taken over and soon the squatters won a settlement to legalise there stay in the apartments.

With all it eventful past, there was a sense of community in how people in the neighbourhood rally to have rights to stay in the apartment. Much of the street art in Kiefernstraße has come about because of this community spirit, but I love that it is very much a multi-cultural area much like the city itself.

Dusseldorf like Munich is another great city in Germany that is rated as a livable city. There is plenty to do in Munich too. In one of the pictures below, you will see clothes on the line with a note. Instead of giving items to charity, people here leave items hanging out on the line for anyone to take and use. That were items go to homes that will get a better use out of them.

Murals and artwork in the Kiefernstraße are also undertaken as a community by the residents. The crossword on the white building was a collaborative effort by the residents in that building. I absolutely love that they painted the kindergarten with cartoons on the outside. I am sure it gives the kids something beautiful to look forward to each day.

I love that the murals and street art in Kiefernstraße are not just street art, they have a story to tell, it also brings the community together. It’s also played a role in elevating the neighbourhood from this rundown neighbourhood infamously known for squatters into something that now draws in tourist. “Kiefernstraße is now home to 800 people from 40 nations, including punks, doctors, and lawyers. It has long been a meeting point for alternative culture. The house fronts are painted with images reflecting some of the ideas and aspirations of the residents”

If you are a lover or everything beautifully colourful and yet with so much substance, then Kiefernstraße is one to add to your list when in Dusseldorf. We rented a car when we visited as it was easier to move around when we were in the city for a friend’s wedding. The street is easy to find but if you are not driving you will be happy to know that there is a metro station only a couple of blocks away.

TOURS IN DUSSELDORF

There are plenty of tours and transfer available in Dusseldorf. I would also highly recommend checking out the harbor and shopping avenue of Dusseldorf when you are in the city. For tours check out both Viator and Get Your Guide for inspiration.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUSSELDORF

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DUSSELDORF | City break

February 4, 2014 by admin 10 Comments

I like a bit of a personal touch when it comes to travelling I want to see things like a local but also explore things that locals would normally take for granted. Part of my visit in the Germany weekend city break was going to be guided by a similar face. Remember my post on Berlin? My German buddy and I were re-uniting but this time in his hometown of Dusseldorf. With my list prepared of the sights I was not leaving the land of Oktoberfest without seeing, was only matched by his own local hotspots.

Having left cold London at ridiculous ‘o’clock and arriving to weather similar to London’s cloudy and dodgy weather I was not going to be deterred by a mere few nimbus grays. On the plus side my stay was to be at the Marriott, habour views check! Walking distance to old town, check! Beautifully lit bridge at my doorstep, with boat trip to see sights on the Rhine, check! Umberalla just in case the London rain has tracked me down, check and check!! Well ”what are you waiting for?! Lets do this!” The words I altered to my friend after dropping my bag in my room.

The day was spent viewing the sights, from the Rhine Tower, to walking on the Rhine Promenade, to visiting the old town that has the longest bar in the world. I was also convinced to eat an ‘ol dirty bastard’; a burger that’s named after an American rapper. The whole cafe has food named after hip-hop stars. I also managed to take in the views and grounds of the Palace in the northern part of town.

Dusseldorf is a beautiful city and one that not many people venture too. There plenty of cheap tickets from London and the city is reasonably inexpensive so why wait?! Below are some of my pictures from the weekend in Dusseldorf. At the bottom is also a link to my top 10 things to see and do in Dusseldorf thats’ featured on the Travel Noire site.

Check out my the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dusseldorf featured on Travel Noire.

Off to Germany! Euro Trip Planning

January 4, 2014 by admin 4 Comments

I am off to Germany today, only for a few days. Both for business and pleasure. I am attending a conference course for a few days, so I decided to leave a little earlier and make the most of my visit. I will also be visiting Düsseldorf and Cologne before work starts in a few days time in Frankfurt.
I can’t wait to feast on German sausages washed down with some good old German beer(I don’t drink beer but lets play pretend for a second). As I don’t speak much German, other than the word; Dank! My tour guide aka my friend will be playing tour guide and translator for my second visit in Germany. Check out the pictures from my last trip in Berlin last year.

I will update the blog when I return. In the meantime you can keep uptodate via Instagram or check out some of the sights I will be visiting in the video below: