The Hofgarten is the green lung of Düsseldorf. It stretches from the Jacobistraße with Schloss Jägerhof and the bordering Malkasten Park to the Heinrich-Heine-Allee by the Altstadt (Old Town) and from the Königsallee to the Rheinterrasse (Rhine Terrace) on the banks of the Rhine. Because of its diversity and the pleasing contrast between nature and formal design, it is a popular destination for relaxing walks.

This art gallery, located in the former courthouse, has a wide collection of European paintings and art objects from the 17th century until today. English speaking staff are there to answer your questions.

Burgplatz is where the little River Düssel, which gave the town its name, flows into the Rhine. In the background is the former collegiate church, St. Lambertus, with the shrine of St. Apolinaris. Next to the bridge over the Düssel, the monument to Düsseldorf being granted the privileges of a town demonstrates impressively more than 725 years of town history (town status granted in 1288). The square is dominated by Alter Schlossturm, the old palace tower (now the Schifffahrt-Museum navigation museum) and last testimony to the princely palace from the 13th century that fell victim to flames in 1872. The generously proportioned Rhine embankment promenade is considered one of the most beautiful on the Rhine. Upriver, the Medien Hafen is characterised by outstanding architectural creations, and the elegant district of Oberkassel on the opposite bank by art-nouveau facades.

Nowhere else in Düsseldorf can one feel the city’s heartbeat so clearly as in the Altstadt. Those who want to party, people in search of culture or history lovers will all be equally well catered for in this area between the Rhine and Heinrich-Heine Allee, that covers an area of less than half a square kilometre. This tiny space is crammed with around 260 eateries, pubs, bars, discos and restaurants, and one would be hard pressed to find the like in any other city. The Altstadt is also home to Altbier – a real Düsseldorf speciality.