6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Dusseldorf Over Cologne

The two beautiful cities on the Rhine, Dusseldorf and Cologne, are at loggerheads with each other over politics, football, carnivals, attractions, historic power struggles and, most importantly, beer. These two cities are only 40 kilometres away from each other and extremely well-connected. So, tourists should certainly strive to visit both cities, but if there is only enough time for one, a true Dusseldorfer would readily put forward several solid points in favour of visiting their city.

The Longest Bar in the World

Cologne has vibrant nightlife, with many bars, pubs and clubs, but there can be only one Longest Bar in the World, and that happens to be in Dusseldorf. Around 300 bars, breweries and pubs line the Dusseldorf Altstadt, all interconnected, making it one huge hangout arena with endless choices in drinks and food. Hard to beat that!

Rhine promenade with restaurants and bars in Dusseldorf, Germany

Stunning aerial views

The most glamorous shopping street in Europe

Cologne’s Schildergasse has a fabulous parade of shops, and constantly registers the highest footfall among shopping streets in Europe. Schildergasse is known for regular, affordable shopping alongside big brand names. However, no other shopping street can beat Dusseldorf’s Konigsallee in glamour and bling. The who’s who of international fashion and exclusive, luxury boutiques dazzle tourists on this boulevard, along with luxury hotels and fabulous restaurants. Shopping, or window shopping, in Dusseldorf’s Konigsallee is an experience in itself. Moreover, this tree-lined road with a canal running through it is a splendid spot for a stroll.

Altbier

Cologne’s home-brewed beer, known as Kölsch, is a bright-yellow, light, top-fermented ale. On the other hand, Dusseldorf’s specialty, Altbier, is a dark copper-coloured, slightly fruity, slightly bitter variety. An uninitiated tourist asking for an Altbier in Cologne would not only not get one, but will likely be subjected to serious frowning too. A loyal Dusseldorfer would never, ever touch a Kölsch. It is a matter of never-ending debate which one tastes better. But tourists who want to sample Altbier must visit Dusseldorf. It is brewed in several breweries across the city and available in all pubs, bars and supermarkets.

Japanese culture

Dusseldorf is Japan’s capital on the Rhine. Approximately 12,000 Japanese people have made Dusseldorf their home over the last several decades and Japanese restaurants, schools, kindergartens, bookshops and clubs are rife in the city. Tourists interested in experiencing this beautiful Oriental culture must visit Dusseldorf, and specifically the Eko Haus Japanese temple and gardens and the Japanese Garden in Nordpark. Tourists who visit Dusseldorf in summer have the chance to witness the massive Japanese festival, Japan Day.

Cartwheel

Dusseldorf’s affection for cartwheels goes back a long way in history. Traces of this fun tradition are found all over the city, sometimes in the most unexpected places (for example, in candy!). While it’s fun counting cartwheel imagery while travelling across the city, witnessing the Cartwheel Championship in summer is an experience worth visiting the city for. Visitors can expect to be amazed by the skills of almost 700 children from 15 countries cartwheeling down the Rhine embankment amid a cheering crowd.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.