Old Town & Altbier - A Weekend

Burgplatz and St. Lambertus

Start at the Rhine: Burgplatz with its old castle tower opens wide onto the water. Right beside it stands the Basilica of St. Lambertus with its famous twisted spire. From here the winding Old Town lanes are best explored on foot.

Lunch at Füchschen

The Brauerei Im Füchschen on Ratinger Strasse is one of the most tradition-steeped house breweries in the city. The smooth Füchschen Alt from the cask and the legendary pork knuckle draw locals and visitors alike into the lively, wood-panelled taproom.

Tip: The knuckle is huge - it's best shared between two.

A wander through the Old Town

In the afternoon, let yourself drift through the lanes: past the marketplace with its equestrian statue, along Mühlenstrasse and Flinger Strasse, with stops in small shops and ice-cream parlours. Everywhere the scent of brewpubs and the typical Düsseldorf spirit beckon.

Altbier tour through the house breweries

Düsseldorf counts a handful of true house breweries where the Alt is still brewed on site. If you have time, work your way from the Brauerei Schumacher to the young Brauerei Kürzer - each Alt has its own character.

Tip: The brewpubs are only a few minutes apart on foot - a tour on foot is the best idea.

Evening at the Uerige

The Uerige is the institution of the Old Town: a labyrinth of cozy rooms where the strong Sticke-Alt flows. With it come hearty classics like Flönz, mince-pork rolls or potato pancakes - here Düsseldorf celebrates its brewpub culture in its purest form.

Nightlife around Bolkerstrasse

The 'longest bar in the world' only really wakes up after dark. Around Bolkerstrasse and Kurze Strasse, pub follows bar follows club - from the corner pub to the cocktail bar, there is everything to keep the night going.

Stay at the edge of the Old Town

Central yet a few quiet steps from the bustle: a design hotel within short reach of the Old Town, the Koe and the Rhine promenade - an ideal base for both days.

Carlsplatz market

The covered Carlsplatz in the Carlstadt is Düsseldorf's oldest market and a paradise for foodies. Between stalls of oysters, cheese, flowers and delicacies you have breakfast like the locals - a café au lait, fresh croissants and the colorful market bustle all around.

Tip: The potato-pancake stalls at the Carlsplatz are an insider tip for a quick bite.

Kunstsammlung NRW (K20) or Kunstpalast

Düsseldorf is an art city of world rank. K20 on Grabbeplatz shows classical modernism from Picasso to Klee and a whole hall of Paul Klee. If you'd rather see Old Masters and the present together, head to the Museum Kunstpalast on the Ehrenhof.

Lunch in the Carlstadt

Back in the elegant Carlstadt, Agata's tempts with refined, modern cuisine in a relaxed setting. A pleasant contrast to the down-to-earth brewpub of the day before - fresh, seasonal dishes with great attention to detail.

Rhine promenade

In the afternoon, head to the water: the car-free Rhine promenade links the Old Town and the Carlstadt with long walking paths beneath plane trees. Steps lead down to the river, cafes invite a break, and freight ships glide leisurely past.

Media Harbour

The walk ends in the Media Harbour, the city's architecture showroom. The wave-like Gehry buildings, gleaming glass facades and creative lofts have turned the old port into a district full of design - a fascinating finale by the water.

Evening at the harbour

To close the weekend, an evening in the Media Harbour: the Lido sits right by the water, with a large terrace and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. As the harbour lights are mirrored in the basin, the weekend draws to a stylish close.