Dusseldorf Hotels

Düsseldorf, the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a posh and modern city that seems all button-down business at first. But it doesn't take long to realise that beneath that Armani veneer lurks a charming earthiness and Rhenish joie de vivre galore. The local mentality is perfectly reflected in the city's lively cultural and culinary offerings, and a rollicking bar and club scene.

Any time is a good time to visit Düsseldorf, although you'll probably have the most fun in summer when the weather is most stable and much of the café and pub action moves outdoors. The city never feels overcrowded, though, except during the big spring and autumn trade shows. The winter months bring their own delights, especially December when the Christmas market is in full swing and February when the entire city erupts in serious partying the big pre-Lent Carnival bash.