Known as the fashion capital of Germany, the design-led city made a great first impression as we arrived at the luxury Meliá Hotel, our base whilst there, home to avant-garde interiors and elegant accents.
I was allocated a stunning room with a panoramic city view and the Rhine Tower peaking out from the distance. Sweet treats and a sample of the local drink Killepitsch, a sugary but spicy liqueur, made for a delightful touch. Not only was the bed comfortable, but there was even a menu of different pillows to choose from!
We felt like VIPs when we were upgraded to the Level Lounge for a private dining room. Offerings included free-flowing food, nibbles and alcohol… think German pretzels and prosecco. Meliá, without a doubt, exceeded my expectations for my first fam trip.
There was so much to do in this cosmopolitan German city. We were treated to a guided tour titled ‘Düsseldorf in 120 minutes’. As we listened to insightful facts about the city through headphones, our tour guide pointed out iconic landmarks such as the Rhine Tower or Rheinturm, the tallest building in the city at 789 feet (240.5 metres). We discovered that Düsseldorf houses more than 600 showrooms for fashion fairs and events.
After marvelling at crystal clear lakes, we ascended up the Rhine Tower for an awe-insipiring 360° view of the cityscape. Next came a stroll through the old town to find ‘The Longest Bar in the World’, a space filled with over 260 bars and eateries.
We saw numerous cruise ships traverse the Rhine river, a waterway that flows through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Note to self: when in Düsseldorf, a sight-seeing cruise on the Rhine is a must!
And how could I not mention the Christmas markets? Wrapping up warm as it began to snow, we pottered about the array of quaint stalls. There were countless handmade decorations and traditional German foods lining the streets. We were treated to mulled wine, bratwurst and tornado potatoes.
A Düsseldorf beer tour was next on the agenda, with stops at spades of microbreweries. I sampled Altbier, which is a copper-coloured beer served in 6oz glasses and brewed exclusively in the Rhineland. As soon as we downed one, another appeared as if by magic. The attentive waiters, known locally as Köbes, really knew how to make us feel welcome!
Düsseldorf is much underrated. The bustling city was suffused with an electric ambience. There is so much to do and most of it can be done on foot. I didn’t realise just how much it had to offer — clients can see the sights, go shopping in an array of designer department stores, soak up German culture and art or simply get a taste of local food and drink. Personally, I’d sell it as a city break.
For more information, head to fredholidays.co.uk
By Kayleigh Ward, Premier Travel
