{"id":2308,"date":"2023-04-04T10:02:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T10:02:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/?p=2308"},"modified":"2023-04-04T10:10:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T10:10:04","slug":"cologne-or-dusseldorf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/","title":{"rendered":"Cologne or D\u00fcsseldorf: which is better for a short stay?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you are traveling to Germany,\u00a0 you might wonder whether you should stay in Cologne or D\u00fcsseldorf for a few days.\u00a0 Cologne and Dusseldorf are two of the most important cities in Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cologne has a population of 1.1 million and is the 4th most populated city in Germany. D\u00fcsseldorf is a smaller city with a population of 612,000. When walking in the Altstadt (old town) and on the Rhine River, however, it has a much bigger feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cologne is more historical with the famous Cologne Cathedral and a good number of interesting museums. D\u00fcsseldorf is more modern and stylish but with a mix of traditional German culture. It offers the beautiful Rhine River Promenade and high-end shopping.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d320810.2267298099!2d6.591048940604156!3d51.08391899518683!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e0!4m5!1s0x47b8c97bf1465907%3A0x42760fc4a2a73b0!2sDusseldorf%2C%20Germany!3m2!1d51.227741099999996!2d6.7734556!4m5!1s0x47bf259169ab2fe5%3A0x42760fc4a2a77f0!2sCologne%2C%20Germany!3m2!1d50.937531!2d6.9602786!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sma!4v1680602515946!5m2!1sen!2sma\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are only going to see one city, Cologne&#8217;s best attractions are mostly within walking distance of the central train station and cathedral. In D\u00fcsseldorf, there are multiple areas of interest to explore.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since they are connected by only a 30-minute train ride it is possible to visit sites in both cities during a short stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65da9f9d743c0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65da9f9d743c0\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#What_travelers_say\" title=\"What travelers say\">What travelers say<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Vibe_people\" title=\"Vibe &amp; people\">Vibe &amp; people<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Getting_around\" title=\"Getting around\">Getting around<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Sights_culture\" title=\"Sights &amp; culture\">Sights &amp; culture<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne-2\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf-2\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Food_nightlife\" title=\"Food &amp; nightlife\">Food &amp; nightlife<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne-3\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf-3\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Shopping\" title=\"Shopping\">Shopping<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne-4\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf-4\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Lodging\" title=\"Lodging\">Lodging<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne-5\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf-5\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Day_trips\" title=\"Day trips\">Day trips<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Cologne-6\" title=\"Cologne\">Cologne<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/cologne-or-dusseldorf\/#Dusseldorf-6\" title=\"D\u00fcsseldorf\">D\u00fcsseldorf<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_travelers_say\"><\/span>What travelers say<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>D\u00fcsseldorf has a beautiful riverfront and the luxurious K\u00f6nigsallee boulevard for shopping. The Carlstadt district is lined with warm gaslamp streetlights. Like the\u00a0 Altstadt (old town), it\u2019s full of bars and restaurants.\u00a0<\/li><li>Cologne\u00a0<\/li><li>is a much larger and older city with more significant sites to visit like the cathedral and Roman monuments. There are also many old churches near the cathedral, great museums, and Roman history. The Cologne Cathedral should not be missed<\/li><li>Walking along the Rhine River in D\u00fcsseldorf is quite pleasant as well as seeing the lovely trams passing through the city.<\/li><li>D\u00fcsseldorf is a better starting point if you would like to see a football match in Dortmund or visit other places in the Rhine-Ruhr region.<\/li><li>Some travelers may find Cologne a little dull or low-end compared to D\u00fcsseldorf which has more places to go out at night for food and drinks.<\/li><li>Cologne has a large number of world-class museums with many different types of exhibits. Museums in D\u00fcsseldorf are more centered around 20th-century art and are less expensive.<\/li><li>The hotels in D\u00fcsseldorf tend to be cheaper than in Cologne.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vibe_people\"><\/span>Vibe &amp; people<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>D\u00fcsseldorf is the better city for designer shopping and people-watching, with many trendy advertising agencies located there. On the other hand, Cologne\u2019s nightlife is more welcoming and is great for meeting outgoing locals and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The important sites in both cities are within walking distance of each other and the old town areas are pedestrian friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just outside the train station in Cologne, you will see the remarkable Cologne Cathedral. The Altstadt (old town) and much of the shopping and restaurants are within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) which is very convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of Cologne is modern and attractive, due to being rebuilt after the damage from World War II. The Belgian Quarter and Alstadt (old town) have charming cobblestone streets and traditional houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The people of Cologne are warm and friendly, and the vibe is more lively and energetic than in D\u00fcsseldorf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cologne hosts many international trade fairs throughout the year in the large <strong>Koelnmesse<\/strong> exhibition center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf\"><\/span><strong>D\u00fcsseldorf<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The riverfront and the old town part of D\u00fcsseldorf are more interesting and pedestrian-friendly than Cologne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D\u00fcsseldorf is known for being more modern and posh, with many high-end fashion boutiques and fine-dining restaurants. Sitting in any of the restaurants in the \u201cKasematten\u201d part of the Rhine Promenade is a pleasant experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the city, you will find trendy neighborhoods and bustling nightlife. D\u00fcsseldorf mixes charming traditional culture with a modern vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In D\u00fcsseldorf, the people are multicultural, friendly, and open-minded. There is a distinct expat community. For a large city, it feels smaller and more close-knit, with a laid-back vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In D\u00fcsseldorf, the Gehry buildings, Neuer Zollhof, and the Rheinturm are modern marvels of architecture, especially in contrast with the traditional German high-rise buildings of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_around\"><\/span><strong>Getting around<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The S-Bahn train in Cologne runs every 20 minutes from the airport to the central station (K\u00f6ln Hauptbahnhof). The ride takes around 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In D\u00fcsseldorf, the SkyTrain monorail connects the airport terminal to the airport station where you can take a regional train to D\u00fcsseldorf\u2019s main train station (D\u00fcsseldorf Hauptbahnhof) or other destinations in that area. It\u2019s a 15-minute ride to the city center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Cologne and D\u00fcsseldorf have convenient and affordable public transportation with a network of buses, trams, and trains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both cities are fun to explore by bicycle. There are dedicated bike paths and rentals available at shops, KVB (public transport) stations, and through bike-sharing programs like Call-a-Bike and Netbike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The quickest way to go from D\u00fcsseldorf to Cologne is by train. The trip is 20-30 minutes, and there are frequent trains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sights_culture\"><\/span><strong>Sights &amp; culture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne-2\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Cologne, you can walk to most of the major sites right from the central station (Hauptbahnhof aka HPF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>K\u00f6lner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)<\/strong> is the largest Gothic cathedral in Germany and is one of the most visited places in the country. It\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to contain their remains. Gerhard Richter designed the abstract stained glass window in the cathedral dome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The small <strong>Altstadt<\/strong> (old town) of Cologne is quaint and pleasant with many traditional German pubs and small shops. It\u2019s not as authentic as other German old towns due to much of it being rebuilt after the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some great museums to visit are the <strong>Wallraf-Richartz Museum <\/strong>with the largest collection of medieval paintings in the world. The <strong>Museum Schn\u00fctgen<\/strong> is mostly dedicated to medieval Christian artwork.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Kolumba Museum <\/strong>has a modern facade and houses religious art from the 6-7th century to the present. You can walk to all three museums from the central station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other good museums in Cologne are the <strong>Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum <\/strong>with an intriguing ethnographic collection, and the <strong>Museum for Applied Arts, or MAKK,<\/strong> showing modern decor designs, both within walking distance from the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Flora Botanical Garden<\/strong> is just outside of the city, a wonderful place to relax and be surrounded by beautiful flowers and water features. It is accessible by subway from the city center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Museum Ludwig<\/strong> contains a great collection of modern art, displaying works from famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The famous <strong>Roman-Germanic Museum<\/strong> is located near the central station. Cologne was a very important Roman city centuries ago. Below the streets, you can explore tunnels, an underground tomb, and the Praetorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schokoladenmuseum<\/strong> (chocolate museum) offers chocolate tasting, exhibits, and the history of chocolate making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Medieval Mikveh<\/strong> or \u201dJewish ritual bath\u201d was used during medieval times by the Jewish community in Cologne, one of the oldest and most important Jewish communities throughout the Holy Roman Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cemeteries outside of town are quite impressive with large life-size statues of angels and elaborate decorations on gravestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Bone Room at the<\/strong> <strong>Church of St. Ursula<\/strong> is for fans of the occult. The upper walls are oddly decorated with human remains, including Latin words written with bones. You can walk there from the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Rhine River Promenade<\/strong> offers fantastic views of the river and the city skyline. You can stop at one of many restaurants, bars, and cafes along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hohenzollern Bridge by foot is a wonderful way to see the layout of the city and the Rhine from above, and it\u2019s covered in love locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Farina Dufthouse<\/strong>, or Fragrance Museum, is dedicated to the history of perfume and the famous Eau de Cologne. It\u2019s inside the house where fragrance was created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Cologne Zoo<\/strong> is one of the oldest and most popular zoos to visit in all of Europe. It\u2019s home to over 10,000 diverse species of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>St. Gereon\u2019s Basilica<\/strong> is a Romanesque church whose construction dates back to the 4th century. It has an impressive dome ceiling and stunning stained glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf-2\"><\/span>D\u00fcsseldorf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>D\u00fcsseldorf\u2019s <strong>Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen<\/strong> art institute contains a large collection of contemporary art, including works from Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, and Andy Warhol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the <strong>Schloss Benrath, <\/strong>an 18th-century palace with beautiful gardens, great for picnics and walks. The interior of the palace is equally impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rheinturm<\/strong> is the tallest structure in D\u00fcsseldorf at a staggering 240 meters above the city. There you can see panoramic views of the Rhine River and the city from the observation deck, or while you have dinner in the rotating restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Altstadt (Old Town) is one of D\u00fcsseldorf\u2019s more popular areas. Enjoy the city&#8217;s famous beer, the Altbier, at many pubs and restaurants on narrow cobblestone streets. D\u00fcsseldorf is famous for its beer culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen<\/strong> museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Carlsplatz Market<\/strong> is a popular food market with fresh meats, fish, cheese, etc. It also offers ready-to-eat German lunches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MedienHafen<\/strong> is an iconic part of D\u00fcsseldorf with modern organically styled architecture designed by Frank Gehry and David Chipperfield. It&#8217;s an area with trendy restaurants, cafes, and a vivid nightlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>St. Lambertus Church<\/strong>, a famous landmark of D\u00fcsseldorf, has a unique twisted tower at its peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aquazoo L\u00f6bbecke Museum<\/strong> combines an aquarium, a zoo, and natural history museum. It contains over 500 species of aquatic animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_nightlife\"><\/span>Food &amp; nightlife<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne-3\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The breweries in the Altstadt are not fancy or expensive and normally attract tourists. The Kolsch brewery outlets with terraces on the riverfront offer a better experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Gaffel am Dom<\/strong> restaurant<strong>,<\/strong> is next to the central station and can be a bit touristy, but the dining room has a classic traditional charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two great brewery pubs to visit in Cologne are the <strong>Schreckenskammer<\/strong> and the <strong>Mainzerhof Koeln<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bei Oma Kleinmann<\/strong> is well known traditional German restaurant and is loved by the locals and tourists of D\u00fcsseldorf. It\u2019s lively and fun and a great place to have a Schnitzel or try other traditional German food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biergarten <\/strong>and <strong>Aachener Weiher<\/strong> have nice outdoor seating and are perfect during warm weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the <strong>Studentenviertel<\/strong> or \u201cstudents quarters\u201d. Have a D\u00fcr\u00fcm D\u00f6ner at Oru\u00e7 Kebab, then walk down Z\u00fclpicher Strasse for a beer at a&nbsp; pub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Ehrenfeld<\/strong> area is where you can find interesting street art and Turkish food. Near the Helios \u201clandmark lighthouse\u201d you can find excellent charcoal grilled lamb at the Kebapland restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf-3\"><\/span>D\u00fcsseldorf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Altstadt (old town) is where you will find the best restaurants. You can stroll pleasantly along the Rhine and sit at one of the many outdoor cafes and bars along the riverfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great place for a coffee outside is <strong>Zicke<\/strong>. On the K\u00f6nigsalle the <strong>Confiserie Heinemann<\/strong> offers delicious cake and coffee and a selection of chocolates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uerige<\/strong> is a nice place to stop and have a beer outside. For dinner try <strong>Zum Schiffchen<\/strong> near the central station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pub crawling in Altstadt (old town) is fun but not fancy. Many pubs in other areas of D\u00fcsseldorf are more upscale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D\u00fcsseldorf is known for its Altbier dark beer served in .3 liter glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One popular pub for fun is <strong>Oberbayern<\/strong> on Bolkerstrasse. Downstairs has German ski hut party music, and the upstairs area plays dance and pop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the top clubs in D\u00fcsseldorf are in <strong>Schloesser Quartier Boheme<\/strong> on Ratinger Strasse. Other notable places include <strong>Nachtresidenz<\/strong> and <strong>The Attic<\/strong> on Koenigsallee, and the <strong>Rudas Studis<\/strong> in Media Harbor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Theater an der K\u00f6<\/strong> is D\u00fcsseldorf\u2019s famous theater. It\u2019s a great place to see plays, musicals, and comedy shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping\"><\/span><strong>Shopping<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne-4\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schildergasse<\/strong> is the most popular shopping street in Cologne near the city center. It has many department stores featuring international brands, local shops, cafes, and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near the Cologne Cathedral, Hohe Stra\u00dfe is another popular shopping street in Cologne, with a mix of high-end stores and affordable brands, souvenir shops, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schildergasse<\/strong> is a modern shopping mall with over 60 stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf-4\"><\/span>D\u00fcsseldorf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>K\u00f6nigsallee<\/strong>, or what the locals call the <strong>\u201cK\u00f6\u201d<\/strong> is a beautiful shopping area that runs alongside a canal. There are many high-end luxury shops, fashion boutiques, and restaurants for fine dining. It\u2019s like 5th Avenue in New York City. Great place if you have expensive tastes. The side streets also offer interesting small private shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schadowstrasse<\/strong> is one of the busier shopping streets in D\u00fcsseldorf with affordable international brands and small boutiques for budget shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lodging\"><\/span>Lodging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne-5\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom<\/strong> is a world-class hotel right next to the Cologne Cathedral and the central train station. It features a Michelin-star Asian restaurant and a classy piano bar with live music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hopper Hotel St Josef <\/strong>is situated near the chocolate museum in a great location in the city. It offers cozy rooms with wooden floors and accents in a modern tone. This unique hotel is set in a former chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Savoy Hotel <\/strong>located just north of the central station has elegant and beautifully decorated rooms. It\u2019s as if you were spending the evening in a modern art museum with a classy touch. The roof terrace has a panoramic view of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 4-star <strong>Pullman Cologne<\/strong> is a great option for visiting the city. It\u2019s near the best shopping areas and has panoramic views of the city skyline. It has a good restaurant, an outdoor terrace, and a spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf-5\"><\/span>D\u00fcsseldorf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel<\/strong> is cozy and modern in the center of the Medienhafen part of D\u00fcsseldorf, next to the Rhine River Promenade. It is a 10-15 minute walk to get to the K\u00f6enigsalle and to the Altstadt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Intercontinental<\/strong> Hotel is directly on the K\u00f6enigsalle, the epicenter of luxurious shopping. This 5-star hotel is refined and modern with a great location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moxy Duesseldorf City<\/strong> is for the hip and trendy. It\u2019s well-located near the Altstadt with easy access to other parts of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stage 47<\/strong> is both quirky and elegant with spacious rooms and interesting decor. It&#8217;s very close to the K\u00f6enigsalle and the Altstadt. It has easy access to public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4 Points by Sheraton <\/strong>Hotel is a great option if you are on a budget. It\u2019s a business hotel not too far from the city&#8217;s main attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_trips\"><\/span>Day trips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cologne-6\"><\/span>Cologne<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Aachen visit the <strong>Aachner Dom Cathedral,<\/strong> a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of the emperor Charlemagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonn is the birthplace of Beethoven, and once was the capital of West Germany. Visit the <strong>Beethoven Museum<\/strong>, and discover many other related sites to this master of classical music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Essen visit the <strong>Zeche Zollverein<\/strong>, a coal mine that has now been turned into an industrial park. The town has an art museum, festivals and concerts, and sporting events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dortmund is the home of the German Football Museum, which contains the history of the league, players, and trophies. You can also attend a game at the Westfalia stadium (Westfalenstadion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boppard is a town located in the Rhine Gorge. It\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich history. It\u2019s also a renowned wine-growing region in Germany. It\u2019s a 1.5-hour drive from Cologne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a pleasant trip on the Rhine and see Koblenz. You can rent bikes at the station and then take a local train up the Rhine. Get off at any stop and ride back along the river, and visit the castles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dusseldorf-6\"><\/span>D\u00fcsseldorf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Zons is a small and charming medieval walled town with a few cafes and restaurants on cobblestone streets. Neuss is another good place to take a stroll. It\u2019s a small city, with lots of interesting historical buildings, small restaurants, and cafes. Both are quite beautiful and very close to D\u00fcsseldorf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Burg Eltz<\/strong> is a picturesque medieval castle in the middle of the forest above the Moselle River. The castle has been remarkably preserved and the guided tour through the interior rooms is quite interesting. It\u2019s about 2.5 hours away by car or bus, or you can take a train to Moselkern or Cochem, then a taxi and hike to the castle which takes between 1-2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maastricht is a charming Dutch city 2 hours away by train. Wander through the Old Town, walk along the Maas River, or visit the Bonnefanten Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amsterdam is only 2 hours and 15 minutes by train from D\u00fcsseldorf. Be sure to book ahead for better prices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are traveling to Germany,\u00a0 you might wonder whether you should stay in Cologne or D\u00fcsseldorf for a few days.\u00a0 Cologne and Dusseldorf are two of the most important cities in Germany. Cologne has a population of 1.1 million and is the 4th most populated city in Germany. D\u00fcsseldorf is a smaller city with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2310,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2308"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2309,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2308\/revisions\/2309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cityorcity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}