Dusseldorf All Aboard for the World Cup

Düsseldorf is a city in the North Rhine-Westphalia federal state in Germany. Resting on the banks of the River Rhine and boasting a population of 573,449, the city is the economic centre of Western Germany. In the 7th century the area was first settled as a fishing village, while the first written declaration of Düsseldorf dates back to 1135. During the 1800's the city experienced a major boom thanks to the Industrial Revolution. In 1946 the city was declared capital of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and since then Düsseldorf has continued to prosper.This modern, bustling city offers an abundance of attractions, with something to suit all tastes.

Düsseldorf is famed for its cultural output and patronages in the city date back as far as the 17th century. The city hosts a cultural scene that ranges from the traditional to the avant-garde and Düsseldorf is home to healthy punk and electronic music scenes. The city boasts a number of wonderful museums and galleries, not least the collection at the NRW Forum Wirtschaft und Kultur.

Much of the city's cultural creations begin at the Academy of Fine Arts, one of Düsseldorf's many academic institutions. The youthful populations that these establishments bring to the city guarantee that Düsseldorf is home to a lively, exciting nightlife. Shopping is an unavoidable pass time in the city, as the streets are dotted with major department stores, as well as smaller, independent boutiques.

For those looking to minimise the damage to their wallets, the city is home to some stunning architecture, dating from a range of eras. The historic Old Town offers pretty winding streets and is famed for its huge number of bars and cafes. Düsseldorf is served by a large international airport.

By: Dara Ward