Springtime in Germany is a truly magical experience.
Words by Alexandra Aquilina
As the cities begin to emerge from the long winter nights and what feels like an everlasting darkness, flowers being to grow in their gardens, trees start to go green, and the air gets warmer.
In April, Düsseldorf begins to pulse with life and fresh energy, and a sense of renewed vigour electrifies the air. The city's cherry blossoms bloom along the River Rhine, beer gardens reopen, cultural outdoor events and lively spring fairs are organised and locals shed their winter coats to bask in the sunshine, warm smiles starting to spread across their faces. It’s a time of revival in the run-up to the city's famous summer fair, Rheinkirmes, complete with thrilling rides, traditional German snacks and festive beer tents set along the river. Equally popular is the city’s Japan Day in May, celebrating one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. It is so large, in fact, that Düsseldorf has its very own little Tokyo, where locals and visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Japanese culture and are spoilt for choice when it comes to their cuisine.
A huge perk in most German cities is the possibility to leave the hustle and bustle behind without having to go too far by stepping into some beautiful green lung. The Japanese Garden is a serene oasis, featuring vibrant flowers, ponds and traditional Japanese landscaping. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon. Equally stunning is the Hofgarten, one of Germany’s oldest parks, offering a perfect mix of history and tranquillity. The longer days are an opportunity to take a romantic stroll along the Rhine promenade, ending with a view of sunset. And if you’re tired of walking, I recommend hopping onto one of the river cruises to explore the city from a scenic and unusual perspective.
For a bird’s-eye view of Düsseldorf, head to the Rheinturm with its revolving restaurant offering a panoramic vista of the twinkling city lights, making for a truly romantic evening.
ART, HISTORY AND FOOD
Düsseldorf is a city where elegance meets innovation. Nestled in the heart of the Rhineland, a region rich in culture and economic influence stretching from Switzerland to the Netherlands, it holds its own as a major European hub. The city has long been a magnet for visionaries and artists, from the electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk to fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld and painter Gerhard Richter. It effortlessly blends historical charm with a modern edge, offering something for every type of traveller – whether you're a fashionista, art lover, or foodie.
Every trip to Düsseldorf must start by exploring the Altstadt, or Old Town, famously known as the “longest bar in the world” thanks to its many pubs and bars. Try their local Altbier, a dark beer unique to the region, at one of the historic breweries. And if you’re not into beer, sample some Rheinland wine, paired with local dishes that often feature potatoes and hearty meats. Art lovers will be spoiled for choice in Düsseldorf. The renowned Kunstakademie, the city’s prestigious fine arts academy, has birthed many world-renowned artists, and its legacy is alive at the Kunstpalast Museum, which merges art, theatre and music into a truly immersive experience.
The Kunstsammlung NRW is another must-see, offering three distinct venues: the K20 at Grabbeplatz with its showstopping façade, the K21 in the Ständehaus, and the Schmela Haus, each offering unique experiences, showcasing modern and contemporary masterpieces. For a taste of history with a dash of elegance, the Schloss Benrath, a stunning 18th-century pink baroque palace, offers not only breathtaking architecture but also museums dedicated to European garden art and natural history, housing an impressive collection of sculptures, artwork, paintings and artifacts from the 18th century.
Düsseldorf is the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, blending cultural heritage with enterprise and nature in a beautiful way. Spring is the perfect time to experience Düsseldorf, with the city at its best – alive, colorful and full of energy.
PASSAGGI RECOMMENDS
Fashion and shopping
Düsseldorf is a fashion capital of Europe, and a visit to the Königsallee, also known as the "Kö," is a must for luxury shopping. This tree-lined avenue is home to high-end boutiques and designer stores, making it the perfect spot for a shopping spree.
If luxury shopping isn’t your style, head further down the Kö for more affordable brands; and for those looking for something quirkier and more unique, explore Loretto Street in Unterbilk, where you’ll find charming boutiques, artisanal chocolate shops and cosy cafés. Alternatively, Ackerstraße in the Flingern district is a hot spot for the trendy crowd, offering a variety of concept stores, eco-friendly fashion labels and stylish interior design shops.
For a more local and lively experience, check out the Carlsplatz market, located in the heart of the city. Offering everything from delicious food to fresh flowers, this vibrant market captures the spirit of Düsseldorf’s bustling culture. If you’re after a good treasure hunt like me, spring also brings a variety of open-air flea markets. Two of the best for a day of thrift shopping are the Radschlägermarkt, named after the city’s iconic cartwheeler symbol, and the Aachener Platz market, where hundreds of stalls line the streets with everything from vintage finds to handmade goods, while guests are entertained with live music.
PASSAGGI SUGGESTS
01. Himmel und Ähd (Heaven and Earth)
A traditional dish of potatoes and apples often served with black pudding. The name comes from the Germanic word for potato – erdapfel (earth apple) while the heaven element is represented by the apfel (apple), as they grow on trees.
02. Halve Hahn
Beware! This is not actually a half chicken as the name implies, but half a rye roll (called Röggelchen) served with Gouda cheese, butter, gherkins and a healthy dose of spicy mustard and always great with a glass of Altbier.
03. Mustard
The German’s are known for their love of mustard, but this adoration peaks in Düsseldorf, which boasts four mustard varieties protected throughout the EU. Known for being spicy rather than sweet, it is served on bread, with potatoes or on their juicy roasts. Make sure to sample them all!
KM Malta Airlines operates regular flights from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS). Find best fares, here.
