Düsseldorf  is a fascinating city just waiting to be discovered…

If you think that a weekend away can sometimes cost the same as a two-week holiday then it’s time to discover Düsseldorf. It’s a city with fascinating history, gorgeous river-side living, heavenly food and a spirited nightlife. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a girl’s trip or a long weekend with the family here are ten very good reasons why Düsseldorf makes a perfect weekend getaway…

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Low Cost Flying

With a flight time of under 90 minutes from many UK airports Düsseldorf is a conveniently quick escape. BMI flies daily from Bristol to Düsseldorf (except Saturdays) with fares from just £86 one way. There’s plenty of parking at Bristol airport and there is also a private lounge to relax in before you board your flight.

Follow in the Footsteps of Napoleon

Düsseldorf was once a quiet fishing village along the Rhine river. Today, you can walk along its embankment and appreciate the city’s 800 years of history. Famous visitors include Napoleon, Goethe and Heinrich Heine. Walk along the river and you may well be following in their footsteps. More importantly, it costs nothing to see the city this way.

Marktplatz

As with most old European cities Dusseldorf also has its own central square which at one time would have served as a market place. It sits in the heart of the old town and comes alive during Düsseldorf carnival in November. This is when Hoppeditz is awakened, at 11:11am on 11th November, in the square in front of the town hall. It’s a major event in the city which kicks off carnival season until February. The carnival is a free event open to anyone who wants to join in.

Bakery Hinkel – Bread for all Seasons

Hinkel is a Düsseldorf establishment that has been serving the community since 1891. It’s a fourth generation family business which serves traditionally baked rustic bread for all occasions. Their ingredients are sustainably sourced and you will find anything from asparagus bread to cherry sprinkle cake. Try the Zeuss rod junior – a bread roll stuffed with sheep’s cheese and hot peppers. From breads and biscuits costing as little as €3 – 4 expect queues.

Learn the Secret Art of Mustard at Gewürzhaus Vogel

This unassuming spice shop in the old town creates all of Düsseldorf’s famous Mostertpöttchen. This very special mustard is unique to the city and renowned in the cooking world. It’s sold in small stoneware pots with two symbols; an anchor representing the city and the initials ABB which stand for its creator Adam Bernard Bergrath. The recipe has passed down through generations since 1781 and remains in the family to the present day. As well as the oldest mustard in the world you can also buy spices from all over the globe, at Gewürzhaus, which are displayed in alphabetical order. These little pots cost from as little as €3.50 a jar.

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Carlsplatz Markt

Carlplatz is a former farmers market which has now reinvented itself as a gourmet food haven. Fruit, veg, fish and meat can be bought at the hundreds of stalls. In addition, you can also stop for flowers and plants here. A huge bunch of 20 tulips cost just €6.

Appreciate the City From new Heights

The Rhine Tower is a great way to get a bird’s eye-view of Düsseldorf. At 174.5 metres it is the tallest building in Dusseldorf. It has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping champagne. Entrance is a mere €5.

Eating Outdoors

Eating and drinking al-fresco appears to be a thing with residents of Düsseldorf. Even on the coldest winter days stalls and cafes serve goulash, soups and Grünkohlessen  – a traditional German dish loved in Düsseldorf. It’s made of kale, sausages, baked sweet potatoes, bacon and mustard and is eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to meat. It’s one dish you cannot leave Düsseldorf without trying. A hearty meal costs around €8 per person.

Experience the Beer Safari

Drinking beer in Germany is the equivalent of drinking wine in France. So Düsseldorf has created the perfect experience; the Altbier Safari. This is a fun way to get into the light-hearted spirit of the city. A lively guide will take you around Düsseldorf via five micro-breweries and enlighten you on all the insider information and urban myths of the city. The experience costs €27.50 per person and includes five beers.

Visit the World’s Longest Bar

Düsseldorf is the home of The Longest Bar in the World; something its residents are particularly proud of. The Longest Bar is in fact the nickname given a part of the old town where there are almost 300 bars and clubs within half a square mile. This compact area is lively and filled to the brim with people drinking al-fresco. An enjoyable night out with drinks costs around €50 per person. Could you really expect much more than all this from a weekend?

In collaboration with Fly BMI. BMI flies from Bristol to Dusseldorf daily (excluding Saturdays) with fares from just £86 one way.  All fares are inclusive of 23kg hold luggage, allocated seating and complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks. Visit www.flybmi.com