Düsseldorf
ELEGANT, VIBRANT AND FULL OF CONTRASTS

Rhine bridge © Bastian Rothe
Rhine bridge© Bastian Rothe

Düsseldorf is called the “Pearl on the Rhine”. It is a city with many different faces. This is where international business-people and elegant models stroll along the “Kö” and at the Medienhafen. Thousands of students enjoy learning in the creative atmosphere on the Rhine River – and raising their glasses at the “longest bar in the world”.

Facts

621,877 Inhabitants ¹

54,174 Students ²

6 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO DÜSSELDORF

If there’s one thing you can say about Düsseldorf, then it’s: it’s international and colourful! But also elegant and fashionable. The state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is a city full of contrasts. Numerous international corporations have set up their headquarters there. Business-people from the Far East are especially fond of “D’dorf” – home to over 8,000 people and more than 400 companies from Japan alone. The city honours them every year on which culminates in a fireworks display which practically everyone in Düsseldorf looks forward to.

State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia © Marketing Tourismus GmbH
State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia© Marketing Tourismus GmbH
The Gehry buildings in the Media Harbor, in the background the Rhine Tower © Marketing Tourismus GmbH
The Gehry buildings in the Media Harbor, in the background the Rhine Tower© Marketing Tourismus GmbH

Düsseldorf is not only known as a centre of business, but also as Germany’s fashion city. Its reputation as a consumer paradise extends far beyond its state border. Along – or the “Kö” for short, you’ll find one classy boutique after another. The creative atmosphere has also attracted many advertising agencies and artists to Düsseldorf.

You’ll notice the multifaceted character of the city on a walk through the old part of town. Although Düsseldorf suffered heavy damage during World War II, many of the old buildings are well preserved or have been painstakingly reconstructed. Especially in the Oberkassel and Lörick districts, you’ll find a number of streets with beautiful houses and splendid villas. But even the working-class districts of Flingern and Bilk have a very special charm of their own.

You can get a good impression of the vivacity of Düsseldorf’s inhabitants during Carnival. On 11 November at 11:11 am, the “Jecken” storm city hall and officially open the “Fifth Season of the Year” (Carnival). At the end of February, the city becomes a bastion of colourful party-making when thousands of people dressed in costumes take to the streets from “Altweiber” Thursday to Ash Wednesday. The festivities culminate with the Rose Monday Parade where thousands line up along the parade route and cry out for “Kamelle” (sweets).

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LIVING IN DÜSSELDORF

Düsseldorf is well-loved by many and offers a high quality of life. That’s why the cost of living is a bit higher than elsewhere in the region. Many students prefer the atmosphere of districts like Flingern or Bilk and live in affordable flatshares. But if you have more money, you might be interested in living in the Pempelfort district. This is a popular student quarter, but the rental prices are considerably higher.

No matter where you decide to live, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the “Altstadt” – Düsseldorf’s historic city centre. This is not only where many stores and shopping malls are located, but also museums, galleries and theatres. When you want to go out at night, the “Altstadt” is the place to go because Düsseldorf has the “longest bar in the world”. Some 50 bars and restaurants are situated side by side along the Bolkerstrasse and attract residents and tourists alike every evening.

The “Kurze Strasse” is especially popular among students. The entire street is lined with bars and pubs where you can sit outside with a cold beer on warm summer evenings. The local beer is called “Alt”, but even if it’s too bitter for you, never ever order a “Kölsch” because that comes from (and both cities are in constant competition…).

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You will quickly sense the “cosiness” of the city – people relaxing at the Volksgarten or Hofgarten on their lunch breaks and at weekends. Many inhabitants of Düsseldorf study, exercise or just chill out on the banks of the Rhine River. Picnics and barbecues are especially popular. Near the Medienhafen, you can treat yourself to a mini break. On the Rhine beach you immediately feel like you’re at the coast or on an island.

How to find a room in Düsseldorf

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Düsseldorf.

Sources
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