The halls of the Messe centre are only part of drupa, Düsseldorf itself is a fabulous experience, says Wayne Robinson
Previous visitors to drupa know that the dazzling sights on show inside the halls of the Messe Centre are only part of the drupa experience. As soon as the shows doors close each night tens of thousands of printers head for Düsseldorf’s Aldstadt, which claims to be ‘world’s longest bar’. The claim actually has a fair bit of substance, as within the cobbled streets of the old town there are around 300 different bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and they are more than happy to play host to the world’s printers, who as a rule aren't averse to a drop of grog from time to time. Düsseldorf is also a tourist destination in its own right, with a plethora of tours to enjoy both in the city and to the medieval castles surrounding it. For any culture vultures its museums and art galleries are home to some of the world’s most famous works.Evenings
The local beer is known as Alt, and everyone succumbs to the seductive powers of Alt. Not only visitors to the Altstadt, where bars and traditional ale houses jostle for space, Alt goes down well all over Düsseldorf - and beyond. As does the city’s spicy Mostert (mustard), another strong favourite. Dusseldorf boasts down-to-earth pubs and cosy eateries, gourmet bistros and the true crème de la crème of restaurants, some of which enjoy top ranking among Germany’s starred establishments.
In terms of practicalities there are a few basics; bars are supposed to close at 1am, but during drupa this rule is
blithely ignored while printers still want to drink, especially at the many Irish Bars. Your bar bill will be run up as a tab on your beermat, you pay at the end of your time. Most restaurants stay open later than those in Australia, and there are several where you can eat until three in the morning.
Düsseldorf has nightclubs of every hue and cry, check the local guides or tourist information or your taxi driver. The piano bars and jazz clubs are a great place to spend time late at night.
Eating
German meals tends to be heavy on the red meat. Rhenish sauerbraten, Flönz (Blutwurst or black pudding) and thick pea soup, known in Düsseldorf as Ähzezupp, are all traditional mainstays. So is Halver Hahn (nothing to do with chicken, halved or otherwise, as German linguists might think). In fact it’s a round and robust cheese with caraway seeds and onion, munched with a Röggelchen a small ryebread roll which goes down nicely with a drop of Alt, the mellow, dark beer still brewed according to ancient top-fermentation method. The best steaks are to be found in the Argentinian restaurants.
If you want to eat somewhere in particular it is advisable to booking a table, all restauranteurs speak English. Otherwise a wander around the Aldstadt or your locality will unearth great eateries. Service charges are included in hotel and restaurant bills. But feel free to give an extra little something to show you appreciate service the service, especially useful for gaining a table if you will be returning another evening.
Shopping
You, or your partner, can spend some serious moolah in Düsseldorf, its Konigsallee is the centre of German fashion, and you will find virtually every top designer in the world has a shop here. The prices are not for the faint-hearted though. If you want to give someone special a treat, you can have an exclusive shopping trip to experience the international flair of the fashion metropolis on the Rhine. Your personal shopper will meet you in Düsseldorf city centre for a two-hour tour through the fashion shops between Altstadt and Kö. You tell him what you are looking for – and your personal shopper will advise you individually with regard to colour, style and fashion trend. Price is €110 per shopping tour, €55 per additional hour.
Sightseeing
There are a host of tours to book.
Best place to start is the main tourist information centre, which is directly opposite Düsseldorf’s main railway station. Tours include a guided walk around the city, cruises on the Rhine, visits to local castles. Düsseldorf has a few architectural wonders if that shakes your boat. The tourist inform-ation office will also be able to let you know what is currently on show at the various galleries.
Editor’s Choice - Clubs
Sucos do Brazil – Kasernenstr. 6, Tel. 13 26 50 – Cocktails set to samba music
Sam’s – Königsallee 27, Tel. 32 81 71 – Disco legend in plush Kö basement
Stone in the Ratinger Hof – Ratinger Str. 10, Tel. 2 10 78 28 – Rock and pop till you drop.
Editor’s Choice - Upper crust restaurants (bookings essential)
Hummerstübchen – D-Lörick, Bonifatiusstr. 35, Tel. 59 44 02, – Lobsters are just one leitmotif. The masterpieces are strongly French-influenced and have been awarded two stars. Long, up-market wine list.
Im Schiffchen – D-Kaiserswerth, Kaiserswerther Markt 9, 1st floor, Tel. 40 10 50 – Simply the best, Michelin-starred. Both classics and new creations are acclaimed by diners as "pure perfection", accompanied by solid-gold vintages.
Monkey's Plaza – Graf-Adolf-Platz 15, Tel. 64 96 37-10.This new gastronomy hotspot blends art, architecture and fine food into a feast for the senses. Three restaurants - Monkey's West, East and South - housed within the spectacular GAP 15 building
Editor’s Choice - Eating after midnight
Las Palomas – Kirchfeldstr. 169, Tel. 33 50 08 – Open until 3 am.
Miles Smiles – Akademiestr. 6, Tel. 32 96 01 – Jazz cellar/bar, select menu. Open until 3 am.
Rote Laterne – Kurfürstenstr. 29, Tel. 8 30 22 83 – A Chinese restaurant cleared of oriental kitsch, using only the best and freshest ingredients. Open until 3am.
