Weekend in Duesseldorf, Germany, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Crisscrossing walking paths run through meadows, fields and forests within the city center of Duesseldorf. The city's most beautiful event is the annual four-week Christmas Market (11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 20-Dec. 23). Seven themed markets located throughout the city offer heartwarming sensory and shopping experiences. Marktplatz, the famous square in front of City Hall, is a market highlight with wooden Christmas huts that are replicas of Duesseldorf's historic town houses. www.duesseldorf-weihnachtsmarkt.de. A seasonal walking tour through the illuminated Old Town, "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells," is offered at 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 21-Dec. 20; 12 euros. www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de. Trip planning, www.visitduesseldorf.de.
When dialing direct, use the prefix 011 followed by 49 (country code) + 0211 (city code) + phone number shown below. At press time, 1 euro = $1.26.
Getting there and around: Round-trip winter season rates of $1,160 are valid on midweek travel through Dec. 15 or Jan. 7-March 12, 2015; nonstop Delta. The DuesseldorfCard offers unlimited use of trams and buses within the city area, and free or reduced-price entry to museums and attractions; 9 euros for a 24-hour card; 14 euros, 48-hour card; 19 euros, 72-hour card. www.rheinbahn.com.
BUDGET
Stay: Each of the unique guest rooms at the Victorian-style Villa Achenbach (not suitable for children) have mahogany king beds and rich decor. The hotel is located in the upscale Zooviertel neighborhood and a three-minute walk to a tram stop. Rates of 139 euros include breakfast. Achenbachstrasse 17, 66 90 90, www.hotel-achenbach.de.
Eat: Uerige Brewery serves the region's traditional beer and dishes in a charming and historic atmosphere. Small meals for 2-6 euros and house specialties such as Haxe (roasted ham hock) to 17 euros. Berger Strasse 1, 86 699 0, www.uerige.de.
Experience: The revolving restaurant at the top of the Rheinturm (at 500 feet) offers wonderful views of the Rhine River, city landmarks and on a clear day the Cathedral in Cologne (5 euros, elevator). 5 Stromstrasse 20, 86 32 00, www.guennewig.de. Visit one of Rhineland's most beautiful baroque churches, Andreaskirche, at 4 p.m. Sundays for a free organ concert. Andreasstrasse 27, 13 63 40, http://dominikaner-duesseldorf.de.
MODERATE
Stay: Hotel Favor is surrounded by the charming Hofgarten Park and its swan lake. Its location is a 10-minute walk to the Rhine, the Cathedral and Altstadt. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury mattresses and linens. International dishes are served in the hotel's restaurant. Cozy up with a nightcap by the lounge fireplace. Rates average 158 euros with breakfast. Schadowplatz 7, 44 76 99, www.hotel-favor.de.
Eat: Napoleon was once a patron at Zum Schiffchen (small boat). Located in the Old Town, the rustic restaurant and brewery was established in 1628 and is the city's oldest. Comfort dishes priced from 12 euros (homemade liver dumplings with sauerkraut and homemade mashed potatoes) to 24 euros (oxtail ragout stewed with herbs, red wine with potatoes and salad). Hafenstrasse 5, 13 24 21, www.brauerei-zum-schiffchen.de.
Experience: For fine arts from classical antiquity to the present, visit the Museum Kunstpalast (German museums closed Mondays); 9 euros. Ehrenhof 4-5, 56 64 21, www.smkp.de. Find a tranquil spot in the city at EKO Haus. The Japanese cultural center, built in the late 1980s, allows the Japanese living in the region (among the largest presence in Europe) to practice and cultivate the customs of their own culture. On site is a Shin-Buddhist temple (the only Japanese temple in Europe), a pagoda, and a traditional tearoom; 2.50 euros. Brueggener Weg 6, 57 79 18, www.eko-haus.de.
SPLURGE
Stay: The 27 hip suites and rooms at Stage 47 are named after famous artists. This art design hotel is next to the Savoy Theater and a five-minute walk from the main rail station or to downtown. Rates from 150 euros; breakfast, 18 euros. Graf-Adolf-Strasse 47, 38 80 30, www.stage47.de.
Eat: The three-fish soup (13.50 euros) and the delectable desserts (8.50 euros) draw loyal patrons to Roberts Bistro. A lengthy menu offers entrees from 12.50-26.50 euros. No credit cards or reservations. Wupperstrasse 2, 30 48 21, www.robertsbistro.de.
Experience: The city is famous for its fashionable shops, bookstores and galleries (most closed Sundays). Walk the cobblestone streets from Carlsplatz (open-air farmers market Monday-Saturday) to Hohe Strasse and Bilkstrasse. Warm cafes are tucked in the courtyards of many classic buildings. Luxury designer shops are along Koenigsallee, which leads into the Hofgarten, the local version of New York's Central Park.
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