What exactly do we want in Düsseldorf? - on the road in Europe again

After almost a month at home after seven months of traveling, we were drawn back to distant lands. This time, however, it wasn't quite as far away: we wanted to drive through Europe by car, specifically to Southern France and Northern Italy, and make use of our free time before we have to go back to work.

In order to not spend too much time in the car at once, we planned our first overnight stay in Düsseldorf. The main reason for this was actually the inexpensive hotel near the highway.

We made good progress and drove into the city center in the afternoon to see Düsseldorf's old town. After some difficulties finding a parking spot, which ended in an overpriced parking garage, we walked through the city center.

We walked towards the old town along the Königsallee. During a visit, the angry crowd pelted the Prussian king with horse manure in 1848. To appease the angry monarch, the 'Kastanienallee' was then renamed to 'Königsallee'. Today, there are luxury brands with royal prices here...

In the tourist information office, we got a guided tour of the old town and set off to explore it. Along the way, we passed the 'Stadterhebungsmonument', which documents how the village on the Düssel river became a city.

In St. Lambertus Church, the oldest church in the city, we saw the relics of Saint Apollinaris. What we previously thought was the name of a beverage is the patron saint of Düsseldorf.

In the old town, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, and they were all busy - which may also be due to the beautiful spring weather and the public holiday tomorrow. The city advertises with the 'longest bar in the world', referring to the 260 bars and restaurants in the old town. In one of them, we tried a hearty potato soup and a typical Altbier.

Feeling refreshed, we continued walking through the narrow streets and were glad that there is almost no traffic in the old town. As a final touch, we took a stroll along the banks of the Rhine River and enjoyed the evening sun.