Tag Archives: Tour

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Can’t-Miss Dusseldorf Highlights in a Day

Street scene in Dusseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf is packed with so many different things to see and do, but, if you only have a day to spend in the city, there are certain highlights that you definitely will not want to miss. From the city’s Old Town to the River Rhine, make sure that each of these spots are included in your itinerary.

Königsallee
Königsallee is the most famous shopping spot in the city, especially if you are seeking out exclusive stores and high end goods. Take a stroll down the gorgeous boulevard, doing some window shopping along the way, and, if you have not eaten your breakfast yet, stop off at one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat.

Altstadt
Altstadt is Dusseldorf’s Old Town, and is just a short walk away from Königsallee. This is an incredibly charming part of the city, and although it measures just one square kilometre, there is more to see here than in any other district in Düsseldorf. To top it all off, Altstadt is home to the longest bar in the world, which is actually around 300 different bars that all have interconnecting bar counters. Many of them serve up the city’s local brew, so do stop off at a couple for a bit of beer tasting.

Architecture in Dusseldorf, Germany

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Burgplatz
Burgplatz is the spot at which the small Dussel River merges with the Rhine, and has always been an important part of the city. There is over 700 years of history to explore here, with a number of museums that will help you to do so. Just upriver from here is the MedienHafen, which is a harbour that is surrounded by spectacular architecture, with many of the buildings having been designed by world-famous architects. The Rhine embankment promenade is the best place to walk to see all of this, with its wave-like pavement having been specifically designed for this area. As you continue walking, you will soon come up to Carlstadt, which is another area that is well worth exploring.

Carlstadt
Carlstadt is another part of the city that is filled with history and art, and you will find several galleries, museums and antique stores here. While you will not have time to visit many museums, the Filmmuseum and the German Museum of Ceramics are both fascinating if you would like a quick browse. The stately homes in Carlstadt date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and just strolling the streets here gives you the opportunity to soak up such a historic vibe, which the area has managed to successfully retain. If you are visiting the area on any day other than Sunday, it will not be long before you stumble across Carlsplatz, which is the local food market that is held here. This is a great opportunity to sample some local cuisine, and taste the city’s seasonal ingredients.

Düsseldorf is quite a compact city, meaning that it is easily walkable. While a day may not seem like that much time, this is enough to see the city’s main highlights, so long as you plan your route wisely.

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Visiting Blackbeard’s Castle

Blackbeard's Castle

Originally named the Skytsborg Tower, Blackbeard’s Castle is a National Historic Landmark, and can be found in the Caribbean city of Charlotte Amalie, on the tropical island of St. Thomas. Originally built in 1679, a visit to Blackbeard’s Castle is a great way to learn more about the fascinating and turbulent past that this area has had.

About the Castle
Blackbeard’s Castle was built by the Danes, who wanted a watchtower to protect Fort Christian and the harbour. After picking the highest spot on Government Hill, Blackbeard’s Castle was built, providing the Danish soldiers with a fantastic vantage point. While it remains unknown whether or not the infamous pirate Blackbeard actually ever visited St. Thomas, rumour has it that he used the tower as a lookout point for his own piracy, which is how it got its name.

What You Will See
Blackbeard’s Castle boasts a range of different living quarters that are surrounded by a gorgeous courtyard, with the actual tower situated in the center, along with a 14-foot tall bronze statue of the legendary pirate Blackbeard himself. The tower stands at 40 feet tall and has walls that are six foot thick, which you will be able to take in as you climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower. Once there, you will be greeted by a panoramic view that truly cannot be beaten, not only showing you all of Charlotte Amalie, but also the beautiful St. Croix and Puerto Rico.

Other Historic Buildings
There are many other historical buildings in the vicinity of Blackbeard’s Castle, and signing up for one of the guided tours is the best way to visit them all, while learning all about them. Villa Notman is one of the most stunning villas on the island, and although it was built long ago in 1860, it has been fully, and lavishly, restored. Haagensen House is another gorgeous estate, and used to belong to a Danish banker, and it is here where you can have your picture taken next to some of the nineteen life-sized statues of pirates.

Hotel 1829
Hotel 1829 was built by a wealthy French sea merchant and is the oldest hotel on St. Thomas. On one side of the building lies the historic 99 steps, while the scenic courtyard is where you will find the famous Amber Waterfall Fountain. The 1829 bar used to be the hotel’s kitchen when the castle was first built and has been impressively restored in a way that highlights the original stove that lies in this room.

When visiting Blackbeard’s Castle, you will also have access to the three swimming pools in the vicinity, and this is well worth taking advantage of. The castle is situated just a block away from Charlotte Amalie’s Main Street, as well as the waterfront, making access extremely convenient. A visit to the castle will teach you about so many fascinating aspects of the history of Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas, and will show you the island from a completely new perspective.