Altstadt
In addition to the myriad eating and drinking opportunities don't miss the charming 16th-century Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), the churches of St Andreas and St Lambertus, the grotesque Battle of Worringen (1288) monument on the Burgplatz next to the tiny River Düssel and the quiet leafy southern part of the Old Town adjacent to Karlstadt.

Free admission.

Rheinturm (Rhine Tower)
An icon for the city, the 360-degree views from its large glass windows at 164m (538ft) take in the whole city and river; the extraordinary building immediately below is the new Landtag (regional parliament).

Stromstrasse 20
Tel: (0211) 863 2000.
Admission charge.

Media Hafen (Media Harbour)
This recently revitalised harbour is so named for its new tenants, who have colonised its striking waterside buildings, including designs by Frank Gehry; visit on a sightseeing cruise then come back for the nightlife.

Docks area
Free admission.

K20 Kunstsammlung NRW (Nordrhein-Westfalen Art Collection)
The superb permanent collection here features 20th-century masterpieces by Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian, Klee and Kirchner, and American art after 1945 with works by Warhol, Rauschberg and Pollok; plus world-class temporary exhibitions.

Grabbeplatz 5
Tel: (0211) 838 1130.
Website: www.kunstsammlung.de
(Note: the gallery may be closed for renovation from early 2008 onwards, see website for details.)
Admission charge.

Museum Kunst Palast
The eclectic and extensive collections here comprise works from the Middle Ages, the Baroque period and the Düsseldorf School of Painting, right up to some startling contemporary artworks and cutting-edge temporary exhibitions.

Ehrenhof 4-5
Tel: (0211) 899 6241.
Website: www.museum-kunst-palast.de
Admission charge.