The Interpack After-Hours Program
During Interpack, Düsseldorf reveals itself as a cosmopolitan city that combines business and quality of life in a particularly delightful way. After intense days at the trade fair, numerous opportunities open up to make your stay relaxed, inspiring, and varied—whether through a stroll amidst greenery, cultural discoveries, or an enjoyable evening by the Rhine.
Experience Nature in the Nordpark and Japanese Garden
Right on the doorstep of the exhibition grounds lies the Nordpark—one of the city’s most beautiful parklands. Just a few minutes' walk away, it offers the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and catch your breath briefly between appointments. Expansive pathways, artistically designed flowerbeds, water features, and sculptures define its harmonious overall aesthetic. Particularly impressive is the Japanese Garden; designed by landscape architects from Japan, its clean lines, small bridges, and carefully arranged plantings create a tranquil, almost contemplative atmosphere. As you stroll through here, you can momentarily forget the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. For a delightful break, the Nordpark Café is highly recommended—whether for a relaxed breakfast, a light lunch, or coffee and cake in the afternoon. Whether seated in the cozy indoor area or out on the sunny terrace, it is the perfect spot to round off your visit.
Around 260 Bars, Pubs, and Restaurants in the Old Town
As the trade fair day draws to a close, Düsseldorf’s Old Town comes vibrantly to life. The famous "longest bar in the world" packs around 260 bars, pubs, and restaurants into a compact area, offering an impressive array of choices. In the traditional brewpubs, Düsseldorf’s *Altbier* is still served to this day—an top-fermented beer with a robust, slightly tart flavor that is deeply rooted in local culture. Here, locals and international guests often sit shoulder to shoulder, striking up conversations with ease and experiencing the quintessential Rhineland conviviality. Alongside these, student pubs, trendy creative hangouts, international bars, and lively music clubs define the local scene.
For those wishing to experience history alongside culinary delights, a guided tour with the night watchman is highly recommended. As dusk falls, the night watchman leads groups through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, passing historical landmarks such as St. Lambertus Church, Burgplatz, and the Castle Tower. With his traditional call—"Hört, ihr Leut’..." (Hear ye, hear ye...)—he recounts tales of bygone eras, historical figures, and charming anecdotes that bring the city's history vividly to life.
The Medienhafen offers a fascinating contrast to this historical backdrop. In recent years, this former industrial district has evolved into one of Düsseldorf’s most modern and architecturally intriguing neighborhoods. Here, historic warehouse buildings stand side by side with spectacular contemporary structures—including the world-renowned Gehry Buildings, with their distinctive, curving facades. Approximately 700 companies have established themselves in the Medienhafen, lending the district a dynamic, creative atmosphere. Its waterfront location is particularly appealing: numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés offer direct views of the Rhine and the harbor basins. Whether for a stylish dinner, a casual after-work gathering, or a drink at sunset, the Medienhafen is the ideal place to wind down and relax at the end of the day. The nightlife here, too, reveals its modern and vibrant side.
Music, Literature, Design, and Art
During the Interpack trade fair, Düsseldorf also offers a diverse program of events. From May 6th to 9th, the Bilk district transforms into a hub for music enthusiasts during "Jazz City Bilk." Over 30 events bring together international artists and local scene luminaries. Traditional concert formats meet experimental projects, creating a unique atmosphere that extends far beyond the scope of conventional jazz concerts.
Anyone interested in literature and unique finds should visit the Düsseldorf Book Mile on May 9 and 10. Along the banks of the Rhine—stretching from Burgplatz to the Old Harbor—approximately 65 booksellers, antiquarian dealers, and private collectors will showcase their treasures. From rare editions and long-out-of-print works to affordable bargains, visitors will discover an impressive variety of items. The offerings are complemented by arts and crafts as well as culinary stalls featuring fresh baked goods, *Flammkuchen*, crêpes, and specialty coffees.
On the evening of May 9, the "Nachtyard" at Rheinriff offers a completely different, creative experience: set within a spacious industrial hall, a street food festival, design market, flea market, and art installations come together to create an inspiring blend of culinary delights, creativity, and social interaction.
Those wishing to gain a comprehensive overview of the city can explore Düsseldorf in comfort on a sightseeing tour aboard a double-decker bus. The hop-on, hop-off tour—lasting approximately 90 minutes—visits the city’s key attractions, including the elegant Königsallee, the historic Old Town, the modern Media Harbour, and the Aquazoo. An audio guide provides fascinating background information on the city’s history and famous figures—making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make efficient use of their time while still seeing as much as possible. Beer culture is an integral part of Düsseldorf’s identity. Those wishing to delve deeper into this tradition should consider an "Altbier Safari." This guided tour takes visitors through several traditional brewpubs, offering fascinating insights not only into the art of brewing but also into the history and significance of *Altbier* (amber ale) to the city. Naturally, tastings are an essential part of the experience—a delightful way to get to know Düsseldorf.
Europe’s Largest Japanese Community
An international flair awaits visitors in the area surrounding Immermannstraße, often referred to as "Little Tokyo." Düsseldorf is home to one of Europe’s largest Japanese communities, a fact impressively reflected in the cityscape: Japanese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and bookstores define the neighborhood, and even the street signs are bilingual. Whether you are craving authentic ramen, fresh sushi, or Japanese pastries, this district offers culinary discoveries of the highest caliber. For technology and automotive enthusiasts, the Classic Remise Düsseldorf is a particularly compelling attraction.
Housed in a lovingly restored roundhouse dating back to 1929–1931, the venue is entirely dedicated to vintage cars and automotive classics. Visitors can peek into workshops, observe restoration work in progress, and admire rare vehicles up close. The interplay between historic architecture and gleaming bodywork creates a truly unique atmosphere. The experience is rounded off by the Mezzomar restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish setting, remaining open into the evening hours.
Another worthwhile destination—particularly due to its proximity to the trade fair grounds—is Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf’s oldest district. The historic village center surrounding Klemensplatz invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst its small shops, cafés, and restaurants. Situated directly on the banks of the Rhine, the ruins of the Imperial Palace—once the property of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa—make for an impressive sight, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's medieval history. The Basilica of St. Suitbertus is also well worth a visit.
Those wishing to experience Düsseldorf from a different perspective can take a boat trip from Kaiserswerth toward the Old Town—a particularly atmospheric way to discover the city from the water. Whether your interests lie in nature, culture, gastronomy, or architecture, Düsseldorf offers a wealth of opportunities to enrich your stay during the trade fair. Short travel distances, a diverse range of offerings, and the unique Rhenish way of life make it easy to gather unforgettable impressions beyond the hustle and bustle of the trade fair itself.
