Hi, one night stay in Dusseldorf before boarding a Christmas Market Cruise. Hotel Breidenbacher Hoff "on the Konigsallee."
How many Christmas Markets are there in Dusseldorf? It looks like several per the city webpage. Which is best?
Also, is there a traditional German restaurant within walking distance? Beer and some hearty food?
Thanks!
Dusseldorf is famous for its family-style brewery-restaurants, dozens of them. You can expect the host to seat you at a big table that already has some other guests, who will be glad to see you. Brewery Zum Schlüssel“ is nearby, but I haven't been there. It's only a little farther to Brewery im Füchschen, which I have been to and enjoyed. You will pass ten others on the walk.
I was disappointed with the alleged "oldest brewery" (or was it oldest restaurant?) in town, Brauerei Zum Schiffchen. It was just so-so food, and didn't have the festive atmosphere that im Füchschen did. I had the popular pork knuckle, but the crispy skin was so impenetrable that I had to turn it over and attack from the bottom.
I wasn't there at Christmas.
Edit: I forgot to say that Altbier is traditionally served in 0.3 liter little glasses. I can't say why, except that's to make it "better" than neighboring city's Kolsch, which is served in 0.2 liter glasses! I read in Lonely Planet not to ask about Kolsch in Dusseldorf; It's like wearing a Yankees cap in Boston. In Dusseldorf (if not elsewhere in Germany), Altbier is served (like Kolsch in Cologne) from gravity-fed casks set up on the counter.
The local herbal liqueur, Killepitsch, is very popular beside a beer. It's much better than, say, Jagermeister. Has a lot of dried fruit notes, rather than medicinal taste.
The location of you hotel is in a very rizzy area. Düsseldorf prides itself because of that street. You'll see its wealth.
Re: food and drink....If you are a beer drinker, what Düsseldorf offers as unique is "Altbier. " Since Dortmund is ca. one hour away or so, the restaurants might even have the famous Dortmunder beers on the menu.
