P_M

We have booked award tix to Italy next year using American Airlines/Air Berlin so we will have 5.5 hours in Dusseldorf. We've never been to that airport so your suggestions for what to do will be appreciated. We are not members of the Admiral's Club so lounge visits will not be free.

Thanks.

rkkwan

I'd go out of the airport. It's just a few minutes on frequent trains north to Duisburg or south to Dusseldorf. Or you can get to Cologne in about 40 minutes. And many more cities if those don't interest you.

P_M

Cologne sounds great, I went there in high school and I haven't been back since. I will also check out the other places you mentioned.

michelhuebeli

Have you booked your Air Berlin leg? Can you change it to a much later flight, or even better, to a next-day flight? With 5.5 hours you have to rush and that's no fun when you're already sleep-deprived. Book a hotel for a night in Cologne, go see the cathedral (right across from the main train station), the chocolate museum on the island in the river, taste the famous Kölsche beer before going for a good night's sleep, and arriving in Italy will be more fun.

P_M

michelhuebeli, thank you for your reply but yes, the flights is booked. Maybe next time we will factor in a day in Cologne. I'm looking at Dusseldorf and other suggestions for nearby places of interest are welcome.

rkkwan

Personally, I'd go to Wuppertal. To ride the Schwebebahn, and also because one of my favorite movie "Princess and the Warrior" was filmed there.

DAX

Take the S bahn to downtown Düsseldorf, I think Cologne is too risky. I was stuck when there was an unexpected problem with the S bahn btw the two cities during rush hour (standing room only). It was too far to go back to Dusseldorf by taxi so it was a poor risk that I took, I should have stayed in Dusseldorf where a taxi can whisk me back to the airport if there's a problem with the S Bahn.

Now I can't help wonder why would anyone go to Duisburg? I have a cousin who lives there and I never bother to visit her there ever.