Sightseeing

April 2013
With its 42km route taking in the Medienhafen's striking modern architecture, the Rheinuferpromenade's river views and the Königsallee's glamorous boutiques, the Metro Group Marathon (28 April) is perfect for time-poor athletes who like to combine a little sightseeing with their running. www.metrogroup-marathon.de

January 2013
The carnival season reaches its annual crescendo on the second weekend of February, kicking off with the traditional storming of the town hall by the city's women on Altweiberfastnacht (7 February) and climaxing with the Rosenmontag carnival parade on the 11th (comitee-duesseldorfer-carneval.de).

Key Areas

April 2013
Düsseldorf has one of Europe's largest Japanese communities, and on 25 May it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far to celebrate the Japan-Tag festival with everything from sushi and sashimi to sport, music and Manga, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. www.japantag-duesseldorf-nrw.de

May 2012
Fine weather makes a visit to pretty Schloss Benrath - Düsseldorf's sole example of a baroque palace - almost irresistible, from the ornate interiors of the Corps de Logis to the lush hunting park and restored 18th-century formal and kitchen gardens (schloss-benrath.de).