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It says much that in these austere times Düsseldorf prides itself on being debt-free, but the city is more than just a prosperous corner of Germany. It's a cultural hub with more than 100 art galleries and 26 museums. Here's a quick walk around this chic city by the Rhine.

Hour 1: Head for the MedienHafen, the former warehouse district. It's now home to buildings designed by leading architects, among them Frank Gehry and William Alsop (you can't miss his dazzling Colorium office building). Take an overview of the city at the nearby Rhine Tower, which displays the world's largest digital clock.

Hour 2: A wander along the Rhine Promenade offers proof of how busy this working river is — cargo-laden barges constantly pass by. Pop into the lovely St. Lambertus church, noticeable for its twisted wooden spire, then make for the Altstadt and its hundreds of bars and restaurants. Try the local Altbier at one of the city's five brewpubs, Zum Schlüssel on Bolkerstrasse, tel: (49-211) 828 9550.

Hour 3: Complete your tour by visiting the Museum Kunstpalast, smkp.de, which boasts five distinct collections under one roof. If you've also got a free evening, catch a performance at the Tonhalle, tonhalle-duesseldorf.de, or the Opernhaus Düsseldorf, rheinoper.de.

• Simon Horsford
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