So while Dusseldorf is no Madrid -- its definitely not a boring/awful place.

There's lots of good stuff in the Altstadt -- and Ko Allee has some great shopping. Also some really good food! (Surprisingly some of the best Thai food I've had in Europe was here).

I'd head to Schumacher -- enjoy some Altbier and some great German food. (Their mustard blows my mind).

Cheers,

-W