Trendsetter

Day 1:

Manchester Street Art Tour: there’s street art around every corner in Manchester. Either set off on your own or take part in a guided tour to find out more about the artists and their works.

Manchester Art Gallery: speaking of art, the Manchester Art Gallery houses an impressive collection. The temporary (free!) exhibitions are particularly worth seeing in summer 2024: for example, an exhibition about hot drinks through the ages or the sculptures otherwise stored in the archive.

 

Day 2:

Northern Quarter: this neighbourhood’s cool streets are filled with unique boutiques, vintage shops and other street art. This hip district is best known for its creativity.

Afflecks: it is also home to Afflecks, a former Victorian department store which is now home to 70 alternative and independent shops offering creative pieces and absolutely no mainstream brands.

Ancoats: from a dilapidated textile district to one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the UK, Ancoats is also big on individuality! Explore the many independent coffee shops, boutiques and breweries with their own craft beer creations and check out the surrounding bars with their creative cocktails in the evening.

Day 3:

Football Stadium Tour: you can’t forget football in Manchester Football fanatics can visit not one, but two stadiums, Manchester City Stadium and Manchester United Stadium. And, of course, the National Football Museum.

Sounds of the city: from 3 to 13 July 2024, the Sounds of the City festival will take place in Manchester. Confirmed artists include Avril Lavigne, The National and Tom Grennan. Better get going!

Nightcap: pubs are ten a penny in Manchester. If you’re looking for something a bit different, we can’t say much about The Washhouse bar, other than to make a reservation and be surprised.

 

Day 4:

Gay Village: Manchester’s thriving queer scene awaits you around Canal Street. It’s also worth taking a detour to the colourful district’s pubs and clubs in the evening.

Live music: discover surprising live music acts at Matt & Phred’s jazz club in the Northern Quarter. Or you can uncover new talent at an open mic night, e.g. at The Whiskey Jar, which has already produced several musical greats.

Day 1:

Königsallee: shopping on Königsallee – also known as ‘Kö’ – is on the agenda! It offers a perfect mix of high-end designer boutiques and elegant fashion houses. In the fashion capital of Düsseldorf, there is simply no way of avoiding the Kö.

MedienHafen: the MedienHafen is known for its impressive modern architecture. Discover remarkable buildings by famous architects such as Frank Gehry by day, and by night, let off steam in the trendy clubs and bars.

 

Day 2:

K20 and K21 art collections: the museums of modern art, K20 and K21, are part of the renowned Kunstsammlung NRW – perfect for art-loving trendsetters like you!

Frankreichfest: ooh la la, from 26 to 28 July 2024, drink, eat and celebrate with over 100 exhibitors at the Frankreichfest (France Festival) in Düsseldorf with a varied supporting programme.

Flingern Nord: this part of town has transformed from a working-class district into a trendy neighbourhood. A special highlight is the street-art-lined Kiefernstrasse. This is a paradise for all those who love the colourful and alternative. A perfect contrast to the elegant Königsallee.

Day 3:

Little Tokyo: did you know that Düsseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe? Little Tokyo is one of the city’s liveliest districts, offering excellent restaurants and traditional culture.

Japanese Garden: the Japanese Garden spans over 5,000 square metres in the corner of the Nord Park. This special garden is a magnificent natural spectacle and exceptionally beautiful.

Culture, art, culinary delights: Düsseldorf Bilk offers a colourful and alternative neighbourhood. Some of the most charming restaurants and bars in Düsseldorf are situated here around Brunnenstrasse. In the Bilker Bunker, innovative art and cultural formats are exhibited, and every Saturday the flea market takes place on Aachener Platz.

 

Day 4:

Benrath Palace: it’s not just all pomp and circumstance at Kö. Düsseldorf’s Benrath Palace is an architectural work of art located south of the city. Make the most of your time spent there and take a stroll through the palace gardens.

Kasematten on the Rhine terraces: back to the hustle and bustle of the city, where five restaurants form a vibrant dining hub along this part of the Rhine embankment promenade. From cafés to casual bars, there’s something for everyone: feel the beach vibe against the backdrop of Düsseldorf’s skyline!

Carlstadt: known for its variety of jewellery and antique shops, galleries and studios, this district provides fresh inspiration for creative minds. Feeling hungry? Eat your fill in one of the many restaurants.

Day 1:

Architecture tour: to experience the city’s eclectic architecture, an architectural tour through Rotterdam –on foot, by bicycle or by bus – is well worth it. Admire iconic buildings including the Cube Houses, market hall and the Erasmus Bridge, to name just a few.

Markthal: the innovative Markthal is not only an architectural gem, but also a culinary highlight. Set aside extra time here to sample the many delicacies inside.

Manhattan on the Maas: Rotterdam is comparable to its American sibling not just in terms of architecture. There’s also a colourful party scene and a lively nightlife here – from timeless to innovative, clubs to après-ski huts (yes, really).

 

Day 2:

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: lots of façade and at least as much behind it – the building is not just completely eye-catching from the outside. Inside the largest museum in the city, there is also impressive art to discover.

Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval: this street parade is a 2.5 km-long procession featuring more than 2,500 dancers from all over the world, carnival groups, DJs and floats that bring an explosion of colour. The Caribbean street parade is a nationally renowned spectacle and will take place on 27 July 2024.

North Sea Jazz Festival: from 12 to 14 July 2024, thousands of musicians will perform on more than 10 stages, making it one of the world’s most famous jazz festivals. 

Day 3:

Kinderdijk: a bit of tradition is a must for your special trip. The windmills of Kinderdijk are located about 15 kilometres south of Rotterdam (approx. 1 hour by bike). Admire the huge mills, which are even on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

A shopper’s paradise: in Rotterdam, you can shop seven days a week. Each district has its own shopping experience. Exclusive fashion and trendy pieces can be found in and around the Van Oldenbarneveltstraat, the Kruiskade or the Meent, the most glamorous street in the city.

 

Day 4:

Het Park: after all the hustle and bustle of the city, a walk through Het Park is just the thing to round off your short holiday feeling refreshed. Enjoy barbecue areas, mini golf, pond landscapes and, of course, the…

Euromast: the lookout tower from the 1960s offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city from 185 metres high – simply THE opportunity to take a selfie against the backdrop of the skyline. By the way, if you’re feeling brave, you can abseil down the Euromast!

De Dag van de Romantic Muziek: enchanting classical music awaits you on 24 August 2024 on Romantic Music Day at Het Park. This is free of charge and includes a programme across seven stages. Every Sunday morning, there are also concerts in the park at the Heerenhuys!