The appeal of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) far surpasses its dominant reputation as an industrial economic center. Also known as the “Romantic-Rhine” region, NRW’s stimulating cities and towns on the banks of the celebrated river are a meeting point of the old and the new. It is a region of leading innovation which has maintained its old world charm and prevailing elegance. North Rhine-Westphalia hosts more than 14 million visitors each year. The state is easily accessed by six international airports located in; Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Mönchengladbach, Dortmund, Muenster/Onasbrueck, and Paderborn/Lippstadt. Visitors will find a welcoming atmosphere due to an abundance of accessible tourist information, easily navigated infrastructure and convenient public transportation. It is easy to immerse oneself in the cities and towns of NRW and enjoy them as the locals do.

The 157-meter high gothic Cologne Cathedral is the best-known architectural monument in Germany

Forty percent of international trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany are organized in NRW cities each year. The fairs keep the state at the center of new technology and the latest trends in fashion, food, media and beyond. The city of Cologne hosts Art Cologne, the oldest art show in the world, Medienforum NRW, Europe’s largest forum for media and communications, and Photokina, the worlds leading trade fair for art photography, to name just a few.

Düsseldorf's Königsalle, or "the Kö", as locals call it, is one of Germany's most high-end shopping streets.

Cologne is the oldest major city in Germany. Its main attraction is the magnificent cathedral whose gothic spires rise above the city. The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but it was not completed until centuries later in 1880. Today, it draws 6.5 million visitors a year and is the most visited monument in Germany. A public square outside, filled with musicians, street performers, and artists, can provide an afternoon full of entertainment in itself. More than 150 theaters and 600 art museums and musical venues culturally light up the cities of NRW. Any night of the week a visitor can choose between an opera, ballet, rock concert or gallery opening. The Tonhalle in Duesseldorf welcomes musicians and orchestras from around the world, while the city of Cologne features the world famous Roman-Germanic museum.

Another popular attraction is the famous shopping avenue the Königsalle, in Düsseldorf. Known as one of Western Europe’s most opulent shopping areas, it is the embodiment of elegance. High end boutiques fill windows with designs just off the catwalks, while the locals stroll the sidewalks modeling these latest trends. Also notable on the Königsalle is the tree-lined canal that splits the avenue, displaying many historical statues and enhancing the stately feel of this shopper’s paradise.

If you emptied your wallet on the Königsalle, head for the countryside for some exploration of history and nature along the Rhine. NRW is abundant with castles, towers and palaces dating back to medieval times. Boat trips along the Rhine can bring you to towns and villages such as Bad Hoenningen whose historical inns house museums, or the spa city of Bad Bodendorf which is home to natural outdoor thermal baths. Despite its reputation as a business center, NRW is a destination in itself. Whether for business, pleasure, or a mix of both, be sure to explore the old and the new. Indulge yourself in its many luxuries, just as the locals do, and you won’t be disappointed.

Stereotypes of serious Germans are hard to come by during the Carnival in Cologne.