So, you’ve just moved to Düsseldorf and while there are tons of things to do in the city, you may be finding it a little difficult to make contacts not only with locals but also with other international-minded people. If this is where you are at, Kristina Bartuse, Düsseldorf Ambassador for InterNations, has a few tips to help you meet other expats in Dusseldorf.
Whether you’re new to the city or you’ve already been in Düsseldorf for a while, but still cannot fully enjoy the city because you do not have a like-minded buddy who would go out, explore new places, and meet more people together with you and meet other expats.
Even more, you come from Germany (you may come from Düsseldorf, too!) but after your studies, international assignment, or previous life in another part of the country, you find yourself living like a foreigner in the city, where you have no friends and family around you.
As the Newcomers’ Ambassador of the InterNations Community in Düsseldorf, I have seen all types of these people. They join our events to meet other expats, mingle, and have a good time together. Quite a big surprise, many Germans come to practice their English as the official community language is English! Thus, you should not be surprised once you hear that something truly international is going around you in many different places.
Here are just 5 great ways to meet other expats in Düsseldorf:
International Parties
There are plenty of awesome bars and clubs around Düsseldorf, but the most famous venue for a truly international party is The View – Skylounge in the Mediahafen with its amazing view of the city. Nachtresidenz in Bahnstraße is another attractive spot that always becomes hot and crowded. For the real night disco lovers, Rudas Studios is the place to go, but if you’re looking for a bit more of a lounge-type bar with some twist, go to Café Bar Zogel in the heart of Pempelfort, or choose Dr. Thompson’s – a converted soap factory located in Flingern.
After Work Networking
International networking events may get a little fancy, thus Düsseldorf can claim its common image of being posh. There are opportunities to get together at the Hotel Nikko, Radisson Blu Harbour in the Mediahafen as well as the most expensive Steigenberger Parkhotel located next to the iconic Düsseldorf Konigsallee. These are all places we’ve hosted InterNations events in the past. Networking also happens in more down-to-earth Irish Pubs located in the old town, or while dining at the Limoncello inside one of Duesseldorf’s most iconic buildings “Stadttor“, from which visitors can catch some excellent city views.
Brunches, Coffee and Cakes Meetings
Easy-going late breakfasts or German traditional meetings for coffee and cake are constantly being arranged in new cafes all around the city. However, I have to say that the Oberkassel district may be one of the top destinations. Here you can find a huge variety of places for every taste including the trendy gluten-free Café Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie or the stylish Die Röstmeister which is just on the corner of the Belzenplatz.
Sports Teams and Meetups
While there are still a number of other small activities like exploring restaurants, art galleries, and official city events, I think joining a sports team allows people to connect the most. While hiking and cycling are organized in different places and for different distances, badminton remains a regular weekend activity at the Badminton Center in Vogelsanger Weg. The same goes for tennis and squash that take place every weekend in Cosmo Sports, where often a professional coach is taking care of a training session!
Organized Meetups
If you’re looking for an organized meetup to attend in order to make some new friends in Dusseldorf first, there are a variety of meetups and events geared specifically for expats. Feel free to sign up for InterNations events and attend one of our welcome events, sports socials, or dinner evenings. There are also plenty of other meetups on Facebook you can find if you’re really looking for something specific.
