BEFORE my trip to Dusseldorf, I knew it had a football team, was the home of synth-pop pioneers Kraftwerk and the setting for the first series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

By the time I boarded my bmi flight from Bristol Airport I had read enough in my guide book to know I was set to visit a city renowned for its modern architecture, art and hectic nightlife.

Bmi regional flies once daily on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays to Dusseldorf from Bristol and twice daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The hour long flight went very smoothly.

The seats were comfy for a budget airline, with plenty of leg room and the staff friendly and efficient.

On arrival in Dusseldorf, we took a two minute walk to the Maritim Hotel via a pedestrian bridge.

The hotel was a delight, an impressive reception area, top notch restaurants and elegant, spacious rooms - not to mention its superb breakfast buffet.

The hotel's location is ideal for either tourists or businessmen as not only is it a stone's throw from the airport terminal but there is a direct train link to the heart of the city - a 20 minute ride away.

On our first evening we dined in its traditional restaurant - it has four - where I opted for wiener schnitzel with a dark beer (or alt beer) from the region. The beer, of which the locals are very proud, was so good, I swiftly ordered another.

The following morning following a hearty breakfast, which included champagne for the more robust among us, we took a train to the city and then a quick tram to the harbour, which has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Mediahafen as it's known, has an outstanding array of modern architecture, including buildings by Frank O Gehry and David Chipperfield.

It's certainly avant-garde, and may not be to everyone's taste, but definitely worth a visit - just to see a clutch of buildings so visually different to the norm. The highlight for me was Gehry's three "dancing towers" structure.

The bird's eye view of the city from the Rhine Tower, which stands at 172 metres, was breathtaking and there was a fine array of choice cuisine for those wanting to dine with a view.

For the fashion conscious, our walking tour of the city included the picturesque boulevard known as Konigsalle, which was crammed with designer boutiques.

However, of more interest to me was the old town or Altstadt with its combination of beautiful baroque architecture and bustling bars, which we would return to later in the evening.

After lunch in a bustling market, we boarded a boat for a pleasant hour's cruise up the Rhine to give us another view of this entertaining city.

The riverbanks were bursting with bars packed with groups of stag and hen dos and locals just enjoying an afternoon drink, stroll or ride along the bank.There was definitely a party atmosphere in the air as the city geared up to host the first stage of this year's Tour de France.

I'd definitely recommend the Altbier safari, basically a tour of the city's microbreweries. Our entertaining guide Kristoffer weaved his way through packed streets bursting with revellers as he took us from bar to bar, explaining the provenance and virtues of the beer in each hostelry. It was a great way to meet people for the solo traveller as our group comprised Germans, Canadians and Mexicans, all intent on having a good time.

We then enjoyed some traditional fayre at the city's oldest restaurant Zum Schiffchen, where Napoleon ate on one of his conquests.

I opted for the beef with raisins and dumplings, which was a treat, while colleagues tucked into various sausage and pork creations.

After a few shots of the local liqueur Killepitsch it was time to hit the famed "long mile" of bars in the old town.

It was absolutely heaving with stag dos and hen parties and the revellers seemed intent on partying till dawn.

Despite the crowds and vast quantities of beer being consumed, it was trouble free and made for a hectic night of fun.

There is certainly much more to see in Dusseldorf from palaces, castles and parks, not to mention its vibrant arts scene.

The world famous art academy is certainly worth a visit.

After a heavy night much of Sunday morning was spent enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Maritim, followed by a relaxing sauna and swim in its wellness area before our flight home.

I'll say Auf Wiedersehen (Pet) for now but Dusseldorf is certainly worth a return visit and ideal for a weekend break for those who love their culture, fashion, not to mention beer.

FACTBOX

bmi regional flies once daily on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays to Dusseldorf and twice daily on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Fares on the route cost from £84. All fares are inclusive of 23kg hold luggage, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, allocated seating, dedicated manned check-ins and speedy 30 minute check-ins. flybmi.com or call 0330 333 7998.

Maritim Hotel Dusseldorf offers room rates from Euro 170.05 per night. www.maritim.com.

Located next to Dusseldorf airport, the hotel offers direct access to the terminal.

• 533 sumptuously furnished rooms including 27 Junior suites, 10 Master suites and 1 Presidential Suite.

• Exclusive wellness area with pool, sauna, steam bath (open from 6am to 11pm), fitness and massage

• Restaurants:

. The Classico Restaurant with show kitchen serves Maritim’s signature lavish breakfast buffet every weekday morning from 6am to 10.30am and from 6 to 11am on weekends

• The Bottaccio Bistro serves international cuisine in elegant ambience with selected menus and Mediterranean dishes à la carte. Open from Monday to Friday noon to 2.30 pm and 6 to 10.30 pm

Closed on Saturday and Sunday

•The Rheinische Stov provides regional specialties with a unique old world flair. The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday: 2pm to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holiday: noon to 11 p.m.

• SushiSho sushi-bar offers authentic Japanese cuisine and is open from Monday to Friday from noon to 2.30 pm and from 6 to 10.30pm Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 10.30pm

Bars:

. Gallery Bar serves coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks. Open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

•Morely’s Bar offers exotic cocktails, elegant wines and rustic beer specialities in a sophisticated atmosphere and is open daily from 6pm to 1am

•The exclusive VIP Lounge features unparalleled views of the city