SO I'm walking around Dusseldorf with James Martin talking about the culinary heritage of the city.

However, it's not the TV celebrity chef, who's keen as mustard to tell us about the city's links with the aforementioned condiment, but an opera singer from Sydney who has fallen in love with the city's charms.

And who can blame him as Dusseldorf is a city on the up with more than 250,000 Brits visiting each year.

It has great beer, a vibrant arts and fashion scene, architecture and a charming old town, which is almost unrecognisable at night as it becomes a bustling night spot.

And all nestled on the banks of the mighty river Rhine.

You could say as in all the best travel guides ... there's something for everyone.

We flew with BMI from Bristol Airport.

Bmi flies from Bristol to Dusseldorf daily, except Saturdays.

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 splendid breakfast, with a fine range of cereals, meat, fish and savoury and sweet dishes, which included champagne for the more robust among us, we took a train to the city to begin our tour.

Winding our way through the charming old streets, our guide Mr Martin from the city's tourist board, had a friendly, relaxed and informative approach, which was just the ticket on a bracing Saturday morning.

The old town or Altstadt had a eye-catching combination of beautiful baroque architecture and bustling bars, which we would return to later in the evening.

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.

The view took in an array of modern architecture, including buildings by Frank O Gehry and David Chipperfield at the harbour, which now sports an array of funky, avant-garde buildings.

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

Lunch was in a bustling market, popular with locals, where we tucked into some warming stews and soups

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 on the Saturday evening, explaining the provenance and virtues of the beer in each hostelry.

Kristoffer was worth the entrance fee alone, as he regaled our group with stories on the history of the local beer and asides on everything from German bread to Star Wars. He should have his own show.

We then enjoyed some traditional fayre at the city's oldest restaurant Zum Schiffchen, where Napoleon dined after capturing the city.

What's good enough for Boney was certainly good enough for us as we tucked into some hearty regional cuisine.

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

The apple strudel for dessert was simply magnificent and the waiters were keen, attentive and friendly.

After a shot 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, which is clean, accommodating and very well-run.

Then it was just a short walk to the airport before our flight home.

Dusseldorf comes highly recommended.

FACTBOX

bmi flies from Bristol to Dusseldorf daily (excluding Saturdays) with fares from just £86 one way. All fares are inclusive of 23kg hold luggage, allocated seating and complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks. www.flybmi.com

The Maritim Düsseldorf is located next to the airport.

The first-class deluxe Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf offers 533 sumptuous rooms and suites, three restaurants and three bars and an exclusive wellness complex with pool, sauna, steam bath and fitness area and massage facilities.

Prices

Classic Room: from 99€

Comfort Room: from 109€

For the best prices, including a five per cent saving book directly online, visit www.maritim.com

Or download the app

iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maritim-hotels-app/id897000167?mt=8

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maritim.hotels&hl=en

Reservations

T: +49 (0) 211 5209-0

E: info.dus@maritim.de

For more information visit www.maritim.com