My City, My Backyard with Johanna Gördemann in Germany

Perfect breakfast in town?

‍My favorite spot is Covent Garden. This place blends industrial design, a cozy bookstore vibe, and a laid-back café feel – all in one. They serve the best iced coffee latte and delicious paninis, quiches, bowls, and croissants. The place is really small, and if you like, you can sit on a barstool right by the window and watch people passing by. They also always have the daily newspapers laid out plus plenty of books, which I love.

Local market or supermarket?‍

It is definitely the farmers' market at Friedensplätzchen in Unterbilk that is conventionally located for me and full of regional products. A real gem.

It was started by local residents, which gives it a warm, familiar feel. Over the years, many farmers have joined, selling their fresh products every Tuesday and Friday – always happy to answer curious questions from kids about their goods. The square itself is also lovely, with old street lamps, plenty of trees, and a peaceful neighborhood atmosphere.

Sit in or grab and go for lunch?‍

I really enjoy spending my lunch break at Cemo. It’s more like a snack bar with a very basic setup – you grab your own cutlery and glasses. But it’s an absolutely charming family-run place that makes the best stuffed eggplants and salads.

When I’m in the city center, I like to go to Bistro Zicke​ – a mix between a French bistro and a classic Berlin corner pub. The walls are plastered with movie posters. The menu ranges from Maultaschen to Italian bruschetta or Japanese miso soup. Everything is pretty tasty.

Favourite shop?‍

I have to admit, I love hanging out in museum shops. I’ve found some of the most surprising and coolest things there – especially at the Kunstpalast or K21

If you are at K21, you also have to check out the museum's bar and café! I spent a whole hot summer there once – playfully and colorfully furnished, air-conditioned (which isn’t standard in Germany), and with great refreshments. Win-win!

Art, Arcade or Apparel?‍

I like going to the NRW Forum, which is located next to the Museum Kunstpalast. The exhibitions change often, and the museum café is designed like an auditorium. However, when we’re there with our kids, the other guests often get annoyed because the building’s design makes the sound of children's feet and calls even louder :D

A quiet spot to chill?

‍The Rhine winds its way through all of Düsseldorf, and it does the city a lot of good. You can sit by the water just about anywhere along the riverbanks and watch the river flow. I love doing that in our neighborhood, Volmerswerth. Or wherever the sheep happen to be grazing on the dike or in the meadows. Throughout spring and summer, they move along the river with their flock. It’s so peaceful.

Best spot for people watching?

If you want to do a bit of people-watching, the long wall behind the Fortuna Büdchen is the place to be — especially at dusk or on Sundays, when it’s the busiest. The best thing to do is grab an Altbier and just sit down for a while. If I want to watch from a little more distance, my favorite spot is the Mayersche bookstore on the Königsallee. On the upper floors, there are benches and comfy armchairs right by the big windows, and you get a great view of the city and all the bustling people down below.

A good night out in the city?

Pommes und Wein is a great place to kick off the evening — or to stay until it ends, if you feel like it. The wine is seriously good. This cult bar sits right between several subway stations in the city center, so throughout the night, you can hear the rumble of trains passing by.

Best place to stay?

I think I can recommend the Ruby Luna. You’ll spot a few of our pieces there 😉.

Follow Mid_Century_Friends  on Instagram to see even more places Johanna loves in Dusseldorf.