Düsseldorf, the capital of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a posh and modern city that seems all button-down business at first. But it doesn't take long to realise that beneath that Armani veneer lurks a charming earthiness and Rhenish joie de vivre galore. The local mentality is perfectly reflected in the city's lively cultural and culinary offerings, and a rollicking bar and club scene.