2 Days in Düsseldorf: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary for Food, Art & Waterfront Views
Planning 2 days in Düsseldorf and not sure where to start? I get it. Düsseldorf is one of those cities that quietly sneaks up on you. You don’t hear people raving about it the way they do Berlin or Munich, but once you’re there walking along the Rhine promenade, slipping into a café near Königsallee, or finding unbelievable Japanese and Korean food in Little Tokyo just steps from the station, you suddenly get it. It’s polished without being pretentious, cultural without being overwhelming, and just quirky enough to keep you curious.
I only had a short weekend to explore, so I wanted to design an itinerary that gives you the best of Düsseldorf without rushing, with room for slow breakfasts, scenic walks, and genuinely memorable meals. I’ll tell you exactly what I did, what I’d redo differently, and a few things that weren’t worth the hype.
Whether you’re here solo (this city is a dream for solo travel), on a quick weekend trip, or adding Düsseldorf onto a Germany–Netherlands itinerary, this guide will walk you through two perfect days in one of Germany’s most effortlessly cool cities.
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Düsseldorf At A Glance
Best For: Solo travelers, design lovers, foodies, art fans, people who like walkable cities
Where to Stay: Ruby Coco Hotel (my pick), or anywhere between Altstadt + Königsallee
Major Highlights: Königsallee, Altstadt, Rhine Promenade, MedienHafen, K20/K21 Art Museums
Trip Style: Slow, scenic, cultural, with great food
Perfect Season: April–October for river walks, outdoor markets, and long evenings
Airport Transfers: Quick S-Bahn ride, taxi, or private transfer
How Much You’ll Walk: A lot — Düsseldorf is compact and very flat
Where Is Düsseldorf? (And How the City Is Laid Out) + Map
Düsseldorf sits in western Germany in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, just north of Cologne and less than an hour from the Dutch border. It’s one of the most well-connected cities in the region, which makes it an easy weekend destination whether you’re flying in, arriving by train, or traveling through Germany on a longer Europe itinerary. The city centers around the Rhine River and breaks into a few compact neighborhoods that make planning 2 days in Düsseldorf incredibly easy.
Most first-time visitors to Düsseldorf stay within three main areas.
- Altstadt, the historic Old Town, is where you’ll find traditional breweries, cobblestone lanes, lively squares, and Düsseldorf’s famous Rhine promenade.
- Just south of the Old Town is MedienHafen, a modern waterfront district known for its striking Gehry-designed architecture, cafés, and wide river views that are perfect for evening strolls.
- A few blocks east of Altstadt sits Little Tokyo, home to one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe. This small but vibrant neighborhood is packed with ramen shops, dessert cafés, Asian grocery stores, and some of the city’s best Korean restaurants — making it a must-visit area for food lovers.
Because Düsseldorf is so walkable, you can easily explore multiple neighborhoods in a single day. I’ve pinned every spot mentioned in this itinerary — restaurants, museums, views, and the most helpful transit points — on the Google Map below so you can plan your own route with confidence.
How to Use This Düsseldorf Map
This map highlights every stop I mention in this 2-day Düsseldorf itinerary — from the best ramen and Korean restaurants in Little Tokyo to historic sites in Altstadt, viewpoint spots along the Rhine Promenade, museums, cafés, and the hotel I stayed at. If you’re a solo traveler (or a military spouse exploring Germany on a weekend), this map makes Düsseldorf incredibly easy to navigate. Save it to your phone so you can follow the route in real time and explore the city with confidence.
Two Airports: Which One Should You Choose?
I don’t know if you know this, but Düsseldorf has two different airports, and the experience between them could not be more different. One gets you into the city center before you finish your coffee. The other… well, you’ll get there, but it’s going to take a bit more work (and time). Here’s exactly how to navigate both, step by step.
Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS): The Easy One
If you want the smoothest arrival possible — especially as a solo female traveler or a tired military family arriving late — choose Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS).
Here’s what it looks like from the moment you land:
1. Follow the signs out of the terminal.
Everything is well-marked in English and German. The airport is compact and efficient, so you’ll be outside within minutes.
2. Decide how you want to reach the city: taxi, rideshare, or train.
Taxi:
Walk straight out to the official taxi queue. Cars are lined up and ready.
– Time to city center: 15–20 minutes
– Cost: around €25–€30
It’s safe, straightforward, and perfect if you’re arriving after dark or carrying a lot of bags.
Pre-booked transfer (Welcome Pickups):
If you want zero stress — no navigating, no lines, no guessing — book a Welcome Pickups transfer. Your driver meets you inside the terminal with your name on a sign and helps with bags.
Ideal for: solo travelers, late-night arrivals, families with kids, and anyone who wants a guaranteed smooth landing.
Book your Düsseldorf airport pickup here
Train (S-Bahn):
Follow the signs for S-Bahn/Regional Trains. The platform is attached to the terminal via a skybridge.
– Time to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof: 10–12 minutes
– Price: about €3
It’s fast, reliable, and runs frequently.
Bottom Line:
If you want easy, choose DUS. It puts you in the heart of the city almost immediately.
Weeze Airport (NRN): The Budget Airline Wildcard
I was actually so mad at myself for booking this option. Love you, RyanAir, but dang, they certainly choose the most remote places to fly out of. Weeze Airport looks close on a map… but don’t let it fool you. This airport is actually closer to the Netherlands than to Düsseldorf — and you’ll feel that distance when you arrive. It’s small, remote, and almost exclusively used by budget airlines like Ryanair.
Here’s exactly what the journey looks like:
1. Step out of the terminal (there’s only one).
Weeze is tiny — you’ll be outside in seconds. There’s no train at the airport, so you have one option to start with…
2. Take the Weeze Airport Shuttle Bus.
The shuttle is parked directly outside the terminal doors. It’s clearly marked and timed around flight arrivals. You can check Düsseldorf Wheeze Shuttle bus hours on their official website here
– Time to Weeze Train Station: 20–30 minutes
– Price: usually €4–€5 depending on provider
You’ll ride through rural fields and small villages before reaching the station.
3. From Weeze Station, take the regional train to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
This part is straightforward:
– Look for the RE10 (NordWestBahn) toward Düsseldorf
– The platform signs are in English and German
– Trains run about once per hour
Travel time: about 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket price: typically €9–€18 depending on date/time
4. Arrive at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
This is the main train station right in the city center. From here, you can walk, take a tram, or hop in a taxi to your hotel.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
Choose Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) if:
- You want the fastest, easiest arrival
- . You’re a solo female traveler arriving after sunset
- You’re on a tight schedule
- You want seamless access to the city
Choose Weeze Airport (NRN) if:
- The flight savings are significant
- You’re comfortable with longer transfers
- You don’t mind 2+ hours of total travel to reach the city
If you land at Weeze, build in buffer time, pack light, and screenshot your directions. It’s doable — just not quick.
Where to stay in Düsseldorf: Ruby Coco Hotel
I landed the night before at Düsseldorf Weeze Airport, which—let’s be honest—is a bit of a logistical headache. But once I made it to the city and checked into Ruby Coco Hotel, things turned around quickly.
This hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), you literally walk straight down the road, and the location couldn’t have been better for a solo traveler. I felt safe walking around at night; it was clean and stylish, and the cocktail bar and galley kitchens on each floor were surprisingly functional.
Bonus: They offer a free drink voucher if you skip room cleaning. I cashed mine in for a tropical mule on my final night—and yes, it was as good as it sounds.
Stay in the heart of Düsseldorf at Ruby Coco (my pick).
→ Check prices on Expedia
→ Compare Düsseldorf hotels on Booking
Night One in Düsseldorf: Dinner at Bibimcup
After checking in, I headed straight to Bibimcup—a Korean restaurant that had been on my radar. As someone who lived in Korea, I can confidently say: this place hits. I went a little overboard and ordered:
- Kimchijeon (Korean pancake)
- Japchae (glass noodles)
- Korean Fried Chicken
Was it too much? Yes. Did I regret a single bite? Not at all.
📍 Location: BIBIMCUP
Day 1: Exploring Altstadt and Eating My Way Through Korea (in Germany)
Morning Tour of Altstadt
The next day kicked off with a 3-hour walking tour of Düsseldorf’s Altstadt led by a guide named—wait for it—Ricky Martin. Originally from Mexico, Ricky moved to Düsseldorf years ago and brought a vibrant energy to the tour.
We strolled through the old town, learning about:
- The Altbier tradition – a local beer brewed with top-fermenting yeast which was so interesting to me.
- Some of Germany’s oldest pubs
- The city’s architecture, World War II history, and bizarre local legends
- And Killepitsch—a highly aromatic herbal liqueur with a sweet and sour taste. This local specialty has been made in Düsseldorf for over 50 years using a secret family recipe that blends 98 different herbs, spices, roots, and berries.
Pro Tip: Bring your camera. This was the best way to scope out the city for photo spots and places to revisit.
Book the Altstadt walking tour here
Lunch at Hexe Bolker 4
Our tour group ended up grabbing lunch together at Hexe Bolker4, a place Ricky recommended (he even gave us a voucher for a free drink!). This was the perfect opportunity to sample Altbier in a cozy, communal setting.
I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, but my tablemates went all in with roasted pork knuckle, a traditional dish that looked like something out of a medieval feast.
Altbier is a top-fermented beer unique to Düsseldorf. It’s rich, coppery, and much smoother than most German lagers—so if you’re not usually a beer person, this might win you over.
After this hearty lunch, I actually went back to the hotel and took a nap. I was done for.
Evening in Little Tokyo
That night, I was back on the hunt for Korean food. I wanted more of it. Ever since leaving Korea, I have missed the goodness that is Korean and Japanese food. So I knew I wanted to stuff my face with more Korean Food. As I was walking to Little Tokyo, a restaurant caught my eye because there was a line forming outside of it, and I thought, “Why not?”. Because I was a solo, they had me in pretty quickly, and I sat at the bar where I had the opportunity to watch the bartenders make drinks.
The menu offered a wide variety of Korean fare, and I was pretty hungry, so I ordered Gimbap, Kimchi Mandu, and topped it off with a Berry Soju cocktail that took me back to the nights we’d go drinking out in the ville outside of Camp Humphreys. Took me straight back to those moments.
The Gimbap was a bit dry, but nothing a bit of soy sauce can’t handle. I was extremely excited, and I know you will love going here if you like Korean food.
- Gimbap
- Kimchi Mandu
- A berry soju cocktail that brought me right back to Seoul
Afterwards, I strolled down Immermannstraße, the heartbeat of Düsseldorf’s Little Tokyo. I popped into a few Asian markets and was instantly transported: onigiri, gimbap, Japanese and Korean ice cream (hello, Melon Bars!). It was nostalgia in a corner store.
Bubble Tea Stop: Don’t miss Moon Glow on Immermannstraße.
Heads up: Saturdays get very busy in Little Tokyo. Plan for long lines at popular spots.
Day 2: Museums, Memory, and Ramen to Finish
Morning at Ruby Coco
I grabbed breakfast at the hotel before setting off: a self-serve buffet with coffee, fresh pastries, meats, cheeses, and yogurt in a chic dining room. Ideal fuel for another packed day.
Mahn- und Gedenkstätte Düsseldorf (WWII Memorial)
I’m a history nerd, and this memorial museum had a powerful exhibit about what it was like for children during WWII. The museum is small but emotionally impactful. You learn what happened during the key events of the 1930s. It was really eye-opening, and I am so glad I went.
Pro Tip: Museums in Düsseldorf are free on Sundays. Alternatively, grab the Düsseldorf Card for public transport and discounted admission.
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
It was raining (of course), so I ducked into the Kunstsammlung NRW museum. If you like contemporary art, this place is a must. The collection is impressive, and the museum itself is beautifully designed.
Book a 2-day Düsseldorf: Art: walk museum pass
A Concert Surprise at St. Andreas Church
I wandered into St. Andreas Church, where they hold Sunday concerts at 4 PM. It was a complete surprise—and ended up being one of my favorite moments. The music echoed through the ornate Baroque interior and offered such a peaceful pause.
Last Meal: Ramen at Zero Banchi
Back to Little Tokyo one last time for dinner. My order? Spicy Kimchi Udon Ramen from Zero Banchi—and let me tell you, this bowl deserves its own fan club.
If you’re a ramen lover, this spot cannot be skipped. The broth, the spice, the chewy noodles—it was everything I had hoped for when I booked this trip.
FAQ: Planning 2 Days in Düsseldorf
Is 2 days in Düsseldorf enough?
Yes. Two full days is the perfect amount of time to explore Little Tokyo, walk the Altstadt, join a guided tour, visit a museum or two, and still enjoy slow meals along the Rhine. You won’t see everything, but you’ll experience the cultural highlights without rushing.
What is Düsseldorf best known for?
Düsseldorf is known for:
- Little Tokyo (one of Europe’s largest Japanese communities)
- Altbier culture and historic breweries
- Königsallee (luxury shopping and canals)
- Contemporary art museums like K20
- The Rhine Promenade
- Trade fairs and modern design
It’s a mix of creative, historic, international, and stylish — without the chaos of larger German cities.
Is Düsseldorf safe for solo female travelers?
I felt very safe the entire time, including walking alone at night near Königsallee and Immermannstraße. Public transportation is reliable, central streets are well-lit, and locals were friendly and helpful. As always, stay aware in busy nightlife areas, but overall this is one of Germany’s easiest cities for solo travel.
Where should I stay in Düsseldorf for a short trip?
The best areas for a 2-day stay are:
- Königsallee (boutique hotels, walkable, stylish)
- Hauptbahnhof area (super convenient for Little Tokyo + transit)
- Altstadt (great for nightlife and food, though louder)
Ruby Coco Hotel is a fantastic option for solo travelers and couples — central, safe, and beautifully designed.
How far is Little Tokyo from the city center?
Little Tokyo is in the city center. The main street, Immermannstraße, is a 5–10 minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof and connects easily to Königsallee and the Altstadt. You can explore the entire area on foot.
Is Düsseldorf Weeze Airport the same as Düsseldorf International?
No — and this matters.
- Düsseldorf International (DUS) is the main airport, 10–15 minutes from the city center.
- Düsseldorf Weeze (NRN) is over an hour away and closer to the Dutch border.
If you’re booking budget flights, double-check the airport. Weeze is fine, but be prepared for a long transfer.
How do I get from Weeze Airport to Düsseldorf?
You’ll take:
- Shuttle or bus from Weeze Airport to Weeze station or Düsseldorf Hbf
- Regional train to Düsseldorf if doing the two-step method
Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on timing and traffic. Do not assume it’s close. Regional Train tickets from Düsseldorf Weeze are about
Is Düsseldorf expensive?
It’s moderate compared to other major German cities. Food in Little Tokyo is fairly priced, public transit is affordable, and hotels near the center can be reasonable outside of trade fair weeks. Watch out for expo dates — prices spike dramatically.
Is Little Tokyo in Düsseldorf worth it?
Absolutely. If you love Japanese or Korean food, dessert cafés, Asian markets, manga shops, or just unique cultural experiences, Little Tokyo is one of the best reasons to visit Düsseldorf.
What should I eat in Düsseldorf?
- ramen (Takumi, Zero Banchi, Naniwa)
- bibimbap or japchae (Bibimcup)
- Korean fried chicken
- Japanese pastries
- classic German wienerschnitzel
- Altbier from a traditional brewery
- Killepitsch (herbal liqueur made with 98 ingredients)
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Düsseldorf’s Little Tokyo?
Absolutely. This city may not be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list, but for solo travelers and foodies, Düsseldorf offers a safe, accessible, and deeply flavorful experience.
Whether you’re stationed nearby, planning a long weekend, or just flying in for the ramen (guilty), Little Tokyo is a cultural corner of Germany that deserves your time.
Save this post. Share it with a travel friend. And don’t sleep on Düsseldorf.
