Old Town, Burgplatz & Carlsplatz: The Heartbeat of the City
Just a few minutes from the Rhine promenade, you can switch to the Old Town . There you will experience narrow alleys, squares, and historic facades—and at the same time a district that will welcome you with everyday life during the day and nightlife culture in the evening.
At Burgplatz you will be able to open your view back to the Rhine. If you feel like a short knowledge break, you will find a museum theme around shipping and the Rhine in the area of the castle tower (it's best to check opening times and ticket details in advance).
For a particularly authentic Düsseldorf moment, you can plan the Carlsplatz Market : On market days you can choose between fresh products, flowers, snacks, and international cuisine—ideal for an uncomplicated breakfast or an early lunch.
If you have little time: You can connect Old Town → Burgplatz → Carlsplatz in a compact loop.If you want to take photos: At Burgplatz you will find good perspectives of the Rhine, promenade, and the edge of the Old Town.
Königsallee, Hofgarten & Kö-Bogen II: City Boulevard in the Green
Next, you can head towards Königsallee (“Kö”). The wide canal, rows of trees, and representative facades will show you a Düsseldorf that appears calm, well-kept, and urban at the same time—even if you don't want to shop at all.
From there you can quickly turn into the Hofgarten . Here you can treat yourself to a green break: winding paths, water areas, and open meadows will help you tune out the hustle and bustle of the city center for a moment.
If you want to experience modern urban development, you can pass by Kö-Bogen II : The heavily greened facades will serve as an example of how architecture and urban greenery can be thought of together in the future.
Mini-plan for a relaxed hour: walk along Kö canal → Hofgarten round → short stop at Kö-Bogen II.
MedienHafen, Wehrhahn Line & Museums: The Modern Face of Düsseldorf
For a contrast to the Old Town, you can plan the MedienHafen . Between water basins, promenades, and striking buildings, you will experience a Düsseldorf that consciously presents itself as contemporary—ideal for a walk with a camera, especially in the later daylight when facades are reflected in the water.
The way there can also be part of the experience: If you use the Wehrhahn Line , you will experience stations that work with light, colors, and design, making an everyday ride feel like a small architecture and art route.
If you want to firmly plan for art, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K20/K21) is a reliable destination. There you can visit changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art—and design your route briefly (one house) or more extensively (both houses) depending on your interest.
For beginners: In MedienHafen you can first take a walk by the water before deciding on a restaurant.For culture fans: You can combine museum visits and the city center well, as many routes can be connected by public transport or on foot.
Benrath Palace, Nordpark & Kaiserswerth: Excursions Worthwhile
If you want to see more than just the city center on your next stay in Düsseldorf, you can easily plan three destinations—depending on your time budget.
Benrath Palace
In the south you can visit Benrath Palace with its ensemble of palace and park. You will experience the effect especially strongly if you take time for different perspectives: a few steps to the side, a view over water surfaces and axes, then back to the facade. This way, "beautiful" quickly becomes "impressive."
Nordpark (with Japanese Garden) & Aquazoo
Closer to the city you will find wide paths, water basins, and quiet corners in Nordpark . The Japanese Garden can serve as a quiet break—ideal if your day has been loud and busy so far. If you are traveling with children or simply like animals and underwater worlds, you can add the Aquazoo as a family-friendly program point.
Kaiserswerth
For Rhine romance, you can go to Kaiserswerth . There you will experience a quieter Düsseldorf: promenade, historic atmosphere, and the view of the Rhine will feel like a small change of location—without really having to leave the city.
Little Tokyo & Heine: Culture in Everyday Life
If you want to experience Düsseldorf culinary soon, you can plan "Little Tokyo " around Immermannstraße. There you will find Japanese restaurants, bakeries, and shops so close together that a short detour will feel like its own little journey—perfect for ramen, pastries, or souvenirs.
For a cultural counterpoint, you can engage with Heinrich Heine : In Düsseldorf you will discover many references to the poet in city life—and, if interested, you can supplement your route with literary places, events, or exhibitions, depending on what is offered during your visit.
Suggestion: Your Route for 1 Day (flexibly combinable)
Morning: You can start at the Rheinturm and then walk along the Rhine promenade towards the Old Town.Midday: You can switch from Burgplatz to Carlsplatz and eat or snack there.Afternoon: You can plan Kö and Hofgarten as a quiet block; optionally you can add Kö-Bogen II.Late afternoon/evening: You can head to MedienHafen for architecture, photos, and food.Alternatively instead of MedienHafen: You can choose Little Tokyo as a culinary destination—especially if you want to stay central.
If you add a second day, you can schedule Benrath Palace, Nordpark, or Kaiserswerth as a "green addition" so that you experience Düsseldorf consciously at a slower pace.
