A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Dusseldorf for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Dusseldorf. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a historic, charming, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Aalborg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Aalborg is known for its nightlife and small town charm. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Aalborg different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dusseldorf and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Both Aalborg and Dusseldorf have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aalborg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Aalborg and Dusseldorf.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Aalborg know how to have a good time. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dusseldorf and Aalborg.

Aalborg is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg and Dusseldorf are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Aalborg is a good destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Aalborg is popular with students. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dusseldorf is renowned for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has a great public transit system. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.

Is Aalborg or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Dusseldorf. In our opinion, Dusseldorf has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dusseldorf than Aalborg. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Aalborg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dusseldorf, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dusseldorf that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Aalborg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dusseldorf.

One day in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the historic town of Aalborg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aalborg, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dusseldorf has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Aalborg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Aalborg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Aalborg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aalborg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aalborg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf than you might in Aalborg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Dusseldorf Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Dusseldorf, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Aalborg is cooler than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Aalborg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aalborg is cooler than Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Aalborg. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aalborg or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months.

Aalborg is much colder than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Dusseldorf. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Aalborg