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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. 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.

Brussels and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Dusseldorf, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Dusseldorf.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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 Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Brussels and Dusseldorf.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Dusseldorf are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dusseldorf is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Brussels and Dusseldorf both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Dusseldorf is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Dusseldorf.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit in Dusseldorf is top-notch. 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.

Is Brussels or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Brussels and Dusseldorf both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Dusseldorf. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Dusseldorf. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Dusseldorf 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 Brussels.

One day in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

The city of Dusseldorf offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Dusseldorf is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dusseldorf, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Dusseldorf?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

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

Brussels is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Brussels is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Brussels. In January, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Dusseldorf. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Brussels