A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cardiff vs. Dusseldorf for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Dusseldorf? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its food and historical sights, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also well known for Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Cardiff different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Cardiff and Dusseldorf.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dusseldorf. 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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dusseldorf. 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).

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Dusseldorf has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dusseldorf and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Dusseldorf has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

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

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cardiff and Dusseldorf. In our opinion, Dusseldorf has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dusseldorf than Cardiff. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cardiff, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the industrial city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Cardiff, 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 city.

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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Cardiff, a popular city, 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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Cardiff 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Cardiff and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Dusseldorf. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Dusseldorf. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Cardiff