A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Dusseldorf vs. Berlin for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Berlin?

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 Dusseldorf and Berlin. 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.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a vibrant, historic, and fun-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dusseldorf travel costs.

Berlin

Berlin is a cultural, artsy, and creative city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Berlin travel costs.

Dusseldorf and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Dusseldorf. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dusseldorf attracts visitors for its historical sights. Berlin is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Dusseldorf different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Berlin that are not to be missed. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Dusseldorf or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Dusseldorf and Berlin offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dusseldorf makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is very popular for live music. However, Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Berlin is a world class music destination. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Is Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dusseldorf to see the historical old town. 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Families?

Both Dusseldorf and Berlin are great family-friendly destinations.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is very popular for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berlin is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Dusseldorf or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

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

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Is Dusseldorf or Berlin a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Both Dusseldorf and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Dusseldorf. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Berlin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dusseldorf and Berlin, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Berlin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berlin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berlin 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 Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf and Berlin, 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 Dusseldorf or Berlin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Berlin. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Berlin. The winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. Dusseldorf is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Berlin. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Dusseldorf