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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Dusseldorf and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Dusseldorf. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dusseldorf attracts visitors for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Dusseldorf different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest 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 Budapest?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Dusseldorf or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Budapest know how to have a good time. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Dusseldorf and Budapest.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

Budapest is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Dusseldorf or Budapest Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Budapest both high quality destinations for a couple.

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.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Dusseldorf or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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 Dusseldorf or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Dusseldorf or Budapest 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 Budapest.

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 Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Dusseldorf or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is very popular for its walkability. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Dusseldorf Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

In either Dusseldorf or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Dusseldorf because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

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.

When visiting Budapest, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

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.

Budapest, 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.

A week in Dusseldorf or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Budapest. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. Dusseldorf is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

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

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Budapest. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Dusseldorf