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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Calais?

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 Calais. 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 cultural, vibrant, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Dusseldorf and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Calais?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dusseldorf than Calais. Dusseldorf is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is better known for its food and historical sights, while Calais is more popular for its beaches. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Calais and is known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Also, Dusseldorf is famous for Altstadt (the Old Town). Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Dusseldorf different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Dusseldorf and Calais have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dusseldorf is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Dusseldorf is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for Nightlife?

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

Dusseldorf has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a good destination for its beaches. However, Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Calais?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calais and Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dusseldorf is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Dusseldorf is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Dusseldorf or Calais a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Calais?

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Calais?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Calais, 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.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Calais?

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.

Calais, 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.

A week in Dusseldorf or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

Calais 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Calais?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Dusseldorf or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Calais. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Calais. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Dusseldorf during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Calais. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Calais. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dusseldorf is much colder than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

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

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Calais. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 9°C (48°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Dusseldorf