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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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 fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Dusseldorf and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf. Although Dusseldorf and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Dusseldorf has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dusseldorf is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Dusseldorf different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Dusseldorf and Carcassonne offer excellent 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).

Carcassonne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Dusseldorf is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dusseldorf. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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 people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

Dusseldorf is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Dusseldorf makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dusseldorf is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Dusseldorf or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dusseldorf than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

One day in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Carcassonne, 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 town.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

The cultural city of Dusseldorf offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne, a popular town, 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Carcassonne?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Carcassonne. The summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Dusseldorf is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dusseldorf is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dusseldorf in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Dusseldorf during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. In January, Dusseldorf is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 3°C (37°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Dusseldorf is cooler than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Dusseldorf