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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Cork?

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 Cork. 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 historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Cork: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Cork?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Cork, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its historical sights, while Cork is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. 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). Cork is popular for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Dusseldorf different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dusseldorf
Cork

Cork 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 Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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 Cork? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Both Dusseldorf and Cork offer very good 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).

Cork has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Dusseldorf or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Dusseldorf
Cork

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

The people in Cork know how to have a good time. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf is notable for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

Dusseldorf is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Cork?

Dusseldorf
Cork

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

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett 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 Cork Better for Families?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Dusseldorf or Cork Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf and Cork both very good 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.

Cork is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.


Is Dusseldorf or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf and Cork are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Dusseldorf or Cork Better for Students?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Cork is a great destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city 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 Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.


Is Dusseldorf or Cork a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf
Cork

Dusseldorf is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Cork?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dusseldorf and Cork. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cork.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Cork. 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.

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


  • How many days in Dusseldorf or Cork? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dusseldorf 2-3 
    Cork 1-3

One day in Dusseldorf or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Cork?

Dusseldorf is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cork, 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 Cork?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cork, 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 Cork?

The vibrant city of Dusseldorf offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Cork 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork or Dusseldorf?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dusseldorf is €185, while the average daily cost in Cork is €101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dusseldorf and Cork in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dusseldorf 95
    Cork 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dusseldorf 190
    Cork 120
Compare Hotels in Dusseldorf and Cork

Looking for a hotel in Dusseldorf or Cork? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dusseldorf


Hotels in Cork


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dusseldorf Hotel Prices and Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dusseldorf 1.63
    Cork 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dusseldorf

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dusseldorf:

  • Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to Dusseldorf - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Business Car: $73
  • Dusseldorf Arrival Private Transfers from Airport DUS to Dusseldorf: $73
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Luxury Van: $77
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Luxury Car: $86
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Dusseldorf to Airport DUS in Luxury Car: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dusseldorf Train Station or Port by Car: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Dusseldorf or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork and Dusseldorf change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dusseldorf 76
    Cork 30
Typical Food Prices in Dusseldorf

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dusseldorf:


  • Salami
    1.99
  • Nutella
    1.00
  • Yogurt
    1.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dusseldorf

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dusseldorf.

  • Culinary Flingern – The Food Tour: $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cork.

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
  • Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dusseldorf 25
    Cork 9.29

Tours and Activities in Dusseldorf

Here are a few actual costs in Dusseldorf for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • Düsseldorf Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Düsseldorf Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $19
  • Night watchman tour: $22
  • Guided Walking Tour in Dusseldorf: $22
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Düsseldorf in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Dusseldorf Old Town and Altbier Tour: $25
  • Düsseldorf 2-Hour Evening Cruise: $27
  • Beer tour with tasting in Dusseldorf: $34
  • City game scavenger hunt Duisburg - independent city tour I discovery tour: $44

Tours and Activities in Cork

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:

  • Highlights of A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Discover Cork's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket: $13
  • City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour: $20
  • Cork Instagram Photography Walking Tour: $22
  • Tour guidé de Cork City centre en français: $24
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Hop On/Hop Off Cork City Sightseeing Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dusseldorf 23
    Cork 13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dusseldorf

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Dusseldorf are as follows:


  • Night Out Drinking
    25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dusseldorf

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dusseldorf:

  • Brewery Tour Düsseldorf in English (inc. 3 beer): $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
  • Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
  • Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
  • Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
  • Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
  • Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Cork?

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

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Cork. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cork because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dusseldorf is a little warmer than Cork in the summer. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives more sunshine than Cork during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Cork. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dusseldorf 19°C (66°F) 
    Cork 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Cork. The autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In the autumn, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Cork. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dusseldorf in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Cork averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets more sunshine than Cork. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dusseldorf 12°C (53°F) 
    Cork 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dusseldorf in the winter. In January, Dusseldorf is generally much colder than Cork. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 3°C (37°F), and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Cork during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Cork. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dusseldorf 3°C (37°F) 
    Cork 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Dusseldorf during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the spring for the activities around the city.

Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Cork in the spring. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cork. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in April than Cork. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dusseldorf 9°C (48°F) 
    Cork 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cork and Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf Cork
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)