A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dusseldorf vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary. 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.

Where Should I go: Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary?

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a city in western Germany divided by the Rhine River, with its Altstadt (Old Town) on the east bank and modern commercial areas to the west. Dusseldorf is a university town and a center of art and fashion. This old electoral capital is also a city of wide streets lined by elegant shops, with a ring of parks and gardens encircling its vibrant downtown area. As an important cultural center, Dusseldorf has dozens of museums and in excess of 100 art galleries encompassing everything from internationally renowned facilities, such as the impressive Art Collection North Rhine-Westphalia, to the smaller installations found in the city's trendy Konigsallee area. In the Altstadt, St. Lambertus Church and Schlossturm (Castle Tower) both date to the 13th century. Dusseldorf impresses with boundary-pushing architecture, lively nightlife, and an art scene to rival many higher-profile cities. It's a posh and modern city that likes to have a good time with bar-hopping around the Altstadt, the historical quarter along the Rhine. These tourist attractions, along with the city's location on the Rhine and its numerous wide squares and wonderful riverside walkways, make it a particularly pleasant place to spend time.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

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 Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dusseldorf 95
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dusseldorf 190
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Dusseldorf and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dusseldorf 1.63
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dusseldorf

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dusseldorf:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary 25
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dusseldorf 25
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Dusseldorf

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

  • Beer tour with tasting in Dusseldorf: $34
  • Best Intro Tour of Dusseldorf with a Local: $141
  • City game scavenger hunt Düsseldorf - independent city tour I discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Duisburg - independent city tour I discovery tour: $44
  • Düsseldorf 2-Hour Evening Cruise: $27
  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Düsseldorf Segway Rhein Tour: Rhine River Experience: $86
  • Düsseldorf Segway Tour: Classical City Experience: $86
  • Düsseldorf Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Düsseldorf Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $19
  • Dusseldorf : Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $51

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dusseldorf 23
    Karlovy Vary 6.13
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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary?

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

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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dusseldorf 19°C (66°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dusseldorf in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dusseldorf 12°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. In January, Dusseldorf is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 3°C (37°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dusseldorf 3°C (37°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary 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.

Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dusseldorf 9°C (48°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)