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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle. 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Dusseldorf and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

Both La Rochelle and Dusseldorf have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dusseldorf is very popular for its big city activities, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Dusseldorf different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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).

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dusseldorf or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is very popular for romance. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Dusseldorf is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf and La Rochelle are nice 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Dusseldorf or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and La Rochelle both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Dusseldorf or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

The fun-filled 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.

La Rochelle, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 La Rochelle?

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.

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. Dusseldorf is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Dusseldorf