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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dusseldorf than Nantes. Dusseldorf is bigger than Nantes, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is well 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). Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Dusseldorf different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Dusseldorf to see the historical old town. 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 visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Nantes?

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

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Both Dusseldorf and Nantes are great family-friendly destinations.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Dusseldorf or Nantes Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Nantes both great 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.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Dusseldorf or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Dusseldorf or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Dusseldorf can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Dusseldorf or Nantes a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Nantes both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dusseldorf and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Dusseldorf. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Dusseldorf. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Nantes 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 Nantes?

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 beautiful city of Nantes, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Nantes?

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 Nantes, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Nantes?

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.

Nantes, 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

Nantes 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Nantes?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dusseldorf is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Dusseldorf during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. In the winter, Dusseldorf is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

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

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Nantes. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Dusseldorf