A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dusseldorf vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Dusseldorf and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also well known for Altstadt (the Old Town). Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Dusseldorf different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Both Dusseldorf and Saint-Etienne have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

Dusseldorf is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Dusseldorf is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Dusseldorf is top-notch. 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dusseldorf than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Dusseldorf than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dusseldorf. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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 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 Saint-Etienne, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Saint-Etienne. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Dusseldorf