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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Strasbourg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its big city activities, while Strasbourg is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. 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).

How is Dusseldorf different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Dusseldorf and Strasbourg offer high quality 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).

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dusseldorf or Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

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

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

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

Strasbourg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Strasbourg both high quality 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.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf and Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

Strasbourg is popular with students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Dusseldorf can get you around easily. 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 in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Dusseldorf or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Strasbourg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

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

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

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

One day in Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Dusseldorf, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the quaint city of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dusseldorf, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Strasbourg?

Dusseldorf, a popular city, 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.

Strasbourg, a popular city, 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 Strasbourg?

Dusseldorf 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.

Strasbourg 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Strasbourg?

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

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Dusseldorf during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in July than Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Dusseldorf usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. In January, Dusseldorf is generally a little warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 3°C (37°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Dusseldorf often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Strasbourg in the Spring?

Both Strasbourg 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. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Dusseldorf is cooler than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during spring. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of rain as Strasbourg. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Dusseldorf