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

Should you visit Geneva or Dusseldorf?

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 Geneva and Dusseldorf. 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is more popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dusseldorf is known for its historical sights. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Geneva different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dusseldorf and Geneva. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Geneva 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 Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Dusseldorf can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Dusseldorf has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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 Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Geneva is very popular for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Geneva is a great destination for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Geneva and Dusseldorf.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Dusseldorf has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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.

Is Geneva or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Geneva and Dusseldorf both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Dusseldorf. In our opinion, Dusseldorf has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dusseldorf than Geneva. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

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

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

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Geneva, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Geneva, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

Five days in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Geneva, 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.

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.

A week in Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Geneva is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Geneva and Dusseldorf, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Dusseldorf, 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 Geneva or Dusseldorf?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Geneva or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Geneva is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. In January, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months.

Geneva is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Dusseldorf. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Geneva