A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Hamburg vs. Dusseldorf for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Dusseldorf can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dusseldorf is better known for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Hamburg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. 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).

How is Hamburg different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Dusseldorf is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Hamburg know how to have a good time. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for live music. However, Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is a world class music destination. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

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

Hamburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Dusseldorf.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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.

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg and Dusseldorf are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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.

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has a great 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.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Hamburg or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

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

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

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

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg.

One day in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

With live music and food around the energetic port city of Hamburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hamburg, one day is sufficent for most.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

With food and shopping around the destination of Hamburg, 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 live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dusseldorf has to offer.

Five days in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

Hamburg, a popular port 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.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

Hamburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Dusseldorf?

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

Both Dusseldorf and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hamburg is cooler than Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hamburg in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hamburg is generally cooler than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 10°C (50°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Dusseldorf. The winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dusseldorf in the winter. The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Hamburg is much colder than Dusseldorf in the winter. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Dusseldorf. The natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hamburg is cooler than Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hamburg in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dusseldorf. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Hamburg