A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Heidelberg vs. Dusseldorf for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a charming, scenic, and character-filled town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a vibrant, historic, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dusseldorf than Heidelberg. Dusseldorf is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. 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 Heidelberg different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dusseldorf is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dusseldorf. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Dusseldorf can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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).

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Heidelberg know how to have a good time. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

Heidelberg has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Dusseldorf both offer plenty of notable spots.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Dusseldorf is a great destination for shopping. 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 Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dusseldorf. 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Dusseldorf both excellent destinations for a couple.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Dusseldorf is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Heidelberg is popular with students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf 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, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Heidelberg or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Dusseldorf are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

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

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Heidelberg. 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.

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

One day in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

With shopping and nightlife around the quaint town of Heidelberg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heidelberg, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heidelberg, 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 town.

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.

Five days in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

Heidelberg, a popular town, 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.

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.

A week in Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

Heidelberg 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Dusseldorf?

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 Heidelberg or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Dusseldorf. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for 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 Heidelberg. Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Heidelberg