A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Dusseldorf for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Dusseldorf can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf. Although Helsinki and Dusseldorf are roughly the same size, Dusseldorf has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dusseldorf is very popular for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Dusseldorf is famous 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).

How is Helsinki different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Dusseldorf.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

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.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Dusseldorf is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

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

Helsinki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Dusseldorf are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Dusseldorf is known to be 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.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Dusseldorf are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Dusseldorf are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf 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, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Dusseldorf. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Dusseldorf. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Helsinki. 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 Helsinki. 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the waterfront city of Helsinki, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Dusseldorf offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Helsinki, 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.

Dusseldorf is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dusseldorf, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

Helsinki, 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.

Dusseldorf is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

Helsinki 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 great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Helsinki is much colder than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the activities around the city.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Helsinki