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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Heraklion and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Dusseldorf attracts visitors for its historical sights. Heraklion is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Heraklion different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Dusseldorf both to be very good destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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).

Is Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Heraklion know how to have a good time. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great destination for its beaches. However, Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Dusseldorf.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Dusseldorf to go 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 Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dusseldorf is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion 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, Heraklion 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.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Dusseldorf are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the bustling city of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

Heraklion, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Dusseldorf. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

Heraklion 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Heraklion and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Dusseldorf?

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

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

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

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

Heraklion is much warmer than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Heraklion 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. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

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

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Heraklion