A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Kiel vs. Dusseldorf for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Kiel or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Dusseldorf? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront 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 cultural, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Kiel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its food and historical sights, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. 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 Kiel different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Kiel and Dusseldorf.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dusseldorf. 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).

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Kiel and Dusseldorf.

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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 Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for its beaches. However, Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Dusseldorf?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dusseldorf and Kiel.

Kiel offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Dusseldorf has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Dusseldorf?

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kiel, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kiel or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kiel, 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Dusseldorf?

Kiel, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Kiel or Dusseldorf?

Kiel 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.

The historic city of Dusseldorf offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Dusseldorf?

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

Both Dusseldorf and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiel is generally cooler than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Dusseldorf. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dusseldorf. It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Kiel 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 Kiel or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Kiel is generally cooler than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dusseldorf. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Kiel