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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Dusseldorf can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a vibrant, historic, and fun-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dusseldorf is known for its historical sights. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Manchester different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Manchester 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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Both Manchester and Dusseldorf offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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).

Is Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

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

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Music?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Manchester is a great destination for live music. However, Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

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

Manchester is an extremely popular place for shoppers. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

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

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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.


Is Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Both Manchester and Dusseldorf are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

For backpackers, both Manchester and Dusseldorf are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

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

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.


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

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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 in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Manchester or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Manchester
Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Manchester or Dusseldorf? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Dusseldorf 2-3

One day in Manchester or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Manchester or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Manchester, 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, 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 Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Manchester 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dusseldorf or Manchester?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Dusseldorf is £158. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Manchester and Dusseldorf in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Dusseldorf £81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Dusseldorf £162
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Dusseldorf

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Dusseldorf? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Manchester


Hotels in Dusseldorf


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Manchester Hotel Prices and Dusseldorf Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Dusseldorf £1.39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Manchester Airport MAN to Liverpool in Business Car: $121
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) to Manchester - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Manchester: $155
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Manchester Private Transfer from Manchester Airport to City centre: $75
  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Manchester Airport: $99
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club: $87
  • Private Transfer from Astley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dusseldorf

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dusseldorf:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Dusseldorf Train Station or Port by Car: $92
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Luxury Car: $86
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Dusseldorf to Airport DUS in Luxury Car: $86
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Luxury Van: $77
  • Dusseldorf Airport Transfers : Airport DUS to Dusseldorf in Business Car: $73
  • Dusseldorf Arrival Private Transfers from Airport DUS to Dusseldorf: $73
  • Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) to Dusseldorf - Arrival Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Prices for flights to both Dusseldorf and Manchester change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manchester £55
    Dusseldorf £65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Typical Food Prices in Dusseldorf

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dusseldorf:


  • Salami
    £1.70
  • Nutella
    £0.86
  • Yogurt
    £0.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dusseldorf

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dusseldorf.

  • Culinary Flingern – The Food Tour: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Dusseldorf £21

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Dusseldorf

Here are a few actual costs in Dusseldorf for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beer tour with tasting in Dusseldorf: $34
  • Best Intro Tour of Dusseldorf with a Local: $141
  • City game scavenger hunt Düsseldorf - independent city tour I discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Duisburg - independent city tour I discovery tour: $44
  • Düsseldorf 2-Hour Evening Cruise: $27
  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • Düsseldorf Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Düsseldorf Segway Rhein Tour: Rhine River Experience: $86
  • Düsseldorf Segway Tour: Classical City Experience: $86
  • Düsseldorf Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Düsseldorf Sightseeing round-trip Cruise: $19
  • Dusseldorf : Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Dusseldorf £20

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101

Typical Alcohol Prices in Dusseldorf

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Dusseldorf are as follows:


  • Night Out Drinking
    £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Dusseldorf

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dusseldorf:

  • Brewery Tour Düsseldorf in English (inc. 3 beer): $29


When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Dusseldorf, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, 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.

Manchester is cooler than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Dusseldorf 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Manchester is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Dusseldorf 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester 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 Manchester can be very cold. In January, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Dusseldorf 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Dusseldorf. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city.

Manchester is cooler than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Dusseldorf 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Manchester

Manchester Dusseldorf
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)


Related Articles for Manchester
Related Articles for Dusseldorf