A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Dusseldorf for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Dusseldorf, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dusseldorf is more popular for its big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Dusseldorf.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Dusseldorf are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dusseldorf. 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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Music?

Salzburg is very popular for live music. However, Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

Salzburg is very popular for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Salzburg is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Salzburg and Dusseldorf are both great destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Salzburg is very popular for romance. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Dusseldorf is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Salzburg is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular place to visit for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Dusseldorf can take you anywhere. 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.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Salzburg or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Dusseldorf both are great when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Dusseldorf. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Dusseldorf. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Dusseldorf. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

With live music and food around the cultural city of Salzburg, 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.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

With food and shopping around the destination of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

Salzburg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. 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 Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Dusseldorf?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. Salzburg can be very cold during winter. Salzburg is much colder than Dusseldorf in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

In the spring, Salzburg is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Dusseldorf. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Salzburg