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

Should you visit Southampton or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

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

Southampton and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Southampton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Southampton and is popular 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). Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Dusseldorf.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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 Southampton or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Southampton and Dusseldorf.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Southampton or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Dusseldorf both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

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 Southampton or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Dusseldorf make for a superb place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Dusseldorf is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Dusseldorf is top-notch. 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 generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Southampton, 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 port city.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Dusseldorf. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

Southampton, a popular port 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.

The cultural city of Dusseldorf offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Dusseldorf?

Southampton 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, 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 Southampton in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is much warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Dusseldorf. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Southampton