A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Stuttgart vs. Dusseldorf for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Stuttgart travel costs.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a fun-filled, cultural, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Dusseldorf travel costs.

Stuttgart and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

Both Dusseldorf and Stuttgart have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Stuttgart is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dusseldorf is more popular for its historical sights. Dusseldorf is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Stuttgart is well known for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Dusseldorf and Stuttgart.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Stuttgart. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Stuttgart and Dusseldorf can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Stuttgart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dusseldorf makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Stuttgart know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

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

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dusseldorf. 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 Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Dusseldorf makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart and Dusseldorf are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Dusseldorf is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Stuttgart or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Stuttgart. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Is Stuttgart 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. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Stuttgart or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

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

Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart. 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.

One day in Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Stuttgart, 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.

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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

When visiting Stuttgart, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

Stuttgart, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

Stuttgart 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 Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Germany, The Best 3-Day Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Dusseldorf?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Stuttgart during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stuttgart in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Stuttgart. In the summer, Stuttgart often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Dusseldorf. The autumn months attract visitors to Stuttgart 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.

In October, Stuttgart is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 13°C (56°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Dusseldorf. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Additionally, 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 Stuttgart in the winter. Stuttgart is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the winter. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Stuttgart often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stuttgart in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during spring. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Stuttgart