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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

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

Thessaloniki and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Dusseldorf. While Dusseldorf is larger than Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Dusseldorf attracts visitors for its historical sights. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

How is Thessaloniki different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Dusseldorf both to be superb destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Dusseldorf is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Dusseldorf is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

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

Thessaloniki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Dusseldorf can get you around easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Thessaloniki, there's plenty to do. 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.

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun-filled city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Thessaloniki, 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

Thessaloniki, 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 historic destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

Thessaloniki 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 to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Thessaloniki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thessaloniki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki 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, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Dusseldorf. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Dusseldorf. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki 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. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

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

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Thessaloniki