A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Dijon for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Utrecht or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Dijon? 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.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Dijon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Utrecht is known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Dijon is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace.

How is Utrecht different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Dijon?

Dijon is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Utrecht has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Utrecht has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Dijon?

Utrecht is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Dijon.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Dijon is a family-friendly . Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Dijon make for a high quality place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Students?

Utrecht is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Is Utrecht or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Visitors to Utrecht can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Utrecht or Dijon a more walkable city?

Utrecht is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Utrecht or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Dijon 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 Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Dijon?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Dijon, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Dijon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dijon has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Dijon?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Dijon, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Dijon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dijon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dijon 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht than you might in Dijon.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Dijon?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht and Dijon, 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 Utrecht or Dijon?

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 Utrecht or Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

Utrecht is cooler than Dijon in the summer. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Dijon. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Dijon. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Utrecht during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Utrecht is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Utrecht in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Dijon averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Dijon. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Utrecht. In January, Utrecht is generally much colder than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 2°C (36°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Dijon. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Dijon. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Utrecht is much colder than Dijon in the spring. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dijon. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Utrecht