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

Should you visit Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Utrecht, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Utrecht is known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Utrecht different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf?

Both Utrecht and Dusseldorf have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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 Utrecht or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dusseldorf is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

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).

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 Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Utrecht know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Utrecht or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

Utrecht has a world-famous historical 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.

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 Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

Utrecht is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 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 Utrecht or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly . 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.

Is Utrecht or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Dusseldorf make for a superb 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.

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.

Is Utrecht or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht 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 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.

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 Utrecht or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Utrecht. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Is Utrecht or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Utrecht is very popular for its walkability. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the charming of Utrecht, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Utrecht, one day is sufficent for most.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Utrecht, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this .

In Dusseldorf, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dusseldorf has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

Utrecht, a popular , is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dusseldorf?

Utrecht 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Utrecht and Dusseldorf, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Dusseldorf?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Utrecht for 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.

Utrecht is cooler than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Dusseldorf. The autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

In the autumn, Utrecht is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Utrecht in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht 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 Utrecht in the winter. In January, Utrecht is generally cooler than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 2°C (36°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

Utrecht is cooler than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dusseldorf. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Utrecht