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

Should you visit Vienna or Dusseldorf?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Dusseldorf, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Vienna and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Dusseldorf. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is very popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dusseldorf attracts visitors for its big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Dusseldorf can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Dusseldorf.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Dusseldorf has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. However, Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Dusseldorf is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Vienna is very popular for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for romance. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Dusseldorf is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Dusseldorf are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Dusseldorf is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Vienna or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Vienna and Dusseldorf.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Dusseldorf has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

Is Vienna or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Dusseldorf. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Dusseldorf. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dusseldorf.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna 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 Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

With live music and food around the traditional city of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, 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 city.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Vienna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Vienna 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Vienna and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Dusseldorf?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dusseldorf. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Dusseldorf. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Vienna 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 Vienna or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. Vienna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vienna is cooler than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Dusseldorf. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dusseldorf. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Vienna