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

Should you visit York or Dusseldorf?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. 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.

York and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its big city activities, while York is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 York or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

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

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Dusseldorf?

Both York and Dusseldorf are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

York is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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.

Is York or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Dusseldorf make for a superb place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York 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, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or York?

How long in York or Dusseldorf?

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

Families should spend more time in York than Dusseldorf. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in York, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in York or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the medieval city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dusseldorf. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Dusseldorf is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Dusseldorf?

York, a popular city, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Dusseldorf. This city offers something for everyone. 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 York or Dusseldorf?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

The vibrant city of Dusseldorf offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Dusseldorf, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

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

York is cooler than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Dusseldorf. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and York 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 York 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 York in the winter. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Dusseldorf. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and York