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

Should you visit Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Dusseldorf can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Zermatt and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Dusseldorf are both popular with visitors, Zermatt has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zermatt is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dusseldorf is known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Dusseldorf and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also home to The Matterhorn. Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is very popular for winter skiing. However, Dusseldorf is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Dusseldorf is not a skiing destination.

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

Dusseldorf is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Dusseldorf? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zermatt and Dusseldorf offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Zermatt know how to have a good time. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great destination for its resorts. However, Dusseldorf is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Dusseldorf is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Dusseldorf is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

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

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Dusseldorf.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Dusseldorf is a great town 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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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

Dusseldorf is very popular for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere 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.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Zermatt or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Zermatt on foot is easy. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

With shopping and skiing around the stunning town of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Zermatt, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

Zermatt, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. 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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

Zermatt 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Dusseldorf, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Dusseldorf Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Dusseldorf?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Dusseldorf. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Dusseldorf. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dusseldorf in the winter. The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Dusseldorf. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Zermatt