Cologne Vs. Dsseldorf: Which European Carnival Is For You?

Ask any German: There are two carnivals to attend in Germany, Cologne’s and Düsseldorf’s. Cologne is the old Roman Mecca, steeped in Catholic history, including a stunning 800-year-old cathedral. Düsseldorf, on the other hand, is the cleaner, polished brother. While Cologne became a manufacturing town, Düsseldorf donned suits. Today, the two rival cities, separated by just 20 minutes, despise the other’s taste in everything from beer to carnival. So how do you know which is for you? Follow this checklist.

Would you prefer a big or small celebration?

The Kölner Karneval mantra is seemingly “go big or go home.” It is among the biggest in Europe, with one-million attendees, 75 floats, and 140 tons of candy tossed. It’s a fest unlike the rest. Düsseldorf is quite quiet by comparison, with less than half the number of attendees, fewer floats, and less candy. That said, what Düsseldorf lacks in size it makes up for in alcohol consumption. The city’s Altstadt transforms into an intimate gathering at “the longest bar in the world,” where revelers drink their Alt and more Alt… and more Alt.

How quirky are you willing to go?

How do you like your beer?

Perhaps the most important consideration: How do you like your beer? Light and reminiscent of a pale ale or something darker and old school. Kölsch, the traditional beer of Cologne a is golden, top-fermented brew that is the closest traditional German beer to a British pale ale. It’s poured in thin 0.2 liter cups and designed for mass consumption – literally you’ll drink 10 before you even realize it. Altbier, the Düsseldorf beer, is, like Kölsch, top-fermented, but in an old-world style. The beer’s dark and hoppy, and, like its neighbor, is consumed in tiny glasses designed to be consumed by the dozen. It sounds ridiculous, but your beer preferences need to be taken into consideration because you’ll be drinking a lot of it. Just know: never order an Alt in Cologne or a Kölsch in Düsseldorf; locals don’t take too kindly to that.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.