A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Bristol or Frankfurt?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Frankfurt can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a diverse, accessible, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bristol or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt than Bristol. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Bristol different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Frankfurt?

Bristol
Frankfurt

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Frankfurt and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.


Is the Food Better in Bristol or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Bristol
Frankfurt

The vibe at night is superb in both Bristol and Frankfurt.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Frankfurt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt has an old town worth visiting. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Frankfurt?

Bristol
Frankfurt

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Frankfurt both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Frankfurt. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Both Bristol and Frankfurt are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.


Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol or Frankfurt Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Frankfurt can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.


Is Bristol or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Bristol
Frankfurt

Bristol and Frankfurt are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bristol and Frankfurt. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Frankfurt than Bristol. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Bristol 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 Frankfurt.


  • How many days in Bristol or Frankfurt? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bristol 1-3 
    Frankfurt 1-3

One day in Bristol or Frankfurt?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bristol. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bristol has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bristol. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Frankfurt has to offer.


Five days in Bristol or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Bristol. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. 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 Bristol or Frankfurt?

Bristol is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Frankfurt. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Bristol?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bristol is £91, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is £105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bristol and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bristol £49
    Frankfurt £49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bristol £98
    Frankfurt £98
Compare Hotels in Bristol and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Bristol or Frankfurt? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bristol


Hotels in Frankfurt


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bristol Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Frankfurt £21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bristol

Also for Bristol, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • PrivateTransfer from Bristol Port to London Heathrow Airport(LHR): $43
  • Private Transfer from Bristol Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $43
  • Private Transfer from Bristol Cruise Port to Bristol city hotels: $50
  • Private Transfer from Bristol Airport(BRS) to Bristol Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Bristol Airport (BRS) to Southampton City : $205
  • Private Bristol Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $56
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Van: $99
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer Bristol to Bristol Airport BRS by Luxury Van: $85
  • Departure Private Transfer Bristol to Bristol Airport BRS by Luxury Car: $85
  • Bristol Private Transfer from Bristol Airport to central Bristol: $79
  • Bristol Airport to London City Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    £43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Munich: $695
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $383
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Private Transfer Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $157
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $140
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Bristol or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Bristol change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bristol £32
    Frankfurt £35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bristol

For Bristol, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $25

Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    £1.71
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    £5.99
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    £5.13
  • Sandwich and Cola
    £5.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Frankfurt £31

Tours and Activities in Bristol

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bristol.

  • 2 Hours Private Walking to Bristol Cider Tour with Cheese: $45
  • Afternoon Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bristol with a local guide: $280
  • Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol: $17
  • Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers: $38
  • Bristol Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Bristol private pub hopping and sightseeing with local guide: $114
  • Bristol's Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City: $6.99
  • Bristol's Time-Honored Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bristol £11
    Frankfurt £26

Sample the Local Flavors in Bristol

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bristol:

  • Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    £1.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


When comparing the travel costs between Bristol and Frankfurt, we can see that Frankfurt 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 Bristol Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bristol or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Frankfurt, 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 Bristol or Frankfurt?

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 Bristol or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bristol 18°C (64°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bristol is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bristol 13°C (55°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Frankfurt in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. In January, Bristol is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bristol 6°C (43°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Bristol during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bristol 10°C (50°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Bristol

Bristol Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)