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

Should you visit Dubai or Frankfurt?

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 Dubai and Frankfurt can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Dubai and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai than Frankfurt. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt attracts visitors for its historical sights. Dubai is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Frankfurt is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Frankfurt is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Frankfurt and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dubai or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Frankfurt both to be very good destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. 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 Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Beaches?

Dubai is very good for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Frankfurt?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Frankfurt.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Frankfurt are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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 Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Frankfurt are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Frankfurt is a great destination 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.

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

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Frankfurt can get you around easily. 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.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Frankfurt is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Frankfurt. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Frankfurt?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Frankfurt, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this connected big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Frankfurt?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Frankfurt?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Frankfurt?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Frankfurt. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Frankfurt, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Frankfurt is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Frankfurt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Frankfurt 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Frankfurt.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Frankfurt?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Frankfurt. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is much warmer than Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Frankfurt. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dubai is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Frankfurt. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dubai is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months.

Dubai is much warmer than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Dubai