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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Alesund?

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a welcoming, friendly, and scenic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt and Alesund: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Frankfurt is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Alesund is more popular for its impressive beauty. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Frankfurt offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.


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

Frankfurt
Alesund

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Alesund can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alesund makes for a great culinary experience. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Frankfurt offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Alesund?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Both Frankfurt and Alesund are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Alesund is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.


Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Frankfurt or Alesund Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Frankfurt. 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.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Frankfurt
Alesund

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Alesund 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 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.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.


Is Frankfurt or Alesund a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Alesund

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

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

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Alesund. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Frankfurt than Alesund. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Alesund 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 Frankfurt or Alesund? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Alesund 2-3

One day in Frankfurt or Alesund?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alesund. 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.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Alesund?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Alesund. 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.


Five days in Frankfurt or Alesund?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Alesund. 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.

A week in Frankfurt or Alesund?

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.

Alesund 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Frankfurt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, while the average daily cost in Alesund is €93. 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 Frankfurt and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Alesund 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Alesund 98
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Alesund? 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 Frankfurt


Hotels in Alesund


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Alesund 24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to Mainz: $18
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $20
  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private One Way Frankfurt Airport Transfer To and From Frankfurt: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Private 1-Way Transfer From Frankfurt Airport: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $37
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41
    Alesund 28
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

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.
    Frankfurt 36
    Alesund 15

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.81
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.49
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • Ålesund Round Trip – A Great Kayak Adventure: $186
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Fjordcruise Ålesund Geirangerfjord T/R: $163
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Alesund 11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Alesund, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Frankfurt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Frankfurt than you might in Alesund.

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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Alesund?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Alesund, 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 Frankfurt or Alesund?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Alesund. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Frankfurt is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than Alesund. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In October, Frankfurt is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Alesund. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. Frankfurt is much colder than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Alesund. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Frankfurt is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Alesund. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)