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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Bari?

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 Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Frankfurt and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Bari?

Both Bari and Frankfurt have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Frankfurt is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Bari attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and historical sights. Frankfurt is more touristy than Bari and is known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Frankfurt different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Bari and Frankfurt.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Frankfurt or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Frankfurt and Bari have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Bari?

Frankfurt is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Frankfurt. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Frankfurt or Bari.

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.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Bari are nice 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt and Bari are both high quality destinations 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Frankfurt or Bari Better for Students?

Frankfurt is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Frankfurt is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Frankfurt can take you anywhere. 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Frankfurt or Bari a more walkable city?

Frankfurt and Bari are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Bari. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Frankfurt or Bari?

Frankfurt is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

A weekend in Frankfurt or Bari?

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse big city of Frankfurt. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic port city of Bari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Bari?

The energetic city of Frankfurt offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Bari, 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Bari?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Frankfurt or Bari in the Summer?

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

Frankfurt is cooler than Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Bari. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Bari in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Frankfurt is much colder than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Frankfurt in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Bari. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Bari in the Winter?

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

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. In January, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 1°C (34°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Bari. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Bari in the Spring?

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

Frankfurt is cooler than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Bari. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Frankfurt