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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Boston?

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 Boston 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.

Boston

Boston is a proud, loyal, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Boston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boston than Frankfurt, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Frankfurt is more popular for its shopping. Boston is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Frankfurt or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

Boston has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Boston 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, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Both Frankfurt and Boston 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 Boston know how to have a good time. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is very good for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boston. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

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 Boston?

Frankfurt is notable for shopping. Also, Boston 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Frankfurt or Boston Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Boston 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.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is notable for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Frankfurt or Boston Better for Students?

Both Frankfurt and Boston are first-rate destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Frankfurt and Boston.

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.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Frankfurt or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Boston?

In either Frankfurt or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Frankfurt because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

One day in Frankfurt or Boston?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Boston. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Boston?

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the classic big city of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Frankfurt or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the proud city of Boston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Frankfurt or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Frankfurt is in Europe and Boston is in North America, 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Boston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Boston?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Boston. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Frankfurt is cooler than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Boston. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Boston. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Boston. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Frankfurt is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Boston. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Boston. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Frankfurt is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Boston. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Frankfurt