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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Budapest?

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a modern, connected, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Frankfurt and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Frankfurt, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Frankfurt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Frankfurt has a huge number of terrific 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Both Frankfurt and Budapest have very good 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 Budapest know how to have a good time. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Frankfurt and Budapest.

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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Frankfurt is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Frankfurt or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest Better for Students?

Both Frankfurt and Budapest are fantastic 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.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Frankfurt and Budapest.

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.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Frankfurt or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Budapest?

In either Frankfurt or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Frankfurt because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Frankfurt or Budapest?

Frankfurt is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Frankfurt is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Frankfurt, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Budapest. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Budapest?

Frankfurt is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural city of Budapest. 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Frankfurt or Budapest?

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Budapest 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 from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Budapest, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Budapest. The summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In July, Frankfurt is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 19°C (67°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Budapest. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Budapest. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. In the winter, Frankfurt is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Frankfurt in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Frankfurt during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 10°C (50°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Frankfurt