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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a energetic, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Frankfurt and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Frankfurt is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. 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.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.


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

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt and Carcassonne are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Frankfurt has an old town worth visiting. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Both Frankfurt and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt and Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Frankfurt is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Frankfurt or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Frankfurt or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Frankfurt than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

Families should spend more time in Frankfurt than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

Frankfurt is a energetic city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Carcassonne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

Frankfurt is a accessible big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and food around the historical destination of Carcassonne. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

The dynamic city of Frankfurt offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical town of Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Frankfurt. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Carcassonne 7.14
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:

  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Van: $76
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Sedan Car: $72
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
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
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Carcassonne 13
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Carcassonne?

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

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Frankfurt is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Frankfurt during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Carcassonne. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Frankfurt is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Carcassonne. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Frankfurt is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)