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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Chicago?

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a connected, energetic, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Frankfurt and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Chicago?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chicago than Frankfurt. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chicago is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt attracts visitors for its historical sights. Chicago is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also well known for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago 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, Chicago has many famous sights for visitors. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Chicago is world-class. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Chicago has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Chicago has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Chicago to enjoy the beach. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt offers a nice historic old town area. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Chicago specifically to go shopping. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Christmas?

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

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is very good for visiting Christmas markets. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago offers some nice Christmas markets. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago Better for Students?

Both Frankfurt and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

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

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.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Frankfurt or Chicago a more walkable city?

Frankfurt and Chicago are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Chicago?

In either Frankfurt or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago 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 Chicago.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago 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 Chicago.

One day in Frankfurt or Chicago?

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 museums and theater around the city of Chicago. 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 Chicago?

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 theater and nightlife around the diverse big city of Chicago. 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 Chicago?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the edgey city of Chicago. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Frankfurt or Chicago?

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.

Chicago 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Frankfurt during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

Frankfurt is cooler than Chicago in the summer. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Chicago. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Frankfurt is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Frankfurt in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Chicago averages at about 56°F (14°C).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Chicago. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Chicago can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. In January, Frankfurt is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 1°C (34°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chicago. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Frankfurt is cooler than Chicago in the spring. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Chicago. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Frankfurt