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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Frankfurt and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Le Mans. Frankfurt is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Frankfurt is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Frankfurt
Le Mans

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Frankfurt. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Frankfurt for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

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

Frankfurt is a good destination for visiting its old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Le Mans?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for shopping. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Both Frankfurt and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Frankfurt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Frankfurt or Le Mans Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Frankfurt can get you around easily. 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Frankfurt or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Le Mans

Frankfurt is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Le Mans. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Frankfurt than Le Mans. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Frankfurt or Le Mans?

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 nightlife and museums around the town of Le Mans. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Le Mans has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Le Mans?

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 museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the quaint town of Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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.

Le Mans 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans 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 Le Mans is €83. 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 Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Le Mans? 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 Le Mans


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: Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Le Mans 30
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:

  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Munich: $695
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $383
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Private Transfer Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $157
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $140
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27
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
    Le Mans 15

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Le Mans 12
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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Le Mans?

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

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Le Mans. 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 Le Mans for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans 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 Le Mans in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Le Mans can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is much colder than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans 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 Le Mans for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Frankfurt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Le Mans. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)