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

Should you visit Frankfurt or New York City?

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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic 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 theater, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or New York City?

You'll generally find more things to do in New York City than Frankfurt. New York City is bigger than Frankfurt, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New York City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt is more popular for its historical sights. New York City is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. Also, New York City is famous for The Statue of Liberty. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City 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, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City Better for Theater?

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

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Frankfurt or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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 New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

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

New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Frankfurt or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is a good destination for its historic old town. However, New York City 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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or New York City?

New York City 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 New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, New York City draws large crowds. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Frankfurt or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

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

New York City has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Frankfurt or New York City Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Frankfurt or New York City.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Frankfurt. 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Frankfurt or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt and New York City 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Frankfurt or New York City Better for Students?

Both Frankfurt and New York City 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.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Frankfurt and New York City.

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.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Frankfurt or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City 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 New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or New York City?

Both Frankfurt and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Frankfurt. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Frankfurt or New York City?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of New York City. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cosmopolitan big city of New York City. 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 New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic city of New York City. 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 New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Frankfurt. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or New York City?

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

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 New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City 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 New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Frankfurt is cooler than New York City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and New York City averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In July, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than New York City. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Frankfurt or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City 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 New York City. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and New York City. 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 New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Frankfurt is much warmer than New York City in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and New York City fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than New York City. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Frankfurt or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as New York City. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Frankfurt is cooler than New York City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and New York City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Frankfurt