A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Hannover vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hannover or Frankfurt?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Frankfurt. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a cultural, dynamic, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Hannover and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Hannover or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Hannover. Frankfurt is bigger than Hannover, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. 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 Hannover different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Frankfurt and Hannover. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hannover or Frankfurt?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Frankfurt. 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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Hannover or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Frankfurt

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Hannover and Frankfurt.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Frankfurt offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Hannover or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Hannover and Frankfurt.

Hannover is a good destination for visiting its old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.


Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Frankfurt?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a great city for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Hannover
Frankfurt

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

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Hannover or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Hannover and Frankfurt both notable destinations for a couple.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Frankfurt makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Hannover or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Hannover or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Hannover
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover has some very good public transit options. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.


Is Hannover or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Hannover
Frankfurt

Hannover and Frankfurt are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hannover and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Frankfurt than in Hannover. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hannover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Hannover 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 Hannover or Frankfurt? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Frankfurt 1-3

One day in Hannover or Frankfurt?

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

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.

A weekend in Hannover or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Hannover. 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.

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.


Five days in Hannover or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Hannover. 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.

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.

A week in Hannover or Frankfurt?

Hannover 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Hannover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is €122. 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 Hannover and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Frankfurt? 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 Hannover


Hotels in Frankfurt


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: Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Frankfurt 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $211
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $269
  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $288

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: $1,055
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Munich: $693
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $394
  • Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $381
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $283
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Private Transfer Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $156
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $141
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $140
  • Private Transfer from Frankfurt City to Stuttgart City: $139
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Hannover 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
    Hannover 49
    Frankfurt 41

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:

  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $256
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $251
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $18
  • Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover: $196

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
  • 2-Hour Discovering the Best of Frankfurt Walking Guided Tour: $25
  • A Frankfurt Meander: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Germany's Cradle of Democracy: $7.99
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $270
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $282
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $606
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $163
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Mainz Premium Day Trip by Boat with Sightseeing & Wildlife, F&B: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Frankfurt 30

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
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Romantic Road Day Ticket from Frankfurt/Main to Rothenburg incl. Wine tasting: $146
  • Private Wine Tour Grape Escape Rhine Valley from Frankfurt: $249
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $285
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $333
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $511
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $745


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hannover and Frankfurt, we can see that Hannover is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Hannover. When comparing the sizes of Hannover and Frankfurt, 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 Hannover or Frankfurt?

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 Hannover or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Frankfurt. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hannover is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 18°C (64°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hannover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Hannover in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Hannover is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Hannover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in October than Frankfurt. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Hannover can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hannover is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hannover in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Hannover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during winter. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hannover usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Hannover during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hannover because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

In April, Hannover is generally cooler than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 8°C (47°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Hannover

Hannover Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)