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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food.

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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is more touristy than Kaunas and is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Kaunas different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Frankfurt is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Frankfurt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Kaunas and Frankfurt.

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

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


Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is known to be 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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.


Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is renowned for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Frankfurt has a great 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.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.


Is Kaunas or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

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

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

You'll find food and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Kaunas. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the young city of Kaunas. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Kaunas 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €95, 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 Kaunas and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 17
    Frankfurt 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • Private Transfer from Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by car: $46
  • Private Kaunas Airport to City Transfer: $48
  • Departure Private Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by Minivan: $56

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:

  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to Mainz: $18
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $20
  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private One Way Frankfurt Airport Transfer To and From Frankfurt: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Private 1-Way Transfer From Frankfurt Airport: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 37
    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:

  • 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.
    Kaunas 19
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaunas are as follows:

  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $55
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $374
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.81
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.49
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    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
  • 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 Kaunas and Frankfurt, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kaunas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kaunas 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 Kaunas.

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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Kaunas. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Frankfurt?

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 Kaunas or Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Kaunas during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kaunas is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kaunas. In the summer, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kaunas or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kaunas is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during autumn. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Kaunas for 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. Kaunas can be very cold during winter. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in January than Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Kaunas is cooler than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during spring. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Kaunas

Kaunas Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)