A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Kyoto or Frankfurt?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Frankfurt can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Both Frankfurt and Kyoto have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Kyoto is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Kyoto is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Kyoto different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Kyoto and Frankfurt.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Frankfurt and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Frankfurt are superb to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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.

Is Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Kyoto 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, Kyoto has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and Frankfurt are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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.

Is Kyoto or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Frankfurt is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Frankfurt. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Frankfurt. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Each neighborhood in Frankfurt has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Frankfurt. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Frankfurt?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kyoto is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kyoto in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 18°C (64°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Frankfurt in the winter. The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. Kyoto is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Frankfurt. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kyoto is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kyoto in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Kyoto