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

Should you visit Leipzig or Frankfurt?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig or Frankfurt, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. 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.

Leipzig 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
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Leipzig. Frankfurt is bigger than Leipzig, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Leipzig is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Leipzig is well known for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. 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 Leipzig different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Leipzig or Frankfurt.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leipzig can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.


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

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig 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 Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

If you're looking to go shopping, Leipzig and Frankfurt both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Leipzig and Frankfurt are both notable to visit as a couple.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

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 Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leipzig 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.

Leipzig is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Is Leipzig or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with students.

Frankfurt is a great destination 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.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Frankfurt can take you anywhere. 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.

Public transit in Leipzig can get you to some places easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.


Is Leipzig or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Leipzig
Frankfurt

Frankfurt is great for its walkability. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Leipzig?

How long in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

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

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

One day in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

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

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.

A weekend in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the growing destination of Leipzig. 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.

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.


Five days in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Leipzig. 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 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.

A week in Leipzig or Frankfurt?

Leipzig 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany, and The Best Luxury Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Leipzig?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leipzig is €166, 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 Leipzig and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig 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 Leipzig


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Frankfurt 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $67
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

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 Leipzig or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53
    Frankfurt 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

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.
    Leipzig 36
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $216
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $43
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $43
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $23
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $18
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $629
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $18
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

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
    Leipzig 26
    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 Leipzig and Frankfurt, we can see that Leipzig 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 Leipzig would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leipzig 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 Leipzig Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Leipzig 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Leipzig for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In Leipzig, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Leipzig gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leipzig as well as Frankfurt. The autumn months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Leipzig is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Leipzig often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets less rain in October than Frankfurt. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Leipzig are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. It's quite cold in Leipzig in the winter. In the winter, Leipzig is cooler than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leipzig in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

Leipzig usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Leipzig or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Leipzig during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Leipzig is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 10°C (49°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Frankfurt. Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Leipzig

Leipzig Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)