A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Frankfurt?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Frankfurt can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a diverse, accessible, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Frankfurt?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Frankfurt. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt attracts visitors for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

Big Ben

How is London different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Frankfurt Better for Theater?

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

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Frankfurt is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Frankfurt.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

London is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in London is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt has an old town worth visiting. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Frankfurt?

London is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Christmas?

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

Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Frankfurt does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Families?

London is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Frankfurt is 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.

Is London or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

London 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, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 London or Frankfurt Better for Students?

For students, both London and Frankfurt are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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.

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

London and Frankfurt both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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.

Is London or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

London 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 London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or London?

How long in London or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Frankfurt. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Frankfurt if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in London.

One day in London or Frankfurt?

People visit London because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Frankfurt?

People visit London because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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 London or Frankfurt?

People visit London because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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 London or Frankfurt?

London is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Frankfurt?

London has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Frankfurt. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. London usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Frankfurt. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, London is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

London usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in London. In January, London is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months.

London is around the same temperature as Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and London