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

Should you visit York or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit York or Frankfurt? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than York. Frankfurt is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while York is more popular for its food and historical sights. York is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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

How is York different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Frankfurt have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal 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 York or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Frankfurt are great when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

York 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, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Frankfurt Better for Families?

York 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.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

York is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Frankfurt are great destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Many 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 York or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Frankfurt. 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Frankfurt can get you around easily. 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or York?

How long in York or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Frankfurt. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than York 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.

One day in York or Frankfurt?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. 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.

Frankfurt is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of York. 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.

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fanciful city of York. 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 food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Frankfurt. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Frankfurt?

York 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.

The energetic city of Frankfurt offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between York and Frankfurt, we can see that York is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and York during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally cooler than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Frankfurt. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Frankfurt. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Frankfurt. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

York usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Frankfurt. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

In April, York is generally cooler than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and York