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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Frankfurt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its big city activities, while Zurich is known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Zurich different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Zurich and Frankfurt.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Frankfurt offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Frankfurt? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Frankfurt offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Frankfurt are high quality when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Music?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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, Zurich offers plenty to see. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt?

Zurich 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 Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Frankfurt are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

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

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Zurich and Frankfurt are both first-rate destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

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

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Zurich and Frankfurt both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Frankfurt. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Zurich 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 Zurich or Frankfurt?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Zurich. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Frankfurt?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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 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 Zurich or Frankfurt?

You'll find food and shopping around the liberal city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. 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 Zurich or Frankfurt?

Zurich 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Frankfurt in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Frankfurt. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Frankfurt in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Zurich