As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’m here to help backpackers like you make informed decisions between Edinburgh and Frankfurt. Both cities offer unique experiences, and understanding their typical costs will optimize your adventure.

Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?

Backpackers typically spend an estimated €35-55 per day in European cities, excluding major attractions or extensive nightlife. This budget usually covers accommodation, food, and local transport.

• Edinburgh (estimated): Expect to be at the higher end of the typical European backpacking budget, possibly around €45-60+ per day. Accommodation can push costs up.
• Frankfurt (estimated): Often falls within the mid-range for European cities, with a typical budget around €40-55 per day.

While both cities require careful budgeting, Frankfurt generally offers a slightly lower daily cost, primarily due to potentially more affordable accommodation options and generally lower prices for goods and services compared to the UK.

How Do Hostel Prices Compare?

Hostel prices across European cities generally range from €15-30 per night for a dorm bed.

• Edinburgh: Often sits at the higher end of this spectrum, with dorm beds typically ranging from €25-40 per night, particularly in peak season or for well-located hostels.
• Frankfurt: Generally offers options closer to the middle of the range, with dorm beds often found for €20-35 per night.

Booking in advance is always recommended, especially for Edinburgh, to secure better rates.

What Are the Typical Food Costs?

A backpacker’s daily food budget in Europe typically ranges from €10-20, focusing on groceries, street food, and budget eateries. Meals at local, casual restaurants typically cost €8-15.

• Edinburgh: Supermarket groceries and budget meal deals are readily available. Pub lunches can offer good value.
• Frankfurt: Excellent options for affordable food, including bakeries for breakfast, döner kebab stands, and diverse international eateries. Supermarkets are widely available for self-catering.

Both cities offer opportunities to eat affordably by utilizing supermarkets and street food.

Is Public Transport More Affordable in Edinburgh or Frankfurt?

Daily public transport costs for backpackers in European cities typically range from €5-10 for a few rides or a day pass.

• Edinburgh: Has an efficient bus and tram network. A single bus fare is around £1.80 (approximately €2.10), and a day ticket is about £4.50 (approximately €5.20). The city center is also very walkable.
• Frankfurt: Boasts an extensive and reliable network of U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (suburban train), trams, and buses. A single ticket typically costs around €2.75-3.00, while a day ticket (Tageskarte) for the central zone (Zone 50) is often around €5.80-6.00.

Both cities offer excellent public transport, with costs falling within the typical backpacker range.

What About Seasonal Pricing Differences?

Seasonal patterns significantly influence travel costs across Europe. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the bustling summer months (June-August).

• Edinburgh: Experiences a massive surge in prices during the Fringe Festival in August, making it one of the most expensive times to visit.
• Frankfurt: While generally less impacted by a single major event, summer still sees higher demand and slightly elevated prices.

Visiting outside of peak summer or major festival periods can lead to substantial savings in both destinations.

Are There Many Free Activities and Amenities?

Both Edinburgh and Frankfurt offer numerous free or low-cost activities for backpackers.

• Edinburgh: Many major museums (e.g., National Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland) offer free entry. Hiking Arthur’s Seat, walking the Royal Mile, and exploring Princes Street Gardens are all free.
• Frankfurt: Enjoy free strolls along the Main River, exploring the Römerberg square, visiting St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (free entry, small fee for tower climb), and relaxing in numerous parks.

Remember, resources like AllInMap can help you locate free public amenities, including restrooms, Wi-Fi spots, and water fountains, further helping you save money in either city.