As a backpacker, choosing between vibrant Frankfurt and culinary Lyon involves weighing budget, interests, and overall experience. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.
Which City is More Budget-Friendly for Backpackers?
Both Frankfurt and Lyon generally fall within a similar cost range for backpackers, with minor variations. Backpackers typically spend €35-55 per day in European cities for basic expenses. While Frankfurt, as a financial hub, can sometimes feel pricier for certain amenities, Lyon’s popularity can also drive up costs in peak season. Overall daily expenses are comparable.
What’s the Typical Daily Budget Breakdown?
A realistic daily budget for a backpacker in either Frankfurt or Lyon often looks like this (estimated ranges):
- Accommodation (hostel bed): €18 - €30 per night
- Food: €15 - €25 per day (mix of groceries, street food, and budget meals)
- Local Transport: €5 - €10 per day (daily pass or single tickets)
- Activities/Miscellaneous: €5 - €15 per day
This totals an estimated daily budget of €43 - €80. Smart budgeting can keep you towards the lower end of this spectrum.
How Do Food Costs Compare?
Frankfurt: Offers diverse culinary options. You can find affordable falafel, döner kebabs, or budget-friendly German fast food (e.g., Currywurst) for €5-8. Supermarkets provide groceries for self-catering, and basic restaurant meals often range from €10-18. Lyon: Renowned for its gastronomy. While upscale dining is prevalent, backpackers can enjoy affordable “bouchons” (traditional Lyonnaise eateries) for lunch deals or explore vibrant food markets like Les Halles Paul Bocuse for picnic ingredients. Baguettes, cheeses, and simple meals can keep food costs within €10-20 a day. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €12-20.
What About Transport and Activities?
Both cities have efficient public transport systems (trams, buses, metro). A day pass typically costs €5-8 in either city. Many key attractions are walkable, reducing the need for constant transport use.
- Frankfurt: Offers free walking tours, riverside strolls, and several museums with student discounts or free entry days (check specific museum websites).
- Lyon: Features free walks through Old Lyon, exploring the Traboules (hidden passageways), and admiring city views from Fourvière Hill. Many smaller museums are also budget-friendly or offer combined passes.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the busy summer months (June-August). These shoulder seasons also provide pleasant weather for exploring on foot. Winter can be charming, especially around Christmas markets, but brings colder temperatures and potentially higher costs for festive events.
Finding Free Amenities
Resources like AllInMap can help backpackers locate free Wi-Fi hotspots, public restrooms, and water fountains in both cities, further helping to stretch their budget.
