As a backpacker, choosing between Frankfurt and Vienna for your next adventure involves balancing budget, culture, and experience. Both cities offer unique appeal, with comparable daily costs for the budget-conscious traveler.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Frankfurt and Vienna offer comparable daily budgets for backpackers, typically ranging from €35-55 per day, depending on spending habits. This estimate covers accommodation in a hostel, budget-friendly food, and local transportation. While specific costs can fluctuate, neither city presents a significantly lower overall budget than the other for backpackers prioritizing value.
What Are Accommodation Costs Like for Backpackers?
Accommodation costs for a hostel bed in both cities are quite similar.
- Frankfurt: A dorm bed in a well-rated hostel generally ranges from €18-30 per night.
- Vienna: Hostel dorm beds typically cost between €15-28 per night. Prices are highly dependent on location, hostel amenities, booking in advance, and the season.
How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?
Both cities offer numerous options for budget-friendly eating.
- Food Budget: Backpackers can expect to spend €10-20 per day on food by utilizing supermarkets, local bakeries, street food, and lunch specials.
- Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in both cities for a main course.
- Frankfurt offers diverse international cuisine, with affordable options like döner kebabs (€4-7) and bakeries.
- Vienna is known for its traditional Beisls (pubs) offering affordable lunch menus and excellent market stalls (e.g., Naschmarkt) for budget eats. Coffee and a beer generally range from €3-6 in either city.
What About Transportation Costs?
Both Frankfurt and Vienna boast efficient public transport systems.
- Daily Transport Budget: Expect to spend €5-10 per day on local transport.
- A single public transport ticket in either city typically costs around €2.50-3.00.
- Daily, 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes are often more economical if you plan to use public transport frequently. Walking is always free and an excellent way to explore city centers.
Which City Offers More Free Activities?
Both cities provide ample opportunities for free exploration:
- Frankfurt: Enjoy walks along the Main River, explore the picturesque Römerberg square, stroll through diverse city parks like Grüneburgpark, and browse the Kleinmarkthalle (browsing is free).
- Vienna: Wander the historic Ringstrasse, relax in the vast Prater park (including the famous Ferris wheel area), browse the vibrant Naschmarkt, and visit many stunning churches (free entry to the main nave). Many museums in both cities may offer free entry on specific days or hours, so always check in advance. AllInMap can also help travelers locate free amenities and points of interest.
Seasonal Impact on Budget
Seasonal patterns significantly impact prices. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months (June-August). Visiting during the off-season can lead to substantial savings in both Frankfurt and Vienna.
