Comparison · Frankfurt vs Munich · Germany
Frankfurt vs Munich
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Frankfurt for Skyline, Römerberg and a short break; choose Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 305 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 305 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Frankfurt
- May–September and December
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
Side by side
| Frankfurt | Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Known for | Skyline, Römerberg and Städel Museum | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz |
| Best time to visit | May–September and December | May–July, September and December |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 26°C (79°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | FRA, HHN | MUC, FMM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Frankfurt for…
Skyline, Römerberg and a short break. Frankfurt am Main is Germany's financial centre, with the only true skyscraper skyline in the country rising behind a reconstructed medieval core around the Römerberg and the cathedral where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned. Across the river, the Museumsufer…
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
Top sights compared
| # | Frankfurt | Munich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Römerberg and the Römer | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus |
| 2 | New Old Town (DomRömer quarter) | Frauenkirche |
| 3 | Frankfurt Cathedral | Munich Residenz |
| 4 | Städel Museum | Englischer Garten |
| 5 | Main Tower observation deck | Viktualienmarkt |
Food compared
| Frankfurt | Munich |
|---|---|
| Frankfurt green sauce | White sausage |
| Cheese with music | Pretzel |
| Apple wine | Roast pork knuckle |
| Frankfurt sausages | Roast pork with dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Frankfurt and Munich cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Frankfurt and $180–$320 in Munich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Frankfurt on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Frankfurt and Munich are about 305 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 2 days in Frankfurt and 4 in Munich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Frankfurt or Munich cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Frankfurt and $180–$320 in Munich (estimates).
+Is Frankfurt or Munich better for a first trip?
Pick Frankfurt for Skyline, Römerberg and a short break, or Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens.
+How far is Frankfurt from Munich?
About 305 km in a straight line.