Daily costs per person in EUR. Frankfurt is pricier than Eastern Europe but offers excellent value through markets, Apfelwein taverns, and smart transport tickets.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EUR (Euro) (1 USD ≈ €0.92)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–40 | €80–150 | €250+ | Hostels → design hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | €12–22 | €30–50 | €80+ | Market food & Imbisse → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | €5–10 | €15–30 | €50+ | Walking & single tickets → day pass → day trips |
| Activities | €5–15 | €20–40 | €60+ | Free churches & 1 museum → Museumsufer pass → guided tours |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €12–25 | €40+ | Apfelwein & beer → wine bars → cocktail lounges |
| Daily Total | €47–97 | €157–295 | €480+ | $52–107 → $173–325 → $528+ |
Money-saving tips
Kleinmarkthalle
Frankfurt's food hall has meals from €6–10 — better, cheaper, and more varied than any restaurant. The Turkish, Vietnamese, and German stalls are all excellent.
Apfelwein value
A glass of Apfelwein at a traditional taverna costs €2.50 — it's Frankfurt's cheapest drink. A Bembel jug to share costs €7–10 and is a full evening's entertainment.
Hessen-Ticket
The Hessen-Ticket (€38 for 1, €8 each additional person) gives unlimited regional trains and buses for a day — perfect for Rhine Valley or Heidelberg day trips with friends.
Museumsufer Ticket
The Museumsufer Ticket (€21) covers 34 museums over 2 consecutive days. Individual museum tickets cost €7–16 each, so 2 museums makes it worthwhile.
Walking & cycling
Frankfurt is compact — the old town, Sachsenhausen, and Museumsufer are all within walking distance. City bike rental (NextBike) costs €1 per 30 minutes.
Student food
Bockenheim and Bornheim have cheap eats — döner from €4, currywurst from €4, and Vietnamese pho from €7. Skip the Zeil food courts and eat where students eat.
