Berlin and Frankfurt are two of the most influential cities in Germany. Berlin is known for its impressive landmarks, museums, and for having modern architecture mixed with historical buildings. Frankfurt is known for its beautiful old town and its impressive skyscrapers. If you are trying to decide between Berlin or Frankfurt, here is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
Table of Contents
Berlin or Frankfurt Overview
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the most famous cities in all of Europe. Although its history is seen everywhere, the city has evolved into one of the most progressive cities in Europe. It is a massive city with 3.75 million living in the city and 6.15 million living in the metro area. Roughly 1/3 of the city’s area is forests, parks, gardens, or waterways. Because much of Berlin was devastated during WW2, the architecture here is very diverse ranging from pre-war to extremely modernist designs. Museums, galleries, and musical venues are found in an abundance here.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the 5th largest city in Germany with 750,000 residents. It is known as the financial and business center for all of Germany. Frankfurt has the 3rd most skyscrapers in all of Europe, only behind Istanbul and London. Its impressive skyline has earned it the nickname the “German Manhattan”. Frankfurt is an interesting city to visit because while you’re walking in the Old Town, you can see the modern skyscrapers in the background giving you an incredible perspective of how times have changed here.
Places to See
Berlin
Brandenburg Gate is the large gate to the city, once seen as a symbol of a divided country, but is now the symbol of unity for the country. It is the equivalent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or as in many other European cities.
Berlin Cathedral was built in a New Baroque style and features a 75-meter-high dome. It is one of the most popular sights to see in Berlin.
Reichstag is a Neo-Renaissance palace that was turned into the German Parliament building in 1999.
East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin Wall that is covered in incredible murals and paintings. It attracts 3 million visitors every year.
Gendarmenmarkt is one of the largest city squares in Berlin. The French Cathedral, the German Cathedral, and the Konzerthaus are all situated on the sides of the square.
Frankfurt
The Old Town, otherwise known as Altstadt, dates back to 794.
Romerberg is the central square in the Old Town.
The Frankfurt Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Gothic church. It is the largest religious building in the city.
Hauptwache is one of the most famous central squares in Frankfurt.
Main Tower is a 200m skyscraper part of Frankfurt’s skyline. You can go to the top floor for panoramic views of the city.
Food
Berlin
Berlin is now known for being a very innovative city which means their food has also been evolving. They are heralded for having excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city. Currywurst continues to be one of the most popular traditional dishes in the city. Berlin is also home to one of the largest chocolate stores in the world, Fassbender & Rausch. Berliner Weisse is a common beer drank by the people of Berlin. It is a low alcohol beer with a tart flavor.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt, being in Germany, obviously values a good sausage. One of the most famous sausages to eat here is the Frankfurter which is a long, pork sausage. Frankfurter Rippchen is one of the most popular meals for the people of Frankfurt. It is a dish of slow-cooked pork, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut. While Munich is known for beer, Frankfurt is known for a drink called Apfelwein which is an alcoholic drink made with apples and berries. Yes, the people of Frankfurt enjoy their beer as well.
Getting Around
Berlin
Berlin has a series in underground trains called the U-Bahn. It also has the S-Bahn which is a network of trains above ground. Bus and tram are also great ways to get around the city. The city is very flat which is great for walking and many of the main attractions in Berlin are within walking distance of each other. You might want to consider getting a 48-hour public transportation pass if you want to see attractions outside of the city center like the East Side Gallery or the Victory Column.
Frankfurt
Metro, bus, tram, and train are all options for public transportation here. With the cost of a single ride being 2.40 Euros, a day pass might be the most economical option. You can buy a day pass for 6.20 Euros. If you are staying in the Old Town or on the north side of the river in general, you will be able to see many of the landmarks and attractions on foot.
Nightlife
Berlin
Berlin is known for having world-renowned nightclubs. If you are into techno, you might want to consider being around the areas of Friedrichshain or East Berlin. If you are into the bar scene you might want to consider staying in the Schlesisches Tor area. Some of the best nightclubs in the world are here which also means that they are not always easy to get into and you can almost always expect to be waiting in a sizable line to get in.
Berghain is the most famous nightclub in Berlin and one of the most famous in the world. If you want to go to Berghain, make sure you have a backup plan because there is a good chance you won’t get in. Do your research before you go clubbing here because you will be questioned at many of the clubs you try to get into.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt has a great nightlife, probably a step below Berlin or Hamburg though. There are bars scattered all over the city but especially on the north side of the river. The Old Town has quite a few bars to go bar hopping. If you want to go clubbing you’re in luck because there are some really fantastic options in Frankfurt. Some of the best clubs here are Offyard, Robert Johnson, and Tanzhaus West. The Ostend district of the city has become a hub for nightlife as well.
Day Trips
Berlin
- Potsdam is a city on the outskirts of Berlin, making it a perfect day trip. There are beautiful palaces and churches to visit.
- Dresden is just under two hours away from Berlin by train. Dresden has many sights to see and would be worth a day or two if you have time to spare.
- Pfaueninsel is an island near Potsdam and just south of Berlin. You can easily walk the whole island and see all of the landmarks on the island for a nice day trip.
- Devil’s Bridge is a picturesque stone bridge north of Berlin. Many Instagrammers take this day trip to capture the beauty of the bridge.
Not too far from Berlin are two other major German cities of Leipzig and Dresden, which are worth visiting for a couple of days.
Frankfurt
Mannheim is home to an 18th-century palace. It is also known for the University of Mannheim.
Heidelberg is known for its beautiful setting and its old castle on the hill.
Eltz Castle is another famous German castle. It has been in the same family for 33 generations.
Two other major German cities, not too far from Frankfurt are Cologne and Stuttgart. Both cities are fantastic and definitely worth considering if you have the time to do so.
Overall
Berlin and Frankfurt are to of the most beautiful major cities in Germany. If you have the time to visit both cities, you definitely should do so. If you are into history and World War II then you have an easy choice to make, because Berlin would be the obvious choice. You will want roughly 3 days to visit Frankfurt and you would want at least 3 full days to explore Berlin, probably more.
