Munich and Frankfurt are two of the largest cities in Germany. Both cities play a large role in the history and economy of Germany. Munich is known for its palaces, an abundance of landmarks, and its beer. Frankfurt is known for its sausages, old town, and its impressive skyscrapers. If you are trying to decide if you should visit Munich or Frankfurt, here is your ultimate guide.
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Munich or Frankfurt Overview
Munich
Munich is the capital and largest city in Bavaria. The city is home to 1.5 million people and has a metro area of 6 million people, making it the 3rd largest city in Germany and the 11th largest city in the European Union. It has been ranked as having one of the highest qualities of living in the world. Munich is known for its incredible beer, beer gardens, and its incredible Old Town. The world-famous Oktoberfest is held in Munich every year. Munich is also home to the headquarters of BMW.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the 5th largest city in Germany with 750,000 residents. It is known as being 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 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
Munich
Marienplatz has been the main city square since 1158. The city hall was completely destroyed during WW2 but has been rebuilt the same as the original.
Nymphenburg Palace is one of the biggest palaces in Europe. It was built by the rulers of Bavaria and was completed in 1675.
St. Peter’s Church is a Roman Catholic church in the heart of the city. It was also heavily damaged during WW2.
Karlsplatz is a large square in central Munich. It features remnants of the gate to the city which is leftover from the original city fortifications.
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
Munich
Munich is famed for its many types of sausages especially the Weißwürste which is boiled, white veal sausage. Sausage is, of course, one of the staples within the world-famous beer gardens found in Munich. The city is home to over 60 beer gardens. Beer has actually been considered a food group in Munich. During Oktoberfest, over 7 million liters of beer is consumed every year. Other traditional cuisines found here are Haxen or braised pork knuckle and Leberkäse which is a loaf-formed sausage.
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
If you are staying near the Old Town, you can walk to many of the city’s attractions. If you want to see some of the landmarks and attractions on the outskirts of the city, then you will want to use public transportation. You can use the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. A single trip will cost 2.70 Euro but a 3-day pass costs 15.50 Euro so I recommend you invest in a 3-day pass. Renting a bike is also an efficient way to explore the city. Riding bike in the Englischer Garten could occupy you for an entire day because it is one of the largest urban parks in the world.
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
Munich
Munich is known for having a young and lively nightlife. The two most popular areas to find nightlife here are Schwabing and the Glockenbachviertel. Schwabing is located closer to the university. Being known for its beer, bars can be found anywhere in the city. There are also many clubs to be found in the city. Blitz, Pacha, and Palais are some of the best nightclubs in the city.
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
Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle is a Romanesque Revival palace in the southwest of Germany, Bavaria. It is one of the most iconic castles in the world.
Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities. It is only 30 minutes from Munich.
Dachau is a concentration camp from WW2. It is 40 minutes from Munich.
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.
Stuttgart or Nuremberg are also great major German cities to visit if you are exploring cities in the southern half of Germany like Frankfurt or Munich.
Overall
Munich and Frankfurt are two incredible cities to explore. Munich is known for its beer and old town and Frankfurt is known for its sausages, Apfelwein, and beautiful skyline. Both airports are major hubs in Europe making the cost to get to them much lower. They are also centrally located in Europe making it easy to make them part of your trip’s itinerary. The choice is a tough one but I would go with Munich if the choice were up to me.