A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Frankfurt vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Frankfurt. Barcelona is bigger than Frankfurt, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Frankfurt different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Frankfurt. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Barcelona and Frankfurt.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Barcelona can be an interesting and educational experience. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Is the Food Better in Frankfurt or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Barcelona can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is very good for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Families?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Barcelona are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Barcelona is a nice destination for couples. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Students?

Both Frankfurt and Barcelona are amazing destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Barcelona is a great destination for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Frankfurt is renowned for its public transit. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Frankfurt has a great public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

The public transit in Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Frankfurt or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

For even more information, also check out Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Both Frankfurt and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Frankfurt. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Frankfurt than Barcelona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Frankfurt, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Barcelona than Frankfurt. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Barcelona that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Frankfurt if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Barcelona.

One day in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

People visit Frankfurt because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Frankfurt has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Barcelona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

People visit Frankfurt because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find live music and food around the high energy big city of Barcelona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Frankfurt. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Barcelona. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Frankfurt is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Frankfurt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Frankfurt and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Frankfurt.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Barcelona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Frankfurt or Barcelona?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Frankfurt is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Frankfurt is much colder than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Barcelona. The spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the spring, Frankfurt is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Frankfurt