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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Portland?

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 Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a energetic, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Frankfurt and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Portland. Frankfurt is bigger than Portland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland 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 Portland?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Frankfurt. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Frankfurt. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt is a good destination for visiting its old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Portland?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Frankfurt. 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Families?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Portland 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.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt and Portland are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Frankfurt or Portland Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for students. 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Frankfurt is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Frankfurt or Portland a more walkable city?

Frankfurt and Portland are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Portland. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Frankfurt than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Portland 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 Frankfurt.

One day in Frankfurt or Portland?

Frankfurt is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Portland?

Frankfurt is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Frankfurt, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Frankfurt or Portland?

Frankfurt is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eclectic city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Portland?

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Frankfurt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Frankfurt is in Europe and Portland is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Portland?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Portland, 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 Portland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Portland. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Frankfurt during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Portland. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Portland. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. Frankfurt is much colder than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Portland. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In the spring, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Portland. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Frankfurt