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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Rijeka?

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a connected, energetic, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Frankfurt and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Frankfurt than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its beaches. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


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

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Frankfurt is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Both Frankfurt and Rijeka have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Rijeka know how to have a good time. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Rijeka is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.


Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt offers a nice historic old town area. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Frankfurt or Rijeka.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Frankfurt. 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.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.


Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Both Frankfurt and Rijeka are nice 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Frankfurt is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.


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

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is renowned for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Frankfurt or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Rijeka

Frankfurt is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Frankfurt or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Frankfurt than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Frankfurt than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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.


  • How many days in Frankfurt or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rijeka. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Frankfurt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Rijeka. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the slow-paced town of Rijeka. 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.

A week in Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rijeka 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Frankfurt?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Frankfurt and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Rijeka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Frankfurt


Hotels in Rijeka


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Rijeka 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to Mainz: $18
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $20
  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private One Way Frankfurt Airport Transfer To and From Frankfurt: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by business car: $54
  • Private 1-Way Transfer From Frankfurt Airport: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Wiesbaden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Frankfurt change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Frankfurt 41
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Frankfurt 36
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.81
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.49
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Rijeka 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and Rijeka, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Frankfurt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Frankfurt than you might in Rijeka.

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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Rijeka?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Rijeka. The summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Frankfurt is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Frankfurt is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Frankfurt in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. In January, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 1°C (34°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Frankfurt is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)