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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a modern, connected, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Frankfurt and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Frankfurt is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


Is the Food Better in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Frankfurt has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Frankfurt for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Frankfurt. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.


Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking trails. However, Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Frankfurt is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Frankfurt is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.


Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Frankfurt makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.


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

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Frankfurt is top-notch. 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Saint-Etienne

Frankfurt is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Frankfurt than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Frankfurt than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Saint-Etienne 1-2

One day in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

Frankfurt is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and museums around the city of Saint-Etienne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic big city of Frankfurt. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the undiscovered city of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Frankfurt. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is €108. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Saint-Etienne 44
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:

  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Munich: $695
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Frankfurt Highlights Private Car Tour with Airport Transfers: $383
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Private Transfer Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg City by Minivan: $157
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $142
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Private Transfer to Frankfurt: $140
  • BaronFleet Frankfurt- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers: $132
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 25

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Saint-Etienne 10
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 comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Frankfurt is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. In the winter, Frankfurt is much colder than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Frankfurt in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Frankfurt during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In April, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Frankfurt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)