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

Should you visit Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Frankfurt and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than San Sebastian, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while San Sebastian is known for its food, resorts, and beaches. San Sebastian is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Frankfurt is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Both Frankfurt and San Sebastian have excellent 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 San Sebastian know how to have a good time. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Frankfurt and San Sebastian.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Frankfurt or San Sebastian.

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.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

San Sebastian is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt and San Sebastian are both excellent 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for students. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Frankfurt is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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

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

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.

San Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Frankfurt or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Frankfurt and San Sebastian are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

San Sebastian is very walkable. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and San Sebastian. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

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 shopping and museums around the city of San Sebastian. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Sebastian?

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 fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 San Sebastian?

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 food when visiting the fun-filled city of San Sebastian. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Frankfurt and San Sebastian, we can see that Frankfurt is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or San Sebastian?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as San Sebastian. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Frankfurt is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Frankfurt is cooler than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Frankfurt is much colder than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Frankfurt in January average around 1°C (34°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In April, Frankfurt is generally cooler than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Frankfurt usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Frankfurt