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

Should you visit Lisbon or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Frankfurt? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a diverse, accessible, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Frankfurt. While Frankfurt is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Lisbon different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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.

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

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

Lisbon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Music?

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

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Lisbon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Frankfurt.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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.

Is Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent 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.

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Lisbon and Frankfurt.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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.

Is Lisbon or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Frankfurt. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. 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.

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.

Five days in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. 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.

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.

A week in Lisbon or Frankfurt?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisbon and Frankfurt, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Frankfurt, 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 Lisbon or Frankfurt?

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 Lisbon or Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Frankfurt in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Frankfurt can be very cold during winter. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

Lisbon is much warmer than Frankfurt in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Frankfurt. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Lisbon