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

Should you visit Marbella or Frankfurt?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Frankfurt, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Frankfurt?

Both Frankfurt and Marbella have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Frankfurt is known for its museums, food, and big city activities. Marbella is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Marbella different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Marbella 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 Marbella is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Music?

Marbella is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Marbella has diverse options. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Marbella is a perfect choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Frankfurt is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella is not to be missed. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Marbella is a very popular vacation destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Marbella and Frankfurt both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Frankfurt?

Marbella 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 Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Marbella and Frankfurt are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Frankfurt is known to be 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 Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Marbella has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt 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. However, Marbella is lacking in good options 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Marbella and Frankfurt are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Frankfurt?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and Frankfurt. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in Frankfurt. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-3 days is enough time in Frankfurt.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Frankfurt than Marbella 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 Marbella or Frankfurt?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A weekend in Marbella or Frankfurt?

You'll find live music and food around the glamorous destination of Marbella. 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 resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Marbella or Frankfurt?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamorous resort town of Marbella. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

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.

A week in Marbella or Frankfurt?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Frankfurt, 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Frankfurt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

In October, Marbella is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Frankfurt. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Frankfurt. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. Marbella is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Frankfurt. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Marbella is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Frankfurt. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Marbella