A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Frankfurt for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Frankfurt?

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

Should I visit Sintra 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.

Where Should I go: Sintra or Frankfurt?

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Frankfurt or Sintra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is €122. 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 Sintra and Frankfurt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Frankfurt 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Frankfurt 116
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Frankfurt

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Frankfurt? 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 Sintra


Hotels in Frankfurt


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: Sintra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Frankfurt 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

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 Sintra or Frankfurt?

Prices for flights to both Frankfurt and Sintra 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
    Sintra 42
    Frankfurt 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.

  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

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.
    Sintra 23
    Frankfurt 36

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Frankfurt 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
  • Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235

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 Sintra 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 Sintra Expensive? and Is Frankfurt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra 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 Sintra or Frankfurt?

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 Sintra or Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Frankfurt for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Frankfurt. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Sintra is much warmer than Frankfurt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Frankfurt. Additionally, 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 the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the activities around the city.

In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Sintra

Sintra Frankfurt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)