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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Frankfurt is €152. 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:

  • Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
  • Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47

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: $20
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $22
  • FRA Airport to Frankfurt City Private Transfer: $29
  • Transfer Frankfurt City Center to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA): $45
  • Private One Way Transfer from Frankfurt To Frankfurt Airport: $50
  • Private One Way Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Frankfurt: $50
  • Sedan Departure Transfer from Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA: $63
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $74
  • Airport Transfer: Frankfurt to Airport FRA by Business Car: $80
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $81
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Van: $88

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 73
    Frankfurt 70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
  • Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
  • DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
  • Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140

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:

  • VEGAN FOOD TOUR TO 3-4 LOCAL FOODSPOTS: $88
  • Food Tour to 3-4 Local Food Spots: $88

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 Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
  • 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
  • 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
  • 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
  • Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
  • Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
  • Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
  • Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
  • Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
  • Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.96
  • Frankfurt Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $8.21
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $9.40
  • Frankfurter Kunstverein: Admission ticket: $12
  • Frankfurt Card: Experience Frankfurt at the Best Price: $14
  • Frankfurt Airport: Fraport Visitor Center Entry Ticket: $14
  • EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter Entry Ticket: $15
  • Christmas Market & Old Town Tour 60 min-daily 16:00-in German: $16
  • Horror Theater and City Tour The Hell's Demon: $16
  • Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman: $16
  • Old Town Horror Stories Walking Tour in German: $16
  • "The Sandman" Nightmarish Walking Tour: $16

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: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $89
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
  • From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
  • Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
  • PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316

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:

  • Frankfurt am Main: Night Pub Crawl Shots and Party: $29
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $308
  • Private pub crawl with insider-guide & free shots: $317
  • Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $429
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $915


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)