Things to Do in Frankfurt: Best Attractions, Activities & Places to Visit

When I first thought about Frankfurt, I mostly pictured skyscrapers, banks, and a busy airport. But once I spent some time there, I realized the city has a very different side. The old town, beautiful squares, museums, the Main River, and traditional restaurants all give you plenty of things to do in Frankfurt, even if you only have a couple of days.

I’ve been to Frankfurt myself, and what surprised me most was how easily you can go from the modern city center to the historic part of town. So, if you’re planning your first visit, here are the places and experiences I would recommend adding to your list.

🧳 Frankfurt Travel Facts

Planning a trip to Frankfurt? Here are the essential facts to know before you go:

• 📍 Location: Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany
• 🗣️ Language: German
• 💶 Currency: Euro (€)
• 🚆 Main Train Station: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
• ✈️ Main Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• 🚇 Getting Around: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses, and walking
• 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather; December for Christmas markets
• ⏱️ Recommended Stay: 2–3 days for the main sights; add extra time for day trips
• 🏛️ Top Attractions: Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, Main Tower, Museumsufer, and the Old Town
• 🍎 Local Specialty: Apfelwein (apple wine), often enjoyed with traditional Hessian dishes such as Frankfurter Rippchen (pork), Frankfurter Würstchen (sausages), Himmel und Erde (mashed potatoes)
• 💰 Travel Budget: Frankfurt is relatively expensive compared with many other German cities, particularly for accommodation
• 🎄 Famous Event: Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of Germany’s best-known Christmas markets

Why Visit Frankfurt?

🏙️ Frankfurt is a good choice if you want to see a different side of Germany. It has the energy of a big international city, but its center is compact enough to explore without spending hours getting from one place to another. You can start your morning among historic buildings in the Old Town, spend the afternoon in a museum, and finish the day with a walk along the Main River or a drink in Sachsenhausen.

🖼️ Another reason I enjoyed Frankfurt is the contrast. The city’s modern skyline is one of its most recognizable features, but just behind the skyscrapers you’ll find old squares, traditional restaurants, churches, and quieter streets. Frankfurt also has a strong food and cultural scene, so there is plenty to keep you busy beyond the main tourist sights.

🚆 And if you have more time, Frankfurt makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region. Cities such as Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Heidelberg are easy to reach, while the Rhine Valley offers beautiful scenery and charming towns for a day trip.

How to Get to Frankfurt

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Frankfurt is one of Germany’s best-connected cities, so getting there is usually quite straightforward. You can fly into Frankfurt Airport, arrive by train from other German or European cities, drive along the country’s extensive motorway network, or take a long-distance bus.

✈️ Getting to Frankfurt by Plane

The easiest option for international travelers is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of Germany’s main international airports.

• ✈️ Main airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
• 🏢 Main airline: Lufthansa
• 🌍 Other airlines: airBaltic, SWISS, Wizz Air, and many other European and international carriers
• 🔄 Flights: Depending on your departure city, you can choose between direct and connecting flights.

I usually use Aviasales when planning my trips because it lets me compare different airlines and flight combinations and sort the results to find a convenient option.

🚆 How to Get to Frankfurt from Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport is about 14 km from the city center and is connected to Frankfurt by B43, as well as the A3 and A5 motorways.

You have several options:

• 🚆 Train: The easiest choice for most visitors.
• 🚕 Taxi: Convenient if you have lots of luggage or are traveling with several people.
• 🚗 Rental car: A good option if Frankfurt is part of a wider road trip.
• 🚌 Bus: Useful for some local and regional connections.

Getting to Frankfurt by Train

The airport has two railway stations:

• 🚉 Regionalbahnhof: Located at Terminal 1, Area B, Level 0. This is where you catch the S8 and S9 S-Bahn trains to Frankfurt, as well as regional trains.
• 🚄 Fernbahnhof: The long-distance railway station, used by ICE and IC trains connecting the airport with cities throughout Germany and other European destinations.

For Frankfurt city center, take S8 or S9 from the Regionalbahnhof. You can check the current timetable and buy tickets through Deutsche Bahn.

Tip: If Frankfurt isn’t your final destination, check the trains from the Fernbahnhof first. You may be able to travel directly from the airport to another German city without going into Frankfurt.

Getting to Frankfurt by Taxi

A taxi is the most convenient option if you want to go directly to your accommodation.

• 📍 Taxis are available at the airport terminals.
• ⏱️ The journey to central Frankfurt usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• 💶 The price depends on your exact destination and traffic conditions, so check the current fare rather than relying on an old fixed price.

You can also arrange a transfer in advance through services such as Kiwitaxi or Intui.Travel.

Getting to Frankfurt by Car

Renting a car makes the most sense if you plan to explore Frankfurt and the surrounding region.

• 🛣️ Main roads: B43, A3, and A5
• 🚗 Rental options: Discover Cars, EconomyBookings, and rental companies at the airport
• 🏞️ Best for: Road trips and visiting places outside Frankfurt

Germany’s Autobahn network makes longer road journeys particularly convenient. I have traveled quite a lot by car in Germany and enjoy having the freedom to stop in smaller towns and explore places that are harder to reach by public transport.

Tip: Compare several rental options before booking. Prices can vary depending on your dates, car category, insurance, and pick-up location.

Read more about Car Rental in Frankfurt

Getting to Frankfurt by Bus

Long-distance buses can be one of the cheapest ways to reach Frankfurt, particularly from other German and European cities.

FlixBus operates numerous routes to Frankfurt, with its main long-distance bus terminal at Stuttgarter Straße 26, next to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. It’s about a five-minute walk from the main railway station.

• 💰 Best for: Budget travelers
• 📍 Main terminal: Stuttgarter Straße 26
• 🚆 Location: Next to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
• 🌍 Connections: German cities and destinations across Europe

💡 Tip: Compare the bus and train prices before booking. A bus can be considerably cheaper, but the journey may take longer.

Read more about Getting from Frankfurt Airport

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

Frankfurt is worth visiting throughout the year, but the experience can change quite a bit depending on the season — and the city’s busy business calendar is worth keeping in mind.

• 🌸 Spring (April–May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and generally comfortable conditions for walking around the city.
• ☀️ Summer (June–August): Warm and lively, with outdoor cafés, riverside walks, and events. Hotels can be more expensive during busy periods. I visited Frankfurt in summer and had a really pleasant experience. I found the temperatures comfortable for sightseeing, as summers in Frankfurt are usually not as hot as in some other European destinations.
• 🍂 Autumn (September–October): One of my favorite times to visit, with pleasant temperatures, colorful parks, and fewer leisure travelers.
• ❄️ Winter (November–March): Colder and quieter, except for the popular Christmas market season in late November and December.

🏢 Keep an Eye on Business Events

Frankfurt is a major business and trade-fair destination, so hotel prices and availability can change dramatically when large conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs take place.

If your trip is purely for sightseeing, I would check the Frankfurt trade fair and events calendar before booking. During major events, accommodation close to Messe Frankfurt can become particularly expensive, and the city center may also feel noticeably busier.

My pick: May, September, or early October offer a good balance of comfortable weather and sightseeing conditions. But don’t rule out summer — based on my own experience, Frankfurt can be very pleasant in the warmer months. For the Christmas atmosphere, choose late November or December. If you’re traveling on a budget, check the event calendar first and try to avoid major trade-fair dates.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has accommodation for almost every budget, from simple 3-star hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to upscale 4- and 5-star properties. For a short city break, I would personally prioritize location over having lots of extra facilities, as many of Frankfurt’s main sights are easy to reach by public transport or on foot.

Hotels are also much more common than holiday apartments here, which gives you plenty of choice. Keep in mind that prices can rise considerably during major trade fairs and business events.

🏢 4-Star Hotels Near the Business District

Capri by Fraser Frankfurt 4★ is a particularly convenient choice if you’re visiting for a trade fair or business trip. It is right next to Messe Frankfurt and offers studio and one-bedroom serviced apartments with kitchenettes. There is also a 24-hour gym, restaurant, bar, laundry, free Wi-Fi, and secure underground parking.

Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper 4★ is a good option if you want to combine business and sightseeing. It is about an 8-minute walk from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and within walking distance of the Main Tower, Römerberg, Alte Oper, and other central sights. The hotel also has a fitness center, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and underground parking.

Avani Frankfurt City Hotel 4★ — formerly known as NH Collection Frankfurt City — is located close to the city center and offers easy access to both the shopping district and business areas. It has 256 rooms, Wi-Fi, parking, a gym, and meeting facilities, making it suitable for both business and leisure stays.

🏛️ 3-Star Hotels Close to the Historic Center

Favored Hotel Scala 3★ is a central option near Zeil shopping street and the historic center. Konstablerwache station is nearby, making it easy to get around Frankfurt. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and breakfast.

🌿 3-Star Hotels Near the Business District

NH Frankfurt Villa 3★ is located in the quiet Westend area, with public transport connections to the city center and railway station. It can be a good choice if you prefer a calmer neighborhood while still staying close to Frankfurt’s business district.

Hotel Villa Florentina 3★ is another charming option in Westend. This family-run hotel is about 500 m from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and Messe Frankfurt and 1.3 km from the city center. I particularly like its small garden, which offers a pleasant escape from the surrounding business district.

My tip: If you’re visiting Frankfurt mainly for sightseeing, look for accommodation around Altstadt, Innenstadt, or Sachsenhausen. For business trips and trade fairs, staying around Messe, Westend, or the banking district can save you a lot of travel time. Bahnhofsviertel, around the main railway station, can feel less comfortable than other central neighborhoods, particularly at night.

Find out more ideas Where to Stay in Frankfurt (with detailed neighborhood guide)

Best Things to Do in Frankfurt

Many of the main things to do in Frankfurt are concentrated around the Old Town and city center, so you can see quite a lot on foot. At the same time, there are plenty of museums, viewpoints, parks, and local neighborhoods to explore when you have more time.

I’d start with the historic center and Römerberg, then make your way toward the Main River and some of Frankfurt’s museums.

Explore Frankfurt’s Old Town

Although much of the historic center was destroyed during World War II, many buildings were carefully reconstructed, including the picturesque streets and houses around Römerberg. The area is compact, so you can easily combine several sights in one walk.

• 🏘️ Hühnermarkt: A charming square in the reconstructed New Old Town.
• 🏛️ Römerberg: Frankfurt’s main historic square and one of the city’s most recognizable spots.
• ⛪ Frankfurt Cathedral: One of the most important historic buildings in the city.
• 🛍️ Neue Kräme: A pedestrian street connecting the Old Town with the city center.
• 🌉 Eiserner Steg: A short walk away, offering lovely views of the Main and Frankfurt skyline.

Visit Römerberg Square

Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt and one of the first places I would recommend visiting. The square is surrounded by beautifully reconstructed half-timbered houses and the famous Römer, Frankfurt’s historic city hall.

• 🏘️ Ostzeile: A row of colorful reconstructed medieval-style houses.
• 🏛️ Römer: Frankfurt’s historic town hall and one of its best-known landmarks.
• ⛪ Nicholas Church: A small historic church overlooking the square.
• 🎄 Christmas Market: Römerberg becomes one of the main settings for Frankfurt’s famous Christmas market in December.

Cross the Eiserner Steg

The Eiserner Steg is one of Frankfurt’s most recognizable bridges and an easy stop while exploring the Old Town. The pedestrian bridge crosses the Main River and connects the city center with Sachsenhausen on the southern bank.

From the bridge, you get a great look at Frankfurt’s skyline, the Main River, and the historic buildings around the city center.

• 🌉 Best for: City views and photos
• 📍 Location: Between the Old Town and Sachsenhausen
• 🚶 Access: Pedestrian-only bridge
• 🌆 Best time: Around sunset or in the evening, when the skyline starts to light up

Admire the Skyline from Main Tower

For the best panoramic view of Frankfurt, head up to the Main Tower, one of the city’s most recognizable skyscrapers. The observation deck is about 200 meters above the ground, giving you a fantastic view over the city, the Main River, and, on a clear day, the surrounding region.

What I particularly like about this viewpoint is the contrast you can see from above: Frankfurt’s historic center looks surprisingly small next to the modern banking district.

• 🏙️ Height: 200 m
• 👀 View: Frankfurt skyline, Old Town, Main River, and surrounding area
• 📸 Best for: Panoramic photos
• 🌅 Best time: Late afternoon or around sunset
• 🎟️ Admission: €9 for adults; reduced tickets are €6.
• 🕐 Opening hours: In summer, 10:00–21:00 Sun–Thu and 10:00–23:00 Fri–Sat; winter hours are shorter.

Relax in Palmengarten

If you need a break from Frankfurt’s busy center, Palmengarten is one of the nicest places to slow down. This large botanical garden in the Westend covers around 22 hectares and is home to plants from different parts of the world, greenhouses, ponds, and quiet paths.

• 🌴 What to see: Tropical and subtropical plants, greenhouses, seasonal gardens, and ponds
• 🌺 Best for: A relaxing walk, photography, and families
• 🎟️ Admission: €9 for adults and free for children under 17
• 🕐 Opening hours: 9:00–19:00 from March to October; 9:00–16:00 from November to February
• 🚇 Getting there: U4, U6, U7; buses 32, 36, 50, 75; tram 16
• 💡 Allow around 1.5–2 hours for a visit and check the garden’s official website for seasonal events and current visitor information.

Explore Kleinmarkthalle

If you want to see a more everyday side of Frankfurt, spend some time at Kleinmarkthalle, the city’s famous indoor market. It’s a great place to browse local produce, cheeses, meats, spices, baked goods, and international specialties — and, of course, pick up something to eat.

• 🧀 What to find: Fresh produce, cheese, meat, fish, wine, spices, baked goods, and ready-to-eat food
• 🍴 Best for: Lunch, snacks, local products, and a quick taste of Frankfurt
• 📍 Location: Hasengasse, in the city center
• 🕐 Opening hours: Generally Monday–Saturday; individual stalls may have different hours
• 🚫 Sunday: Closed
• 📍 My tip: Come around lunchtime when the market is at its liveliest. If you want to try something local, look for Frankfurter Grüne Soße or other Hessian specialties.

Walk Around Hauptwache and Zeil

Hauptwache and Zeil are right in the center of Frankfurt and are easy to combine with a walk around the Old Town. Hauptwache is a historic square dominated by the former guardhouse, while Zeil is Frankfurt’s main shopping street.

• 🏛️ Hauptwache: See the historic 18th-century guardhouse, now home to a café.
• 🛍️ Zeil: Frankfurt’s main shopping street, with department stores, international brands, and cafés.
• 🚇 Getting there: S-Bahn: Lines S1–S6, S8 and S9 stop at Frankfurt Hauptwache. U-Bahn: Lines U1, U2, U3, U6, U7 and U8 serve the station.

Visit Sachsenhausen

Located just south of the Main River, Sachsenhausen is one of Frankfurt’s most atmospheric neighborhoods and a great place to experience the city beyond its main sights. It is particularly known for its traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns, cozy restaurants, and lively streets.

You will enjoy walking around Sachsenhausen after crossing the Eiserner Steg. The atmosphere feels quite different from the modern city center, and it’s a good place to slow down, have dinner, and try some local specialties.

• 🍎 Try Apfelwein: Visit a traditional apple-wine tavern and order a glass with local food.
• 🍽️ Taste Hessian dishes: Look for Frankfurter Grüne Soße, Handkäse mit Musik, or Frankfurter Rippchen.
• 🍴 Where to eat: For a traditional Sachsenhausen experience, try Adolf Wagner, Apfelweinwirtschaft Atschel, or Apfelwein Dax. These are good places to order a glass of local Apfelwein alongside classic Hessian dishes.
• 🚶 Walk Schweizer Straße: One of the neighborhood’s best-known streets, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops.
• 🌉 Combine it with the Eiserner Steg: Cross the bridge from the Old Town and continue exploring on foot.

Top Museums in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has an impressive selection of museums, and you can easily spend a rainy afternoon exploring them. Here are a few worth adding to your list, with practical details to help you plan.

Städel Museum

The Städel Museum is my first choice for art lovers, with a collection covering around 700 years of European art, from old masters to contemporary works.

• 🎟️ Admission: €19; children under 12 are free
• 🕐 Opening hours: Tue–Wed & Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00; Thu 10:00–21:00; Mon closed
• 📍 Location: Schaumainkai 63
• 🚇 Getting there: U1, U2, U3, U8 to Schweizer Platz or trams 15/16 to Otto-Hahn-Platz
• 💡 Tip: Tuesday afternoon admission is €10 from 15:00–18:00.

Senckenberg Natural History Museum

If you’re traveling with children or simply like dinosaurs and natural history, Senckenberg Natural History Museum is a particularly good choice. Its dinosaur exhibits are a major highlight.

• 🎟️ Admission: €12 for adults; €6 for children aged 6–17
• 🕐 Opening hours: Mon–Tue & Thu–Fri 09:00–17:00; Wed until 20:00; weekends 09:00–18:00
• 📍 Location: Senckenberganlage 25
• 💡 Tip: Buy tickets online if you want to avoid waiting.

Goethe House

Goethe House is the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and gives you a glimpse into 18th-century Frankfurt. The adjoining German Romantic Museum can be visited with a combined ticket.

• 🎟️ Admission: €12 for the Goethe House and German Romantic Museum combined
• 🕐 Opening hours: 10:00–18:00 most days; Thursday until 21:00
• 📍 Location: Großer Hirschgraben 21
• 🚇 Getting there: Hauptwache is the nearest major S-Bahn/U-Bahn station
• 💡 Tip: Tickets are sold at the museum; online booking is not available.

Museum of Communication

The Museum of Communication is a good option if you want something different from traditional art museums. Its exhibitions cover the history and development of communication, with plenty of interactive elements.

• 🎟️ Admission: €9 for adults; €3 for children aged 6–17
• 🕐 Opening hours: Tue & Thu 09:00–17:00; Wed 10:00–20:00; Fri–Sun 10:00–18:00; Mon closed
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Good for: Families and children
• 💡 Tip: Wednesday is the best day if you prefer a later museum visit.

How to Get Around Frankfurt

Getting around Frankfurt is fairly easy, and for a sightseeing trip you probably won’t need a car. I found that combining walking with public transport works best: walk between the sights in the center and use the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, or bus when you need to go farther.

Public Transportation

Frankfurt has an extensive public transport network operated by RMV, including U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses.

• 🚆 S-Bahn: Best for longer journeys around Frankfurt and the region, including the airport.
• 🚇 U-Bahn: Useful for getting around the city and reaching neighborhoods outside the historic center.
• 🚋 Trams: Particularly convenient for shorter journeys across the city.
• 🚌 Buses: Useful where there isn’t a direct train or tram connection.
• 🎫 Tickets: You can buy tickets from station machines, through the RMV app, or other official sales points. Current RMV information lists a Frankfurt city single ticket at €3.80, while a short-trip ticket is €2.35; the airport-city fare is €6.90.
• ✈️ Airport: S8 and S9 connect Frankfurt Airport with the city.

For occasional journeys, single tickets are fine. If you expect to use public transport several times in one day, compare the available day tickets — they can work out cheaper. The main day-ticket options are the RMV Day Ticket (Tageskarte) for one person and the Group Day Ticket (Gruppentageskarte) for up to five people. There is also a Frankfurt Card, which combines public transport with discounts at various attractions. Please, note, the Frankfurt Card has different versions; some include public transport, while the basic card focuses on attraction and tour discounts.

Walking Around the City

For me, walking is the best way to explore central Frankfurt. Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, Hauptwache, Zeil, Kleinmarkthalle, and the Main River are all within a relatively small area.

• 👟 Old Town → Römerberg: Easy walk
• 🛍️ Römerberg → Hauptwache/Zeil: Around 10 minutes
• 🌉 Old Town → Eiserner Steg: Only a few minutes
• 🍎 Eiserner Steg → Sachsenhausen: Cross the bridge and continue on foot

You can comfortably cover most of the historic center in a day without using public transport at all.

Best Day Trips From Frankfurt

One of the advantages of staying in Frankfurt is its location. Several interesting cities and scenic areas can be reached easily by train, making them perfect for a day away from the city.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is probably my first choice for a day trip from Frankfurt. The city is famous for its romantic Old Town, castle, Old Bridge, and beautiful setting along the Neckar River. The fastest direct trains from Frankfurt can take around 45 minutes, so you can comfortably visit for the day. Start at Heidelberg Castle, then walk down through the Old Town and across the Old Bridge.

Find out more about Things to Do in Heidelberg

Mainz

Just a short journey from Frankfurt, Mainz is a great choice if you enjoy historic streets, wine, and riverside walks. Don’t miss Mainz Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Rhine promenade. Mainz is easily reached by regional trains from Frankfurt, making it one of the simplest day trips without a car.

Find out more about Things to Do in Mainz

Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden is a good option if you’d prefer elegant architecture, parks, and thermal baths rather than another busy sightseeing city. It is one of Europe’s historic spa towns and sits on the edge of the Rheingau wine region. Direct trains from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof can take around 30–45 minutes, depending on the service.

Find out more about Things to Do in Wiesbaden

The Rhine Valley

For scenery rather than city sightseeing, head towards the Rhine Valley. The Rheingau region is particularly convenient from Frankfurt, with vineyards, small wine towns, castles, and river views. Rüdesheim am Rhein and Eltville are two good places to start.

If the weather is good, I would choose the Rhine Valley over another city. A combination of a riverside walk, a winery or wine tavern, and a boat trip makes for a much more relaxed day.

Find out more about Things to Do in Rhine Valley

🚆 My Experience: Exploring Baden-Württemberg

If you have a few extra days, don’t limit yourself to destinations immediately around Frankfurt. I personally traveled from Frankfurt through Baden-Württemberg and really enjoyed the variety of places along the way. I visited Baden-Baden, including its famous spa, explored Karlsruhe and its impressive architecture, and stopped in Rastatt, where the spectacular palaces were a highlight.

You don’t necessarily need a car for this trip either. The train connections are convenient, so you can comfortably explore this part of southwestern Germany by public transport. If you have the time, I think it’s a great addition to a Frankfurt itinerary.

Find out more ideas for Day Trips from Frankfurt

How Many Days Do You Need in Frankfurt?

For a first visit, I’d set aside 2–3 days in Frankfurt. You can see the main sights in one day, but having another day or two means you don’t have to rush between museums and landmarks. Here is how I would plan the time.

Frankfurt in One Day

If you only have one day, focus on the historic center and the Main River.

Morning

• 🏘️ Start at Römerberg and explore Frankfurt’s Old Town.
• ⛪ Visit Frankfurt Cathedral.
• 🛍️ Walk towards Hauptwache and Zeil.
• 🥨 Stop for lunch at Kleinmarkthalle or a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon

• 🌉 Cross the Eiserner Steg.
• 🍎 Explore Sachsenhausen.
• ☕ Stop for coffee or try a glass of Apfelwein.

Evening

• 🏙️ Head to Main Tower for the skyline, ideally around sunset.
• 🍽️ Have dinner in Sachsenhausen or the city center.

Frankfurt in Two Days

With two days, you can take your time and add one or two museums.

Day 1 — Historic Frankfurt

• Römerberg and the Old Town
• Frankfurt Cathedral
• Hauptwache and Zeil
• Kleinmarkthalle
• Eiserner Steg
• Sachsenhausen
• Main Tower at sunset

Day 2 — Museums & the Main River

• 🖼️ Visit the Städel Museum.
• 🚶 Walk along the Main River and explore Museumsufer.
• 🌿 Relax in Palmengarten.
• 🍽️ Have dinner in one of Frankfurt’s traditional neighborhoods.

Frankfurt in Three Days

Three days gives you a much more relaxed experience and lets you see some of Frankfurt beyond the main tourist route.

Day 1 — Old Town & Skyline

• Römerberg
• New Old Town
• Frankfurt Cathedral
• Hauptwache and Zeil
• Kleinmarkthalle
• Main Tower

Day 2 — Museums & Sachsenhausen

• 🖼️ Städel Museum or Senckenberg Natural History Museum
• 🌊 Walk along the Main River
• 🌉 Cross the Eiserner Steg
• 🍎 Explore Sachsenhausen
• 🍽️ Traditional Apfelwein dinner

Day 3 — A Slower Side of Frankfurt

• 🌴 Spend the morning at Palmengarten.
• 🏘️ Explore Westend or another Frankfurt neighborhood.
• ☕ Have a relaxed lunch or coffee break.
• 🛍️ Return to the city center for shopping around Zeil.
• 🌆 Finish your trip with an evening walk along the Main.

FAQ About Things to Do in Frankfurt

Is Frankfurt worth visiting?

Yes. Frankfurt is worth a visit if you enjoy a mix of historic sights, modern architecture, museums, good food, and lively neighborhoods. The city is also compact and well connected, so you can see quite a lot in a short trip.

What is Frankfurt best known for?

Frankfurt is best known for its financial district and impressive skyline, but that’s only part of the story. The city is also famous for its historic Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, museums, Apfelwein, and its location on the Main River.

What should you not miss in Frankfurt?

For a first visit, I would put Römerberg, the Old Town, Frankfurt Cathedral, Eiserner Steg, Main Tower, and Sachsenhausen at the top of the list. If you have another day, add one of the city’s museums and Palmengarten.

Is Frankfurt expensive?

Frankfurt can be relatively expensive, particularly for accommodation during major trade fairs and business events. Food and public transport don’t have to break the budget, though, and you can save money by choosing moderately priced restaurants and using the RMV Day Ticket (Tageskarte) when you plan several journeys.

Is Frankfurt a walkable city?

Yes. The historic center is compact, and many of the main things to do in Frankfurt can be reached on foot. Römerberg, the Cathedral, Kleinmarkthalle, Hauptwache, Zeil, and the Eiserner Steg can easily be combined into one walking route.

What is the best area to stay in Frankfurt?

For a first visit, I would choose Altstadt or Innenstadt because they put you close to many of the main sights. Sachsenhausen is a good choice for restaurants and nightlife, while Westend is quieter and convenient for the business district. If possible, check the exact location before booking in Bahnhofsviertel, particularly if you are looking for a quiet place to stay.

Final Thoughts

Frankfurt turned out to be a more interesting city for me than I expected before visiting. I came expecting a modern financial center, but what stayed with me was the contrast between the skyscrapers and the historic Old Town, the Main River, traditional Apfelwein taverns, and quieter green spaces.

If you’re planning a trip, I hope this guide to the things to do in Frankfurt helps you see that you don’t need a long stay to get a good feel for the city. I found two or three days to be enough for the main sights, while having a little extra time gives you the chance to explore some of the museums, neighborhoods, and nearby destinations without rushing.

For me, Frankfurt is particularly worth considering as part of a longer trip around Germany. I enjoyed using it as a base for exploring other places, including Baden-Württemberg. The convenient train connections and excellent autobahns (highways) made it easy to continue the journey.

Photo above the article: Erik Cooper