Germany · Hesse
Frankfurt
Skyscrapers, old Frankfurt traditions and unexpected green spaces on the Main
Quick Facts
The essentials
LOCATION
Hesse, Germany
POPULATION
About 780,000
CURRENCY
Euro (€)
Plan your time
RECOMMENDED STAY
2 nights
GETTING AROUND
U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus and walking
BEST TIME
March to June; December
What draws you
KNOWN FOR
Skyline, finance, Apfelwein and the Römer
DON'T MISS
Palmengarten and the historic center around Römerberg
INTRODUCTION
Why Visit
Frankfurt and I have a somewhat complicated relationship. I first visited when I was about 18, traveling by train from Bavaria with my sister to see friends. Coming from Munich, we were genuinely surprised by the area around the Hauptbahnhof, which at the time felt rougher and more chaotic than anything we were accustomed to.
Since then, I have probably returned around 15 times for work, flights and occasional short city stays. Over time, I have come to appreciate Frankfurt much more for what it does well. This is a city of contrasts rather than postcard perfection. Medieval-looking buildings around the Römer and reconstructed old-town streets sit surprisingly close to glass skyscrapers, major banks and contemporary shopping centers. Frankfurt's nickname "Mainhattan" may be slightly tongue-in-cheek, but nowhere else in Germany has quite the same skyline.
My favorite place is the Palmengarten, an exceptionally beautiful botanical garden that alone gives me a reason to spend a few hours in the city. I also enjoy walking along the Main, visiting the Kleinmarkthalle, wandering around the Römer and Zeil, and seeing how dramatically Frankfurt changes during its excellent Christmas markets.
Frankfurt is also remarkably practical. Its airport is one of Europe's major gateways, while the Hauptbahnhof connects directly with cities throughout Germany and neighboring countries. Mainz, Wiesbaden and Heidelberg are easy excursions, and the Rhine is close enough for river journeys toward the Middle Rhine Valley.
I would not choose Frankfurt over Munich, Berlin or Hamburg for a first trip to Germany, but that is not really the point. Give it two nights rather than treating it only as an airport or train connection and you may discover a surprisingly international city with good food, serious culture, friendly people and several genuinely beautiful corners.
Paid Link Browse Frankfurt activities and tours.
Frankfurt skyscrapers above a plaza with fountains and benches.
EXPLORE MORE
Plan Your Visit
Trips & Journeys
Frankfurt's central location and exceptional rail connections make it one of Germany's best bases for exploring beyond the city. I have personally made several of these journeys, including Mainz, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg and trips along the Rhine.
Paid Link Browse day trips from Frankfurt.
PLAN YOUR TIME
Suggested Itineraries
I would give Frankfurt two nights and use the first two days for its strongest contrasts: the historic center, Main riverfront, Palmengarten and one cultural visit. The museum day and regional excursion below are optional extensions. Choose either if you have a third day; you do not need three city days before heading into the Rhine-Main region.
ONE DAY
Historic Frankfurt
See Frankfurt's essential contrasts in one day, moving from its modern center through the reconstructed Altstadt before finishing with skyline views from the Main.
Morning:
Start at the Hauptwache and walk along the Zeil, looking inside MyZeil for its extraordinary glass architecture. Continue to the Kleinmarkthalle for coffee or an early lunch before walking toward the Kaiserdom. The Kleinmarkthalle is closed on Sundays and public holidays; on those days, choose a café for your break.
Afternoon:
Explore the Neue Altstadt between the cathedral and Römerberg. See the Römer and Paulskirche, then continue toward the Main. Cross one of the central bridges for views back toward the historic center and Frankfurt skyline.
Evening:
Walk along the south bank toward Sachsenhausen, then stop for dinner in an Apfelwein tavern. Try Grüne Soße or another local specialty and leave time for the skyline after dark.
Frankfurt’s Römer and surrounding buildings across the cobbled Römerberg square.
TWO DAYS
Add Frankfurt's Green Side
After exploring the historic center on Day One, spend your second day discovering the Palmengarten, Westend and Frankfurt's cultural side along the Main.
Morning:
Make the Palmengarten the centerpiece of the morning. I would allow plenty of time here rather than rushing through; the landscaped gardens and greenhouses are my favorite Frankfurt experience. Afterwards, walk through some of the attractive residential streets of Westend.
Afternoon:
Head toward the Main and choose a museum along the Museumsufer, with the Städel being the obvious option for art. The Städel normally closes on Mondays and opens late on Thursdays. If museums are not your priority, choose a sightseeing cruise when one is operating, or a walk along the Main for skyline views.
Evening:
Check whether Oper Frankfurt or the Alte Oper has a performance. They are separate venues: Oper Frankfurt stages opera, while the Alte Oper hosts concerts and other events. Confirm the address on your ticket.
Palmengarten conservatory and gardens
THREE DAYS
Optional Extra Day: Frankfurt’s History and Culture
Choose this extension if you want more museum time. Focus on how the city developed or on its literary history, rather than repeating the first day’s sightseeing route.
Morning
Give the Historisches Museum a substantial morning for Frankfurt’s growth, destruction and rebuilding. If literature interests you more, choose Goethe House instead. I have not personally visited Goethe House; it is a researched option for readers interested in Goethe and German literature. Check the chosen museum’s opening day.
Afternoon
Have lunch and browse the Kleinmarkthalle if it is open. It closes earlier on Saturdays and remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. If you skipped the Städel on Day Two, use the afternoon for its art collection; otherwise leave time for coffee and cake in the Neue Altstadt instead of adding another museum.
Evening
Choose an international restaurant for dinner. The Bahnhofsviertel has a broad choice and adds another side of Frankfurt’s food scene.
Kleinmarkthalle stalls and visitors
FOUR DAYS
Optional Regional Day: Rhine-Main Cities
After the two core city days, choose a nearby destination if you want a change of scene. This can be your third day instead of the extra museum day, or a fourth day if you have time for both.
Morning:
Take the train to Mainz or Wiesbaden for the easiest excursion. Mainz combines an attractive old center with its Gutenberg heritage, while Wiesbaden offers elegant architecture and a long spa tradition. Both are close enough that the day remains relaxed.
Afternoon:
Continue exploring your chosen city rather than attempting to combine several destinations. Alternatively, make Heidelberg the full-day excursion if you want a more substantial trip, or plan a Rhine journey if river scenery is your priority.
Evening:
Return to Frankfurt for a final dinner, allowing time for your train connection before making a restaurant reservation.
Rhine Valley vineyards and riverside town
My Tips for Your Visit
Frankfurt is not a city I immediately fell in love with, and I think that actually makes my appreciation of it more meaningful. After many visits, I have learned not to judge it by the streets around the Hauptbahnhof or its office towers alone.
