Frankfurt
Skyscrapers, old Frankfurt traditions and unexpected green spaces on the Main
LOCATION
Hesse, Germany
POPULATION
About 780,000
CURRENCY
Euro (€)
RECOMMENDED STAY
2 nights
GETTING AROUND
U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus and walking
BEST TIME
March to June; December
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.
Frankfurt skyline from the Hauptwache shopping area
EXPLORE MORE
Plan Your Visit
For me, the best trips leave room for both the places you planned to see and the unexpected discoveries along the way. These guides bring together practical advice, local food, events and ideas for exploring beyond the main sights, based on what I have learned from my own travels.
PLAN YOUR TIME
Suggested Itineraries
Frankfurt works particularly well at a relaxed pace over two days, but additional time opens the door to museums, neighborhoods and nearby cities. These itineraries build cumulatively rather than trying to squeeze every attraction into a checklist.
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 skyline and Old Opera
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. If museums are not your priority, substitute a sightseeing cruise on the Main and enjoy the skyline from the water.
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
Frankfurt Beyond the Essentials
A third day lets you slow down, explore the city more selectively and give Frankfurt's museums, neighborhoods and international food scene additional attention.
Morning:
Revisit the Main riverfront at a relaxed pace and explore more of Sachsenhausen. If you want another museum, choose one along the Museumsufer according to your interests rather than simply visiting museums for the sake of filling the day.
Afternoon:
Return to the historic center for the Historisches Museum or Goethe House, then browse the Kleinmarkthalle if it is open. It closes earlier on Saturdays and remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. Use the afternoon for coffee and cake in the Neue Altstadt and revisit any central sights that felt rushed on Day One.
Evening:
Choose an international restaurant for dinner. The Bahnhofsviertel has a broad choice, and this is a good evening to explore a different side of Frankfurt’s food scene.
Kleinmarkthalle stalls and visitors
FOUR DAYS
Frankfurt & the Rhine-Main Region
With four days, keep three days for Frankfurt and use the fourth for one of the excellent nearby destinations connected directly by regional or intercity trains.
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.
