Are you in Frankfurt for one day and have no idea what to do?
Frankfurt is the fifth-largest city of Germany, and one of the world’s leading financial centers. Its popularity with travelers owes not so much to its history, as it does to the fact that a lot of international flights route through Frankfurt Airport. Many foreign visitors stop here either for business meetings or at a layover on a connecting flight.
Despite its reputation as a destination for business travelers only, Frankfurt has a lot to offer tourists who are interested in architecture, art, and culture. If you find yourself with only one day to spend in Frankfurt, here are some of the top things you can do to maximize your time in the city.
IS ONE DAY ENOUGH FOR FRANKFURT?
Many first-time visitors to Frankfurt are surprised by how much there is to see and do in the city. That said, it is possible to pack at least the highlights in a day. Most of the attractions are located in the city center, so one day is the perfect amount of time for a quick visit.
If you have more than one day in Frankfurt, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to keep you busy even then (look out for some ideas at the end of this article).
ONE DAY IN FRANKFURT: THINGS TO DO
Take in the View from Eiserner Steg
Eiserner Steg is a hundred-year-old wrought iron footbridge, and it spans River Main in the city center.
The river divides Frankfurt into north and south zones. The Old Town or Altstadt is north of the river. This is where you’ll be spending the majority of your time in Frankfurt for one day.
The bridge offers a zoomed-out view of the city and allows you to witness the transition from the old to the new. There are low-rises boasting of quintessential German architecture and modern skyscrapers, as you move your gaze from left to right. Such a phenomenal way to see Frankfurt’s skyline.
As in any European city, there are lots of love locks fastened to different brackets of the Iron Bridge, and the glint and color of the locks add to the beauty of the river flowing below.
Winds are fervent and the bridge is always bustling with passersby. Some 10,000 people walk across the Eisener Steg every day!
The road off the river, to the north, is lined with restaurants where you can eat lunch or grab a coffee and enjoy the view.
Spend Time in Römerberg
As you walk further up from the River Main, you’ll find yourself in this picturesque square. The Römerberg Square houses the city administration buildings, and is a site for many markets and fairs.
A distinctive landmark here is the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (the Fountain of Justice), and you cannot miss the Römer which is the City Hall (Rathaus) building.
You will also find a row of six beautiful half-timbered houses stacked together, collectively called the Ostzeile. All these buildings have strategic significance and house public offices.
The Römerberg Square is such a beautiful contrast to the otherwise contemporary look of the city with skyscrapers, tall facades with glass walls, and office buildings. The Christmas market is also organized here, and it’s one of the most happening places to be at in December.
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Visit the Frankfurt Cathedral
Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus) is one of the oldest buildings in Frankfurt. It is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, the city’s patron saint.
The Cathedral was consecrated in 1462 and is one of Germany’s most significant Gothic buildings.
The art treasures here include the painting of Lamentation of Christ by Antonius van Dyck, Mary’s Sleep Altar, and the tombs of Frankfurt’s important clergy.
The cathedral suffered severe damage during the WW2 bombings but has been restored to its former glory.
Located in Domplatz, Frankfurt Cathedral is a must-do if you’re spending one day in Frankfurt. You can take the stairs up the south tower for panoramic views of the city.
Stop at St. Paul’s Church
Another important church in Frankfurt is the Paulskirche or St. Paul’s Church, which was the seat of the first freely elected German parliament in 1848.
The exterior of St. Paul’s is rather simple, but the interiors are very beautiful and elegant with bright lights and an airy feel.
Presently, Paulskirche is used as a public assembly hall. It is also used as a venue for various exhibitions and events, and has a small but interesting (and free!) museum dedicated to the first German republic.
Head to Financial District & Frankfurt Stock Exchange
The financial district of Frankfurt is one of the biggest landmarks in Europe.
It houses some of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, and is home to the European Central Bank (ECB), Deutsche Bundesbank, and numerous other banking institutions.
The skyline here is what gives Frankfurt its name Mainhatten – or the Manhattan of Europe, as we know it!
In the heart of this district, you will also find the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
There is not much to do here except marvel at the scale and scope of one of Europe’s most important financial sectors.
The most iconic building in this area is the Commerzbank Tower. At a height of 259m, it is the tallest building in Germany, and one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe.
Have Lunch at Kleinmarkthalle
One of Frankfurt’s most beloved landmarks, Kleinmarkthalle is a covered market hall with over 180 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to flowers and wines. Long rows of vegetables, bread, cheeses, and jams are on display. There are also international food sections.
The Kleinmarkthalle has been around since the 1920s, and is one of the best places to sample some local delicacies. In addition to all the food stalls, there are also several restaurants inside the market hall.
In a cosmopolitan city like Frankfurt, the Kleinmarkthalle is a great place to experience the local flavors, smells and sights. This way, you can also squeeze something a bit more traditional into your one-day Frankfurt itinerary.
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Visit One of Frankfurt’s Museums
Frankfurt has some great museums that are well worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in art and history.
While one day isn’t enough to see them all, here are a few museums that are located within the city center and are easy to get to. Try visiting at least one of these, if not more, if you are in Frankfurt for a day.
Städel Museum
Officially called the Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie, the Städel is one of Frankfurt’s most important museums.
It has a collection of over 3000 paintings and sculptures, spanning the period from the 14th century to the present day. Besides, there are thousands of original photographs, prints, and drawings.
One of the highlights of the Städel is the collection of German Expressionist paintings, which includes works by Ernst Kirchner, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.
It’s no surprise that the Städel is ranked among the top 100 most-visited art museums in the world.
The museum also regularly organizes special exhibitions of work by well-known artists.
Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, a visit to the Städel is worth it for the beautiful building and gardens alone.
The museum is located in the city center, near the Main river.
Goethe House and Museum
The Goethe House and Museum is a huge tourist attraction in Frankfurt. It is the birthplace and childhood home of a famous German writer you might already know of – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The museum has three floors with different exhibits. The first floor is dedicated to Goethe’s life and work, the second floor focuses on 18th-century Frankfurt, and the third floor is an interactive exhibit about Goethe’s Faust.
You can also visit Goethe’s study, which has been preserved just as it was when he used it.
The museum is located in the city center, not far from Römerberg.
Historisches Museum Frankfurt
Founded in 1878, the Historisches Museum tells the story of Frankfurt from its beginnings to the present day. The museum is located in a grand Renaissance building just off Römerberg.
The exhibits include a large model of the city, as well as paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts that provide insights into Frankfurt’s history. Several subjects are covered, right from the city’s early days as a small settlement, to its role in the holy Roman Empire, to its importance as a financial center.
Some of the special exhibitions also take you through how fashion has changed over the centuries, or the evolution of the German lifestyle through the years.
Climb Main Tower
For the best views of Frankfurt, head up to the Main Tower, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The tower is 200 meters tall and has an observation deck on the 56th floor.
If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see for up to 50 kilometers in all directions. On a hazy day, the views are still pretty impressive.
The building’s design consists of two towers, one cuboid-shaped and the other circular, connected by a bridge. A 40 meters high spire tops off the structure.
In addition to the observation deck, there is also a restaurant and lounge on the 53rd floor, as well as a small art exhibition in the foyer.
Entry tickets to the Main Tower can be purchased onsite or from their website.
Have a Drink in Sachsenhausen
The Sachsenhausen district is located on the south bank of the Main river, across from the city center. It’s a quaint, traditionally working-class area with a lot of character.
These days, Sachsenhausen is one of the trendiest areas in Frankfurt, with a lively nightlife scene. It’s the perfect place to go for a drink or two after a day of sightseeing.
There are plenty of bars and pubs to choose from, but one of the most popular is Apfelwein Fichtekränzi. Opening only during evening hours, this cozy little place serves Frankfurt’s traditional drink, Apfelwein (apple wine). Made from apples grown in the surrounding area, Apfelwein is a tart-like and slightly sweet alcoholic beverage.
If you’re not a fan of apple wine, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options on the menu, including beer, wine, and spirits.
That said, there are many other restaurants whipping up delicious Frankfurt food and wine to choose from in the area. You must also try the Grüne Soße (green sauce), a local specialty made with herbs, yogurt, and oil.
To get to Sachsenhausen from the city center, you can take the U-Bahn (subway) or one of the many trams that criss-cross the city.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN FRANKFURT
Have longer than a day in Frankfurt? Once you’ve exhausted the above list, and are looking to do more in your Frankfurt visit, here are some ideas to keep you busy.
Visit Hauptwache
Hauptwache is a central hub and a bustling plaza in Frankfurt. It also has one of the busiest train stations in the city, and is the easiest way to get right into the heart of the city from anywhere.
Enclosed by tall structures with intricate Baroque work, Hauptwache gets its name from an iconic and distinct building located within the plaza. This operated as a prison in the late medieval period, and a police station later. Thereafter it was converted to a café, and runs as one to this day.
There are plenty of eating options here, including standalone places and international food chains.
On its East, the square is connected to Zeil, the High Street of Frankfurt.
Shop at Zeil Frankfurt
For those who love to shop, Frankfurt’s Zeil is a one-stop destination. This pedestrian-only street has everything from high-end boutiques to department stores and chain retailers.
Zeil is also home to an array of premium and luxury brands. There is a shopping mall called MyZeil, with many choices, and if you’re lucky you might grab some great deals too.
If you’re looking for a break from all the shopping, take a walk down one of the side streets leading off Zeil. Many of these are lined with quaint shops and cafes, and are great to wander through.
Take a Main River Cruise
Frankfurt is a city located on the Main River, and one of the best ways to see it is from the river itself. There are many different boat companies offering cruises, lasting anywhere from one hour to a full day.
Most of the boats have open decks from which you can take in the sights and snap some great photos. If it’s a sunny day, be sure to grab a spot on the deck and enjoy the ride.
In addition to the standard cruises, there are also themed cruises available. You can take a cruise with a live jazz band on board, or one that includes a traditional German meal. For example, we did this cruise tour that also included commentary to walk us through Frankfurt’s history and character.
Whatever kind of cruise you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the experience of taking in Frankfurt from the water.
Visit Frankfurt Palmengarten
The Palmengarten is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
With over 22,000 plants from all around the world, it’s easy to spend a couple hours wandering through the gardens.
There is so much to do, which makes Palmengarten an excellent destination especially if you’re visiting Frankfurt with kids.
One of the main attractions is the butterfly house, which is home to hundreds of different species of butterflies. There is also a greenhouse with tropical plants, as well as an outdoor café where you can relax with a drink or bite to eat.
The Palmengarten is located in the Westend-Süd district of Frankfurt, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Have German Beer
When in Germany, drink beer!
If you’re traveling from outside of Europe, I can’t not recommend trying the bazillion kinds of beer available everywhere – from cafes and supermarkets to fuel stations. Get your fill and try a Pretzel, or perhaps some Spätzle, Schnitzel or Sauerkraut to go with it!
Frankfurt Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
One of the best ways to see Frankfurt from a unique vantage view is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This allows you to jump on and off at different sights and attractions, and explore at your own pace.
The buses run frequently and have an onboard audio guide that provides commentary about the city. It’s a great way to get oriented if you’re visiting Frankfurt for the first time.
Most of the top attractions of the city are covered by the tour, including the Old Town and Sachsenhausen.
If you want to explore Frankfurt but or don’t want to bother with the planning and execution, a hop-on hop-off bus tour can be a really good alternative to figuring out an itinerary yourself.
HOW TO GET TO FRANKFURT
The best way to get to Frankfurt is by flying into the city’s main airport, Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
There is also the smaller Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN). HHN Airport is 120 km from Frankfurt and serves budget airlines like Ryanair.
Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest in Europe and has many different airlines that fly into it. It’s located around 12 kilometers outside of the city center.
To get to the city from the airport, you can take a taxi (~40 euros) or the S-Bahn train called “Flixtrain” (lines S8 and S9). There is also an airport shuttle (waiting time 20 minutes and ticket price ~5 euros) to take you from the airport to the city center.
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If you are arriving in Frankfurt by train, the main train station is Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. It’s one of the largest train stations in Europe and one of the busiest, with over 350,000 passengers passing through every day.
Hauptbahnhof is located in the city center, so it’s very convenient to get into. From here, most of the attractions listed above are at walking distance.
You can also take a bus into Frankfurt – many excellent bus connections are available through Flixbus and other regional services.
GETTING AROUND IN FRANKFURT
Frankfurt is a large city, but most of the attractions listed above are within walking distance from each other. If you don’t want/are unable to walk, the best way to get around Frankfurt is through public transport.
The city has an intricate transport network of buses, trams, trains, and U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (overground) trains. The system can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors, but with a bit of planning it’s easy to use.
Make sure to look up the best connection on Google maps (you’ll find WiFi in the train stations).
Also download Frankfurt’s local transportation app called RMV. Based on the origin and destination details you enter, it will suggest the fastest connection for you.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT FRANKFURT
The best time to visit Frankfurt is in the summer, when the weather is warm and balmy. However, this is also the peak tourist season.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can be a good time to visit.
Frankfurt is also beautifully decorated during Christmas time. Just like the rest of Germany, several Christmas markets are held in various locations across the city, including Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz, Hauptwache, Mainkai, Paulsplatz, and Römerberg.
In fact, Frankfurt has one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country. The city truly looks stunning at this time. There’s lights, food, magic… and of course apfelwein. A lot of it.
Visiting Germany soon? These articles might be useful:
Romantic Road: One of the Prettiest Road Trips in Germany
14 Free (and Cheap!) Things to Do in Cologne, Germany
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