A lot of people wonder if Frankfurt is worth visiting.
When thinking of charming European cities to visit for your next vacation, Frankfurt is not likely the destination that comes to mind... for one reason or another, the city is often associated with being boring and dreary. But, apart from its high-rise buildings, busy airport, and being known as a business and finance hub, the city actually has a lot more to offer!
Frankfurt is home to a diverse nightlife, bustling city centre, a booming food scene, and a number of cultural experiences. It's also very conveniently located in relation to the Frankfurt airport and main train station, making it an extremely accessible destination for a short period of time!
Though you can’t possibly experience all the city has to offer over a weekend, this guide shares highlights of the city, including the best things to see and do in Frankfurt, Germany to make the most of your time.
In this blog post, we will cover...
- Why Frankfurt
- How to get to Frankfurt city from the airport
- A 2-day itinerary for visiting Frankfurt including things to do, what to see, and where to eat
- Best places to grab a drink
- Where to stay in Frankfurt
Why Frankfurt
The largest airport in Germany, many consider Frankfurt to be the "gateway to the world". As the primary hub for German airline Lufthansa, Frankfurt is a popular layover destination providing global connectivity to travellers passing through. So while you may find yourself in Frankfurt as a stopover to your final destination, it's important to not overlook what the city itself has to offer.
While this may help explain why you might find yourself in Frankfurt, I hope the rest of this blog will explain why Frankfurt is worth visiting!
How to get to Frankfurt city from the airport
Frankfurt is an incredibly accessible city from the Frankfurt Airport. This is what makes exploring the city so easy for those only visiting for a brief period of time!
Once you've landed and gone through customs (if necessary), simply take the S-bahn train right from the airport directly into Frankfurt City. S-bahn train tickets can be purchased at ticket counters in the airport or by using the automatic machines. The train conveniently leaves every 15 minutes and costs approximately €5. Take the S8 or S9 depending on which part of the city you're heading to.
While you can continue to use the city trains to navigate the area during your stay, I found Frankfurt to be a relatively walkable city!
2-Day Itinerary for Frankfurt
DAY ONE
Breakfast at Kleinmarkthalle
A market hall with over 60 vendors, you’ll find fresh food, local produce, cafes, wine bars, and more in this cozy indoor space! Note that this market is only open from Monday - Saturday.
Roam through the Dom-Römer Quartier and around Römerberg, the historic old town
Known as Frankfurt’s “new old town”, the Dom-Römer Quartier is one of the most beautiful areas in the city. Having been reconstructed according to historical blueprints, using original construction materials and traditional craftsmanship, you can get a pretty good sense of what life may have been like prior to the airstrikes of the Second World War.
A large square surrounded by reconstructed traditional half-timbered houses, Römerberg was the historic heart of the medieval old town (Altstadt), which held social, economic, and political significance. Today, it is filled with restaurants, cafes, museums, and is home to the Frankfurt Christmas market during the holiday season.
Frankfurt Cathedral
While in the square, pop by the Frankfurt Cathedral, the largest religious building in Frankfurt. If visiting between April and October, you can climb 324 steps up the cathedral’s tower to take in panoramic views of the city.
Lunch at Zum Standesämtchen
Located on Römerberg square, Zum Standesämtchen offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you’re enjoying beautiful views of the square or the restaurant’s historical interior, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere accompanied by tasty German cuisine and beer. I highly recommend the schnitzel!
Take a river cruise
A river cruise in Frankfurt will provide you with beautiful views of the city skyline as you sail up and down the River Main and learn about the city. The cruises have food and beverage onboard, making for a well-rounded relaxing and enjoyable experience. Tickets can be purchased at Frankfurt Tourist Information Offices, the riverside ticket booths, or online through any of the cruise line websites.
Stroll along the river (Mainkai) and across the bridge
After deboarding from your river cruise, take a leisurely stroll along the main river (Mainkai). Along the river promenade, you’ll encounter numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy views of the city from outdoor seating areas.
Dinner and Apfelwein at Adolf Wagner
Across the river, head to Adolf Wagner, a local German tavern serving German food and local beers, wines and ciders. The service is great and it’s a fantastic place to experience apfelwein, a local specialty in Frankfurt. Apfelwein is made using sour apples, producing a tart and somewhat sour tasting alcoholic beverage. It is most often served in a jug known as a “bembel”, with locals topping off the beverage with a splash of sparkling water. Apfelwine can be enjoyed cold or hot.
DAY TWO
Coffee and a pastry at Wacker’s coffee shop
Recommended to us by locals, Wacker’s coffee shop is a family business operating in the heart of Frankfurt am Main that roasts its coffee beans fresh and independently. It’s a great place to start your day with a fresh coffee or tea and biscuit!
Wander Hauptwache
One of the most famous plazas in the city, Hauptwache is a pedestrianized area with the city’s best shopping, including the MyZeil, one of Germany’s largest shopping malls. You’ll also find tons of restaurants and cafes, and even a pop-up bar serving cold German beer!
Lunch at the Schillerstraße market
The Schillerstraße market is located outdoors and offers locals and tourists alike the opportunity to purchase fresh cheese, produce, handicrafts, and more. Pick out your lunch from a local vendor – I highly recommend the curry sausage, it was delicious!
If you happen to be visiting on a Friday, be sure to check out the wine garden. A popular place for locals to gather after work to socialize and let loose after a long week, it’s a great place to meet new people and try German wines! The service and ambiance were both fantastic.
Alte Oper
Despite the old opera house being extensively damaged during the bombings in World War II, many of the outside walls and facades survived. Since being restored and reopened, the concert hall now offers a variety of musical programs covering a range of musical genres. Pop by to admire the architecture or maybe even see if you can catch a performance during your time in the city!
Große Bockenheimer Straße
Another pedestrian shopping area, check out Große Bockenheimer Straße (also known as “Fressgass”), which is commonly referred to as Frankfurt's culinary main street. Specifically, you’ll find high-end food shops, butcheries and bakeries. A boujee shopping area, the street also runs parallel to Goethestrasse, one of Germany’s busiest luxury shopping streets.
Dinner at Haus Wertheym
Haus Wertheym is one of the city’s most interesting sites as it is the oldest half-timbered house in Frankfurt and the only one to have survived the bombings of the Second World War. From outside the house, you can see a stark contrast between old and new architecture, making for a beautiful contrasting image. Inside Haus Wertheym, you’ll find a restaurant with a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. This is another great spot in the city to enjoy local German food and beer!
Best places to grab a drink
Below is a list of my favourite bars in the city. With each offering a totally different atmosphere and bar menu, each has something different to offer. Sprinkle them in throughout your day or use them to kick off your night out, you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Plank Cafe-Bar-Studio
A trendy cafe by day and bar by night, this spot is a favourite among locals. Be prepared to arrive early to snag a spot or simply pop in for a quick drink to experience its cool and cozy vibes.
Hunky Dory Bar
A unique and eclectic bar with wooden booths and seasonal cocktails, Hunky Dory Bar offers a laid back atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy unique cocktails over conversation.
Kinley Bar
Located near the Red Light District, Kinley Bar is a nod to the era of prohibition. Located behind a black door with a buzzer, you’ll find a dimly-lit, cozy bar with a vintage feel and creative cocktail menu. Keep your eyes open when heading to this bar -- blink and you might miss it! Note that this bar is cash only.
⭐️ And if in the city during the holiday season, of course be sure to check out the Frankfurt Christmas market! 🎄
Where to stay in Frankfurt
Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof dates back to 1876, making it one of Frankfurt's original and oldest luxury hotels. This five-star hotel combines modern luxury with classic elegance and is fabulously located within the historic city centre. The hotel also has its own spa, is pet-friendly, and offers parking onsite.
Check availability on hotels.com
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Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer
Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer is an eco-friendly hotel located near Frankfurt's main train station. The hotel is known for its sustainablility efforts, including its organic, vegan, and vegetarian food options, with most ingredients being sourced locally. The hotel also uses non-toxic cleaning products and has a number of waste reduction programs in place. The Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer also has a gym and wellness centre, is pet-friendly, and provides bicycles to guests for use.
Check availability on hotels.com
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the niu Charly
Also located close to the main station in Frankfurt, the niu Charly is a great option for those looking for something a little more budget-friendly. Embracing the creativity of emerging artists, the hotel uses "street art" to create a uniquely vibrant interior reflective of the city around it. The niu Charly offers guests a buffet or continental breakfast, a sun terrace, and bar onsite. This accommodation is also pet-friendly.
Check availability on hotels.com
Check availability on expedia.ca
At this point, I'm hoping that I have successfully convinced you that Frankfurt is worth the visit/stopover! Next time you have the opportunity, be sure to take advantage of the many great activities, restaurants, and experiences this city has to offer.
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