Frankfurt am Main is a dynamic metropolis that perfectly balances its medieval roots with a futuristic skyline. Known as the financial heart of Europe, it offers visitors a sophisticated blend of world-class museums, traditional cider houses, and historic architecture. The best time to visit is during the mild spring or early autumn, or in December for the iconic Christmas markets.
Top Things to Do in Frankfurt am Main
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Getting Around Frankfurt am Main
From the Airport
Train. The S-Bahn lines S8 and S9 run every 15 minutes from the Regionalbahnhof directly to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, taking about 12 minutes and costing approximately 6 euros. Rideshare. Uber and Bolt are both widely available at Frankfurt Airport; pickup points are clearly marked at the arrivals level of Terminal 1 and 2.
Once You're There
Metro. The U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (suburban train) networks are highly efficient and cover all major tourist sites; purchase a day ticket for the best value. Walking. The city center, particularly the area between the Römerberg and the river, is extremely walkable and best explored on foot. Rideshare. Uber is the standard rideshare app used throughout the city for late-night travel or when public transit is less frequent.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt am Main
Hotel picks for Frankfurt am Main are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Frankfurt am Main
Im Herzen Afrikas★ 4.7 (3,695)Gutleutstraße 13, 60329 Frankfurt am Main-Innenstadt I, GermanyKnown for its unique sand-covered floor and authentic Ethiopian platters, it offers a vibrant break from traditional German fare.
Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge★ 4.6 (1,152)Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main-Innenstadt I, GermanyDine at the highest point in the city for an unparalleled panoramic view of the Frankfurt financial district at night.
Best Worscht in Town★ 4.6 (778)Grüneburgweg 37, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyThe go-to spot for a quick, customizable currywurst experience that is a true staple of Frankfurt street food culture.
Seven Swans★ 4.5 (720)Mainkai 4, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyA Michelin-starred destination that focuses on hyper-local, vegetable-forward fine dining in one of the city's narrowest buildings.
Oosten★ 4.3 (4,861)Mayfarthstraße 4, 60314 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyLocated right on the Main River, this glass-fronted venue provides stunning views of the skyline to accompany their modern international menu.
Dauth-Schneider★ 4.3 (3,826)Neuer Wall 5-7, Klappergasse 39, 60594 Frankfurt am Main-Frankfurt-Süd, GermanyA long-standing favorite in Sachsenhausen that excels in traditional sausage platters and house-pressed apple wine.
Lohninger★ 4.3 (1,118)Schweizer Str. 1, 60594 Frankfurt am Main-Frankfurt-Süd, GermanyThis elegant restaurant offers a modern take on Austrian and German classics, featuring an impressive wine list and refined service.
Adolf Wagner★ 4.1 (9,627)Schweizer Str. 71, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyThis is the quintessential spot to experience authentic Frankfurt green sauce and traditional apple wine in a rustic, communal setting.
Apfelwein Wagner★ 4.1 (9,627)Schweizer Str. 71, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyFamous for its lively atmosphere, this Sachsenhausen institution serves hearty pork knuckles that are perfect for pairing with local cider.
Café Hauptwache★ 4.1 (4,191)An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main-Innenstadt I, GermanyHoused in a historic baroque building, this cafe is the perfect place to watch the city go by while enjoying traditional German pastries.
3 Days in Frankfurt am Main
Old Town & History
Morning. Start your journey at the Römerberg, the heart of the Old Town, where the half-timbered houses create an enchanting medieval atmosphere. Take a moment to admire the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, the Fountain of Justice, before walking a few steps to the Frankfurt Cathedral. The climb up the cathedral tower offers a fantastic orientation of the city layout. Be sure to arrive early to beat the tour groups that congregate around the Römer town hall. From there, walk over to the nearby Historical Museum of Frankfurt to dive deeper into the city's complex past.
Afternoon. After a morning of history, head over to the Kleinmarkthalle to sample local delicacies like Frankfurter Würstchen or fresh cheeses. This indoor market is a sensory delight and the perfect place to grab a casual lunch while rubbing shoulders with locals. Once you’ve had your fill, wander toward the Goethe House to see the birthplace of Germany's most famous writer. Spend an hour exploring the meticulously restored rooms that reflect 18th-century bourgeois life. Finally, walk towards the Zeil, the city's primary shopping street, to see the contrast between the historic center and the modern retail architecture.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, make your way toward the Eiserner Steg, the iconic iron footbridge that offers the best views of the skyline reflected in the Main River. It is a popular spot for photos, especially as the city lights begin to twinkle. Afterward, stroll along the riverbank toward the Alte Oper, a grand concert hall that stands as a testament to the city's cultural heritage. End your evening with a sophisticated dinner in the surrounding Westend district, where the architecture shifts to elegant 19th-century villas. The area is quiet, refined, and the perfect place to reflect on your first day.
Art & Gardens
Morning. Begin your second day on the southern bank of the Main River, known as the Museumsufer, which is home to a dense cluster of world-class institutions. Start your morning at the Städel Museum, one of the most important art museums in Germany, housing a massive collection ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Spend at least three hours here; the light-filled garden hall is a highlight in itself. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the river promenade, enjoying the green space and the view back toward the city's skyscrapers. It is a peaceful way to transition from the intensity of the gallery to the outdoors.
Afternoon. Head north to the Palmengarten, a massive botanical garden that serves as the city’s green lung. Spend your afternoon wandering through the historic glass houses, particularly the Tropicarium, which transports you to a different climate entirely. It is a serene environment that feels miles away from the bustling financial district. If you have extra time, the nearby Grüneburgpark is a beautiful place for a short stroll under the canopy of mature trees. This area is much quieter than the city center, offering a refreshing perspective on Frankfurt's commitment to urban green spaces.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the Main Tower to experience the city from its most famous vantage point. Taking the elevator to the viewing platform at sunset provides a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of the financial district's glass giants. Once you've descended, head toward the nearby banking district to see the modern architecture up close, including the Eurotower. Cap off the night with a visit to a local bar in the area to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail while looking up at the illuminated skyline. It is the perfect way to appreciate the modern, international side of Frankfurt.
Cider & Culture
Morning. Spend your final morning exploring the Sachsenhausen neighborhood, famous for its traditional apple wine taverns and narrow, cobbled streets. Start by visiting the Museum of Applied Art, which showcases exquisite design pieces in a beautiful building designed by Richard Meier. After soaking in the design history, wander through the Schweizer Straße, a vibrant street filled with independent boutiques and cozy cafes. It is a great place to pick up a souvenir or simply observe the local neighborhood life. The area feels like a small village tucked within the larger city, offering a much more intimate experience.
Afternoon. Head back toward the river and cross the Untermainbrücke to reach the financial district's edge. Spend your afternoon at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, where you can see the iconic bronze Bull and Bear statues in front of the building. It is a quick but essential stop to understand the city's economic significance. Afterward, walk through the Taunusanlage, a long park that replaces the old city fortifications and separates the skyscrapers from the residential districts. It is a pleasant, shaded walk that leads you right back into the center of the city's modern pulse.
Evening. Conclude your trip in true local fashion by returning to Sachsenhausen for a traditional dinner. Choose one of the classic cider houses to enjoy a schnitzel and a Bembel of house-made Apfelwein. These taverns are loud, friendly, and quintessential to the Frankfurt experience. After dinner, walk along the river one last time to see the city lights reflecting on the water, a sight that never gets old. It is a relaxed, authentic way to end your three-day adventure in this multifaceted city.
