One Day In Frankfurt, Germany – Top Things To See & Do

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When flying into Germany you’ll likely arrive into one of the larger hub cities such as Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt. The sheer number of more traditional and historic cities and towns in Germany can cause people to overlook or dismiss Frankfurt given its more modern feel. However it’s worth spending at least one day in Frankfurt before you zip off on your Deutschland adventure.

Where is Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of Germany’s largest cities, and is located in central Germany only about 3 hours from both the Belgium and Luxembourg borders. That means easy access to multiple European countries if you’re visiting the region.

While Frankfurt is not in Bavaria, the most visited part of the country, it is the gateway city to begin exploring the famous region. In fact if you’re looking to explore some of Bavaria’s most beautiful small towns, flying into Frankfurt is a great choice.

You can rent a car in Frankfurt and drive towards the southern city of Munich. That’s exactly what I did for a 2-week Germany road trip this summer. Just don’t forget to build in at least one day in Frankfurt before you leave.

Is one day in Frankfurt really enough?

It’s not. You really should spend longer to fully appreciate Frankfurt, if you have the time. Frankfurt is the country’s major international airport so you’ll find many direct flights from Europe or North America. Which really gives you no excuse to not spend at least a day.

Frankfurt is Germany’s financial hub, which might not sound too exciting, but it’s also home to some incredible museums. There’s plenty to see and do that will fill in a two or three day visit.

Since the city was all but demolished during the war, a lot of the city is more modern. That means fancy skyscrapers and a sleek look in parts, but a rebuild of some historical neighborhoods to balance it out.

Where should I stay in Frankfurt?

If you only have one day in Frankfurt, depending on your onward travel plans you might want to consider a hotel closer to the airport. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Frankfurt Congress Hotel, only a 10-minute drive away from the airport.

The hotel is also accessed by public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the airport, and to get to the city. In fact, there’s a tram station right outside that will have you in the center of Frankfurt in around 25-30 minutes.

If you are planning on spending two or three days you’ll likely want to be more central. The Zentrum-Alstadt, or old town city center area, is super convenient for all the things you’ll likely want to see and do. As is the Sachsenhausen area on the other side of the river. Although I didn’t stay here myself, they were where I did most of my exploring.

One day in Frankfurt itinerary

If you’ve only got one day in Frankfurt you may need to decide between a couple of activities as you won’t be able to do it all. The main center of Frankfurt is very walkable and you can get around a lot of it in a day.

Here are some of the top things you might want to put on your list for your one day in Frankfurt itinerary. Oh, and did I mention that a lot of these are FREE?

CITY BUS TOUR

If you really are limited in the amount of time you have, this is the best way to see more of Frankfurt. The Hop On-Hop Off bus rides, like other major cities, take a loop around most of the main sights.

While there are a couple of companies, I took the Frankfurt Sightseeing tour. The Express tour was only one hour end to end. The Skyline tour is about 2 hours and goes as far out as the Zoo if that’s on your list. Or a combined ticket works well if you have more than one day in Frankfurt.

When I take these kinds of tours I like to do one full loop without getting off so I can get a feel for the city. Then I get off on the next loop at the stops I’m interested in.

FRANKFURTER RÖMER

In a city of modern skyscrapers, the Römer and buildings around it reflect a bit more of Frankfurt’s history. Used since 1405 as Frankfurt City Hall, or Rathaus, the Römer is a well-known site in the city.

The original building was partially destroyed during WWII, however, considering the historical significance, was restored in the years that followed. That goes for much of Frankfurt, and explains why the city is a lot more modern than other places.

Restored or not, the Römer is worth a visit. The Römerberg square is lively and lined with cafés and small shops. And it’s right next to here that you can pick up the Hop On-Hop Off buses.

FRANKFURT CATHEDRAL

Frankfurter Dom has not had the luckiest of histories. Although a church has stood on this ground for centuries, there have been a few iterations.

A huge fire all but destroyed it in the 1800s after which it was rebuilt. Then, similar to nearby Römerberg, there was significant damage to the cathedral when the area was bombed in 1944.

Again, Frankfurt cathedral was restored to look like its former self. Like the Römer you shouldn’t be put off by cathedral’s restoration – it’s still an impressive building. Plus it’s just around the corner from the square and given it is free to enter you really ought to take a peek inside.

TRY SOME LOCAL FOOD

Germany is a carb fest and I’m here for it. Of course you need to try the classics – deliciously fresh pretzels with lashings of butter, schnitzel with Frankfurt’s famous green sauce (Frankfurter Grüne Soße) which is divine, and some traditional Frankfurter sausage.

Wash it all down with a beer and you can’t go wrong. If, like me, you’re lucky enough to land during Spargelzeit (asparagus season) take full advantage of special menus catering to the national treasure that is white asparagus. From mid-April for around two months you’ll see spargel for sale everywhere.

With only one day in Frankfurt you might struggle to eat all the Germany food you’re excited about. I would therefore recommend you prioritize some regional favorites you may not get elsewhere.

STÄDEL MUSEUM

I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the biggest art nut. I like what I like, and don’t like to spend too long in art museums – I’m more about history museums.

That said, Frankfurt has an incredible appreciation of art, and a number of world class museums. The Städel Museum is one of those you should visit if you are in any way interested in art.

Showing famous works by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Botticelli it’s not just paintings here. You can also find sculptures which I often find sometimes a little more interesting to look at.

WALK OVER THE IRON FOOTBRIDGE

Getting from the old town side of Frankfurt to the Sachsenhausen area along the south bank of the river Main needn’t be a battle against traffic. Instead, take a walk over the iron footbridge, another victim of the recent craze to attach locks to everything.

But metal declarations of love aside, this is one view you’ll want to take in, especially around sunset. One unique thing about the bridge, which I had to look up after I saw it, is a Greek quote across the highest point. As it turns out this is from Homer’s Odyssey.

TAKE A RELAXING STROLL BY THE RIVER

Either side of the river there are green spaces which you can see locals are more than willing to take advantage of. On a nice day people will be out there reading or having a picnic, and it’s a lovely place for a nice walk.

Walk on the paths that run parallel to the river on either side, or along the adjacent tree-lined walkway which has a little more shade. Either way, if you have time I recommend walking down one side, then across one of the bridges and back on the other side.

If you need a break, sit on a bench and watch the world go by, or grab a beer on one of the converted barges now permanently docked along the river bank. With only one day in Frankfurt it’s important to get outdoors and balance your time with activities like museums.

TAKE A FRANKFURT RIVER CRUISE

Sure it might be a little touristy but what a fun way to get a different perspective of a new city. Especially if you don’t have long there. With only one day in Frankfurt you can see a lot on a boat ride down the river Main, most tours take around an hour.

Travel under the bridges connecting both sides of the city. Crane your neck up at the modern skyscrapers, and spot some of the historic buildings dotted along the city skyline.

CHECK OUT THE EUROPEAN BANK

Ever wanted to stand next to a Euro that’s over 5 times taller than you? Frankfurt gives you that chance. In case you didn’t already know, the European Central Bank has its headquarters in Frankfurt.

Prior to the new building that was opened in 2015, they were based at the Eurotower in central Frankfurt. You’ll go past this building if you’re on one of the bus tours, but you can also see the giant Euro sign out front.

WATCH A FRANKFURT FOOTBALL GAME

You’re in Germany, if there’s one thing more important than good beer, it’s football. As a country that has won four World Cups, Germans do not mess around when it comes to the beautiful game. So if you have a chance, go and watch a match while you’re here.

Eintracht Frankfurt play a short distance from the city center. However you can easily get there by public transport if your trip lines up with a game.

If you are short on time, or money, you can always find a local bar or pub and watch any number of German football games that are most likely going on. With a cold beer, and way less crowds.

This was one of the highlights of my Germany trip – and I’m not even a huge football fan. But everyone gets behind their team when they’re playing and it’s such a great atmosphere.

Making the most of one day in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has a lot to offer. It’s a nice city, a clean city, and clearly well maintained and enjoyed by locals. If the flight to Frankfurt hadn’t been the direct option from where I live in Vancouver, Canada it’s unlikely I would have made an effort to visit. I’m glad I did.

Although there are places in Germany I’d rather visit first before heading back to Frankfurt I do think I left parts of the city unexplored. Trying to fit what you want to do in a day is tough, spend longer if you can.

I was eager to get on my road trip to visit the small towns of Bavaria, and the popular places such as Neuschwanstein Castle in the south. But I now realize I didn’t give Frankfurt enough consideration in my planning. I’m sure I’ll be back.

Frankfurt was a city I enjoyed walking around, looking up at cool buildings, and soaking in the riverside atmosphere. A place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy a sunny day.

A lot of historical sites in Germany were lost during the war, but Frankfurt has excelled in its restoration. Mixing both old and new, a really vibrant city has emerged.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these activities would you do with only one day in Frankfurt? What are some other things you’d recommend in the city?