Trust us; you’ll want to read this one-day-in-Frankfurt itinerary. Not heading there, you say? Well, even if it’s not your final destination, you may end up there soon.
Travel enough, and you’ll eventually experience this: the point where no amount of refreshing Google Flights will change the fact that the best option for your international flight is to change planes in Frankfurt, Germany.
As one of the world’s biggest hubs, millions of passengers pass through the Frankfurt Airport annually. Add to that the city’s reputation as continental Europe’s financial center — earning it the bleak nickname “Bankfurt” — and it gets a bad rap as a boring city not worth your time.
One Day In Frankfurt Itinerary: 12 Things To Explore
The truth is that Frankfurt is a dynamic city with an international population, a vibrant food culture, and an easily navigable center. So, extend your next layover and squeeze a little Germany into the itinerary.
Here’s how to dive into Frankfurt in just 24 hours:
Eat At The Kleinmarkthalle
Start your day at the Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt’s indoor market. We won’t tell if you have sausage for breakfast–it’s practically required here (insider tip: hit up Frau Schreiber’s stand; she’s famous city-wide).
Do A DIY City Tour
You’ll likely want to stretch your legs if you’re genuinely on a layover. Embark on this 5 km walking tour of the city center and see significant sites like Paul’s Square, Rossberg, the Main River, and Römerberg (below).
Visit The New Old Town
Head to New Old Town (that is its actual name). Take in the city’s main historical attractions, many rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. The Römerberg in the Altstadt (old town) is the city’s old town hall and square and has been so meticulously reconstructed that you’d never know it wasn’t several hundred years old.
Visit an Ebbelwei Tavern
Be sure to stop in an ebbelwei, or apfelwein tavern, a traditional temple of the region’s signature sour tipple that is not to be missed while passing through. While there, make sure you order local specialties, like frankfurters (of course) and Grüne Soße, aka Green Sauce, a heavily herbed sauce that pairs perfectly with apple wine and sausages.
See Where Goethe Lived
Nearby is the birthplace of the famous poet Johan Wolfgang von Goethe, whose birthplace has been turned into the Goethe House museum.
Stroll The Sachsenhausen Neighborhood
After sampling some of the area’s wines, take a quick stroll across the many bridges near the Römerberg. This is the neighborhood of Sachsenhausen, home to many ebbelwei taverns (where you can try the famous local apfelwein!), hip restaurants, and independent boutiques.
Bike Along The River
If the weather (and your schedule) permits, rent a bike or walk along the Nizza. It’s an 11-acre riverside park with cafes and is just a perfect place to spend a sunny day.
Visit An Artisanal Food Hall
Unmissable is a stop at Markt im Hof, an indoor-outdoor food hall with various artisan food products and home-cooked options from around the globe. From Syrian meatballs to Korean bibimbap, a stop here is the best way to get quickly acquainted with Frankfurt’s strongly international vibe (nearly 25% of the city are foreign nationals, FYI).
Afterward, spend some time meandering through the neighborhood’s charming streets, stopping at whatever storefront catches your attention.
Get Cultured On Museum Row
Around the corner, on the river’s edge, is Frankfurt’s Museum Row–a good option on any day, but especially if the weather isn’t perfect. The innovative German Film Museum is a must for movie buffs, and the world-class Städel is home to masterpieces by Rubens, Picasso, Botticelli, and Rembrandt.
Go Urban Wine Tasting
Since you’re just stopping through and won’t have time to check out the nearby wine-producing regions, stop into one of the city’s wineries, like Weingut der Stadt Frankfurt. The winery’s grapes are grown just outside the city, in Hochheim, and you can sample fine examples of Riesling, Pinot Noir, and a varietal that doesn’t make its way out of Germany, called Dornfelder.
Take A River Cruise
The city’s obvious draw is its main river (hence its nickname, “Mainhattan.) There is a bevy of hour-long river cruises that take you up and down the river while serving drinks and offering generous views of rowers, the European Central Bank, and Frankfurt’s main skyline, one of the only European skylines with skyscrapers.
Embrace The Kitsch While Sightseeing
Another way is the Ebbelwei Express, a kitschy tram that takes you around the city with Hessian music, pretzels, and the city’s specialty drink: apfelwein, a still, tart wine made from pressed apples.
How To Get Around
Frankfurt is a perfect walking city: compact and easy to navigate. All things in the town orient around the downtown business district and the river Main, with no central neighborhood more than a 20-minute walk from any other. There is a tram and an underground S-Bahn, which quickly and efficiently move you around the city. If you’re short on time, these are good options, but we think Frankfurt is a city best explored by foot.
Getting To Frankfurt From The Airport
The rumors are true: Germany’s public transportation system is fast, accurate, extensive, and efficient. Follow the signs for the “Regionalbanhof,” where you’ll take one of the S-Bahn trains directly into Frankfurt’s center. The ride to the center is about 15 minutes and costs 4.50 euros. Conversely, taking a cab will set you back 35 to 40 euros and 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. We say do as the Germans do and hop on the S-Bahn!
Photo Credit: Marilar Irastorza
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
10 Classic Types Of Frankfurt Food
If you, too, love eating as part of your travels, you’ll want to check out our list of classic Frankfurt food. From apfelwein and crown cake to gummy candies and sausages, we have a list of foods you must try when visiting (and our tips on where to eat them)!
Recipes Inspired By Germany
All this talk of food making you hungry? Here are a few recipes inspired by Frankfurt food:
Switzerland Travel Guide
Are you planning a trip? Check out our Switzerland travel guide for vetted travel tips from our team of travel experts, like where to stay, what to do, and what to eat!
