Frankfurt Travel Guide 2026: Best Things To Do, Itinerary & Travel Tips

Frankfurt surprised me. And that is coming from someone who grew up only 2.5 hours away and ignored it for years thinking it was just a business city.

If you are planning to visit Frankfurt in 2026, this guide will show you exactly what to expect. Frankfurt may be Germany’s financial capital, but it is also a compact and surprisingly diverse destination for a city trip with skyline viewpoints, a historic old town, top museums and a lively riverfront.

My first real experience in Frankfurt was during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. After the Netherlands played Argentina we ended up sleeping outside along the river in a sleeping bag. Completely unplanned, slightly chaotic, but unforgettable. Since then I have always had a soft spot for Frankfurt, because it is a city that proves you wrong once you actually give it a chance.

In this Frankfurt travel guide you will find the best things to do in Frankfurt, a simple Frankfurt itinerary for 1 to 3 days, where to stay and all the essential travel tips to plan your trip.

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Traveling to Frankfurt and arriving by plane? If you want to stay connected right away, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport, but it is generally not the best option. Prices are higher and the available plans are limited. I explain everything in my guide for buying a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport in 2026.

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For better deals, I recommend checking my complete guide on how to buy a prepaid SIM card in Germany in 2026. Even easier is using an eSIM, which you can install before your trip and be online as soon as you land. Compare the options in my guide to the best eSIMs for Germany.

Is Frankfurt worth visiting?

Let’s be honest… Frankfurt doesn’t have the reputation of Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. It is often seen as a business city, a place people fly into, attend meetings and leave again. Not exactly the kind of destination that immediately sparks excitement for a city trip.

And I get it. At first glance Frankfurt can feel a bit underwhelming. The skyline is modern, the atmosphere is more corporate and compared to other German cities it lacks that classic fairytale charm.

But here is the thing… Frankfurt completely surprised me.

Once you look beyond the financial district, you will find a city that is actually very diverse. There is a beautiful historic old town around Römerberg, a lively riverfront along the Main, impressive museums, great food and a surprisingly international vibe. It is also one of the best-connected cities in Europe, which makes it a perfect stop on a longer Germany itinerary.

So is Frankfurt worth visiting? Yes, especially if you know what to expect.

Frankfurt is not a destination you visit for days and days like Berlin. But for a weekend, or as a stopover, it is absolutely worth it. Think of it as a compact, easy-to-explore city with a mix of modern skyline views and historic highlights.

If you come with the right expectations, Frankfurt is not boring at all. In fact, it might just surprise you like it did me.

Best time to visit Frankfurt

No need to mention that the best months for a trip to Frankfurt are the summer months in Europe. That said, July and August can get hot and since it is the holiday season many people travel to Frankfurt. Good thing about the peak season is that there are events on a daily basis, so it just depends what you are looking for.

If you are a fan of Christmas markets then plan your Frankfurt city trip in the weeks before Christmas. Usually they start around the last week of November up until first week of January.

Some cool facts about Frankfurt

• Frankfurt has a massive forest in the heart of the city and is within walking distance from the old town.
• There is only 1 skyscraper in the top 15 highest buildings in Germany that is NOT located in Frankfurt. This is why this is called the Big Apple of Germany.
• The headquarters of the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt.
• Frankfurt was heavily bombed in WW2.
• This is the city of Goethe. The famous German Poet was born here and lived all his life in Frankfurt.
• More than 25% of the people living in Frankfurt are expats.
• Frankfurt Airport is the biggest airport in Germany and is the 4th biggest airport in Europe.

Things to do in Frankfurt (2026)

1. Enjoy a drink in a rooftop bar

As I mentioned before already you have to go up one of the skyscrapers when you visit Frankfurt. There are 3 bars that really stand out.

City Beach

There is a €7 EUR entrance fee for this rooftop bar on top of a parking lot. Finding the entrance is a little challenging but once you up on the roof the views are good.

There are two small pools, loads of beach chairs, sand and uncomplicated vibes.

Long Island Summer Lounge

This is the posh version of City Beach with a proper dress code. Officially no flip-flops and shorts allowed. Entrance fee is €9 EUR but the views at Long Beach Summer Lounge are better. The rooftop is higher as City Beach as well.

Oosten am Main

According to locals the most laid-back skybar is Oosten am Main. Since it is a little walk out of the center it has the best skyline view as well. Uncomplicated local vibe is guaranteed here.Sipping a cocktail for sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Frankfurt.

2. Hop-on-hop-off bus

A standard things to do in Frankfurt, but quick and easy to see all the tourist spots in Frankfurt when you don't have that much time. There are several lines to choose from. Buying a ticket online is cheaper than on the bus itself or at the street vendors.

3. Viewing terrace Frankfurt Airport

Often listed as one of the most exciting things to do in Frankfurt with kids is the viewing platform at Frankfurt Airport. This covered area is a great place for spotting airplanes taking off and landing. There is a Food Court and a Mc Donalds if you get hungry.

4. Walk through Old Town

The old part of the city is actually called Romerberg and was rebuilt the traditional way after the second World War. The medieval colorful buildings are a favorite instagram spot in Frankfurt. In summer there are many terraces lined up for having a drink, in winter this place is heaven for Christmas market lovers.

5. Tricycle ride around Frankfurt

For those that are willing to see the best places to visit in Frankfurt from the back of a bike they can take one of the tricycles around the city. Be aware that these guys are expensive! For 30 minutes you already pay more than €22 or 2 kilometer is €8. It is a cool but rather expensive way to explore Frankfurt.

6. Marvel at the Euro sign

This huge sculpture of the Euro stands in front of the European Central Bank on the Willy-Brandt square and is pretty big. Probably about 30 meters high. There is some info about the Euro on the base of the sign, but there also is a Euro information center and book shop next to it. Although it is more like a gift shop.

7. Lock your Love at Eisener Steg bridge

The bridge that also got destroyed during World War 2 was reconstructed straight after and is now famous for people locking their love with a padlock. From this walking bridge you will have a good view over the skyline and the boulevards on both sides. It connects the old town of Frankfurt with Sachsenhausen, the place to go out at night. But more about what to do in Frankfurt at night later!

8. Ignatz-Bubis bridge instagram spot

If you are not going up on one of the rooftop bars then head to the Ignatz-Bubis bridge for the best skyline photos. Also a great Instagram spot in Frankfurt and cool for sunset. Another free thing to do in Frankfurt.

9. Try Apfelwein

Apparently this kind of apple cider is home to Frankfurt and a a popular drink around the city. Frankfurt is home to many idyllic cafes and traditional bars where they happily serve you their signature drink called Apfelwein.

Not sure if this is one of the best Frankfurt travel tips because I did not like it. I much rather had the a normal beer with a Frankfurter wurst on the side! :)

10. Visit the Goethe House

Located just a few minutes walk from Central Station is the Goethe Haus. Here the famous German Poet was born in 1749. There are 4 different floors to explore and learn about his life. Entrance fee is €7 and it is open from 10am to 6pm. A weekend in Frankfurt is not complete without visiting the Goethe House.

11. Viewing platform cathedral tower

On of the best things to do in Frankfurt is to climb up to the viewing platform 66 meter above the city. The cathedral tower is open to the public for the best city views. Costs are €5 and you will have to walk a lot of steps, but the view is worth it.

12. Free walking tour

If you feel like you have crossed off all the things to do in Frankfurt then join one of the free walking tours and get to know the city through the eyes of a local. Free walking tours are tip based tours and depart every day around 10am and 2pm. There are a couple different ones so check your meeting point online.

13. Viewing platform Main Tower

If amazing city views are your thing then head up to the viewing platform of the main tower when you visit Frankfurt. Entrance fee is €7,50 but you will get unobstructed city views!

14. Have breakfast/lunch at the river side

Simply one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Frankfurt is the river side. Big lawns with some trees and a boulevard where active people bike, run and skate. The park on the Main river is a perfect spot to picknick. It is relaxed and one of the best ways to enjoy this city. Definitely add a picknick on the river side to your trip to Frankfurt.

15. Go out at night in Sachsenhausen

The place to go out in Frankfurt at night is Sachsenhausen just across the river. Here many quaint pubs are lined up next to each other and is the bustling heart of the city at night. If you spend a weekend in Frankfurt I am sure you are willing to end up here in one of the many traditional German bars.

16. Enjoy a coffee at a floating restaurant

There are a couple boats where you can grab a drink or have lunch/dinner but not so many. A great one is below the Eisener Steg bridge with great views, also close by is the Döner Boat.

Day trips from Frankfurt

If you are visiting Frankfurt for more than just a weekend then you might be interested in some things to do around Frankfurt. Have a look at these great day trips from Frankfurt.

1. Burg Eltz

This Harry Potter like castle became a popular tourist spot in Germany after it went viral on Instagram. Visiting Burg Eltz is free and can be reached by car from Frankfurt center within 2 hours.

2. Rudesheim

This picturesque town on the banks of the Rhine River actually is a UNESCO world heritage site and less then an hour away from Frankfurt. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town and marvel at the castles and vineyards on the hills around you. There also is a cable car for a scenic ride.

3. Michelstadt

Looking for more fairy tale towns then drive towards Michelstadt. This medieval and idyllic town dates back to more than 1,000 years ago. In summer a great spot to have a drink on one of the many terraces. In winter famous for its Christmas markets.

Frankfurt itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days

Planning your trip and wondering how many days you need in Frankfurt? The good news is that Frankfurt is a compact city and you can see most highlights in a short time. Whether you are visiting for a quick stopover or a weekend city trip, this Frankfurt itinerary helps you make the most of your time.

Frankfurt itinerary for 1 day

If you only have one day in Frankfurt, focus on the historic center and skyline views. Start your day at Römerberg, the heart of the old town, and explore the surrounding streets. Walk across the Eiserner Steg for great views over the Main river and continue along the riverfront.

In the afternoon, visit one of the museums along the Museumsufer or head up the Main Tower for panoramic city views. End your day with dinner and drinks in the city center.

Frankfurt itinerary for 2 days

With two days in Frankfurt you can explore at a more relaxed pace. Follow the 1 day itinerary on your first day, then use your second day to dive deeper into the city. Visit more museums, explore neighborhoods like Sachsenhausen and enjoy the local food scene.

You can also spend more time along the river or visit the Palmengarten if you are looking for a quieter escape from the city.

Frankfurt itinerary for 3 days

Three days in Frankfurt gives you the chance to go beyond the main highlights. In addition to exploring the city itself, you can take a day trip to nearby destinations like Mainz, Wiesbaden or the Rhine Valley.

This is the perfect option if you want to combine your Frankfurt city trip with a bit more of Germany’s culture, history and landscapes.

Tip: Frankfurt is very well connected, so it also works perfectly as a starting point for a longer Germany itinerary.

Frankfurt travel tips

• Bring cash! Germany is a third world country when it comes to wireless payments. Creditcards nor bankcards are often not accepted.
• Don't take a boat tour on the Main River! Why? Boring!
• There is a zoo, but I don't support this thing to do in Frankfurt.

Events in Frankfurt

Major events in the city are:

• Christmas Markets: start end of November
• Main Festival: first week of August (pop-up amusement park across the city)
• Appel Wine Festival: mid August
• Wäldchestag: beginning of June (like summer Christmas markets in the forest)
• Wine Festival: begining of September (culinary event)

When I visited Frankfurt the Main Festival was taking place.

How to get around Frankfurt

Going around Frankfurt is made easy by the U-Bahn which goes underground as well as overground. Day tickets cost around €9 EUR and single trip tickets cost €4 EUR. Be aware that if you are with two people or more it is cheaper to buy a group ticket for the U-Bahn. Group tickets for up to 5 people valid all around the city cost only €16 EUR.

Depending on the kind of Frankfurt city trip you are planning there is no real need to take the public transport. Most of the things to do and places to see in Frankfurt are within walking distance.

How to get to Frankfurt

Traveling to Frankfurt by train? Pretty sure you found out that can be expensive! The bus is surely a cheaper option. Traveling by bus to Frankfurt is cheap and convenient. Check out the prices below in the public transport search engine.

 

The 12Go transportation search engine will give you all the options for you to compare: bus, train, flight and you can directly book online and reserve your seat. Also check out my article about the best way from Aachen to Cologne for more tips on how to get around in Germany. 

How to get from Frankfurt airport to the city center

There is a train called S-Bahn which connects Frankfurt Airport with the city center and takes only 10 minutes. There are loads of lines from the airport to the city for example 1, 8 and 9. Tickets cost €5 for a single trip.

Don't get fooled by the airport Frankfurt/Hahn if you are planning to travel to Frankfurt. It actually is a 2 hour drive from the city and when you ask me the name of the airport it is a tourist trap. A bus ticket into the city cost €15.

Where to stay in Frankfurt

5 star hotels in Frankfurt

• Jumeirah Frankfurt: luxury hotel - click here for the rates on booking or check Agoda.
• Sofitel Frankfurt Opera: very central: click here for the rates on booking or check Agoda.

Another iconic place to stay in Frankfurt is the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof right in the middle of the city. Click here for the Booking rates or the Agoda rates.

Boutique hotels

• Moxy Frankfurt East: hip and stylish - click here for the booking rates or here for Agoda.
• Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer - click here for their rates on Agoda.

Under $70 USD hotels

• EasyHotel Frankfurt City Center - click here for the Booking or Agoda rates.
• FreddApp One: click here for the Booking or Agoda rates.

My experience traveling to Frankfurt

Together with Ave I found a cheap but surprisingly good hotel pretty much in the city center. There were actually a couple nice hotels to choose from with good ratings and great locations. On top of my hotel I also found a couple other Frankfurt budget hotels for less than €50 a night and a rating around 8 out of 10. I will list them all later when talking about where to stay in Frankfurt.

We actually ended up staying in Hotel Primus in Sachsenhausen just across the river from the city center. It was less than €50 a night. In fact Sachsenhausen turned out to be a nightlife hotspot but more about that later in the things to do in Frankfurt section. As I traveled to Frankfurt by car I was happy the hotel offered a parking spot for just €10 per day.

As soon as we arrived we dropped our bags at our room and headed out to not miss the sunset. It was perfectly timed when we crossed the bridge towards the old city as the sun was setting through the skyline of Frankfurt. For this reason Frankfurt is also called the Big Apple of Germany as it has one of the most impressive skylines in Europe. Nothing compared to any American city but hey this is all we have in Europe! LOL

We were lucky that on the days we visited Frankfurt there was actually the MainFest on the river side. In the main street along the river there were loads of eateries, beer gardens and attractions lined up and for food lover Ave it was heaven to see all the different types of Bratwurst and snacks. Of course we had to taste a couple and drink beers.

When traveling to Germany an obvious thing to do is to eat sausages and drink pints!

Slowly waking up the next morning we decided to grab breakfast at the super market and brought a blanket to the river side. There is a lovely lawn with some trees for shadow along the boulevard of the Main river. It was hot this August in Frankfurt and we moved slowly into the shade where we found a great spot to picknick with some of the best views of the skyline.

If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt then surely add this spot to your list.

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We continued our Frankfurt city tour across the Eisener Steg bridge famous for its many love locks. No Ave and I are besties, not a couple! We met on a press trip on my birthday last year. It was at the World Travel Writers' Conference in Maldives. So no love lock for us! LOL

On the other side of the river there is actually a cool floating restaurant called the Döner Boat. Of course Kebab is not a typical German dish, but did you know the Döner Kebab was originally invented in Berlin by a Turkish immigrant? Cool fact right? Anyway if you are looking for a fun place to eat good Döner Kebab in Frankfurt then the Döner Boat is a great place. There is also another proper floating restaurant next to the bridge with the love locks. Great place for a drink with views over the city skyline.

We continued our walking tour of Frankfurt by crossing the bridge back into the center again and we walked up to the massive Euro sign on a big square. Cool place for taking a photo of what is probably the biggest euro sign in the world. Put here because the Central European Bank is located in Frankfurt.It was already time to sit down and have a beer after. It was boiling hot, but we found a good place to have a Weissen Beer on the rooftop terrace of the Galeria Kaufhof.

We enjoyed the great city views before we kept on strolling through the city center. Eating ice cream, snacks and drinking beer on the terraces along the way. We marveled at the colorful houses on the old town square and the narrow streets around the cathedral, one of the coolest places to visit in Frankfurt.

To spend the rest of our afternoon we looked online for what to do in Frankfurt and found two popular rooftop bars. Online we saw that one of these places actually had a city beach. Something I actually expected at the river side like they have in most cities around Europe, but in Frankfurt they have a rooftop beach with amazing views over the city.

If you want to see more about our trip to Frankfurt you can check out Ave's YouTube Channel, I tell you she is a funny Filipina!

I hope you liked all my Frankfurt travel tips! May there be things that I forgot to mention or that you think I should add to the list then please leave me a comment.

If this Frankfurt travel guide was helpful planning your city trip please pin this on Pinterest or share the link on Facebook. It is a small thing for you to do, but can make a big difference for me. Thank you very much in advance.

I hope you have an awesome trip to Frankfurt!

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