Frankfurt Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Top Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Frankfurt am Main is Germany's financial capital and one of Europe's most important transport hubs, but it's far more than a city of banks and business travellers. Its gleaming skyline, nicknamed "Mainhattan," stands right next to a reconstructed medieval old town, a riverside lined with world-class museums and cosy apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen. Frankfurt is also the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the starting point for trips to the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg and the Taunus hills. Thanks to its huge international airport, many travellers start their German adventure here. This Frankfurt travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top places to see, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical local tips.

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Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

Frankfurt has a mild, temperate climate.

Spring (April–May) brings mild weather of 12–20°C, blooming gardens at the Palmengarten and outdoor terraces reopening along the river.

Summer (June–August) is warm, with temperatures of 22–30°C. The Museumsuferfest in late August is one of Germany's largest cultural festivals, with music, food and museum events along the Main.

Autumn (September–October) is pleasant for sightseeing and wine tastings in the nearby Rheingau. Note that major trade fairs, especially the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, can make hotels very expensive.

Winter (November–February) is cool and grey, around 0–6°C, but the Christmas market on the Römerberg, held since the 14th century, brings festive cheer from late November.

Tip: Check the Messe Frankfurt trade fair calendar before booking. During big fairs, hotel prices can double or triple.

Top Places to Visit in Frankfurt

1. Römerberg and the New Old Town

Frankfurt's historic square is surrounded by half-timbered houses and the Römer, the city hall since the 15th century. Just behind it, the New Frankfurt Old Town (Neue Altstadt), completed in 2018, faithfully reconstructs lanes and houses destroyed during World War II.

2. Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus)

The Gothic cathedral where Holy Roman Emperors were elected and crowned. Climb the tower for views over the old town and skyline.

3. Main Tower

The only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public observation deck, offering 360-degree views from about 200 metres high.

4. Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Along the south bank of the Main, you'll find more than a dozen museums, including the Städel Museum, one of Germany's most important art museums, with works from Botticelli and Rembrandt to Monet and Picasso. Others include the Film Museum and the Museum Angewandte Kunst.

5. Sachsenhausen

Frankfurt's traditional apple wine district, with cobbled streets and taverns serving Ebbelwoi (apple wine) in grey stoneware jugs called Bembel.

6. Goethe House

The birthplace of Germany's most famous writer, furnished as it would have been in the 18th century, alongside the new German Romanticism Museum.

7. Palmengarten

A 22-hectare botanical garden with tropical greenhouses, rose gardens and seasonal events.

Also worth visiting: the Kleinmarkthalle food market, the Eiserner Steg footbridge, the Zeil shopping street, Senckenberg Natural History Museum and the Frankfurt Zoo.

Beyond the City

• Rhine Valley: The UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, with castles, vineyards and the town of Rüdesheim, is about an hour away.
• Heidelberg: The romantic university town is less than an hour by train.
• Wiesbaden and Mainz: Elegant spa town and historic cathedral city, both 30–40 minutes by S-Bahn.
• Taunus hills: Hiking and the Roman fort of Saalburg.

Suggested 3-Day Frankfurt Itinerary

Day 1 – Old Town and skyline: Start at the Römerberg and explore the New Old Town. Visit the Kaiserdom and climb its tower, then have lunch at the Kleinmarkthalle. In the afternoon, walk along the river to the Eiserner Steg, and finish with sunset views from the Main Tower.

Day 2 – Museums and apple wine: Spend the morning at the Städel Museum and the Goethe House. In the afternoon, stroll the Palmengarten, then head to Sachsenhausen for dinner and apple wine in a traditional tavern.

Day 3 – Rhine Valley: Take the train to Rüdesheim, ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument, then cruise along the Rhine past the Loreley rock and castles.

Frankfurt's Food Scene

Frankfurt's signature dish is Grüne Soße (green sauce), a cold herb sauce made from seven fresh herbs, served with boiled eggs and potatoes. Other specialities include Frankfurter Würstchen (the original frankfurter), Handkäs mit Musik (sour milk cheese marinated with onions) and Frankfurter Kranz cake. Frankfurt is also one of Germany's most international cities, with excellent restaurants from around the world, particularly in the station district and Bornheim.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

• Altstadt and Innenstadt: Central and close to the main sights.
• Sachsenhausen: Charming, with taverns and easy access to the Museumsufer.
• Westend: Upscale and quiet, near the Palmengarten.
• Bahnhofsviertel: Close to the main station and great for transport. The area has a mix of hotels and nightlife but also visible drug issues, so stay alert at night.
• Near the airport: Convenient for early flights.

Frankfurt charges a small tourism contribution per person per night (around €2), usually added to your hotel bill. Compare hotel prices and availability in Frankfurt here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Frankfurt

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's largest airport and Lufthansa's main hub, with connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide. Its new Terminal 3 opened in April 2026, and several airlines have moved there from Terminal 2. Check which terminal your flight uses. Search and compare cheap flights to Frankfurt to find the best fares.

The S8 and S9 S-Bahn lines connect the airport's regional station with Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 12 minutes. The airport also has a long-distance station with ICE trains to Cologne, Stuttgart and beyond. Terminal 3 is linked to Terminals 1 and 2 by an automated shuttle.

By Train

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is one of Germany's busiest rail hubs, with high-speed ICE trains to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Basel.

Getting Around Frankfurt

• U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams: Run by RMV and VGF. Buy tickets from machines or the RMV app.
• Deutschlandticket: For €63 per month, it covers all local and regional transport in Germany.
• Frankfurt Card: Includes public transport and discounts on museums and attractions.
• Walking: The centre and Museumsufer are easily walkable.
• Bikes and e-scooters: Widely available via apps.

Travel Costs in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of Germany's more expensive cities, especially during trade fairs. Germany uses the euro (EUR).

Visa & Entry Requirements

Germany is part of the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Travel freely with a valid ID card or passport.
• Visa-free visitors: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• EES: Non-EU travellers register fingerprints and a facial image at their first Schengen entry under the Entry/Exit System. Allow extra time at Frankfurt Airport passport control.
• ETIAS: The ETIAS travel authorisation (expected fee €20) is officially scheduled for the last quarter of 2026 but may be delayed to 2027. Check the official EU ETIAS website.
• Visa required: Other nationalities need a Schengen visa.

Local Tips for Frankfurt

• Try apple wine: Order a Schoppen in Sachsenhausen; sauer gespritzt means mixed with sparkling water.
• Sundays: Most shops are closed, but museums are open.
• Trade fairs: Book accommodation early or stay in nearby cities like Offenbach or Mainz.
• Bahnhofsviertel: Interesting for food and nightlife, but be aware of drug use around the station.
• Cash: Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small taverns.
• Tipping: Round up or add 5–10%.
• Staying connected: EU roaming applies to EU SIM cards; non-EU visitors can use a travel eSIM for instant data on arrival. Get your Germany eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Old Town walking tour: Discover the Römer, the New Old Town and the cathedral.
• Main river cruise: See the skyline from the water.
• Apple wine tour: Taste Ebbelwoi in Sachsenhausen taverns.
• Rhine Valley day trip: Explore castles and vineyards.
• Heidelberg day trip: Visit the castle and old town.

Browse and book the best tours in Frankfurt here.

FAQ

Is Frankfurt worth visiting?

Yes. Frankfurt combines a reconstructed old town, excellent museums, apple wine taverns and an impressive skyline, and is a great base for Rhine Valley trips.

How do I get from Frankfurt Airport to the city centre?

Take the S8 or S9 S-Bahn to the Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 12 minutes.

What is Frankfurt famous for?

Finance, its skyline, the Römerberg, apple wine, Goethe and the Frankfurt Book Fair.

How many days do you need in Frankfurt?

Two days are enough for the city, plus a day trip to the Rhine Valley or Heidelberg.

Which terminal does my flight use at Frankfurt Airport?

Frankfurt has Terminals 1, 2 and the new Terminal 3, opened in 2026. Check your booking or the airport website.

Conclusion

Frankfurt pairs a reconstructed medieval core with a dynamic financial skyline, world-class museums and cosy apple wine taverns. It's an easy, rewarding stop whether you're passing through or staying for days.

Plan ahead: book your tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Frankfurt.