If you only have one day in Frankfurt, Germany, we suggest making the most of it! The city center is compact and sightseeing can be done on foot or with the robust network of public transport.
Visiting Frankfurt in one day is just enough time to see the remarkable Old Town, marvel at the modern side of the city, experience a bit of culture and taste the local cuisine.
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Why Spend One Day in Frankfurt, Germany
Many of our European Trips have either started or ended in Frankfurt. Known as the Gateway to Europe, we often passed through from the United States to other top destinations on the continent.
It wasn’t until we planned a trip to the legendary Frankfurt Christmas Market that we finally explored the city properly. And, what a fascinating place it is!
Half-timbered houses sit in the shadows of contemporary skyscrapers. Gorgeous lanes are tucked into quiet corners and the Main River boldly flows through the center.
Poignant memorials, sprawling green spaces and memories of the past also dot the landscape.
Frankfurt am Main – as it’s officially titled – is often bypassed in favor of other Top German Destinations, but we feel that’s a mistake.
We created this one-day itinerary for Frankfurt that highlights exactly what to see, do and eat in 24 hours!
One Day in Frankfurt Itinerary
This 1-Day Frankfurt Itinerary is the perfect introduction to the distinctive city. It’s ideal for travelers on a long layover, beginning a Germany road tip or setting off on a European River Cruise.
Start off with a sightseeing tour of the important tourist sights. Midday, enjoy German specialties for lunch, followed by a full dose of culture. End the day in one of Frankfurt’s most vibrant districts with local food and drink.
MORNING: Explore Frankfurt on Foot
Fuel up for your day of sightseeing with a spectacular bite to eat at Zeit Fur Brot. The café is highly acclaimed for their Schnecken cinnamon buns, but they have savory options that will power you through your one-day Frankfurt trip.
Once satiated, spend the rest of the morning taking in the sensational sights in the Frankfurt City Center. Use our Free Self-Guided Frankfurt Walking Tour to find your way to the top attractions.
Contemplate the contrast between old and new as you roam through the contemporary Financial District. Then delve into the oldest part of the city to marvel at the re-created Romerberg Square – a highlight of any one-day trip to Frankfurt.
Stand in awe of the Old Opera House. See the historic Stock Exchange. Look up at Eschenheimer Tower, one of the last remnants of the old city walls.
Take in a view of Frankfurt from above. Soar up the famous Main Tower for an unsurpassed vista or climb 300-plus steps to the top of the historic Frankfurt Cathedral Bell Tower.
LUNCH: Kleinmarkthalle
When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Kleinmarkthalle. A treasure trove for foodies, the market vendors dish out heaping plates of classic Frankfurt cuisine.
When in Germany, you can’t go wrong with Sausage on a Roll. For the best sausages in the city, find Frau Schreiber’s. Although there will likely be a long line (it was 20 people deep during our visit), the famous sausages don’t disappoint!
For a taste of Frankfurt, however, find a vendor selling Handkase with Musik. The name of the dish translates directly to Hand Cheese with Music, which might not really sound appealing. Don’t worry; the pungent, sour cheese tastes delicious!
Rippchen mit Kraut – or pork cutlet with sauerkraut and mash – is another regional specialty. The meat-and-potatoes dish is utterly satisfying.
That all said, our favorite local dish is Grune Sosse. The Frankfurt specialty consists of a creamy herbed sauce served with boiled eggs and potatoes. It’s a unique Frankfurt food that is a must-try!
With so much classic fare at the market, you could create your own Frankfurt food tasting tour. Once you gather all the dishes for your meal, head up to the second floor and the balcony wine bar!
AFTERNOON: Experience Frankfurt Culture and Life
Spend the afternoon partaking in one of the top Frankfurt, Germany things to do. The city has something for everyone – from museums to outdoor spaces and from shopping to architecture.
We are sharing a few of the prime places to see, but for the sake of time, you will likely want to pick just one to visit today.
Stadel and Frankfurt Museums
The Museumsufer venues in Frankfurt are exceptional! In total, there are 39 cultural institutions under the Museumsufer name – but the premier ones are clustered together along the southern riverbank.
By far, the most impressive is the renowned Stadel Museum, which features masterpiece artworks. Here, you can see paintings by well-known artists, like Picasso, Monet and Rembrandt (among others).
Palm Gardens and Outdoor Attractions
The exquisite Palmengarten is a fantastic botanical space to visit during your 1-day trip. In addition to the vast array of plant species, the Palm Garden also hosts a Butterfly House, ponds and cafes. A small fee is required to enter.
Other nearby green spaces that are free include the Frankfurt Botanical Garden, Bethmannpark and Gruneburgpark.
If you are looking for top things to do in Frankfurt, Germany with kids, consider visiting the Frankfurt Zoo. The historic wildlife park was established in 1858 and houses more than 5,000 animals.
Berger Strasse and Frankfurt Shopping Streets
A main thoroughfare that extends from the northeast side of the Old Town, Berger Strass is a well-known shopping street lined with boutique cafes and a variety of stores.
The Zeil pedestrian promenade and Goethestrasse are two other shopping lanes in the heart of Frankfurt.
IG Farben Haus and Frankfurt Architecture
One of the best things about Frankfurt is the cool blend of past and present – and nowhere did we find that more apparent than in the architecture.
Top architectural gems in the city center include the European Central Bank (along the Main River), the Hauptbahnhof (and other stations) and buildings in New Old Town.
If you are a fan of Modernist architecture, seek out the IG Farben Haus in the Westend. Previously home to a chemical company with a dark history, the building is now part of local Frankfurt university – and an architectural gem.
Frankfurt Cruise on the River Main
If you would like to take a more relaxed approach to your afternoon, then hop aboard a boat for a sightseeing cruise down the Main. The best Frankfurt cruises are highlighted by interesting commentary and an open-air deck.
EVENING: Apfelwein in Old Sachsenhausen
Wind down your one-day trip in Frankfurt with a glass of local Apple Wine. There’s no better place to taste this regional tipple than in the historic area of Sachsenhausen.
The district, which evolved from apple orchards outside the medieval city walls, is famously known for apfelwein production. Old-fashioned taverns (and a slew of party bars) line the cobblestone lanes.
We recommend getting a table at one of the traditional pubs, where you can enjoy a full meal of hearty German food alongside a local beverage. Prost!
Travel Tips for Frankfurt, Germany
Now that you know what to do in Frankfurt in one day, we have some trip planning advice to help make your visit simple!
How Many Days in Frankfurt
We think 1 day in Frankfurt is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights in the city center and experience a bit of the local culture.
With 2 days (or longer), we recommend discovering the region on one of the highly rated day trips from Frankfurt.
Best Frankfurt Day Trips
Looking for great places to visit near Frankfurt? Check out these top-rated Frankfurt Day Tours on Viator.
Heidelberg Half-Day Trip from Frankfurt
Travel by luxury bus from Frankfurt to Heidelberg and tour the medieval town with a knowledgeable guide. Reserve now!
Black Forest and Strasbourg from Frankfurt
Visit the thermal baths in Baden-Baden then cross the border into France to explore the UNESCO-listed Strasbourg (it’s one of our favorite cities in France). Book it!
Rothenburg Day Trip with Heidelberg
Discover the walled village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a preserved settlement full of cobblestone lanes and charm. This full day trip also stops in Heidelberg.
Wine and Rhine Valley Full-Day Tour
Embark on an excursion to the villages along the Rhine and on a Rhine River Cruise. Travel through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Valley from Rudesheim to Sankt Goarshausen. Then, sail away on a steamboat and end your day with a wine tasting. Book this trip!
Frankfurt Airport Tour
Travelers with a layover in the Frankfurt Airport (and those just really interested in aviation) can join a FRA Airport Tour. The tour offers a behind-the-scene look at one of the busiest airports in Europe.
When To Go to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a year-round destination – but there are pros and cons of visiting in each season.
Spring is typically an excellent time for enjoying the outdoors and sightseeing on foot, but the weather can be unpredictable.
Summer brings warm weather and fun festivals, along with tourist crowds and higher prices. Autumn is a wonderful time – especially for the fall foliage.
Winter can be bleak, with the exception of the incredible Holiday Market, which runs from the end of November until a few days before Christmas.
How To Get to Frankfurt
The Frankfurt am Main Airport is a major European gateway welcoming flights from around the world. In addition to being the main hub for Lufthansa Airlines, all major US carriers fly to FRA as well.
A secondary airport, Frankfurt–Hahn, is mostly served by low-cost carriers. However, it is quite far away and takes about 2 hours to get from HHN to the city center by bus.
When looking for the best routes and prices, we recommend using Skyscanner. Find more of our money-saving tips in our article on How To Find Cheap Flights.
How To Get Around
Getting around Frankfurt is fairly easy. The center is walkable – and there are a plethora of trains, trams and buses that can get you to attractions further afield.
The Frankfurt Card is ideal for travelers – as it includes all of your public transport (even from the airport) so it’s best to buy it in advance! Additionally, the city pass offers discounts to popular sights.
Where To Stay in Frankfurt
When spending 24 hours in Frankfurt, we believe it’s best to stay near the train station. This way, you can quickly drop your bags when you arrive – and scurry to the station for your departure.
The hip and chic NH Collection Spin Tower has a prime location. They offer top amenities and a superb view.
There are heaps of affordable Frankfurt hotels near the station, too. Just be sure to read the reviews thoroughly before booking.
We look for the best hotels in Frankfurt on Booking.com – but first, read our tips for Finding Top Places at Low Prices.
What To Pack for Your Trip to Germany
We have a few final tips on what you will need to pack for your visit. Now grab your FREE Packing Checklist and let’s go to Germany!
Walking Shoes
Frankfurt is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! I like to wear these versatile trainers and Kris prefers shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera
Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos.
We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is fantastic for beginners) and use a 18-135mm lens. It’s a fabulous budget camera setup for budding photographers!
Day Bag
With a full day of sightseeing, you will need a good day pack to stow necessities – from your water bottle to a travel umbrella. We typically wear these small zippered backpacks that are designed to deter pesky pickpockets.
Travel Insurance
Delayed flights, lost luggage and illness while abroad can all happen unexpectedly. If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your Germany trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Organize Your Trip to Frankfurt
Staying on top of your trip planning details is essential! Use our Printable Travel Planner so that nothing slips through the cracks.
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Germany Travel Guides
- Best of Berlin in 3 Days
- What To Do in Dusseldorf
- Things To See in Dresden
- Fun Self-Guided Walk in Munich
- Make The Most of a Munich Layover
- Underrated Cities in Germany
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