Frankfurt is the first city I visited in Europe. So I’m so excited to be sharing my 2 days itinerary!
Frankfurt, located in the central region of Germany, is a bustling metropolis and one of the largest financial centers in Europe. Known for its towering skyscrapers and modern architecture, Frankfurt also boasts a rich history, stunning riverside views, and a diverse cultural scene. Visitors can explore museums, take a stroll through the picturesque old town, sample traditional German cuisine, and shop at the city’s numerous markets. With excellent transportation connections, Frankfurt is also a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of the country. So without further ado:
Day 1:
- Start the day by grabbing breakfast at Der Bäcker Eifler (literally everywhere in Frankfurt). Der Bäcker Eifler offers a HUGE bakery options and good coffee.
- Then make your way to Frankfurt Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style church with a stunning interior, located in the heart of the city. You can also pay 3€ per person to climb the 324 stairs to the observation deck in the Cathedral Tower. The climb is through a spiraling stair case with a lot of character and the view from the deck is amazing!
- After that, head to the Römerberg, the historic center of Frankfurt, where you’ll find a number of charming medieval houses and the iconic Römer, Frankfurt’s city hall, a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts.
- For lunch, try some traditional German cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area, I recommend trying Ebbelwoi Unser at Abtsgäßchen 8, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Definitely order some schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and rippchen von grill. If you want to drink alcohol you must order the Steinkrug (apple wine).
- In the afternoon, take a walk along the Main River and visit the iconic Main Tower, where you can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city, a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
- In the evening, head to the Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife, including bars and clubs, like “Clubkeller” a popular spot for electronic music lovers.
Day 2:
- Start the day by visiting the Museum of Modern Art, which features works by many world-renowned artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.
- After that, head to the Goethe House, the birthplace of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a must-see attraction for literature enthusiasts.
- For lunch, try some of the local street food at one of the markets, such as the weekly farmers market at Konstablerwache, a great spot for foodies and those who want to taste the local flavours. I personally love the German sausage made by the guy that carries the entire kitchen on his shoulders. His stand is called Sucuk 385. You can find on the main street in Frankfurt.
- In the afternoon, take a tour of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the most important stock exchanges in the world, a great option for business and finance enthusiasts.
- In the evening, catch a performance at the Alte Oper, one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world, a great option for music lovers. Booking is required for this.
Also check this ultimate list of things to do in Frankfurt.
Getting around:
- Walking: Frankfurt is a compact city, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is also a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city and discover hidden gems.
- Bicycling: Frankfurt has a bike-sharing program and also bike rental options. Bicycling is a great way to move around the city and explore the various parks and green spaces.
- Public transport: Frankfurt has an extensive public transportation network (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund (RMV)) that includes trains, buses, and trams, which connect all parts of the city. A single ticket can be used for all modes of transportation, and you can purchase them at any of the many ticket machines located at the train and bus stations.
- Car rental: Car rental is also available, but keep in mind that Frankfurt is a busy city and traffic can be heavy. If you decide to rent a car, be prepared to pay for parking and consider parking your car outside the city center and use public transportation or cycling to move around.
Tips:
- Language: Although English is widely spoken, it is a good idea to learn a few basic German phrases to help with communication. The most common way to say “thank you” in German is “Danke.” The German language also has more formal ways of expressing gratitude, such as “Vielen Dank” (Many thanks) and “Danke sehr” (Thank you very much).
- Currency: The currency used in Frankfurt is the Euro. ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available.
- Tipping: Tipping is common in Germany, with rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros being the norm in restaurants and bars.
- Safety: Frankfurt is a generally safe city, but as with any large city, it is always a good idea to take precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings at night.
- Climate: Frankfurt has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. It is a good idea to pack accordingly, with layers and waterproof clothing recommended for the cooler months.
- Visa: Visas for Frankfurt, Germany, depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. For stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes, citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most countries in the European Union, do not require a visa. However, a valid passport is required for entry.