Explore Frankfurt, Germany: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Frankfurt, Germany

2 days

Waldstadion
Old Opera or Alte Oper
Hauptbahnhof, main railway station
City skyline
City panorama

About Frankfurt, Germany

Experience the vibrant city of Frankfurt, Germany, a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. As the financial hub of Germany, it boasts a skyline of towering skyscrapers, home to the European Central Bank. Yet, it retains its old-world charm with half-timbered houses in Römerberg and the iconic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. Explore world-class museums along the Museumsufer, and savor local delicacies at Kleinmarkthalle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Main River or immerse yourself in nature at Palmengarten. Frankfurt's nightlife is equally exciting with a variety of pubs, clubs, and live music venues. Don't miss the annual Frankfurt Book Fair and the festive Christmas Market. Frankfurt is not just a stopover, but a destination in itself.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Frankfurt's History and Culture

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Römer, Frankfurt's city hall that has been the city's administrative hub for over six centuries. The medieval building is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional German lunch in a local eatery in the city center. Try the famous Frankfurt sausage or the hearty green sauce with boiled eggs and potatoes.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Städel Museum, one of Germany's most prominent fine art museums. The museum houses an extensive collection of works from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Dinner

Have dinner in a traditional German restaurant. Try the local Hessian cuisine, which includes dishes like Handkäse mit Musik, a sour milk cheese served with onions, and Apfelwein, a regional apple wine.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the River Main. The river offers stunning views of the city's skyline, particularly beautiful during sunset.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden that houses a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers.

Lunch

Have lunch in a cozy café near the Palmengarten. Enjoy a light meal and try a slice of Frankfurt's famous apple cake.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit the Goethe House, the birthplace of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The house has been restored to its original 18th-century condition and offers a fascinating insight into Goethe's life and work.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a meal in a modern German restaurant. Try some innovative takes on traditional German dishes.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Old Opera House. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a performance. If not, the building itself is worth seeing for its stunning neo-Renaissance architecture.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Römer

1
Römer

A medieval building in the Altstadt of Frankfurt am Main, which has been the city hall for over 600 years.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
Städel Museum

2
Städel Museum

One of Germany's most important art museums.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
Palmengarten

3
Palmengarten

A beautiful botanical garden in the city.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens
Goethe House

4
Goethe House

The birthplace of the famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, now a museum.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
Old Opera House

5
Old Opera House

The Alte Oper (Old Opera) is a concert hall and former opera house in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It was inaugurated in 1880 but destroyed by bombs in 1944. It was rebuilt, slowly, in the 1970s, opening again in 1981.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Frankfurter Würstchen

Frankfurter Würstchen

A smoked pork sausage that is traditionally boiled. It's a staple food in Frankfurt and is often served with bread and mustard.

Handkäse mit Musik

Handkäse mit Musik

A sour milk cheese served with onions, caraway, and vinegar oil. The name translates to 'hand cheese with music', a popular dish in Frankfurt.

Grüne Soße

Grüne Soße

A cold herb sauce made from seven different herbs. It's a traditional dish in Frankfurt often served with boiled potatoes and eggs.

Frankfurter Rippchen

Frankfurter Rippchen

A dish of cured pork cutlets, slowly heated in sauerkraut or meat broth. It's a traditional dish in Frankfurt often served with sauerkraut and bread.

Apfelwein

Apfelwein

A cider made from apples, it's a popular drink in Frankfurt and the surrounding region. It's often served in a special jug called 'Bembel'.

Sachsenhauser Suppe

A hearty soup made from beef, vegetables, and herbs. It's a traditional dish in Frankfurt, named after the Sachsenhausen district.

Frankfurter Kranz

Frankfurter Kranz

A buttercream cake shaped like a wreath, symbolizing the crown of the German emperors who were crowned in Frankfurt.

Rindswurst

A beef sausage that is traditionally boiled or grilled. It's a popular food in Frankfurt often served with bread and mustard.

Schneegestöber

A cocktail made from egg liqueur, rum, and cream. It's a popular drink in Frankfurt, especially during the winter season.

Frankfurter Brenten

A type of cookie made from almonds, sugar, and aniseed. It's a traditional Christmas treat in Frankfurt.

Geripptes

A traditional glass used to serve Apfelwein. It's a popular drinkware in Frankfurt, characterized by its diamond-shaped pattern.

Frankfurter Pudding

A vanilla-flavored pudding topped with fruit sauce or compote. It's a popular dessert in Frankfurt.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Frankfurt, Germany as a tourist is typically between April and September. During these months, the weather is most pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events during this period, such as the Spring Dippemess in April, the Museum Embankment Festival in August, and the Apple Wine Festival in August. However, if you enjoy Christmas markets, you might want to consider visiting in late November or December. Frankfurt's Christmas market is one of the largest and oldest in Germany.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday (regional holiday)

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

May Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 19

Sun

Whit Sunday (regional holiday)

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi (regional holiday)

August 8

Thu

Peace Festival in Augsburg (Bavaria)

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary (regional holiday)

September 20

Fri

German World Children's Day (Thuringia)

October 3

Thu

Day of German Unity

October 31

Thu

Reformation Day (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day (regional holiday)

November 20

Wed

Repentance Day (Saxony)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Frankfurt's U-Bahn system is a convenient way to get around the city. It has nine lines (U1 to U9) that cover most of the city and suburbs. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and less frequently at night.

The S-Bahn is a regional train system that connects Frankfurt with its surrounding areas. It's a great option if you're planning to visit nearby cities or towns. There are nine lines (S1 to S9), and trains run frequently throughout the day.

Trams are a popular form of transport in Frankfurt, with 10 lines (11 to 21) running across the city. They're a great way to see the city at a slower pace, and they stop at many popular tourist destinations.

Frankfurt has an extensive bus network that covers the city and its suburbs. There are numerous lines, and buses run frequently throughout the day. Some lines also operate at night.

Taxis are readily available throughout Frankfurt. They can be hailed on the street, picked up at taxi stands, or booked in advance. They're a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Frankfurt. They can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. Just download the app, set your pickup and drop-off locations, and wait for your ride.

Frankfurt is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths. There are several bike rental companies in the city, making it easy to rent a bike for a few hours or a few days. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies in Frankfurt. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult in the city center, and there's a lot of traffic during peak hours. Also, remember that Germany drives on the right.

Many of Frankfurt's attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking is a great way to explore the city, and there are plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas.

Frankfurt is located along the Main River, and there are several ferry services that offer scenic trips along the river. It's a unique way to see the city, and some services even offer dinner cruises.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Frankfurt, Germany as a first time visitor

1

Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany.

2

The official language is German, but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.

3

The currency used in Frankfurt is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

4

Frankfurt has a temperate seasonal climate. Summers (June to August) can be warm to hot with temperatures from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Winters (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures from -2 to 3°C (28 to 37°F).

5

Public transportation in Frankfurt is excellent. The city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and a subway system. The Frankfurt Card offers unlimited travel on Frankfurt's public transport system and discounts on various attractions.

6

Tipping is customary in Frankfurt. It's typical to round up to the nearest Euro in casual establishments and to tip 10-15% in more upscale places.

7

Frankfurt is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). During daylight saving time (last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October), it's two hours ahead of GMT.

8

Frankfurt is known for its 'Apfelwein' or 'Ebbelwoi' as it's called in the local dialect. This apple wine is a popular drink in the region.

9

Frankfurt has a high standard of living and is considered a global city. It's a major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank.

10

The city is known for its futuristic skyline and the busiest German airport.

11

Frankfurt's culinary specialties include Handkäse mit Musik (a sour milk cheese served with onions), Grüne Soße (a sauce made from seven different herbs), and Frankfurter Würstchen (sausages).

12

Frankfurt is a safe city, but like any major city, it's advisable to take standard precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

13

The city is a major hub for international travel, so it's easy to get to from almost anywhere in the world.

14

Frankfurt has a mix of high-end designer stores, traditional boutiques, and large shopping malls. The Zeil is one of the most popular shopping streets.

15

The city is very walkable, especially in the city center. There are also many bike paths, and bicycles can be rented from various locations.

16

Frankfurt has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Sachsenhausen is a popular area for nightlife.

17

The city is home to many international communities, making it a multicultural city with a wide variety of food and cultural experiences.

18

Frankfurt has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

19

The city has a strong commitment to sustainability, with many parks, green spaces, and initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

20

Frankfurt is not just a business city, it also has a rich history and culture, with many museums, galleries, and theaters.

Basic German to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hallo

ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Auf Wiedersehen

owf vee-der-zayn

Saying goodbye

Please

Bitte

bit-te

Making a request

Thank you

Danke

dahn-ke

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Ja

ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Nein

nine

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Entschuldigung

ent-shool-dee-goong

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Es tut mir leid

es toot meer lite

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

shpre-shen zee eng-lish

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Ich verstehe nicht

ish fer-shtay-uh nikht

Expressing difficulty in understanding

Where is...?

Wo ist...?

vo ist

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Toilette

toi-let-te

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Hilfe

hil-fe

In need of assistance

Food

Essen

es-sen

Talking about food

Water

Wasser

vas-ser

Requesting water

Beer

Bier

beer

Ordering a beer

Wine

Wein

vine

Ordering wine

How much does it cost?

Wie viel kostet das?

vee feel kos-tet das

Asking for the price

I would like...

Ich möchte...

ish moe-sh-te

Making a request

Good night

Gute Nacht

goo-te nakht

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants/Jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Scarf, gloves and hat (if winter)

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash and coins

  • Hotel and/or car rental reservations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Camera and charger (if necessary)

  • Travel adapter for German outlets

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Books or e-books for the flight

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Travel guide and map

  • Notebook and pen

Weather Conditions

Frankfurt, Germany, experiences a temperate seasonal climate, which means it has variations in weather throughout the year. Therefore, it's essential to plan your visit according to the weather conditions you prefer. If you're a fan of warm weather, the best time to visit Frankfurt would be from May to September. During these months, the average high temperatures range from 64°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). However, these months also see the most rainfall, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. For those who prefer cooler temperatures, October to April would be the ideal time to visit. The average high temperatures during these months range from 39°F to 59°F (4°C to 15°C). Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 32°F (0°C) or below, especially in December and January. So, make sure to pack warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately. Also, keep in mind that weather can change quickly, so it's wise to pack layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Lastly, Frankfurt is known for its wind, especially in the spring and autumn months. A windproof jacket would be a useful addition to your suitcase during these seasons. Remember, the weather shouldn't deter you from enjoying what Frankfurt has to offer. Each season brings its own charm to the city's landscape and attractions. Enjoy your trip!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

4° / -2°

January is the coldest month in Frankfurt, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter activities, but make sure to pack warm clothes.

February

6° / -1°

February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. Snowfall is less common than in January, but still possible.

March

11° / 1°

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures rising and more hours of daylight. However, it can still be chilly, especially in the evenings.

April

16° / 4°

April is a pleasant month to visit Frankfurt, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions.

May

20° / 8°

May is a beautiful month in Frankfurt, with warm temperatures and lots of greenery. It's a perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

June

23° / 11°

June marks the start of summer in Frankfurt, with long days and warm temperatures. It's a great time to visit the city's beer gardens and outdoor festivals.

July

25° / 13°

July is the hottest month in Frankfurt, with temperatures often exceeding 25 degrees. It's a great time to visit the city's swimming pools and lakes.

August

25° / 13°

August is another hot month in Frankfurt, with plenty of sunshine. It's a great time to enjoy the city's outdoor dining and nightlife.

September

20° / 10°

September marks the start of autumn in Frankfurt, with temperatures starting to drop. However, it's still warm enough for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

October

15° / 6°

October is a beautiful month in Frankfurt, with autumn foliage and mild temperatures. It's a great time to visit the city's parks and forests.

November

10° / 2°

November is a chilly month in Frankfurt, with temperatures dropping and days getting shorter. It's a good time to visit the city's museums and indoor attractions.

December

5° / -1°

December is a festive month in Frankfurt, with Christmas markets and holiday decorations. It's cold, so pack warm clothes, but the festive atmosphere makes it a special time to visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Frankfurt is the largest city in the German state of Hesse, and the fifth-largest city in Germany?

1 of 10

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