travel in frankfurt germany

Welcome to Frankfurt am Main

Christmas Market

UEFA EURO 2024 in Frankfurt

Frankfurt loves and lives sport - and football in particular!

Hence, in the of summer 2024, Frankfurt will be in good company. Fans from all over the world will come together for UEFA EURO 2024 to cheer and celebrate - the sport, the football and the community. The most important facts about UEFA EURO 2024 and the Fan Zone in Frankfurt at a glance: 5 matches in Frankfurt and much more.

Top 7 To Do's

for your unforgettable visit to Frankfurt

Find inspiration

Visit the sights

Book a guided city tour

Explore FrankfurtRhineMain

Old Opera House Frankfurt

Palmengarten - Botanical Garden Frankfurt

#visitfrankfurt

Share your trip with us

Do you need further assistance?

Frankfurt Convention Bureau

Services for Meetings Industry

Frankfurt Services

Still have questions? Contact us at any time

Texts, images and information

Travel Trade

Services for Travel Trade

It appears that you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your web browser to access our site.

For practical and security reasons, we recommend that you use a current web browser such as Firefox , Chrome , Safari , Opera , or Edge . Internet Explorer does not always display the complete content of our website and does not offer all the necessary functions.

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)

Germany’s big financial centre is a city of many sides. The central business district, Bankenviertel, captures your attention right away and has all ten of the tallest skyscrapers in the country. Opposite that sci-fi cityscape is the Museumsufer, an entire neighbourhood of museums that could keep you fascinated and entertained for days.

Frankfurt also has a city centre bursting with sights like the church that held Germany’s first democratic parliament, and the childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Under the gaze of those skyscrapers are fun-loving neighbourhoods like Sachsenhausen, where taverns serve traditional Apfelwein and there’s always something going on at night.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Frankfurt :

1. Museumsufer

Grouped together on both sides of the River Main is a cluster of 12 museums in an area known as the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). Most are on the left bank (south side). There are museums for film, art, architecture, communication and ethnography, to name a handful, and we’ll deal with many of them in more detail later.

The Museumsufer is a recent idea, having been developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

Some museums moved into patrician houses while others had eye-catching venues built for them by eminent architects like O.M. Ungers and Richard Meier.

On the last weekend of August the Museumsiferfest happens on the embankment, bringing later opening hours, multi-passes, outdoor music and dance performances, and a two-day dragon boat regatta on the Main.

2. Städel Museum

One of Germany’s top cultural attractions, the Städel Museum has recently been named German Museum of the Year following an extension for contemporary art in 2012. The museum was founded in 1815 when the banker Johann Friedrich Städel donated an invaluable collection of old masters to the city.

The current museum building was designed in a palatial Gründerzeit style in 1878 and within there’s a marvellous array of painting from the 1300s to the present.

Think Botticelli, Rembrandt, Hieronymus Bosch, Vermeer and van Eyck.

For later movements like Romanticism, Impressionism and Expressionism you’ll find paintings by Caspar David Friedrich, Degas and Kirchner.

Included in : Frankfurt Card

3. Main Tower

In Frankfurt’s ever-growing forest of skyscrapers there’s still only one tower with a public viewing platform.

The 200-metre Main Tower opened in the year 2000 and is the fourth-tallest building in the city, which also makes it the fourth-tallest in Germany.

And being on the east side of the Bankenviertel there’s a clean view from the top over the Altstadt and the Main.

On Fridays and Saturdays the observation deck is open a little later (until 21:00 in winter and 23:00 in summer), so you come up in the evening to see Frankfurt in lights.

The tower was designed by Schweger und Meyer, and in the foyer are two pieces of modern art: A video installation by Bill Viola and a mosaic on the wall by Stephan Huber.

4. Goethe House and Museum

The German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born at the fine corbelled house on 23 Großer Hirschgraben in 1749. It’s a medieval dwelling that had been updated with a Rococo facade and interior just before Goethe’s parents moved in.

Goethe lived here until the age of 16 and returned for long spells in between stints studying in Leipzig and Strasbourg.

In that time he wrote The Sorrows of Young Werther, and after being damaged in the war the house has been restored to how it would have looked when Goethe lived here.

The interior is furnished with contemporary artefacts like an astronomical clock that he admired and belonged to a family friend.

Attached to the house is a museum of Romantic art, appropriate for the youthful Goethe’s “Sturm und Drang” period.

5. Frankfurt Cathedral

When Germany was united in the 19th century, Frankfurt Cathedral took on special meaning because of its historical importance in the days of the Holy Roman Empire.

The cathedral was begun in the 1300s and 1400s in the Gothic style, and has been faithfully rebuilt twice: Once after a fire in 1867 and then in the 1950s after the war.

This former collegiate church was awarded the title of “cathedral” in 1562 when it started hosting the coronation ceremonies for the Holy Roman Kings.

Ten kings were crowned at this very place from 1562 to 1792, and even before then the imperial elections were held in the church from 1356. Look out for the 14th-century choir stalls, the Baroque Assumption Altar and the 15th-century fresco of the life of Mary in the southern transept.

6. Römerberg

The quaintest square in the city is walled by photogenic medieval houses, a church and historic administrative buildings.

The one that will grab your attention is the Römer, the middle of a group of three gabled buildings housing Frankfurt’s city hall since 1405. The neighbouring “Goldener Schwan” building was also annexed, as the council decided to move into houses that were already standing instead of constructing one from scratch.

In front is the Renaissance Fountain of Justice, dating to 1543, and on the opposite side of the square stands the 15th-century Old St Nicholas Church, which is incredibly came through the war without major damage.

Most of the handsome half-timbered houses to the east and west have bar and restaurant terraces on their ground floors for an Apfelwein and pretzel.

Related tour : Old Town Wonders Exploration Game and Tour

7. Palmengarten

Opened in 1871, Frankfurt’s botanical garden sweeps across 22 hectares, where plant species from all parts of the globe are displayed in greenhouses or the open-air.

The specimens are organised according to their region: One glass pavilion contains a sub-Arctic landscape, while there’s a tropicarium for rainforest and two separate structures for the desert environment.

Some of these are from the 1980s while others go back to the 19th century and were restored after the park was returned to the city’s hands in the 1960s.

There are exhibitions and performances in the historic Festsaal, while Jazz im Palmengarten is the world’s oldest open-air jazz festival, going back to 1959.

8. Eiserner Steg

Spanning the River Main between the centre of the city and the Sachsenhausen area, Frankfurt’s iron footbridge has had an eventful 150 years since it was completed in 1869. It has been rebuilt twice, the first time in 1912 when the Main was made navigable to larger boats, and again after the Nazis blew it up in the last days of the Second World War.

There’s an elegance in the bridge’s metal frame, and the best time to cross is late in the day when the low sun illuminates the high-rise towers in the Bankenviertel.

The Eiserner Steg has also been taken over by the fashion for love locks, which are fastened to every available surface.

On both banks of the Main there’s a band of parkland at the waterfront, planted with lawns, flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

On sunny days in summer you’ll pass families taking picnics, while in the evenings offices there are large crowds relaxing and chatting over beers.

The best photographs can be taken from the left bank just east of the Museumufer, where the skyscrapers rear up on the opposite bank.

Be sure to come by when the sun’s going down or at night when the Bankenviertel is lit up.

Related tour : Hop-on Hop-off Day Skyline or Express City Tour

10. St Paul’s Church

On Paulsplatz, St Paul’s Church is a building of great significance, not just for Frankfurt but Germany as a nation.

It began as a Lutheran church in 1789 and was designed with a circular plan according to the protestant principles of the time, ensuring that every member of the congregation could hear the sermon.

In 1848 that round format made St Paul’s the ideal seat for the first democratically elected parliament in Germany.

And in turn, this would form the basis for German constitution.

Parliament meetings only lasted for a year before religious services returned, but the church’s place in history was sealed as a symbol of freedom and the birthplace of German democracy.

Included in : Frankfurt: 3-Hour Bike Tour

11. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

If you have a child currently going through his or her dinosaur phase, Germany’s second largest natural history museum needs to be on the agenda.

There are anatomically up-to-date, life-sized models of dinosaurs welcoming you at the entrance, and inside are fossils of a triceratops, iguanodon, t-rex, diplodocus, parasaurolophus and a psittacosaurus.

There’s much more to see apart from dinosaurs, like an enormous catalogue of animal specimens that includes a quagga, a species of zebra extinct since the 1880s.

You can also view a cast of Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton of an australopithecus afarensis a close ancestor to modern humans.

12. Old Sachsenhausen

For hundreds of years the district of Sachsenhausen was a village distinct from the rest of Frankfurt, but still granted the protection of the city’s enormous ring of walls.

The fertile left bank of the Main was given over to farming.

And when the climate became a little cooler in the Little Ice Age, apple orchards replaced vineyards, and from the 18th century the bars in the quarter started serving cider (Aplfelwein). One of the perennial must-dos in the Frankfurt is to cross the Eisener Steg for a jaunt around the cobblestone streets in Sachsenhausen.

Pop into an Apfelweinkneipe for a glass of cider and a plate of green sauce (we’ll explain later!), in a neighbourhood that buzzes with party-goers on weekend evenings.

13. Hauptwache

At Frankfurt’s geographical centre and a busy transport hub, Hauptwache is as good a place as any to sample daily life in Frankfurt.

The plaza is at the western end of the Zeil, Frankfurt’s long pedestrianised shopping street, brimming with high street chains and big German department stores like Karstadt.

At the heart of the Hauptwache is the structure that gave the square its name.

The Baroque Hauptwache building dates to 1730 and was a barracks for the city’s Stadtwehr militia, at a time when Frankfurt was a free city-state.

Since those days it has been a prison and a police station, and now houses a much-loved cafe.

14. Schirn Kunsthalle

If you know you’ve got a trip to Frankfurt coming up, one of the first things to do is check what’s on at the Schirn Kunsthalle.

Designed in the 1980s, the hall is the main venue for temporary art exhibitions in Frankfurt, and the standard is superb.

The Kunsthalle is in an international network and collaborates with the Pompidou Centre, the Guggenheim Museum, New York’s MoMa, Moscow’s Hermitage and Britain’s Tate Gallery.

There have been celebrated retrospectives for Munch, Giacometti, Frida Kahlo and Marc Chagall, as well as more specific exhibitions on anything from Matisse’s collages to the art of Paris during the Belle Époque.

15. Berger Straße

While Zeil is all about chain stores and malls, Berger Straße has a bit more character.

The street begins by Bethmannpark on the east side of the Innenstadt and heads northeast for almost three kilometres into the Bornheim neighbourhood.

The lower part of the street, closest to Frankfurt’s centre, is full of family-owned shops and stylish, one-of-a-kind boutiques, all a world away from the Bankenviertel.

In between the shops are independent restaurants and quirky bars, at possibly the best neighbourhood in Frankfurt for nightlife.

16. Deutsches Filmmuseum

The German Film Museum approaches its subject from a few different angles.

The exhibitions handle broad topics like the technological origins and development of cinema, tracing its invention in 1895 through the advent of sound in the 1930s into the 21st century.

For budding moviemakers, the museum also breaks down exactly how a director is able to tell a story in this medium.

There are regular in-depth exhibitions on important figures from film history; Kubrick, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Romy Schneider have all featured.

And finally, there’s a cinema screening artistically significant films and classics.

Silent movies are accompanied by a live performance on a Wurlitzer pipe organ.

17. Frankfurt Zoo

Germany’s second oldest zoo dates to 1858 and is open 365 days a year.

The location is 11 hectares of landscaped parkland to the east of the Innenstadt.

It’s all an environment for 4,500 animals from more than 500 different species.

Like the best zoos, the attraction is constantly improving, adding “Ukumari-Land” a great new space for its Andean spectacled bears, looking like a real canyon.

The zoo also has preservation at a guiding principle and participates in breeding programmes for seven species.

When you come make sure to plan your day around the various feeding times, which bring you closer to crocodiles, penguins and seals.

18. Liebieghaus

On the riverfront in the Museumsufer, the Liebieghaus is a sumptuous 19th-century villa containing a sculpture museum.

The Liebieghaus was commissioned by the textile magnate Baron Von Libieg as a retirement home in the 1890s.

Not long after he died the building was acquired by the city and turned into a museum.

It now holds the sculpture collection for Frankfurt’s Städtische Galerie, which was hand-picked at the start of the 20th century to provide an overview of more than 5,000 years of sculpture.

The exhibits are a delightful mixture, jumping from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, to the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

There are calvaries, an Ancient Greek discus-thrower, Romanesque heads, a marble statue of Athena and fragments from Gothic tombs.

19. Grüneburgpark

Between the Goethe University and the Palmengarten is one of Frankfurt’s favourite spots to meet up, hang out and relax.

When the weather’s good the Grüneburgpark’s endless lawns are decked with groups of students from the university, and families on days out.

The 30-hectare English-style park was designed in 1877 on land that once belonged to the Rothschild family.

Before then it had been in the hands of the banker Peter Heinrich von Bethmann Metzler, and his guests included Goethe and the writer Bettina von Arnim.

Look for the Korean Garden with two pagodas, laid out to coincide with the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair

20. Museum Angewandte Kunst

Frankfurt’s museum of applied arts is in a mesmerising building by the American architect Richard Meier.

In the 1980s he created a bright, airy gallery, inspired by Le Corbusier’s International Style, taking up the grounds of the Neoclassical Villa Metzler and attached to it via a footbridge.

Inside there are European textiles, paintings, furniture and porcelain from the 1100s to the 2000s, as well as beautiful pieces from the Neat East, China and Japan.

The museum puts an accent on certain periods and movements, like the Baroque and Art Nouveau, and entire rooms in the Villa Metzler have been decorated in a given style.

21. Eschenheimer Turm

Very little of Frankfurt’s titanic medieval wall has made it to the 21st century: It was mostly pulled down at the start of the 1800s when the defences were modernised.

The ten-storey Eschenheimer Turm, guarding the northern wall, was also up for demolition.

But in the end it was spared and became a monument, against the wishes of the Comte d’Hédouville, ambassador of the occupying French forces.

The tower, erected at the start of the 15th century, is the oldest unchanged landmark in Frankfurt and was designed by Madern Gerthener, who also worked on the cathedral.

Just for that reason it’s worth a detour, even if you can’t go inside unless you get a table at the posh restaurant now based here.

22. Klassikstadt

To visit this unforgettable classic car attraction you’ll need catch an RB or RE train east to the industrial area close to Frankfurt-Mainkur station.

In the atmospheric confines of a former clinker brick factory there’s a restoration facility for privately owned prestige cars.

You can peek over the shoulder of experienced craftsmen and engineers, servicing engines, fixing instruments and stitching leather fittings.

The line up of Porches, BMWs, Jaguars, Mercedes and many more brands is a real treat, and to show how seriously the Klassikstadt takes its business, they’re stored in glass cases to regulate humidity.

Also at the Klassikstadt are dealerships for Aston Martin, McLaren and Lamborghini so if you’re a car enthusiast you may need to cancel any plans for the rest of the day.

23. Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)

There’s nothing elegant about the old Hessian speciality, green sauce, but you do have to give this condiment a try when you’re in Frankfurt as it’s delicious.

The sauce has a thick consistency and an egg base, and that green tone comes from its seven fresh herbs: Parsley, borage, chervil, chives, burnet, cress and sorrel.

Green sauce always comes with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.

Apparently it was also Goethe’s favourite dish, so you’ll be in good company.

24. Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)

The only true pairing for a serving of green sauce is a glass of tart Apfelwein, which despite the name, is best compared to cider.

Apfelwein has been the drink of choice at Frankfurt’s taverns (Kneipen) for more than 250 years.

And like best traditional drinks, Apfelwein has its own paraphernalia: It will be brought to you in a Bembel, a stoneware pitcher painted with filigree patterns, and is poured into a glass with a ribbed pattern, known as a Gerippte.

You’ll also be handed a Deckelchen, a small wooden disc to keep flying insects out of your glass.

And as for the flavour, well it’s both refreshing and sour, and cuts through the creaminess of the green sauce.

If you really catch the Apfelwein bug there’s a tourist train serving the best taverns in summer.

25. Kleinmarkthalle

Close to the Zeil shopping street is a hangar-like indoor market that toes the line between a traditional fresh produce market and a cosmopolitan food experience.

There are 156 stalls trading every day of the week except Sunday, so you can feast your eyes on the best cheese, meat, vegetables, fruit, confectionery, bread and pastries from the region.

And appropriately for a city as multicultural as Frankfurt the market has dozens of places to pick up Turkish, Spanish and Italian specialities: Make a lunchtime visit for tapas, a panini, oysters, bratwurst and much more at the bars above the main hall.

25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany):

• Museumsufer
• Städel Museum
• Goethe House and Museum
• Frankfurt Cathedral
• Palmengarten
• Eiserner Steg
• St Paul's Church
• Senckenberg Natural History Museum
• Old Sachsenhausen
• Schirn Kunsthalle
• Berger Straße
• Deutsches Filmmuseum
• Frankfurt Zoo
• Liebieghaus
• Grüneburgpark
• Museum Angewandte Kunst
• Eschenheimer Turm
• Klassikstadt
• Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)
• Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)
• Kleinmarkthalle

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Frankfurt Itinerary

Last Updated on February 8, 2024

by Paola Drexler

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As the fifth-largest German city, Frankfurt is the perfect place to get the right dose of history, culture, beauty and lots of delicious food. If you’re looking to plan a 2 to 3 days in Frankfurt itinerary, we’ve got an excellent resource for you.

So let’s eat some high-quality frankfurters while we explore the “Mainhattan” of Germany along the Main River and experience all that Frankfurt has to offer. Let’s dive into your next adventure in Germany.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Frankfurt?

As one of the biggest financial and flight hubs, you may have had a layover or transfer in Frankfurt before. However, the city has so much to offer that it deserves its own trip to explore the city properly. But you might be wondering how many days to spend in Frankfurt to do the city justice.

There is so much to see and you probably don’t have a lot of time to spare, but luckily most attractions are within walking distance from each other.

2 days in Frankfurt is the perfect amount of time to see all the main highlights with some additional adventures that will leave you feeling like you got the full city experience.

However, with 3 days, you can explore some parts of the town that the locals enjoy as well, for example, a visit to the city forest or down the scenic Berger Straße. Alternatively, enjoy additional world-class museums and finish the day with a visit to the English Theatre.

Getting To & Around Frankfurt

No matter your preferred mode of transportation, Frankfurt is easily accessible whether you’re flying, driving or catching a ride some other way.

You can reach Frankfurt from many European cities like Copenhagen , Hamburg , Berlin or Munich by train. Frankfurt Train Station is located in the centre of the city and you can walk to many points of interest from there. You can view train schedules here .

For those flying in, Frankfurt Airport is the closest airport. Of course, other alternatives include airports in Hahn (which is usually the Frankfurt airport of choice for budget airlines), Cologne , Stuttgart and Dortmund, although the latter airports are over 2 hours away.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can decide on riding a train, bus, renting a car or a private transfer to get you to the city centre. It is a roughly 20-minute ride to get there.

If you are planning to use public transportation, it is straightforward and easy to navigate in Germany. You’ll have to get either a single-ride ticket or a Frankfurt Card at the train or bus station.

The Frankfurt Card has the added bonus in addition to the unlimited public transportation, that you’ll receive free entry or discounted prices at main attractions and restaurants in Frankfurt.

2 to 3-Day Frankfurt Itinerary

With the highest population in the state of Hesse, Frankfurt has seen countless visitors from every corner of the world. The city has endured so many centuries of historical events, war after war it has been rebuilt to bring together the old and new parts of the city to become what you’ll see today.

If you want to see some of the below sites with a guide, you can book a guided walking tour here.

Day 1 – Innenstadt, Old Town & New Old Town

In a city filled with old and new stories, you can find numerous things to do. For those interested in finance, Frankfurt can feel like a scavenger hunt as you look for significant landmarks, like the Euro sculpture or the famous Bull and Bear in front of the city’s stock exchange.

Your journey will begin at the Euro-Skulptur on Willy-Brandt-Platz and after having a look at the sculpture you’ll head up to the Alte Oper.

Starting in the Innenstadt, or inner city, you’ll begin the first day of your Frankfurt itinerary with the impressive concert hall known as the Alte Oper.

The Old Opera House was originally built in 1880 but after getting bombed and destroyed in 1944, it had to be rebuilt. The new larger hall opened its doors again in 1981.

Right in front of the opera house, you’ll find the Opernplatz (Opera Square), where you have a great view of the Alte Oper and tall buildings in the Bankenviertel (Banking District). The classical opera building contrasts sharply with the metal and glass of the downtown skyscrapers, making this a very unique square.

As you make your way deeper into the inner city towards the Hauptwache, you’ll walk passed numerous restaurants and luxury shopping stores.

If you take a little detour you’ll come across the Eschenheimer Turm, the late Gothic tower that used to serve as the city gate and is now a landmark. Our next stop is the Hauptwache.

You’ll know when you reach the Hauptwache not only because you’ll spot St. Catherine’s Church and the magnificent skyline but seeing one of the most famous plazas in all its glory can stop you in your tracks.

The Hauptwache building used to be a prison that was later turned into a police station and is now a restaurant that serves traditional German dishes.

In the plaza, you’ll see the big Galeria Kaufhof, the largest department store in the city, that houses many well-known brands, shops and more.

You can take a lift or stairs up to the roof terrace in the building to get a stunning view of Frankfurt. While worth a quick peak, don’t spend too much time here admiring the view – you’ll get an even better bird’s eye perspective later on in the day.

For now, enjoy walking down the famous and fabulous Zeil Street that’s lined with shops of all sorts. If you’re looking to do some shopping, for yourself or for souvenirs, here is your chance.

Kleinmarkthalle

When you’re done with your shopping, you’ll walk back towards the Hauptwache to the cute and historic Kleinmarkthalle.

Named for being a small market hall, the market is open every day except for Sundays. You’ll find all kinds of fresh food and flowers, as well as specialities from the area and even international delicacies. The market has been around since 1954 and has welcomed visitors and Frankfurters alike.

For the larger Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache, located a few minutes away, you will have to double-check open times but you should be able to stroll through it on Thursdays and Saturdays.

As one of the most iconic German attractions, the Römerberg or Roman Mountain has seen its fair share of coronations, Christmas markets and tourists from all around the globe. Don’t worry though, the name is a bit misleading since the Römerberg is not really a mountain.

Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s Altstadt (the old town of the city), The Römer has been the city hall of Frankfurt since the 15th century and although receiving much damage during World World II, luckily the beautiful buildings were restored for people to enjoy today.

The half-timbered houses showcase beautiful German craftsmanship and are an iconic scene in Frankfurt.

DomRömer Quarter

Just a few steps away, you’ll come across a slight contrast to the historic old town in the “new old town” known as the DomRömer Quarter.

At first glance, the quarter looks very similar to the Römerberg, with a statue in front of the unique buildings. But then you see the contrast in colour and the modern build of the stunning buildings and realise you’re not in the same quarter anymore.

Since the war destroyed a large part of the old town, the reconstruction of the DomRömer Quarter, which was completed in 2018, was meant to modernise and liven Frankfurt up a bit.

St Paul’s Church

As you make your way from the Altstadt towards the Innenstadt, you’ll spot the round, architectural beauty of St Paul’s Church.

Having been the gathering place of the first freely elected German Parliament in 1848, the church is a unique spot with great historical significance for Germany.

Today you can tour the building, walk the circular lower floor, read about Germany’s history, and admire the beautiful art on the walls.

Goethe House and Museum

Just a short 5-minute walk from St Paul’s Church, you’ll see the marvellous Goethe House. This is the birthplace and former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers who had a major impact on the German language – similar to what Shakespeare did for the English language.

The house became a museum in 1863 after being restored by the new owner to the way it was when Goethe was living there. Although it was destroyed during World War II, the house was reconstructed to its original form afterwards.

When you walk through the rooms where Goethe wrote some of his most famous pieces, you’ll walk along furniture from that period and can imagine what it was like living in the 18th century. In the museum, adjacent to the house, you’ll find a display of paintings that show Goethe’s life while in his family home.

To end your first day in Frankfurt, we’re going to end on a literal high note at the highest public viewing platform in the city – the Main Tower.

Even from ground level the 56-story blue glass skyscraper is extraordinary – it is the fourth tallest building in the city. For 9 euros per adult, visitors can take a lift up the 190 meters (623 feet) of the building to the observation deck but will have to walk up the last 10 meters of the way.

The last bit of walking is totally worth it when you reach the platform and have a breathtaking panoramic view of Frankfurt. If you time it out nicely, you can savour an amazing sunset.

Day 2 – Sachsenhausen & Plamengarten

On the second day, you’ll begin south of the Main river and across the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge), on the other side of the city in old Sachsenhausen.

Straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale book with its medieval-looking houses, gas lamps and cobbled stone streets, this part of Frankfurt feels like an untouched, traditional German town. As you leisurely roam through the town, keep an eye out for brass-coloured apples within the cobblestones.

The state of Hesse prides itself on its Apfelwein production and history, so much so that apple wine – or cider – is considered the state beverage.

You’ll find some popular restaurants and taverns that serve it in Sachsenhausen, so if you’re feeling thirsty you can indulge in a glass or two of the local beverage of choice of over 250 years.

Museumsufer

If you’re a museum fanatic, look no further because you’ll find a nice lineup of museums right by the Main river in the area called Museumsufer or Museum Embankment.

The idea of building museums close to each other came from a cultural politician in 1977 named Hilmar Hoffmann.

On the South Bank of the river, you’ll find The Städel at the centre, which displays 700 years of European art and is one of the oldest museums in Germany. On the North Bank, museums include the Jewish Museum Frankfurt, the Historical Museum and other art museums.

Now we’ll cross the Alte Brücke once again, from the south bank to the north to walk along the Mainkai, the promenade alongside the river, and stop to take in the incredible view of the city’s skyline, river, Eiserner Steg and all of Frankfurt’s beauty.

Frankfurt Cathedral

As you make your way east on the Mainkai, then up Zum Pfarrturm, on the right pass the Dommuseum, you’ll reach the magnificent red gothic Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, most commonly referred to as Frankfurt Cathedral or Dom.

Although it was never used as an actual cathedral, it was significant for holding former coronations and elections during the Roman Empire times.

Today, visitors can climb 328 steps to the viewing platform to get a different view from the city, closer to the river and old town. Inside, you can roam through the historical treasures and stories of its history.

Frankfurter Judengasse

After the cathedral, you’ll head up towards Domstraße and continue on Braubachstraße then Battonnstraße to reach the Museum Judengasse.

Frankfurt has two interesting and popular museums dedicated to Jewish history. The Jewish Museum is one of the oldest in Germany and is located down the Mainkai in the North Bank.

But today, you’ll take a closer look at the Judengasse, which was the location of the Jewish ghetto around 1462 to 1811. After enduring damage during the war, it was later demolished and rebuilt around 1987.

The museum opened in 1992 and you can still see a section of the original foundations. You’ll learn more about life during that time, Jewish history in the country and get to see historical art pieces while touring the museum.

Palmengarten

For an afternoon treat, you will either walk 35 minutes from the Judengasse or take a direct bus from Börneplatz to the enchanting Palmengarten.

The Palm Garden is a beloved attraction for everyone, not just tourists. Frankfurt loves its botanical gardens so much that it has three palm gardens in the city.

Close to the entrance of the garden, you will walk through a gorgeous rose garden, where you can stop and smell the luscious rosy fragrance in the air. Next, the garden houses a stunning palm house with tall palm trees, cacti, and other subtropical wonders.

With so much to look at, you can get lost for hours discovering new plants all over the grounds of the garden.

Day 3 – Stadtwald, Modern Art Museum, Berger Straße & the English Theatre

By now you’ve seen the main highlights in the city but there is so much more to do and see. Keep on reading for fun activities to do on your third day in Frankfurt.

If you prefer to head out of the city, you can take a day trip to Heidelberg instead.

As a day trip or if you’re headed back towards the airport, around the halfway point you can spend a few hours strolling around the Stadtwald (Frankfurt City Forest), which is around a 30-minute train ride outside of the city.

You’ll get to experience Frankfurt’s wildlife while walking by ponds and other bodies of water in the serene forest. To end your trip, you can go up the Goethe Tower in the northern part of the forest to have one last look at the breathtaking Frankfurt skyline from a distance.

Museum für Moderne Kunst

By now you’ve seen the main highlights in the city so you can sit back and relax – for example on a river cruise down the Main river – you can book one here .

While you’re near the river, you can go for a second round of museum exploration and visit one or two of the other museums on the Museumsufer that you’re interested in.

For example, the Museum of Modern Art displays unique pieces of art from the 1960s to the present date. You can find collections and individual artwork of artists from around the world, including Germany. If modern art is not for you, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Berger Straße

If you’re looking to explore the city more, you can walk down Berger Straße, your start point will begin at the cute clock tower, also known as the Uhr Turmchen.

Here you will find traditional German restaurants and special desserts like spaghettieis (don’t worry, it tastes better than it sounds and it contains zero tomato sauce or pasta).

On the Upper Berger Straße, you’ll also find more traditional apple wine gardens in dark wood buildings where you can get a glass of wine directly from the cellars where it’s made.

English Theatre

For an evening out you can enjoy whatever show is currently being held at the English Theatre in Frankfurt.

The theatre opened in 1979 and is well-known for ranking as the largest English-speaking theatre in Europe. When they aren’t performing musicals, they are performing anything from comedies and classics to thrillers.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – This hotel is an excellent option for mid-range travellers looking for a comfortable and hip place to stay in Frankfurt. Located in the Old Town of the city, there are several modern rooms on offer along with a bar and breakfast each morning.

Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer – Those after a luxury option in Frankfurt are sure to love this plush hotel. Centrally located near all the city has to offer, there are plenty of large rooms, they’re pet-friendly, offer a fab breakfast each morning and some rooms provide kitchenettes.

Aparthotel Adagio Frankfurt City Messe – This aparthotel located in central Frankfurt is a great choice for those after their own fully-equipped apartment. They have a range of flats on offer and there’s even breakfast available in the mornings.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Frankfurt hotels!

While it can be so easy to get lost in the city, spending 2 to 3 days in Frankfurt is the perfect amount of time to make you fall for the city. From its history to its beauty and charm, your adventures in Frankfurt will stay with you forever.

Are you planning to visit Frankfurt? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in Dresden Itinerary: A Day Trip from Prague

Berlin vs Hamburg: Which German City to Visit?

Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit?

About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

Great article for Frankfurt. We are going to the city in the end of April 2023.

Thank you for this Paola.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Frankfurt Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Frankfurt is a city ripe with culture, restaurants, and history. It’s also the center of banking and business in Europe . While Frankfurt lacks the charm of Munich or Berlin , it’s more than just a stopover destination (Frankfurt’s airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports so a lot of people have short stopovers here).

For more than five centuries, Frankfurt was known as the Free City of Frankfurt, an important city-state in the Roman Empire. Today, the city is incredibly diverse; half of the population has a foreign background, and a quarter of the population are foreign nationals.

While most people who stop here never leave the airport, Frankfurt is actually worth exploring for a few days. Eat dinner at one of the city’s famous cider houses, relax at a beer garden, spend the afternoon at one of the free parks, or soak up the city’s history in a museum.

This travel guide to Frankfurt can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this overlooked gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Frankfurt

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. See the Dom

Frankfurt’s main attraction, this reddish sandstone cathedral dates back to the 14th century when it was used to crown the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It boasts a 95-meter-tall (311 feet) Gothic tower, which you can climb via 328 steps. Admission is free, but the tower is 3 EUR.

2. Visit the Städel-Museum

The Städel Museum has an impressive collection of art, with a heavy focus on German and Renaissance art. There are over 3,000 paintings, 4,000 photographs, 600 sculptures, and 10,000 drawings from the likes of Monet, Picasso, Bacon, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and others. Admission is 16 EUR.

3. Explore Römerberg

The historical center of Frankfurt is home to colorful half-timbered buildings and several medieval buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Most buildings were destroyed during World War II, but many have been restored to reflect what they used to look like. It’s a picturesque spot to stroll and take in the local pace of life.

4. Relax in Frankfurt City Forest

The city forest is the largest forest contained within any city limits in Germany. The six playgrounds and nine ponds make the forest a popular place for people looking to relax in nature. There is also a 450-kilometer-long (279 miles) network of trails for hikers, walkers, cyclists, and runners!

5. Visit Offenbach

Offenbach is a small neighboring city with tons of little shops, a flea market, a farmer’s market, an old baroque castle, and the stunning Neo-baroque Büsing Palace. Offenbach is the perfect place to escape the hectic city for a day and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Other Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. cross the eiserner steg.

Otherwise known as the Iron Bridge, this Neo-Gothic pedestrian bridge connects the downtown core to the Sachsenhausen district. Built in 1869, the bridge provides unique views of the city from over the Main River from which the city takes its full name, Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt on the Main). Over 10,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily!

2. Eat and drink in Sachsenhausen

South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen has many of the best cider taverns and pubs in the city. After visiting some pubs, take a stroll along the Main River and enjoy the view. Sachsenhausen is also known for Museumsufer, a row of 38 museums along the river with themes exploring the arts, architecture, and Jewish history. With the two-day Museumsufer Pass, you can visit all the museums for just 21 EUR.

3. Spend the day at the Palmengarten

Spanning 54 acres, Frankfurt’s botanical garden is the largest of its kind in Germany. Opened to the public in 1871, the garden was actually visited by the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill in 1890. Don’t miss the Palm Garden and its enormous collection of native, tropical, and subtropical plant life. Moreover, the gardens also offer lots of activities year-round, including concerts and guided tours. It’s 7 EUR to visit.

4. Walk around the Bornheim

The Bornheim neighborhood has some wonderful medieval-style houses that survived World War II. Since so much of the city was destroyed in the war, this is your only chance to see what the city looked like before everything was destroyed. The city’s longest street, Berger Strasse, is Bornheim’s commercial hub, and it’s chock full of restaurants, wine bars, boutique shops, and bars.

5. Stroll through the Frankfurt Book Fair

Held in the middle of October for nearly 500 years, this fair is considered the largest event in the publishing industry. Publishers, writers, and creative professionals from all over the world come to hold discussions, network, and celebrate the written word. It’s a week-long affair, but it’s only open to the public during the last two days. A day pass is 25 EUR.

6. Climb the Main Tower

The most rewarding views over Frankfurt are from the top of the 56-story Main Tower, the only high-rise that’s open to the public. Named for the Main River, from here you can take the elevator up to a viewing platform overlooking Frankfurt’s skyline. Tickets to the observation deck are 9 EUR.

7. Visit Goethe House

Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is considered Germany’s most important writer. Born in 1749, he was a poet, playwright, novelist, and theater director. Destroyed during World War II, the Goethe House was restored with its original furniture, paintings, and books that belonged to the family. You can also see his writing desk, where he wrote his most famous work, The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774. Admission is 10 EUR and combination tickets that include special exhibitions are 13 EUR.

8. Visit Senckenberg Museum

The Senckenberg Museum is a treasure trove of natural history artifacts, with everything from fossils to Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. It’s the second-largest natural museum in the country, home to some 17,000 skeletons. One of the most amazing pieces here is a fossil with a bit of preserved scaly skin attached to it. Admission is 12 EUR.

9. Check out the DialogMuseum

The DialogMuseum is easily one of the most unique museums in Germany. Rather than visiting a museum to view exhibits, this museum invites you to navigate the world as a blind or visually impaired person. On a one-hour tour through four completely pitch-black rooms, visitors experience what it’s like to live without any visual cues, relying on other senses to get them through. Admission is 16 EUR.

10. Explore the Deutsches Filmmuseum

This is another unique museum in Frankfurt, focused on film in Germany. There are exhibits on the history of film, behind-the-scenes insights into filmmaking, interactive displays, film artifacts like sketches, and more. A combined ticket to both the permanent and temporary exhibits is 12 EUR. You can also see a film at the museum’s theater for 8 EUR.

11. Check out the Kleinmarkthalle

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, head over to the Kleinmarkthalle for a huge assortment of high-quality fresh produce, delicatessen items and wine, handmade German regional products, and also international favorites. There are various small eateries with seafood, Italian specialties, and much more. It’s a great place to wander around, especially on a rainy day.

  For more information on other cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Frankfurt Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 31-38 EUR per night while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs 22-25 EUR per night. A basic double private room costs about 160 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some charge a supplemental one-time fee of 3-4 EUR for linens. None of the hostels in Frankfurt offer free breakfast, though a couple offer robust breakfast buffets for 6-8 EUR. Most hostels also have a bar/café on site.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity costs 15 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 50-65 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms are all standard. Free breakfast is rare, though most hotels offer a breakfast buffet for an additional 8-10 EUR.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Frankfurt. Private rooms start around 35-55 EUR per night while a full apartment starts at 80-125 EUR per night. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

Frankfurt has tons of cheap food options. Currywurst and frankfurters are everywhere for less than 4 EUR, while a hearty plate of fries is less than 6 EUR. A traditional meal of chicken at a cider house costs 9-11 EUR, while a glass of cider to go with it is about 2 EUR.

A beer costs about 4 EUR while a glass of wine is 4.50-6 EUR.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 8.50 EUR while a pizza is around 9-11 EUR. At a mid-range restaurant, a sandwich or German savory pancakes cost between 7.50-10. A big bowl of salad is 8.50-11.50.

If you want to splash out, a set six-course menu at a gourmet restaurant starts at 100 EUR, including traditional German food like schnitzel. A single entree may cost as much as 35 EUR for a duck breast.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, produce, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto, which are pretty cheap and even have organic products for a fair price.

Backpacking Frankfurt Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Frankfurt, my suggested budget is 60 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, using public transportation to get around, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours.

A mid-range budget of 135 EUR covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for some of your meals, renting a bike or taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like visiting museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Frankfurt is one of the more expensive cities in Germany. However, you can turn Frankfurt into a more affordable destination with just a few simple tricks. Here is how to save money in Frankfurt:

• Purchase a Museumsufer ticket – For those of you that love visiting museums, this two-day pass saves you tons of money. Costing 21 EUR, this card provides access to 34 museums in and around Frankfurt.
• Get the Frankfurt Card – An alternative to the Museumsufer Card is the Frankfurt Card, which provides free travel on all public transport (including to the airport) as well as up to 50% discounts on tours, museums, and other attractions. You can get a one-day card for 11.50 EUR, or a two-day card for 17 EUR.
• Take a free walking tour – Frankfurt Free Tour provides an overview of the historic center and all its highlights. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land on a budget. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money on accommodation while getting some insight from the locals, try Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to meet people in the city and discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations while also getting free accommodation.
• Take advantage of SaTOURday – Many of the main museums in Frankfurt offer free entry on the last Saturday of every month.
• Get a transportation day pass – If you don’t want to get the Frankfurt Card (which includes unlimited public transport), you can get a regular transportation day pass. It costs 5.50 EUR, which is much cheaper than paying per ride.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt only has a few hostels in the city. Here are my suggested places to stay in Frankfurt:

• Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
• Meininger Frankfurt/Main Airport

How to Get Around Frankfurt

Public transportation – Like other German cities, Frankfurt is well connected by its subway (the U-Bahn) and its above-ground rail system (the S-Bahn). A single ticket is 2.75 EUR and is good for up to 60 minutes, or you can get a short-distance ticket (for journeys less than 2 kilometers) for 1.50 EUR. You can purchase tickets at the station or with the RMV-App. Always keep your ticket on you as random checks on the train are very common.

A day ticket with unlimited travel costs 5.50 EUR. If you’re in a group, take advantage of the all-day group ticket for up to five people for 11.50 EUR (or 16.95 EUR if including the airport). A weekly pass costs 26.80 EUR, including the airport.

You can use your tickets across the train, tram, and bus network.

Ticket prices for trams are the same for the train and bus system. You can buy them onboard the tram, at kiosks next to specific tram stops, or in the app.

Buses take you anywhere you need to go, especially where the trains and trams don’t go. Ticket prices are the same as the trains and trams and can be used interchangeably. You can buy tickets at kiosks next to the bus stop, from bus drivers, or in the app.

Bicycle – Bicycle rentals are plentiful in Frankfurt, with daily rates starting at about 9-15 EUR per day. Try a company like Call a Bike or nextbike, which both have docking stations all over the city. Prices are cheaper if you rent the bike for a week versus half or full days.

Taxi – A base fare for a taxi in Frankfurt is 3.50 EUR, with each additional kilometer costing 2 EUR per kilometer for the first 15 kilometers. After that, it’s 1.75 EUR for every subsequent kilometer. In short, taxis add up fast so skip them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Frankfurt, though since the public transportation here is comprehensive you likely won’t need it.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental, however, you won’t need one to get around the city. Drivers need to be at least 21 years of age.

When to Go to Frankfurt

Summer is the peak tourist season, specifically July and August. The average daily temperatures are in the upper 20s°C (high 70s°F) and days are sunny and bright. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with lots of other tourists, but there are always fun festivals and events happening during this time.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are both shoulder seasons that bring cooler temperatures, sunny days, and fewer crowds. If you want to take advantage of lower room rates and a more laid-back vibe, this is the best time to visit Frankfurt!

Like the rest of Germany, Frankfurt’s winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below 1°C (34°F). The city experiences some snowfall, but the Christmas markets throughout November and December are magical. It makes for a good weekend getaway destination in the winter if you plan to hit the holiday markets.

How to Stay Safe in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a safe city to visit. Violent crime is rare. However, like all big cities, you should stay alert for pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

At night, it’s best to avoid the areas around the Hauptbahnhof, Konstablerwache, and Hauptwache just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

And be sure to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Explore Frankfurt

Plan Your Trip to Frankfurt: Best of Frankfurt Tourism

Essential frankfurt.

Trending in the forums

Frankfurt Is Great For

Cultural tours.

Historical Tours

Archaeology Tours

Eat & drink

• Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof
• MY CLOUD Transit Hotel - Frankfurt
• Hilton Frankfurt Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport
• Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
• Ebbelwoi Unser
• Café Buur Frankfurt
• Trattoria i Siciliani
• Restaurant Medici
• Stadel Museum
• Palmengarten
• Kleinmarkthalle
• Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise
• Heidelberg Half-Day Trip from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt on Foot Daily Walking Tour in English
• Baden-Baden, Black Forest and Strasbourg Day Trip from Frankfurt
• Frankfurt Super Saver: Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg Day Trip

Getty Images

Frankfurt am Main

Glinting with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. The focal point of a conurbation of 5.5 million inhabitants, ‘Mainhattan’ is a high-powered finance and business hub, home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and the gleaming headquarters of the European Central Bank, and famously hosts some of the world's most important trade fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Städel Museum

Founded in 1815, this world-renowned art gallery has an outstanding collection of European art from masters including Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir,…

Frankfurt’s red-sandstone cathedral is dominated by a 95m-high Gothic tower, which can be climbed via 328 steps. Construction began in the 13th century;…

Senckenberg Museum

Life-size dinosaur mock-ups guard the front of Frankfurt’s natural history museum. Inside the early 1900s neo-baroque building, exhibits cover…

The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s old central square. Ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after WWII, give an idea of how beautiful the city…

Museum für Moderne Kunst

The outstanding Museum of Modern Art focuses on European and American art from the 1960s to the present, with frequent temporary exhibits. The permanent…

Museum Judengasse

Most of Frankfurt’s medieval Jewish ghetto – Europe's first, dating from 1460 – on narrow Judengasse (Jews’ Street) was destroyed by a French bombardment…

IG-Farbenhaus

The monumental seven-storey IG-Farbenhaus was erected in 1931 as the headquarters of IG-Farben (pronounced ‘ee geh far-behn’), the mammoth German…

Goethe-Haus

Completely rebuilt after WWII (only the cellar survived Allied bombing), the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) is furnished in the…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Frankfurt am Main

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Frankfurt am Main with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Travel Guide To Frankfurt: A Must-Visit German Destination

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Mar 31, 2024 | Europe , Germany , Travel Tips

Frankfurt is an imperial German city on the River Main, hence its full name: Frankfurt am Main. It’s an important economic and commercial center and it also has an impressive skyline that reminds many tourists of New York City or Chicago. 

Frankfurt is also an important cultural hub and it’s famous because of its exceptional museums covering art, science, and history. 

Frankfurt is lovely to explore on foot – it’s a city that should be included in any German travel bucket list. 

Frankfurt is a charming and buzzing city that strikes the right balance between traditional half-timbered houses and impressive modern skyscrapers. 

It makes a great destination for anyone visiting Germany and it should be included in any road trip across this country. 

It’s not difficult at all to rent a car in Germany and driving there is not a problem either as long as you familiarize yourself with the road signs and stick to the speed limits. 

German roads are safe but you can also invest in an insurance policy for your rental to enjoy an even safer driving experience.

Frankfurt Attractions

Are you interested in visiting this city? Go on reading to discover its most beautiful attractions!

Römerberg: Frankfurt’s Old Town Center

Located in Frankfurt’s Altstadt or Old Town, the Römemberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain placed at its center. 

It’s the most picturesque public square in the city, the busiest pedestrian zone, and home to several tourist attractions including the famous Christmas Market that is organized every year. 

The Römer, a medieval building, is one of the most remarkable and unique structures on the square. It has been the City Hall since the early 1400s. 

The pinkish facade facing the square has three roof peaks, each with a stepped gable. It’s possible to visit the City Hall and admire the impressive Imperial Hall.

Take your time to look around and admire the many picturesque buildings around the square, many of them have half-timbered facades! Another remarkable building is the small, gothic  St. Nicholas Church. 

The historic Wertheim House, the only one that survived the 1944 air raids that destroyed much of old Frankfurt, can also still be seen.

The Römerberg is a must-see for anyone spending some time in Frankfurt. It’s a trip back in time with some of the most beautiful Instagrammable backdrops for your pictures. 

Besides, with plenty of cafés and restaurants around, it’s a great place to sit down and relax, enjoy the charming atmosphere and a delicious bite!

Remember that the Altstadt was severely damaged during the air raids of the IIWW and most of it had to be rebuilt. 

The restoration project took years and included the reconstruction of fifteen historic houses and the rebuilding of 20 new ones in the traditional half-timbered style.

Visit Frankfurt Cathedral

Built of red sandstone in Gothic style between the XIII and XV centuries, with its 95-meter-tall tower, the Frankfurt Cathedral still stands out in this city of skyscrapers. 

Its full name is St Bartholomew’s Cathedral and it’s one of only a handful of churches in the country to be designated as an Imperial Cathedral. It was here from 1562 to 1792 when the coronation of Emperors took place in the Election Chapel.

Beneath the tower, visitors can appreciate the magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen and the Maria-Schlaf-Altar in the Marienkapelle. Various carved side altars will call your attention. 

The Cathedral’s most important relic is the skullcap of St Bartholomew, which is kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew’s Choir.

Frankfurt Cathedral stands out as one of the most stunning structures in the city and it’s another must-see attraction. 

Just outside the building, there’s the Archaeological Garden where you can see the foundations of a Roman settlement and a Carolingian royal palace. 

If you’d like to see panoramic views of the city and you’re visiting the city between April and October, challenge yourself to climb the almost 325 steps of the giant spiral staircase of the Cathedral’s tower and enjoy!

Visit Goethe House & Museum: Germany’s Greatest Writer

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the country’s greatest writer, was born in Frankfurt and it’s now possible to see the house where he lived between 1749 and 1765.  

Visitors can get a glimpse of what his life was like at the time. You can see the sumptuously decorated dining room on the main floor, his writing room on the top floor where he created his early writings, or even played with his puppets when he was a little boy.

It was built in bourgeois style and it’s decorated with period furniture and paintings. It’s one of Frankfurt’s most remarkable historical attractions.

Despite the original half-timbered house being damaged during the IIWW, it was rebuilt in 1949.

During special exhibitions, the visitors can see valuable and sensitive documents and prints from the collection, the manuscript archive, and the library. The house spans four floors and there’s plenty to explore.

The Goethe Museum can be found next door. It’s a 14-room gallery that showcases artworks from the writer’s time, including masterpieces of the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. 

Both Goethe House and Museum are must-see attractions in Frankfurt, especially if you are a literature lover and you’ve read any of Goethe’s works recently before your visit.

Explore Museumsufer: Frankfurt’s Museum District

Museumsufer is Frankfurt’s Museum District and it’s located on the south and north banks of the River Main. It’s a first-rate collection of about 16 separate museums, many of which are of international standing. 

Amongst them, we can mention the Städel Art Museum or the excellent Museum of World Cultures, one of Europe’s most important ethnological museums. 

Exploring the Museumsurfer provides visitors with a fantastic opportunity to discover the city’s interesting and rich cultural background. 

Be sure to get yourself a Frankfurt card! It gives you a discount on museums and other attractions and for public transportation as well.  

On Sundays, you can also wander through a morning flea market that is also established in the area.

Admire Artwork At The Städel Museum

The Städel Museum is another must-see attraction in Frankfurt because of its excellent collection of paintings from the XIV to the XX centuries. 

The stunning collection includes paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Picasso, Beckman or Degas, Cezanne, Pollock, Ernst or Bacon, and many others. 

The Städel is one of the oldest museums in Germany and the most important art museum in the city. 

There are over 2700 paintings and 100 thousand drawings and prints, making it one of the most exclusive museums in the country. 

It also includes an impressive library that is home to more than 400 periodicals and 100 thousand books so it’s a place to go if you love paintings and books!

It’s one of the best museums in Europe . Opened in 1815, its unrivaled collection spans 700 years and boasts paintings, sculptures, and books and it even survived the Nazi looting. 

There are two cafés within the museum as well as an outstanding shop stocking art books, prints, and gifts.

Visit The Senckenberg Natural History Museum

If you’re visiting Frankfurt with children, you can’t miss spending some time at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. 

Located in the Senckenberg Gardens, it’s one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe and the second-largest of its kind in Germany . 

There are several exhibitions dedicated to our planet’s biodiversity and the evolution of organisms. It is also home to Europe’s biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs. 

There’s also an impressive collection of 90,000 stuffed birds along with an extensive exhibit on the development of mankind. 

If you have ever wanted to see a huge dinosaur or a mammoth or a tiny pterosaur, it’s the place to go!

Climb Up The Main Tower

No visit to Frankfurt would be complete without climbing up the Main Tower . 

Located in Frankfurt’s business hub, the Main Tower is an attraction in itself since it is the first fully glazed tower in Europe. 

It houses a splendid restaurant 187 meters up that offers a wonderful dining experience while you admire breathtaking views of the city down below. There are also various art exhibitions offered there! 

Named after the river Main, it’s the fourth tallest building in Frankfurt and the only tower this tall with public access in it. 

The view from the viewing platform is mesmerizing as it gives a panoramic view of the entire city with the beautiful river flowing through it. 

If the weather allows, the Taunus mountain range northwards and the Odenwald Mountains southwards can be seen. An elevator will take you up to the 650-feet high stage.

Chill At The Hauptwache

Located in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt’s busiest pedestrian areas, the Hauptwache is famous for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures. 

The most notable building here is the old Baroque Guard House after which the square is named. The square is on the city’s main shopping areas. 

The Hauptwache is one of the most famous plazas of Frankfurt and it’s a historic area in the middle of the city. 

It was once Frankfurt’s main guard, housing the city’s militia, barracks, and soon after, prison and police station, but today it is a dining establishment. The square itself is one of Frankfurt’s main shopping ranges.

Walk The Eiserner Steg

The Eiserner Steg is the only pedestrian bridge across the River Main. It’s a 150-meter long iron bridge that connects the city center with the suburbs of Sachsenhausen. 

Despite other bridges being spanning over the Main, the Eiserner steg is particularly famous. This is because couples traditionally lock padlocks on the bridge and this is why it is nicknamed “The Bridge of Love Locks”. 

It’s quite a romantic place and it also offers one of the best opportunities to admire the Frankfurt skyline, Romerberg square, Saint Paul’s Church, and Frankfurt’s Cathedral.

Final Thoughts

Frankfurt is a city that you can not miss on your visit to Germany. Come be culturally immersed in both of Frankfurt’s modern and traditional aspects. Experience intriguing art, science, and history, while also taking in the impressive views!

Only have 2 days to visit Frankfurt? Read our 2-day itinerary in Frankfurt now!

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

18 essential travel tips for every first-time Frankfurt visitor

Everything first-timers need to enjoy Frankfurt, from transport hacks to can’t-miss attractions to tipping faux pas

Germany’s most international city? Being an economic powerhouse’s economic powerhouse will lend itself to such a set-up, and Frankfurt doesn’t let the side down. Walkable, well planned, with brilliant public transport networks and the rest, Frankfurt is a city that is easy to get around and even easier to enjoy. Of course, visitors aren’t prioritising urban planning, and the restaurants , attractions and nightlife here are all worth celebrating. If you’ve landed here for the first time and feel a little lost, fear not, take these essential travel tips for first time visitors to Frankfurt to heart and settle in nice and easy. 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Frankfurt

An email you’ll actually love

Travel tips for first-time Frankfurt visitors

1.  Watch the calendar

When planning your visit, keep an eye on Frankfurt’s events calendar. The city is home to an enormous exhibition centre, the Messe Frankfurt, which houses trade shows frequently throughout the year. Hotels can get booked up quickly around particular dates, and prices will shoot up, too.

2.  Seat yourself

In most casual restaurants , you don’t need to wait to be seated. Simply find yourself a table and settle in; if there’s a sign saying the table is reserved later in the evening, just make sure you’re finished by the specified time.

3.  Grab a MuseumsuferTicket

If you’re planning to fill your time with museum visits, it’s well worth buying a MuseumsuferTicket, which grants entry to 38 of Frankfurt’s museums for two days. Some of the city’s biggest museums are included, as well as some lesser-known gems. Family tickets are available.

4.  …Or a Frankfurt Card

Another option is to pick up a Frankfurt Card (available for individuals or groups, for one or two days), which offers up to 50 percent off entry into to various museums, tours and attractions, and also includes travel on public transport, including to and from the airport.

5.  Round up to tip

The Germans tip modestly, and it’s standard practice to just round up the bill for a meal by a couple of euros. Don’t leave change on the table, but include your tip when you pay: if your lunch comes to €15.50, you could hand over a €20 note and say, ‘17, please’.

6.  Be red light aware

Frankfurt’s Bahnhofsviertel (the area around the main train station) has gentrified at high speed over recent years and is now home to some of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants. However, it remains Frankfurt’s red-light district, home to dealers and addicts; if you want to avoid its grittiest bits, stick to Münchener Straße and Kaiserstraße.

7.  Watch for bike lanes

Keep your eyes on street markings to stay out of the designated bike lanes that sometimes take up a portion of wider pavements. If you’d like to make use of them by cycling the city, try the Frankfurt Call A Bike service run by Deutsche Bahn.

8.  Free museum days for kids

Good news for those travelling with little ones: there’s free admission to many of Frankfurt’s museums for under-18s on the last Saturday of every month (barring August and December). Known as ‘SaTOURday’, this family-friendly deal also includes free workshops and guided tours.

9.  No-shop Sundays

Aside from the odd pre-planned ‘shopping Sunday’, most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany. As a visitor wanting to make the most out of a visit, this can be pretty frustrating, so remember to bear ‘no-shop Sundays’ in mind when planning your souvenir hunting.

10.  Take a late-night taxi

In Frankfurt, public transport doesn’t run all night, and if you don’t want to download a ride-sharing app, you’ll need a taxi to get home in the small hours. These are an easily-spotted beige colour, and you can either phone for one, flag one down or queue at a rank.

11.  Peruse the fleas

Fans of bargain-hunting will love the flea markets that take place on alternate Saturday mornings on the riverbank at Sachsenhausen between Eisernem Steg and Holbeinsteg, and at the Osthafen along Lindleystraße. Root through trash and treasure including clothes and furniture, books and records, paintings and crockery.

12.  Avoid the Apfelwein hangover

Keen to try the local cider but wary of the infamous Apfelwein hangover? Try this Frankfurt speciality mixed with lemonade ( suß ) or soda water ( sauer ) for a fizzy version that won’t go to your head quite so fast (or hurt quite so much the next morning).

13.  Don’t discount the craft beer

In Frankfurt’s traditional taverns, most locals will be happily imbibing Apfelwein (apple wine), but Frankfurt’s craft beer scene is growing slowly but surely.

14.  Server swaps

At casual restaurants, pubs and cafés, it’s not uncommon for waiters to finish their shifts while you’re still in the middle of your drinks or meal. If you’re asked to settle the bill early, don’t be offended; you’re not being (un)subtly asked to leave, and a new server will take over.

15.  Smiles aren’t standard

If you’re used to very friendly service in busy restaurants, you might find things a little brusque in Germany. But ‘impolite’ servers aren’t being rude to you because you’re a tourist, they’re (mostly) just being efficient and professional, even if it means service doesn’t always come with a smile.

16.  Avoid Old Sachsenhausen

Alt-Sachsenhausen is home to a couple of great  Apfelwein taverns, but for the most part, the area has a bad rep as a horribly touristy party zone. Locals prefer to avoid it, instead making a beeline to Sachsenhausen, where the atmosphere is considerably less drunken and chaotic.

17.  Be wine-wary

When sampling Glühwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas markets, avoid the cheap-tasting sugary stuff by heading to the winery ( Winzer ) stands – there’s a cluster in front of the Schirn Kunsthalle. These offer Glühwein made with their own high-quality wines and whole spices, and they taste all the better for it.

18.  Fall back on English

You won’t have any trouble getting by in English in Frankfurt. A guten Tag (good day/hello), bitte (please) or dankeschön (thanks a lot) will be appreciated, but Germans will most likely slip into English when they realise you’re not a local (which can be frustrating if you’re keen to practise your German!).

And if it’s tip-top mixology you’re after?

The 10 best Frankfurt bars

• Bars and pubs

Breaking news: Frankfurt has shed its boring reputation. A steady influx of big business has transformed this city’s population and reinvigorated its art and nightlife scenes (hats off to Brexit). For tip-top drinks all night long, these are 10 best Frankfurter bars.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Android app
• Time Out Worldwide

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• City Vacations

Germany’s Most Underrated City Is the Place to Go in 2018

They're calling it "Mainhattan."

For its central location, Frankfurt is known as the “Gateway to Europe" — and travelers often only pass through, using it as a transit point to other major destination cities. More recently, however, Frankfurt has been going by a different moniker, which refers to the city’s emerging position as an exciting new destination on the Old Continent.

Frankfurt has become “Mainhattan.”

Spread along both banks of the Main River (hence its formal name, Frankfurt am Main), the city has always held a special place in German history. Not only did it give the country its most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose house is tucked away on a small downtown street, but it was also the site of important elections, and the coronations of kings and emperors of the Roman Empire. And the history is still a major tourism draw, even though many sites had to be rebuilt after the World War II.

But exploring Frankfurt through a historical lens only paints one part of the picture. To get a full view of what Frankfurt is now — and will become in the next few years — you need only toward its skyline. Locals liken it to Manhattan (thus, the “Mainhattan” portmanteau).

There's a fascinating mix of architecture, with modern glass high-rises looming over traditional red-brick churches. You’ll also notice an abundance of tower cranes stretching their necks ever higher, signifying the city’s continued metamorphosis.

Some say this growth was triggered by Brexit.

When Brits voted to break from the European Union, Frankfurt — home to the European Central Bank headquarters since 1998 — was immediately flagged as a potential relocation choice for many large financial institutions and companies that intend to leave London.

Despite having only 700,000 residents (compared to London's 8.6 million), it’s still becoming an international city in its own right. Already, more than half of its inhabitants have non-German backgrounds and more than 100 different languages are spoken on a daily basis. So for all the varied ways a rapid influx of wealth can transform a city , it’s also contributing to the development of a diverse art, music, and food scene that’s only getting more alluring for travelers.

Frankfurt’s neighborhoods each have distinct character and charm. Sachsenhausen, with its cobblestone streets and museums, is for those who like to experience a city’s historic and cultural heritage. Ostend and Nordend, with their many cafes and boutiques, are perfect for a daytime walk, while Westend — the old bourgeois district — is where the beautiful botanical garden, Palmergarten, is located.

On your next trip to Europe, don't just pass through Frankfurt's airport. Instead, take time to discover Germany’s fifth largest city.

What to Do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt has a number of exciting seasonal events worth noting on your calendar, such as Oktoberfest (in September), the annual Christmas market (in December), and the Frankfurt Book Fair (in October), among others . There is something interesting happening in Frankfurt at any given time of the year.

Of course, there are permanent attractions to keep you entertained, too. Art aficionados should head to Sachsenhausen, the neighborhood south of the river, where the city’s so-called Museum Mile is located. It’s home to the German Film Museum, the Communication Museum, and Staedel Museum, among many others. If you’re planning on visiting more than one, purchase the MuseumSufer ticket , which includes access to 34 museums for two consecutive days.

Staedel Museum

This 200-year-old institution houses one of the world’s most impressive and important collections, documenting 700 years of art history alongside visiting exhibitions . Visitors may recognize popular works of art such as Edgar Degas’ “Orchestra Musicians,” Claude Monet’s “The Luncheon,” and Rembrandt’s “The Blinding of Samson.” Other artists you’ll find in the museum ’s permanent collection include Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Picasso.

DialogMuseum

This museum redefines the common perception of a museum which, by definition, is a place where you go to see artifacts: see being the key word. The concept behind DialogMuseum , on the other hand, is unusual but impactful. Guests join a one-hour guided tour that moves through four rooms where, in absolute darkness, you will get to experience daily life without any visual components, the way blind or visually impaired people do. (All guides, as a matter of fact, will be visually impaired.) You will be surprised at the range of emotions you can feel in just 60 minutes — utter hopelessness being a major one — but it’s an incredible experience. Make sure to reserve your tour spot in advance.

Fotografie Forum Frankfurt

This independent center not only offers exhibitions of world-class photographers, artists, and photojournalists, but it also organizes regular workshops, classes, and lectures promoting the visual medium. The space is located in downtown Frankfurt on Braubachstrasse, in the city’s art gallery district, where you could easily spend an entire afternoon browsing.

Frankfurt suffered such extensive damage during World War II that much of its Altstadt (old town) had to be rebuilt. The restoration project, which started in the 1950s, was just completed in 2017. Fifteen historic houses were reconstructed and 20 new ones were built in the traditional style. Visitors can now enjoy the timber-framed buildings so popular in Germany, as well as the lively square in the heart of Römerberg. Some of the most notable buildings there are the Old St. Nicholas Church and the Haus Römer, which together with the Goldener Schwan (Golden Swan) building belonged to the Römer merchant family in the 15th century.

Where to Eat in Frankfurt

Whether it’s typical German food you’re craving or something more international, Frankfurt’s dining scene has it all. Just remember to always make a reservation, as the hottest tables tend to get booked up well in advance. Most restaurants, even small ones, have at least a few menus in English. But if they don’t, the friendly staff will surely translate for you.

German cuisine may be best known for its sausages, but that doesn’t mean vegans and vegetarians are doomed. This casual two-story restaurant , located in the city center, offers delicious meat-free options that even carnivores will love. The quinoa and wild rice plate with grilled vegetables and creamy spirulina dressing, for example, is perfect for refueling at lunch. Just be mindful that the place is cash-only, so make sure to have some Euros on you.

Freitagsküche

Founded by Frankfurt-native and contemporary artist Michael Riedel, and his friend Thomas Friemel, this cozy restaurant is a city staple. If you come here during the week, you might rub elbows with bankers from nearby financial institutions who fill up the small dining room for lunch, but on Friday nights, this restaurant transforms into a hangout for the art crowd. Order the guest chef’s menu, which is always prepared with fresh farmers’ market finds from that day.

Gang & Gäbe

The menu at Gang & Gäbe is inspired by the city’s international composition, so expect to find a combination of regional classics (Frankfurt’s famous green sauce, beef and potatoes, and kaese spaetzle, the German version of mac and cheese) and modern mash-ups, like baked duck breast with plum sauce and sautéed Swiss chard. There’s also an extensive cocktail menu with six different types of mojito. But if you’d rather drink as the locals do, opt for the Hugo, a St. Germain and prosecco-based cocktail that originated in Tyrol.

Matilda’s Kitchen

Located in the upscale Westend neighborhood, this small café is a favorite neighborhood brunch spot for locals. It has two cozy dining spaces with four to five tables each and — unlike most restaurants in the city where brunch is an all-you-can-eat buffet — you can order à la carte. It’s also just a few blocks away from the Palmengarten botanical garden.

Where to Shop in Frankfurt

While the pedestrian-only Zeil Strasse is where you will find a variety of big department stores like Peek&Cloppenburg, Galeria Kaufhof, and Karstadt, and brands like Zara, Mango, and C&A (which is similar to H&M price-wise but with a more conservative design aesthetic), travelers searching for more upscale options should head to the nearby Goethestrasse. Here are the Chanel, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques. The entire area between Kurt-Schumacher Strasse and Taunusanlange Park and the Opera is also a shopper’s paradise with smaller, independent boutiques featuring European labels.

Right across the street from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, there is a slew of salons, restaurants, and stores, one being Hayashi . The owner, Kerstin Görling, has an eye for elegant, timeless pieces as well as some pretty bold statement items. The brands you’ll find there include Isabel Marant, Marni, MSGM, and Joseph.

This high fashion s tore has been around for 13 years, and though the womenswear and menswear spaces are separate, they have one thing in common: an edgy, avant-garde aesthetic. Expect a lot of leather, candles, and fragrances from lesser-known Japanese and German designers.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

It might not be a surprise that Europe’s economic hub has no shortage of luxury accommodation options, especially downtown where the international banks are located. But there are a number of more affordable boutique hotels in the surrounding neighborhoods, too, like Ostend, which lies on the bank of the Main river and offers great views of the city.

Moxy Frankfurt East

Moxy is Marriott’s new design-driven chain of affordable, hip hotels aimed at younger travelers (read: millennials). The latest property is located in Ostend, just a few blocks away from the new headquarters of the European Central Bank and about a half-hour walk from the city center. Guest rooms have a modern, industrial vibe and the bar doubles as the hotel’s check-in point. It's also a great place to hang out, have breakfast, and (of course) enjoy cocktails. The walls are lined with funky art that references Frankfurt’s local culture, like a mural featuring Goethe lounging on a bench.

Roomers Frankfurt

One of the most impressive features of this luxury boutique hotel is the design. From a gleaming glass façade to the dimly lit bar and dramatic chandeliers, everything in Roomers is visually delightful. If you stay here, make sure to save some time to soak in the glass bead-filled relaxation tubs at the spa, and to enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the Sky Lounge.

The Ultimate Frankfurt Travel Guide for 2024

Although I grew up only 2.5 hours away from Frankfurt I never really explored the city as much as I should have. My first time visiting Frankfurt was only in 2006 during the FIFA World Cup football in Germany.

We slept outside on the grass on the river side in a sleeping bag. It was the adventurous end of an epic night out after Netherlands played against Argentina. That experience has always resonated with me and ever since I am a fan of visiting Frankfurt. 

Here are all my travel tips and recommendations to also make your trip to Frankfurt one to remember.

Although Frankfurt is one of the biggest cities in the country it is not really one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany. Cities like Berlin, Munich and Cologne draw more tourists on average than Frankfurt. The city is a business hotspot and most people that travel to Frankfurt are there for business. This is not surprising regarding the fact that Frankfurt is the European banking capital. That said the city definitely has a cosmopolitan vibe and many expats from all over the world live in the big apple of Germany.

In this Frankfurt travel guide you will find multiple Frankfurt travel tips, some facts about the city, 16 unique things to do, a walking tour, an itinerary and some nice hotel recommendations. basically all you need to make the most of your city trip to Frankfurt.

Are you traveling to Frankfurt by plane and looking for the best way to stay connected? You can buy a prepaid sim card on arrival at the airport, but it is not recommended. Check out my guide for  buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport in 2024 .

you may also like...

Theere are much better sim card deals and e-sim card plans for Germany and I am sure you will like my article about buying a sim card for Germany in 2024 .

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.

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.

Powered by 12Go system

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.

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.

16 Things to do in Frankfurt

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.

1.1 City Beach

There is a €4 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.

1.2 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 €6 but the views at Long Beach Summer Lounge are better. The rooftop is higher as City Beach as well. 

1.3 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.

Things to do around 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.

Some more 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 €7 and single trip tickets cost €3. 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 €11.

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 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

1. 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 .

2. 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 .

3. Under €50 hotels

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

My Frankfurt travel tips

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.

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 100K+ YouTube Channel , I tell you she is funny!

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!

• frankfurt airport

Germany Travel Guide

Frankfurt Germany: 3-day Itinerary and Map

Frankfurt is an important commercial and economic center of Europe due to its central location in the state of Hessen , Germany .

This ancient imperial city is dominated by buildings and carries nicknames like “ Mainhattan ” and “ Chicago on the Main “.

How to spend 3 days in Frankfurt Germany

In this 3-day itinerary in Frankfurt , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Frankfurt

On your first day in Frankfurt explore the old town. Start by visiting the beautiful Römerberg , one of the symbols of the city. Several buildings and attractions are located on the square or in the surroundings such as St. Nicholas , Paulskirche , MMK , Frankfurt Cathedral .

Head to Iron Footbridge ( Eiserner Steg ) and enjoy the view of the Main river . Take a stroll along Goethestrasse , the city’s most elegant street with many luxury shops, and head to Goethe House . Hauptwache , another famous square, is located close to the Goethe House .

End the day by visiting the Main Tower for panoramic views of Frankfurt.

Things to see

• Paulskirche
• MMK Museum of Modern Art
• Frankfurt Cathedral
• Iron Footbridge
• Goethe House

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 – Day Trip from Frankfurt

On the second day, make a day trip to one of the nearby cities such as Würzburg or Heidelberg .

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Day 3 in Frankfurt

On the third day in Frankfurt start by visiting the Frankfurt Zoo , after a visit to the zoo pass by the Eschenheimer Turm , a tower from the 1400s that now houses a café and meeting rooms.

Another important building in the city is the Alte Oper, located on Opernplatz .

Head to the Senckenberg Natural History Museum , one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe .

• Frankfurt Zoo
• Eschenheimer Turm
• Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Day 3 Itinerary Map

Sights in Frankfurt

1. römerberg.

The Römerberg is located in the heart of the old town. The square has an irregular shape and in its center is located the Fountain of Justice ( Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen ).

Römerberg, 67354

2. Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral is located in the center of Frankfurt . It is dedicated to  Saint Bartholomew . It was built in the 13th and 15th centuries in Gothic style.

Domplatz 1, 60311

3. Paulskirche

The Paulskirche is located on the Paulsplatz . It was built between 1790 – 1833 and restored in 1948.

The Church is important political symbolism in Germany and became in 1849 the seat of the Parliament of Frankfurt , the first publicly and freely elected German legislative body.

Paulsplatz 11, 60311 

4. Alte Nikolaikirche

The Alte Nikolaikirche is one of the symbols of the city. It is located in the old town. The church has 51 bells, 4 are used to resonate and 47 are used for chimes.

Römerberg 11, 60311 

5. Goethe House

The Goethe House where the greatest German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born and where he lived from his birth in 1749 until 1765, shows how his family and employees lived.

There are many rooms to be explored from the sumptuous decor of the dining room on the main floor to the top floor office where he wrote many first of his works.

Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311

6. Naturmuseum Senckenberg

The Naturmuseum Senckenberg is one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe .

The museum houses Europe ‘s largest collection of large dinosaurs.

Senckenberganlage 25, 60325

7. Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is considered to be one of the most important galleries in Europe of contemporary art. It was opened in 1991.

Domstraße 10, 60311

8. Alte Oper

The Alte Oper was built in 1880. It is located in the heart of the Opernplatz .

It remains one of the most important concert halls in the city.

Opernplatz 1, 60313 

9. Frankfurt Zoo

The Frankfurt Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals representing at least 450 different species.

It is the second oldest zoo in Germany .

Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316

10. Palmengarten

The Palmengarten is Germany ‘s largest Botanical Garden .

The gardens offer leisure facilities such as children’s playgrounds and picnic areas.

Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323

11. Hauptwache

The Hauptwache area is undoubtedly one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city.

It is famous for its mix of historic old buildings and recent modern structures.

An der Hauptwache

12. Eschenheimer Turm

The Eschenheimer Turm was built in the early 1400s. It is 47 meters high and still impresses with its dimensions.

Today the tower houses a café and meeting rooms.

Eschenheimer Tor 1, 60318 

13. Commerzbank Arena

The Waldstadion has been updated several times. At the beginning of the new millennium, it was completely refurbished and received a new concept as the Commerzbank Arena .

Mörfelder Landstraße 362, 60528

14. Main Tower

The Main Tower is 200 meters high. The construction of the Main Tower was completed in 1999, a tall building with a facade made entirely of glass was first built in Europe .

This building is particularly popular with people from Frankfurt and tourists. It has an observation platform accessible to the public with a restaurant.

Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311

Where to stay in Frankfurt

1. fleming´s frankfurt.

The Fleming´s Frankfurt is located 15 minutes by tram from the Frankfurt Messe .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe.

Lange Str. 5-9, 60311

2. Hilton Frankfurt City Centre

The Hilton Frankfurt City Centre is located approximately 15 minutes walk from the Römerberg .

Rooms feature contemporary decor with a large window overlooking the city or park.

The hotel has a swimming pool and sauna.

Hochstraße 4, 60313

3. Marriott Frankfurt

The Marriott Frankfurt is located near the Messe .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, work desk.

Hamburger Allee 2, 60486

Malls and Department Stores in Frankfurt

The My Zeil is located near the Hauptwache .

Brands: Adidas, Bench, Guess, Pandora, Gant, Swarovski.

Zeil 106 1. UG- 7. OGU-Bahn Station Hauptwache, 60313

2. Karstadt Frankfurt

Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.

Zeil 90, 60313

3. Skyline Frankfurt

The Skyline Frankfurt is located 850 meters from the Messe .

Brands: Marc O´Polo, Mango Kids, Mango, Pandora, Zara, Zara Home, Swarovski.

Europa-Allee 6, 60327

4. Galeria Kaufhof Frankfurt

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Zeil 116-126, 60313

5. Hessen Center

The Hessen Center is located 7 km from the old town.

Brands: Bonita, Douglas, Tom Tailor, Vero Moda.

Borsigallee 26, 60388

6. Wertheim Village

The Wertheim Village is an outlet located in Wertheim 88.5 km (55 miles) from Frankfurt .

Brands: Fossil, Coach, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Gant, Escada, Lacoste, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger.

Almosenberg, 97877 Wertheim

Plan your Trip

Frankfurt  has easy train access from various cities in Germany . Famous cities nearby: Mannheim , Heidelberg ,  Stuttgart , Koblenz , Wiesbaden .

Mannheim – 84.2 km (52.3 miles)

Heidelberg – 88.7 km (55.1 miles)

Stuttgart – 206 km (128 miles)

Koblenz – 127 km (78.9 miles)

Wiesbaden – 39 km (24.2 miles)

Cologne – 189 km (118 miles)

Würzburg – 119 km (73.9 miles)

Baden-Baden – 175 km (108 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Frankfurt Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using  Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

20 Top Things to do in Frankfurt

10 Best Hotels near Romerberg Square Frankfurt

The Best Museums in Frankfurt

The Best Beer Gardens (Biergarten) in Frankfurt

Top 10 Hotels Near the Frankfurt Messe

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions

The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt might be one of Germany ’s oldest cities, but you’ll be greeted on arrival by the dizzying sight of the city’s futuristic skyline. Frankfurt is a modern hub of commerce, trade, design, and development, and you’re going to love your stay in the city!

Begin your journey with a ride to the top of Main Tower, where you can see the city’s skyscrapers and contemporary architecture from 200 meters (656 feet) above. Head back down to the ground level, and you can visit the cultural trove of galleries and museums that is Frankfurt’s Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment. 

This is a city where tradition is hiding among the new, and you can discover Frankfurt’s exalted past with a tour of the Altstadt (Frankfurt’s Old Town). Frankfurt was founded way back in the 8th century AD, and for much of the Medieval era – right up until the 19th century – it was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire. 

Frankfurt’s Altstadt has a lot to see, including the birthplace of the famous writer Goethe, a grand Imperial Cathedral, and in December, the world-renowned Frankfurt Christmas Market!

With so many things to do in Frankfurt, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to see in Frankfurt to help you plan your trip. Stick to these fun and unique Frankfurt bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’re going to have an incredible time exploring this gorgeous German city!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun Things to do in Frankfurt

1. enjoy the view from main tower.

What better way to start your Frankfurt sightseeing tour than with a view from above? One of the best things to see in Frankfurt is the panorama from the top of Main Tower . You’re going to love seeing the city arrayed before you in all of its glory!

Frankfurt’s skyline is one of the most spectacular in Germany, so much so that the city is often referred to as Germany’s Manhattan. The Financial District, in particular, is well known for its tall skyscrapers and futuristic building projects, and you’ll see it all from the viewing platforms of Frankfurt’s fourth-tallest building.

The impressive Main Tower stands some 200 meters (656 feet) tall, and you can take the elevator up to the highest observation point in the city. If you’d like to dine with a view, Main Tower is also home to a high-rise restaurant. Book a table at the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge, and you’ll be dining and drinking on the 53rd floor!

2. Take a Tour of the Altstadt

Frankfurt is a city with centuries of history to uncover, and there’s no better place to begin exploring than the Altstadt. This is Frankfurt’s Old Town, and you can find this collection of traditional buildings, churches, and public squares on the northern banks of the Main River.

Take a walking tour to discover the Altstadt’s hidden history and heritage. Frankfurt is thought to have been founded in the 8th century AD, and as local legend has it, the mighty European Emperor Charlemagne was the founder. The city began to expand from the 14th century onwards when merchant guildhalls and lavish townhouses began to be constructed by the wealthy. 

You’ll start your tour in the Altstadt’s most famous location, Romerberg, or Romer Square. The public square was once where Imperial Emperors were crowned, and it’s where you’ll find the impressive Town Hall or “Romer” building. Just north of this square is Paulsplatz, another historic public square, while Frankfurt’s cathedral dominates the Old Town skyline.

But much of the Altstadt – like much of the rest of Frankfurt – was destroyed during bombing raids in World War II. The Old Town that you see today is the result of painstaking restoration work that was carried out in the aftermath of the war. It’s a project that still continues today, with the latest redevelopment being the New Frankfurt Old Town – the area between Romer and the cathedral – where redevelopment only finished in 2018.

3. Explore Frankfurt’s Museumsufer

Frankfurt is home to one of Europe’s densest collections of museums and galleries. You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re looking to take a step back in time or admire a few masterful works of art during your stay in the city.

In fact, there are so many museums that the city has its own dedicated area known as the Museumsufer – or Museum Embankment – where the best museums and galleries are found. 

The Museumsufer is located on both sides of the Main River (and there are a few museums within a short walk of the embankment, too). There have been museums in Frankfurt since the 19th century, but the Museumsufer really began to develop in the 1980s when the city decided to turn many of the old townhouses on the river into new cultural institutions. 

The architecture of the Museumsufer is beautiful, and you’ll enjoy simply taking a stroll along the north and south banks of the Main River. You won’t have time to visit every museum on the Museumsufer – at least, not unless you have weeks to spend in Frankfurt! 

A few highlights include the Frankfurt Historical Museum , Stadel Museum , Museum fur Moderne Kunst , German Film Museum , Jewish Museum , Communication Museum , Ethnological Museum , and Natural History Museum . 

4. Delve into Frankfurt’s Past at the Historical Museum

If you’d love to learn more about Frankfurt’s fascinating past, then the best place to visit is the Frankfurt Historical Museum . This excellent institution is located in the Altstadt, overlooking the northern bank of the Main River. It’s the perfect place to either start or end your journey through Frankfurt’s Old Town. 

The museum itself was founded in 1878, and since then, it’s been amassing a vast collection of exhibits that tell the story of Frankfurt’s history. You’ll find a statue of Frankish King Charlemagne outside the entrance, while the museum is located within a fine medieval-style building that was restored after World War II.

The Historical Museum covers a lot of ground. You’ll start far back in the city’s founding days before moving through the Medieval era and into the Imperial age. 

There are collections of unique objects that have been donated in the past by Frankfurt’s citizens, there are famous works of art on display that depict the city in bygone eras, and so much more at this interesting museum! The Historical Museum also hosts many temporary exhibitions, which often focus on contemporary histories, such as World War II, so check their website to see what’s on the calendar. 

5. Explore the Natural World at Frankfurt’s Naturmuseum Senckenberg

A visit to the Naturmuseum Senckenberg is one of the best things to do in Frankfurt, particularly if you love learning about the natural world!

This is one of Frankfurt’s best museums, and it’s dedicated to natural history. You’ll love the enormous collection of fossils on display, including the skeletons of a diplodocus, a triceratops, and a tyrannosaurus rex. 

There are thousands more fossils – collected from around Germany and other parts of the world – so many, in fact, that the Naturmuseum Senckenberg is thought to have the largest collection in Europe! 

You can learn all about the natural history of the world when exploring the museum, from the evolution of animal species to the first human beings to walk on the earth. It’s a real treat, and it’s a great day out for families with kids and for anyone with an interest in the world around them. 

6. Be Awed by Frankfurt’s Imperial Cathedral

One of the best Frankfurt attractions is the Imperial Cathedral, where you’ll be awed by the magnificent architecture and the hallowed history of the city’s most important religious building. You’ll find the Imperial Cathedral in the heart of the Altstadt, and although its official name is the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, the locals simply call it the Dom.

The cathedral has gone through many different phases of construction, although the tall spire and Gothic architecture that you see today date back primarily to the 1400s. In many ways, the Imperial Cathedral reflects the history of Frankfurt, and it’s thought that there’s been some form of a church here since the city was first founded in the 8th century AD.

Like the rest of Frankfurt, the Imperial Cathedral was also destroyed during bombings in World War II. The cathedral was reconstructed again after the war and remains an important symbol of the city. You can visit the cathedral’s museum to learn more about the history and to see the collection of unique religious relics that are held here. 

7. Admire Thousands of Works of Art at the Stadel Museum

If you’re an art lover, one of the top things to do in Frankfurt is visit the Stadel Museum . This excellent museum holds one of Germany’s most extensive collections of artwork, and you’ll find thousands of works on display.

The Stadel Museum overlooks the Main River, and it’s part of Frankfurt’s well-respected Museum Embankment, where you can find the city’s best cultural and historic institutions. The museum itself dates back to 1815, when the collection began, but the paintings date back as far as the 14th century.

Step inside the Stadel Museum, and you can find beautiful works of art stretching back through European history. You’ll find moody Gothic works from the Medieval era, Renaissance-era paintings and sculptures, a vast array of works of art from the 17th century to the 19th century, and modern photography exhibitions. 

The museum estimates that, in total, there are 3,100 paintings to see, alongside 660 sculptures and tens of thousands more drawings and photographs. Name almost any famous European artist, and you’ll find their work here – from Rembrandt and Monet to Picasso and Beckmann!

8. Admire Contemporary Works at the Museum of Modern Art

If you prefer contemporary art over historical artwork, one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt is the Museum fur Moderne Kunst , or the Museum of Modern Art, in English. The unique architecture of the museum has given the building its local nickname, “piece of cake!” Inside, you’ll find around 4,500 works of art dating from the 1960s to the present.

The museum opened in 1991, and since then, it’s become a world-renowned cultural institution and a showcase for modern art. The main exhibits focus on colorful pop art, as well as modern minimalism. They are built around a collection that was originally curated by Karl Stroher, a famous German art collector. 

You’ll find an impressive list of the best contemporary artists on display, including works by Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. In addition to the permanent collection, there are always exciting new exhibitions and intriguing events at the Museum of Modern Art, so check in when you’re planning your trip to find out what’s on!

9. Visit the Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If you know your German literature, then you’ll know that Frankfurt was the hometown of legendary German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Born in 1749, Goethe was most famous for his plays, poetry, and literature, and some consider him to be the greatest of all the German writers. 

Goethe was born in the family home in Frankfurt, and the tall townhouse still survives. It’s now a wonderful museum dedicated, of course, to Goethe’s life and work. Goethe spent his early years in the family home in Frankfurt, and much of the furniture and decor has been preserved in the museum. 

Visit the Goethe House , and you’ll learn all about the famous author’s early years in Frankfurt and see the home where he wrote his first classics, including Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther. 

After exploring Goethe’s childhood home, you can visit the Goethe Museum next door to the house. Here you’ll find a more extensive collection of artwork and exhibits that tell the story of Goethe and his life’s work in more detail.

10. Get Tropical at Palmengarten

The Palmengarten is one of the coolest things to do in Frankfurt, especially if you’d love to get tropical! The Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s glass-domed botanical garden, and inside you’ll find an extensive collection of flora from around the world. 

The Palmengarten was first opened to the public in 1871, and the gardens and greenhouses cover 22 hectares (54 acres) of land next to Frankfurt’s Goethe University. You’ll love how there are thousands of different plants and trees in the gardens.

You can enjoy strolling through the outdoor areas on a sunny summer day or stepping inside into the Tropicarium in the winter. You’ll even find a unique collection of subantarctic plants collected from the world’s most southerly locations.

You can join guided tours of the gardens to learn more about the unique species that are grown here. Plus, throughout the year, the Palmengarten hosts many events, including festivals and concerts. If you need to escape the city without having to actually leave the city, this is the place to go!

11. Take a Cruise on the Main River

Frankfurt is built on the beautiful banks of the Main River, and the city sprawls for miles – both east and west – along this important waterway. The Main River flows for hundreds of miles from the Bavarian Mountains through Germany until it meets with the mighty Rhine River, not too far from Frankfurt. 

You can cruise along the stretch of river that flows through Frankfurt to see the city from a completely different perspective. There are several tour companies offering spacious, modern river cruises that – with typical German punctuality – last either 50 minutes, 60 minutes, or 100 minutes.

You’ll see the city’s glorious, futuristic skyline from the water while you cruise past the wide Museum Embankment that’s home to Frankfurt’s best museums. On the longer tours, you’ll also cruise past the more industrial side of Frankfurt (including the local harbors) and then the surrounding countryside.

You can jazz up the tour by booking a nighttime cruise of Frankfurt to see the city spectacularly lit up. You can also reserve a table on a dinner cruise, which we think makes for a suitably romantic Frankfurt excursion!

Book a sightseeing cruise

12. Tackle the Three Castles Hike

If you’d love a fantastic day hike while you’re staying in Frankfurt, then we highly recommend tackling the Three Castles Hike. This beautiful hiking trail is around 7 miles long, and it conveniently starts and ends in Kronberg, a historic town that’s just a 30-minute drive from the city center. 

This circular walk will take you through Frankfurt’s gorgeous and often forested countryside, with the goal being to link up with and stop off at the three castles that are in close vicinity. The first castle is Burg Kronberg, a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. There’s actually a second “castle” in Kronberg, which is more of a country estate, and which dates back to the 19th century. This is Schlosshotel Kronberg, and it’s a lovely spa retreat you can book for a relaxing weekend getaway.

From Burg Kronberg, you walk through the forest to Burg Falkenstein, following a waymarked trail. There’s some steep walking before you reach this 14th-century castle, but the views are well worth the effort. From Burg Kronberg, you then follow the trail to Konigstein Castle before continuing onwards to end the hike back where you started in Kronberg. The town of Kronberg has good public transport links to Frankfurt, including an S-Bahn stop.

13. Get Festive at Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets

Germany is one of the best places in Europe to visit Christmas markets, and you can rest assured that Frankfurt has more than its fair share of festive markets and events!

The festive season is an exciting time to visit Frankfurt, and the Christmas markets run from the end of November until December 22. The main market is found in Frankfurt’s Old Town squares, including Romerberg, Paulsplatz, and Friedrich-Stoltze Platz. 

You’ll be able to enjoy all the classic elements of the traditional German Christmas market, including carol singing and hymns, Christmas lights and decoration, mulled wine, and excellent festive food. Of course, there will be many stalls selling traditional souvenirs and handicrafts, so you can complete your Christmas shopping.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is thought to be one of the oldest markets in Germany, and historians have traced it back to at least the 14th century. Wrap up warm, order your mulled wine and bratwurst, and embrace the festive season in Frankfurt!

14. Shop and Eat at the Kleinmarkthalle

Frankfurt is famed for its Christmas market, but in the Altstadt, you can also find a permanent marketplace that’s open all year round. The Kleinmarkthalle is packed full of stalls, stands, and shops. Shopping (and eating!) here is one of the most fun things to do in Frankfurt!

There are over 150 different vendors in the Kleinmarkthalle, and you’ll find that the market is the perfect place to pick up those souvenirs you need to take back home for family and friends. The market hall is undercover and spread out over 1,500 square meters (4,921 square feet), so save plenty of time to look around all the stalls.

You’ll find a whole array of different goods for sale in the Kleinmarkthalle, including fresh fruit and veggies, local culinary favorites such as sausages and Frankfurt’s famous “Green Sauce,” and much more to tantalize your taste buds. 

The market itself is a bustling, busy place, and it’s frequented by locals as much as tourists. Many of the vendors have been working here for decades, while the market hall itself dates back to the 1950s and has a gloriously retro look. 

15. Explore the Trendy Ostend District

To the east of the Altstadt, you’ll find the Ostend (which literally means the East End). This large suburb of Frankfurt is home to seemingly drab industrial buildings and residential apartment blocks, but it’s also the city’s trendiest district! 

Ostend is an exciting place to explore. In addition to being home to the Frankfurt Zoo and the stylish European Central Bank, you can discover wonderful theaters and independent galleries, as well as the city’s best bars and restaurants. 

This is the place to visit for contemporary culture and excellent food, while there is a collection of hip boutique hotels where you can spend the night. Despite its industrial look, Ostend has a surprising number of green spaces and a lovely waterfront overlooking the Main River. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Frankfurt. What’s your favorite thing to do in Frankfurt?

Planning a trip to Germany? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

Frequently Asked Questions

What better way to start your Frankfurt sightseeing tour than with a view from above? One of the best things to see in Frankfurt is the panorama from the top of Main Tower. You’re going to love seeing the city arrayed before you in all of its glory! Frankfurt’s skyline is one of the most spectacular in Germany, so much so that the city is often referred to as Germany’s Manhattan.

Frankfurt is a city with centuries of history to uncover, and there’s no better place to begin exploring than the Altstadt. This is Frankfurt’s Old Town, and you can find this collection of traditional buildings, churches, and public squares on the northern banks of the Main River. Take a walking tour to discover the Altstadt’s hidden history and heritage.

If you’re an art lover, one of the top things to do in Frankfurt is visit the Stadel Museum. This excellent museum holds one of Germany’s most extensive collections of artwork, and you’ll find thousands of works on display. The museum itself dates back to 1815, when the collection began, but the paintings date back as far as the 14th century.

If you’d love a fantastic day hike while you’re staying in Frankfurt, then we highly recommend tackling the Three Castles Hike. This beautiful hiking trail is around 7 miles long, and it conveniently starts and ends in Kronberg, a historic town that’s just a 30-minute drive from the city center. This circular walk will take you through Frankfurt’s gorgeous and often forested countryside, with the goal being to link up with and stop off at the three castles that are in close vicinity.

Frankfurt is famed for its Christmas market, but in the Altstadt, you can also find a permanent marketplace that’s open all year round. The Kleinmarkthalle is packed full of stalls, stands, and shops. Shopping (and eating!) here is one of the most fun things to do in Frankfurt! There are over 150 different vendors in the Kleinmarkthalle, and you’ll find that the market is the perfect place to pick up those souvenirs you need to take back home for family and friends.

Frankfurt is built on the beautiful banks of the Main River, and the city sprawls for miles – both east and west – along this important waterway. The Main River flows for hundreds of miles from the Bavarian Mountains through Germany until it meets with the mighty Rhine River, not too far from Frankfurt. You can cruise along the stretch of river that flows through Frankfurt to see the city from a completely different perspective.

About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

View all posts

Related Posts

The 15 Best Things to do in Basel, Switzerland

The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris in April

The 12 Best Hotels in Granada, Spain

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Hotels

48 Hours in Frankfurt

Day Trips From Frankfurt

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do with Kids

Frankfurt's Best Museums

The Best Restaurants in Frankfurt

Nightlife in Frankfurt

Where to Try Apfelwein in Frankfurt

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Frankfurt Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Frankfurt is a common entry point into Germany because of its major international airport . From there, visitors disperse throughout the country and into greater Europe , but hopefully not before discovering what Frankfurt has to offer.

The financial hub of Germany has elevated itself from a purely business reputation to become a top German city to visit . It has numerous attractions from its world-class museums to events like the illustrious Book Fair to its eclectic eating and apfelwein (German apple cider) scene.

Public transportation allows visitors to easily travel all over the city and is easier, cheaper, and often faster than a car. The system consists of the U-Bahn (subways), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. It's run by the Rhine-Main Transport Association (RMV) and Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt (VGF), one of Germany's largest public transport networks. The system is well-organized, safe , and fairly punctual, but it takes some practice to get comfortable. Use our complete guide to Frankfurt's public transport.

How to Ride Frankfurt's U-Bahn

The U-Bahn (underground) operates partly below ground and often works in connection with the tram system. Trains run every 2 to 5 minutes within the city center. Frequency slows to 10 to 20 minutes after 8 p.m., and night buses take over from 1 to 4 a.m.

There are nine combined U-Bahn/tram lines and almost 90 stations:

• U1–U3: These lines run from the southern railway station to the north of the city on one route, then split towards Nordweststadt (U1; red), Bad Homburg-Gonzenheim (U2; light green), and Oberursel (U3; dark purple).
• U4 (Pink): Runs from western Bockenheimer Warte through the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to eastern Enkheim.
• U5 (Dark green): This is a combined tram and underground line from northern Preungesheim to the city center. It shares some underground stations with the U4.
• U6 (Blue): Runs from Heerstraße in the west to Ostbahnhof (East Station) in the east.
• U7 (Orange): Runs from the east in Hausen in the west to Bergen-Enkheim in the northeast.
• U8 (Light Purple): Runs from northern Riedberg to Frankfurt-Süd. It shares tracks with U1-3.
• U9 (Yellow) : Starts from the north at Nieder-Eschbach to Ginnheim in Nordweststat on the shared U2 line, as well as the shared U8 line. This is the only line that doesn't travel through the city center.

Use the RMV website to plan your trip , find timetables ( fahrplan ), and real-time departure/arrival information.

How to Ride Frankfurt's S-Bahn

The city's S-Bahn or Stadtbahn (city train) is the local rail which runs primarily above ground from the city center to the surrounding suburbs and cities. The area around Frankfurt is densely populated and the S-Bahn offers easy access to the outskirts of the city, as well as the surrounding cities like Mainz , Wiesbaden, and Hanau.

The S-Bahn runs as frequently as every three minutes during peak times, and every 15 to 30 minutes during the night or on the outskirts. Service starts at 4 a.m for some lines, with full service from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all lines. The last S-Bahns leave Frankfurt at 1:20 a.m. The S8 and S9 lines run 24 hours a day. The tickets offer access to the S-Bahn as well as the rest of Frankfurt's public transport system.

S-Bahn stations can be identified by the green and white "S" symbol. Enter the platform and once you have a ticket, stamp it and board the S-Bahn. Maps are available on the platform and electronic boards provide info on the next arrival.

Frankfurt's S-Bahn covers 9 lines and 112 stations.

• S1: Wiesbaden – Frankfurt-Höchst – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Offenbach Ost – Rödermark-Ober Roden
• S2: Niedernhausen – Frankfurt-Höchst – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Offenbach Ost – Dietzenbach
• S3: Bad Soden – Frankfurt-West – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Langen – Darmstadt
• S4: Kronberg – Frankfurt-West – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Langen (– Darmstadt)
• S5: Friedrichsdorf – Frankfurt-West – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Frankfurt-Süd
• S6: Friedberg – Frankfurt-West – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Frankfurt-Süd
• S7: Riedstadt-Goddelau – Groß-Gerau Dornberg – Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
• S8: Wiesbaden – Mainz – Frankfurt Airport – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Offenbach Ost – Hanau
• S9: Wiesbaden – Mainz-Kastel – Frankfurt Airport – Frankfurt – Citytunnel – Offenbach Ost – Hanau

For a complete map for the S-Bahn routes, visit the RMV website.

 How to Ride Frankfurt's Buses

Buses fill in some of the gaps in Frankfurt's public transport system. All major routes are served by rail-based modes of transportation, but stops are closer together and buses can be a good way to orient yourself with the city. Where buses are most useful is in the north between S-Bahn stations and at night.

Bus stops are marked by a circular sign with a green "H." They often have a small shelter and electronic sign updating arrivals, as well as posted regular schedules and routes. Tickets can be purchased from machines at S- or U-Bahns or directly from bus drivers. If you have a ticket that is not time-stamped, stamp it with the machine near the entrance of the bus.

Night Buses in Frankfurt

Between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., U-Bahns and S-Bahns have reduced or paused service and night buses replace those lines as they run 24 hours a day. Nachtbus lines have numbers beginning with "N." Tickets cost the same as daytime transport.

Tickets on Frankfurt's Public Transport

Regular tickets ( einzelfahrt ) cost 2.75 euros (1.55 euros discounted) and allows for travel on all forms of transport. Zone 50 includes most of Frankfurt, excluding the airport.

Tickets are time-stamped and valid for two hours of travel beginning immediately. It allows for unlimited transfers in one direction. For example, you can travel around the city on a single ticket for 120 minutes from the time the ticket was stamped, but you can't go in one direction then come back the same way. Children under 6 do not need tickets and reduced fare is available for children 6 to 14.

There are also other ticket options:

• All-day ticket (Tageskarte): This costs just a little more than two single journeys at peak times. The fare is generally 5.35 euros (3 euros discounted). Tickets are valid from time of purchase to end of operations that day. Note that day tickets purchased at price level 3 valid for use in Frankfurt (fare zone 50) are not valid for travel to Frankfurt Airport.
• Kurzstrecke : A short-trip ticket valid for journeys up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away. It costs 1.85 euros.
• Gruppentageskarte (all-day group ticket): This day ticket is valid for up to five people and costs 15.80 euros (it excludes airport transfers).
• Frankfurt Card : For 23 euros, up to five visitors can utilize all the transport options for 24 hours plus travel from Frankfurt Airport or Frankfurt HBF, and get discounts on main attractions.
• Wochenkarte (weekly pass): Valid for seven consecutive days.

Tickets can be purchased via touch-screen ticket machines ( fahrkartenautomaten ) in S-Bahn and tram stations, RMV outlets, or on the RMV app. The app can be used in English. If traveling inside Frankfurt, the red button "Stadtgebiet Frankfurt" purchases a basic ticket.

Machines have an English language option (as well as several others). Machines accept euro coins and notes (up to 10 or 20 euros) and chip-and-PIN credit cards.

You must be in possession of a valid ticket on public transport and it's largely on the honor system. However, you need to show a ticket when entering buses and when ticket controllers—both uniformed and plain clothes—ask to see your ticket by saying " Fahrscheine , bitte" (Ticket, please). If caught without a ticket, you are subject to a 60 euro fine and controllers are infamously unsympathetic.

Accessibility on Berlin's Public Transportation

Entrance to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is barrier-free and escalators and elevators service most stations - but not all. At www.traffiq.de there is a list of all stops and stations that are barrier-free.

On trams and buses, look for doors marked with wheelchairs or strollers for the best cars for wheeled travelers. Frankfurt's tourism board offers information for barrier-free travel for visitors with disabilities.

Other Modes of Transport in Berlin

• Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the city at taxi stands, airport and train stations or by reserving ahead. Taxis are cream with a “TAXI” roof sign.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is not necessary for travel within Frankfurt, but can be helpful for traveling around the country and exploring the world-famous Autobahn . Refer to our full guide on car rentals in Germany for more information.
• Trains : Deutsche Bahn transports millions of travelers in Germany and beyond every day. The earlier you purchase tickets, the cheaper they will be. Regional day tickets, weekend tickets, or day tickets for all of Germany are offered so check for discounts.
• Bikes: Biking is a good way to travel around Frankfurt. Second-hand bikes are usually inexpensive, although you should get a receipt as bike theft is rampant. If you only need a bike for a short period of time, use one of the many bike-sharing programs. Also note that bikes can be taken on Frankfurt’s metro system for free, but they may be refused during peak hours.

Tips for Getting Around Frankfurt

• Public transport vastly slows between the hours of 1 to 4 a.m. Note that some lines still run during these nighttime hours, particularly the Nachtbus .
• Though travelling by taxi in the city center is easy to do, there are times during major conventions (like the Frankfurt Book Fair ) where finding a taxi can be near impossible.

Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

Getting Around Nuremberg: Guide to Public Transportation

Berlin's Public Transportation: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From Frankfurt to Berlin by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

Getting Around Vienna: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Munich: Guide to Public Transportation

Guide to Berlin's Airports

Getting Around Prague: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Naples: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Zürich: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Lyon: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Madrid: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Marseille: Guide to Public Transportation

Munich Airport Guide

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How To Spend An Amazing Weekend In Frankfurt, Germany

Pigprox / Shutterstock

• Destinations

Frankfurt am Main, in the state of Hesse, is not to be confused with Frankfurt an der Oder, which lies on the Polish border. Frankfurt am Main is probably best known for its international airport, Europe’s second largest and a major transportation hub. Frankfurt’s second claim to fame is that it is the financial hub of the Eurozone, with most international banks represented in the city. Because of its gleaming skyscrapers and its location on the Main, it is known as Germany’s Manhattan. It even has its own take on the Wall Street Bull: Bull and Bear , located just outside the stock market.

While all that might be impressive, it does not necessarily draw travelers to the city. The vast majority of visitors transit through the airport without giving a stopover a second thought. So here are some very good reasons to get out of the airport and enjoy a couple of days in Frankfurt. You will enjoy a great setting, plenty of history, medieval lanes and architecture, modern art, a selection of top museums, and seriously good food and drink.

Things To Do In Frankfurt

Dating to Roman times, Frankfurt was a busy center during the Middle Ages and was once home to Germany’s largest timber-frame old town. Alas, toward the end of World War II, the historic city was almost completely leveled. What you see today — apart from a few survivors such as the Eschenheimer Turm and the Old Saint Nicholas Church, which were only slightly damaged — has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, and done so well that you would never notice.

While it offers plenty of historic sites, the city is also a very cosmopolitan one, with expatriates from all over the world living here side by side. It makes for a superb atmosphere with lots of good shopping, a thriving art scene, and plenty of international eating and drinking, with many restaurants having outdoor terraces from which to enjoy the hustle and bustle.

But if you have limited time, here’s what to do on a weekend in Frankfurt.

GenOMart / Shutterstock

Stroll Around The Medieval Romerberg

This is Frankfurt’s loveliest square, hemmed with restored medieval gabled buildings — most famously, the Romer, the slightly pink three-part stepped building that has housed the city hall for the past 600 years. The square is filled with cafes around the Fountain of Justice and the Old Saint Nicholas Church, and it hosts a lovely Christmas market in December each year.

Ungvari Attila / Shutterstock

Museum-Hop Along The Museumsufer

Along both sides of the Main is a stretch called the Museumsufer, where you’ll find some 16 museums either right on the riverside or in close proximity to it. You can museum-hop on one bank to learn about everything from applied art to film to German architecture and more, and across the river, you can continue on with the Jewish Museum and Historical Museum, with many others nearby. It pays to research what you are most interested in and then plan where to spend most of your time. Admission ranges from 4 to 12 euros unless you have a Frankfurt Card , which allows you free public transport and reduced entry to many attractions.

Werner Lerooy / Shutterstock

Learn About Germany’s Top Bard

Frankfurt is home to the house where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers, poets, statesmen, and all-around talents, was born. Even if you have not read his works, such as Faust or The Sorrows of Young Werther , the Goethe House , restored after World War II, is a perfect example of a well-to-do family home of the late 1700s, and as such is full of interesting historic artifacts.

Altrendo Images / Shutterstock

Walk Down The Aisle At The Frankfurt Cathedral

This red sandstone cathedral stands out among Frankfurt’s churches, and not just because of its unusual color. Its spire, which is more than 300 feet tall, reaches up between the modern skyscrapers, and its history speaks for itself. The Saint Bartholomew Cathedral, also known as the Frankfurt Cathedral , is one of only a few churches in Germany that have been designated imperial cathedrals, and between 1562 and 1792, the region’s emperors were crowned right here in the Election Chapel. It must have been quite a spectacle!

photo.ua / Shutterstock

Reach For The Sky At The Main Tower

One of Frankfurt’s shiniest and tallest skyscrapers, the Main Tower has a viewing platform some 650 feet above street level that can be reached by elevator in 45 seconds. It offers fabulous views across the city and surrounding countryside, as far as the airport. Binoculars allow you to get your bearings and find out where to go next. Buy a ticket online to save yourself time in line.

Artisitc Views / Shutterstock

Discover Your Green Thumb In The Palmengarten

One of three botanical gardens in Frankfurt, the Palmengarten is arguably the nicest, with 54 acres of gardens and more than 75,000 square feet of conservatory showcasing plants from around the world and from different climate zones. The old greenhouse is simply stunning and very reminiscent of Gustave Eiffel’s work.

Sergio Delle Vedove / Shutterstock

Catch An Exhibit At The Schirn Kunsthalle

Not just an architecturally interesting building, the Schirn Kunsthalle is a 1980s-era venue for temporary exhibits of modern and contemporary art. There is no permanent collection, so you will have to hope that there is something on when you arrive — or you could plan your visit around an exhibit you particularly want to see.

Best Places To Eat In Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan and international city that offers all the cuisines you could wish for. But Frankfurt also has some local specialties that are worth seeking out.

Dauth-Schneider

Dauth-Schneider is a traditional Hessian restaurant serving all the local specialties, from pork knuckle to handkase mit musik (“hand cheese with music,” a local cheese) to the famous green sauce served with egg and potatoes. Wash it all down with applewoi , a local apple wine, or cider. And yes, they also serve perfect Frankfurter sausages.

Kleinmarkthalle

Is there any better insight into a region’s cuisine than a fresh produce market? This covered market sells everything from fresh bread and sausages to cake and sweets to wine and the famous apple wine, and you can eat as you browse.

Freigut is located on a boat on the river and boasts simply stunning views of the Frankfurt skyline. Come for a drink at sunset before walking along the river and checking out all the other floating restaurants nearby.

travelview / Shutterstock

Where To Shop In Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a superb city for shopping. The pedestrianized center is convenient and fun, offering all the high street labels and luxury stores — and then some. Head down the main drag of Zeil, which has all the big German names, and then pop over to Goethestrasse for some luxury window-shopping before checking out the alternative boutiques on Berger Strasse. Every Friday, Schillerstrasse transforms into a market selling absolutely everything.

Best Places To Stay In Frankfurt

Frankfurt offers all kinds of accommodations, from luxury hotels to hostels to Airbnbs. For a brief weekend, you will want to stay as close to the city center as possible, since it will save you time when everything is within walking distance.

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof

If you can somehow fit it into your budget, treat yourself to a stay at this grand old dame of a hotel with its great location and superb building — it’d be a true treat. Not cheap, but then again, you don’t have to go for the Presidential Suite that comes with its own sauna or visit the Michelin-starred in-house restaurant, do you?

On the opposite side of the spectrum decor-wise is The Pure . A minimalist’s dream, this hotel’s style is, well, pure. Everything is white, with the odd splash of color here and there, and everything is symmetrical and oh-so photogenic. If you ever post on Instagram or simply don’t like too much fuss, this is the place for you.

Gerbermuhle

On the other side of the Main lies the Gerbermuhle , a stunning hotel in an old corn mill by the river. The inside has been completely revamped in a contemporary but tasteful style, and it has a beer garden and lovely nooks where you can sit and take a break from sightseeing. The hotel is a mere bridge-crossing from the old town.

Pro Tip: Be careful when you choose to visit Frankfurt, because the city is a huge trade-fair hub, and when a fair is in town, every single hotel room can be booked. It pays to be flexible.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Frankfurt

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A picturesque old imperial city on the River Main, Frankfurt am Main has long been an important commercial and economic center. Frankfurt's impressive skyline is dominated by a great cluster of high-rise buildings in the banking quarter, giving it a distinct North American flavor, along with the nicknames "Mainhattan" and "Chicago on the Main."

Frequently ranked in the top 10 best cities in which to live and do business, this truly global city has also long been an important center for cultural and tourism activities. Its huge trade fair complex, Messe Frankfurt , hosts important events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), the world's most important publishing event, along with internationally renowned music and cultural festivals.

Frankfurt is also well known for its exceptional number of fine museums covering art, science, and history. It's also a lovely city to explore on foot, with many of these museums and attractions being within easy walking distance of the downtown core. If you do walk, be sure to include a stroll across the Main via the Eiserner Steg , a pedestrian footbridge originally built in 1911 (and rebuilt since) that links the Sachsenhausen district to the downtown core.

To learn more about the best places to visit and things to do along the way, be sure to read our full list of the top tourist attractions in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

1. Römerberg: Frankfurt's Old Town Center

2. städel museum, 3. museum district: museumsufer, 4. maintower, 5. the palm garden, 6. senckenberg natural history museum, 7. frankfurt cathedral, 8. kleinmarkthalle, 9. goethe house and museum, 10. the hauptwache, 11. museum of modern art, 12. frankfurt zoo, 13. the old opera house, 14. eschenheim tower, 15. jewish museum frankfurt, where to stay in frankfurt for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to frankfurt.

Set in the heart of Frankfurt's Old Town (Altstadt), the Römerberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at its center. Not only is it Frankfurt's most picturesque public square, it's the city's busiest pedestrian zone and home to numerous tourist attractions and fun things to do, including Christmas markets and other events.

Points of interest here include its many open-fronted shops. Once common throughout the old town, and the Römer , this cluster of 11 historic buildings together made up the medieval-era Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This popular Frankfurt attraction was faithfully reconstructed in 1954 from original 15th- to 18th-century floorplans. Of special note is the elegant Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), once the scene of splendid banquets.

Other notable buildings in the Römerberg include the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) dating from 1908; the 14th-century Gothic Church of St. Leonhard; and St. Nicholas Church , with its carillon.

Also of interest here is the Historical Museum ( Historisches Museum Frankfurt) . Founded in 1878, its interesting collections relate to Frankfurt's rich cultural history from medieval to modern times, and the six traditional-style buildings of the Ostzeile .

The historic Wertheim House (Haus Wertheym), the only building to have survived the 1944 air raids that destroyed much of old Frankfurt, can also still be seen and is now home to a popular restaurant. Built in 1479, it's an undeniably romantic setting for a memorable meal (reservations recommended).

Address: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Germany

The Städel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie), with its excellent collection of paintings from the 14th century, is the most important of the world-class museums that make up Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer).

Of its many collections, the most important include works by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Goya, and into the later centuries with Monet, Degas, Beckman, and Picasso. The more contemporary works include those by Bacon and Baselitz. The collection also features prints and drawings from Durer and Cezanne to Pollock and Ernst.

English-language guided tours are available, along with audio guides for those who prefer to go it alone. For those with additional time, workshops and talks, along with a research library, are also available. A café and bookshop are also located on-site.

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer) on the south and north banks of the River Main is a first-rate collection of some 16 separate museums, many of them of international standing.

In addition to the centerpiece, the Städel Art Museum , a highlight is the excellent Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen). Regarded as one of Europe's top ethnological museums, it was founded in 1904 and features collections that include more than 65,000 artifacts from as far afield as Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

The Museum of Ancient Sculpture is another important museum here. Situated in the 19th-century Liebieghaus , the museum is home to a large collection of Asian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures, as well as pieces from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Also worth visiting, the Icon Museum (Ikonen-Museum der Stadt Frankfurt am Main) is a rare institution housing a treasury of more than a thousand Christian Orthodox images from all over the Orthodox Diaspora.

Other museums of note are the German Architecture Museum (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), focusing on architectural design and offers more than 200,000 plans, drawings, and models; the Film Museum (Deutsches Filminstitut), with exhibits relating to the Lumière brothers and the history of cinema; and the Museum of Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst), or MAK for short, with its displays of more than 30,000 objects representing European and Asian decorative art.

Try to squeeze in a visit to the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum (Archäologisches Museum Frankfurt), set in a former monastery and dealing with the city's history from its foundation to the present. Even a quick visit is time well spent.

Address: Schaumainkai, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Germany in Winter

Located in the heart of Frankfurt's Inner City (Innenstadt) district, the 200-meter-tall Maintower (Aussichtspunkt Frankfurt) should rank highly on your list of fun things to do. Considered one of the top tourist attractions in Germany, it was completed in 1999, this impressive 56-story skyscraper is one of the largest in Germany and was built with a superb rooftop observatory that's open to the public.

Two public viewing platforms are on its top floors, and the views from here are simply breathtaking. In addition to enjoying panoramic vistas of the Old Town (Altstadt) and the many other Frankfurt attractions on your must-see list, the river views alone make the fast glass-fronted elevator journey to the top worth it.

If visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you may want to time your visit for after nightfall. The viewing platforms are open later on these days, offering a unique opportunity to view the city from on high at night.

You may also want to combine your visit with a meal at the popular Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge on the building's 53rd floor (reservations recommended). Be sure to also check out the art installations and mosaics in the building's lobby area, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located on Bockenheimer Landstrasse, the beautiful 54-acre Palm Garden (Palmengarten) is the largest botanic garden in Germany. One of three such gardens in Frankfurt, it was an instant hit with the public upon its opening in 1871. In fact, the attraction lured some of the top performers of the time from around the world, including Buffalo Bill, who visited with his Wild West show in 1890.

Highlights of a visit today are the lovely outdoor botanical exhibits laid out according to their geographical location, along with a number of greenhouses containing subtropical and tropical plant species. The gardens also offer boating, a children's playground, and picnic spots, and guided tours are available.

The Europaturm , a 337-meter-tall telecommunications tower also known as the "Tower of Europe," is just a short walk away and worth visiting for its viewing platform and restaurant. Great views can also be enjoyed from the viewing platforms of the nearby Main Tower, one of its tallest skyscrapers.

Other Frankfurt parks of interest are the 72-acre Grüneburgpark and the even larger Nidda Valley People's Park (Volkspark Niddatal). Covering some 415 acres on the outskirts of the city, Nidda Valley is a pleasant place for a stroll or a fun family picnic.

Address: Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located in Frankfurt's Senckenberg Gardens , the Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg) is one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe and the second largest of its kind in Germany.

Along with its numerous displays relating to our planet's biodiversity and the evolution of organisms, the museum houses Europe's biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs, making it a particularly pleasant spot to stop if you're traveling with kids. A number of life-size replica dinosaurs greet you in the museum's forecourt and make for an excellent backdrop for a family selfie.

The museum is also home to the world's largest collection of stuffed birds, along with an extensive exhibit outlining the development of mankind. English language tours are available, and you can rent audio guides if you want to tour on your own. Educational workshops and lectures are also held regularly. A bistro and a souvenir shop are also located on the premises.

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Roman Catholic Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom) certainly stands out for its lovely color. Officially known as St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Dom St. Bartholomäus), its dazzling exterior comes from the red sandstone it was built with between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Add to this its Gothic styling and 95-meter-tall tower, and this impressive cathedral still manages to stand out in this city of skyscrapers. One of only a handful of churches in Germany to be designated as an Imperial Cathedral, it was here in the Election Chapel from 1562 to 1792 that the coronation of Emperors took place.

Beneath the tower is the magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen, sculpted in 1509, while in the Marienkapelle is the Maria-Schlaf-Altar from 1434. Other highlights include the grave slab of King Günther von Schwarzburg, who died in Frankfurt in 1349, as well as numerous carved side altars dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The cathedral's most important relic is the skullcap of St. Bartholomew, kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew's Choir. Many of the cathedral's most important artifacts can be viewed in Frankfurt Cathedral Museum (Dommuseum Frankfurt).

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Markets are always a good place to get a feel for a city, and Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle , where many locals shop daily, is no exception. The present hall dates from 1954, and its 1,500 square meters house 150 market stalls selling some of the finest foods in Germany.

This is a good place to try out the famous Frankfurt "Green Sauce" ( Frankfurter Grüne Soße), a traditional condiment made of seven herbs, sour cream, and egg. You can also savor local specialties like sausages, cheeses, and pastries.

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt was the birthplace of Germany's greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His family home, Goethe House (Goethe Haus), was where Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, and lived until 1765. Immaculately preserved, it shows how the well-to-do family and their staff would have lived at the time.

You can see everything from the sumptuously decorated dining room on the main floor to Goethe's writing room on the top floor. It was here he penned many of his early works and where he played as a child with his puppet theater.

Next door is the Goethe Museum , a 14-room gallery showcasing artworks from the writer's time, including masterpieces of the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. Family guided tours of both properties are available.

Goethestrasse , a high-end shopping area with many fine boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, is another Frankfurt attraction that testifies to the writer's fame and importance.

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, D-60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt's busiest pedestrian areas, the Hauptwache, which literally translates as the "Main Guard," is famous for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures. The most notable building here is the old Baroque Guard House after which the square is named. Built in 1730, it once housed the city's militia, a prison, and later, a police station, and now houses a café.

The square itself is one of Frankfurt's main shopping areas, complete with a large underground mall. It's also the point from which the city's main shopping and commercial streets radiate.

Pedestrian-friendly Zeil heads east, and Kaiserstrasse , with its many places of entertainment in its side streets, runs southwest past the Rossmarkt and Kaiserplatz to the Hauptbahnhof. This is the city's main train station, built in 1888 and one of the largest train terminals in Europe.

Address: An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art (MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt) is widely regarded as one of Europe's most important galleries of contemporary art.

Opened in 1991 in a stunning postmodern building in the heart of the city, the museum includes in its vast collection some 5,000 fine examples from more than 450 leading artists. Spanning from the 1960s to the present, works are by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Francis Bacon.

The museum also operates Zollamt MMK, a satellite exhibition space featuring works by younger and as yet unknown artists; the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Art (Museum für angewandte Kunst), with more than 30,000 items of European and Asian applied art, including furniture, tapestries, glass, ceramics, and books; and Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, showing both modern and contemporary art.

Also of interest is the Caricatura Museum (Caricatura Museum für Komische Kunst), which is notable for its exhibits and displays relating to comic art.

Address: Domstraße 10, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Home to more than 4,000 animals representing at least 450 different species, Frankfurt Zoo covers 32 acres near the city's old Friedberger Tor.

Founded in 1858 as the Frankfurt Zoological Garden, it's Germany's second-oldest zoo and is noted for its excellent animal houses, including the unique Grzimek House with displays of Madagascar's diverse fauna.

Also of interest is the Exotarium, with animals from different climatic regions, including marine life, reptiles, and crocodiles. The Borgori Forest has a superb ape house in an authentic jungle setting.

Other highlights include the Nocturnal Animals House and the Bird Hall. A variety of events and programs are offered, including family festivals, exhibits, themed tours, and feeding experiences.

Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Opera Square (Opernplatz), the Old Opera House (Alte Oper) was constructed in 1880 in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1981 as one of the city's most important concert venues. Fun English-language guided tours are available.

The city's new opera house, Oper Frankfurt , and the drama theater, Schauspiel Frankfurt, share a contemporary, state-of-the-art venue known as Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt.

Address: Opernplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Eschenheim Tower (Eschenheimer Turm) was built in the early 1400s and remains the finest relic from Frankfurt's old town walls. Standing 47 meters high, it still impresses with its dimensions and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate district.

Today, the tower houses a great café restaurant as well as meeting rooms used by local historical societies. Also of interest is the nearby Stock Exchange , built in 1879 and the largest in the country.

Address: Börsenplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Opened in 1988 on the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a pivotal point in the persecution of Germany's Jews in the 1930s, the Jewish Museum Frankfurt (Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt) is well worth a visit.

Spread across two venues, the displays in the main collection in the Rothschild Palace location focus on the more than 900-year history of Jewish life and culture in Frankfurt. Highlights include an exhibit relating to Anne Frank in the Frank Family Center, as well as a state-of-the-art research library.

The second location, Museum Judengasse, is also worth seeing. Of greatest interest here are the foundations of 19 houses dating back to the foundation of Europe's first Jewish ghetto in the 1400s. Artifacts and interesting exhibits relating to this period provide a fascinating glimpse into Jewish culture during this period of European history.

Address: Untermainkai 14-15, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

If you want to sightsee in Frankfurt, one of the most convenient places to stay is the city center. Many of the top tourist attractions are found here, including the Frankfurt museum embankment (Museumsufer), historic churches, quaint shops, and the Old Town (Aldstadt) with its lovely half-timbered buildings and picturesque town square (the Römerberg). Below are some highly-rated hotels in the city center:

Luxury Hotels:

• Located in a great location near the shops of Zeil Street and a short stroll from the Römerberg, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt offers modern luxury in the heart of the city. Rooms come in a variety of sizes, and many offer excellent views of the city and River Main. There are also suites with separate living space and pullout sofas should you be traveling with the kids. Some suites even have kitchens. Amenities here include an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a great fine-dining restaurant.
• As its name suggests, the five-star Sofitel Frankfurt Opera is within walking distance of Frankfurt's Alte Oper, which dates back to the 1800s. The hotel is set inside a stylish villa in the heart of Old Town Frankfurt. The rooms and suites are contemporary and plush and feature warm hues, designer toiletries, and Bose sound systems. On-site amenities include a French restaurant, an indoor pool, a spa with a sauna, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• If you just want a good-value hotel and don't mind a chain brand property then check out the popular Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe Hotel . Just a short bus ride from Frankfurt's main attractions, it features amenities like Hypnos beds in contemporary rooms, which are big enough to sprawl out in. The restaurant serves three meals a day including a breakfast buffet.
• Located in the center of Frankfurt's creative east end, 25hours Hotel The Goldman is an excellent mid-range choice. The property features bright and colorful rooms decorated with historic-themed art and unique wooden headboards on comfy beds. There is a restaurant on-site, and you can rent a bike to explore the city.
• Just across the street from Frankfurt's Central Train Station, the trendy Hotel Hamburger Hof has an energetic city center vibe. The rooms here are colorful and comfortable. If you are traveling with the family, consider a suite with a separate living room for the kids to sleep in. There is a free breakfast buffet each morning.
• Hotel Villa Florentina is an excellent value mid-range choice that is just outside the city center in Frankfurt's elegant Westend banking district. This popular three-star hotel is inside a century-old villa and has an Italian design theme throughout. Families will appreciate the fact that kids under 12 stay free.

Budget Hotels:

• Within walking distance of the main train station in the city center, Ibis Frankfurt Centrum overlooks the River Main and is a great option if you're watching your wallet. The rooms are contemporary and clean, and business travelers will appreciate in-room work desks, as well as free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
• About a 10-minute walk from the Römerberg, Hotel Expo Frankfurt City Centre is another popular budget property, near shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This boutique property features tidy rooms with wood furnishings and pops of color in the form of bed covers and matching drapes. If you're traveling with a small family, some rooms can sleep up to three people. Wi-Fi and parking are also free here.
• Sightseeing: The most convenient, single-day sightseeing tour option is the double-decker, open-air Frankfurt City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . This tour allows you to get off at any of the 14 stops to explore some of the top attractions or stay on the bus and listen to the audio commentary and get acquainted with the city and sites.
• Day Trips: If you have time to explore the countryside, there are some wonderful day trips from Frankfurt . One of the most popular is the Rhine Valley Trip including a Rhine River Cruise , with full-day and half-day options available. This is a coach tour through the scenic Rhine Valley and a steamboat cruise along the Rhine River, complete with a guide and lunch. Another good option is a Half-Day Trip to Heidelberg , with coach transportation, plenty of free time to explore this medieval city, and free entrance to the Heidelberg Castle. Combining two popular tours and visiting one of Germany's most famous castles, the Frankfurt Super Saver: Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg Day Trip is a great option. This tour includes skip-the-line admission to the Neuschwanstein Castle and a guided tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as well as time to explore the medieval streets on your own.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Germany Vacation Ideas : In addition to the great tours mentioned above, there are so many other great things to do in Germany . Those interested in seeing more world-class attractions should visit the country's capital Berlin , where they can spend time exploring the wonderful galleries and museums of Museum Island . The historic city of Potsdam , just a short journey away from Berlin, is another must-see destination. Some of the best places to visit, including fine old palaces and art galleries, are located on the grounds of Sanssouci Park.

More on Germany

How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

You’ve decided to visit Germany. Hooray! Whether you’re looking for bustling cities, sandy beaches, alpine hiking, intriguing history, fairytale castles, delicious food, fun festivals or friendly people, Germany is the perfect European vacation destination.

Not only is there a tremendous amount to do, see, eat, and experience in Germany, you can easily combine a visit to Germany with other European destinations. Germany is easy to get around in by train, bus, car or bike, and many people speak English.

You’re probably wondering…where do I even begin with planning my dream-come-true vacation to beautiful Deutschland? 

Where should I go? Is it better to take the train or rent a car? What are the must-see cities and attractions? Which ones should I skip? Where’s the best place to stay? What should I eat and drink?

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Don’t worry! We’re here to help you narrow down your travel options, plan your itinerary , and book your trip with ease. It’s actually quite easy to plan a trip to Germany by yourself with the information in this article, on this site and with some help of some online booking engines.

To reduce overwhelm and help you plan your ideal vacation, we cover everything you need to know to get started planning your trip to Germany . And if you have any questions, you’re welcome to ask us in our free Germany travel Facebook community or send us  an email . 

Ok, let’s begin!

• 1 Meet Your Germany Travel Guides
• 2 Overview of Regions
• 3 Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning
• 4 Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 
• 5 Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…
• 6 What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…
• 7 Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?
• 8 Like islands and water? Take a look at…
• 9 What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…
• 10 Passports & Visas
• 11 What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?
• 12 Germany Booking Timeline
• 13 What’s the Weather in Germany Like?
• 14 What Time is it in Germany Right Now?
• 15 What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?
• 16 Where to Stay in Germany
• 17 Getting Around Germany
• 18 What to Wear in Germany
• 19 My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items
• 20 What to Eat in Germany

Meet Your Germany Travel Guides

Hi, we’re Cate and Aaron, and we love helping people plan amazing trips to Germany. While Aaron has visited Germany several times (and is our chief rental car driver!), I lived there for 4+ years, have spent nearly 30 years of my life going back and forth between the US and Germany, and have traveled to all corners of the country.

I also taught German for several years and have a PhD in German Applied Linguistics, which means I’ve gotten to know Germany from several different angles. We’re so excited to help you plan your dream trip to Deutschland! 

Overview of Regions

Northern Germany  – Hamburg is the largest city in this region but there are other must-visit smaller cities like Lübeck , Stade, Bremen, and Lüneburg. Northern Germany also has the beautiful beaches of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, the Wadden Sea national park, and the islands of Sylt, Flör, and Heligoland. Northern Germany is flat and great for biking. It looks so different from Bavaria! Combine a trip to Denmark with a visit to northern Germany.

Eastern Germany  –  Berlin is of course the feature city in this region, but Dresden, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Quedlinburg, Bautzen, Erfurt, and Weimar are smaller must-see cities. There’s also the Harz mountains, Swiss Saxony national park , Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia, Wernigerode castle, the Schwerin Palace, and Sansouci in Potsdam. Combine a trip to eastern Germany with a visit to Poland or the Czech Republic.

Central Germany  – This region offers bustling cities like Cologne , Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt , smaller cities like Aachen, Wiesbaden, Koblenz, and plenty of cute villages. There’s also the Rhine and Mosel river areas, vineyards, the Eifel national park, castles , and beautiful rolling hills. Combine a visit to central Germany with a trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, or France.

Black Forest/Baden-Württemberg  –  Stuttgart is the largest city in this region, and smaller cities like Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Freiburg , Tübingen, and Ulm also warrant a visit. Vineyards and wineries, spa towns, castles (such as Hohenzollern or Lichtenstein ), waterfalls, Lake Constance, cute villages, and hiking are also features of the Black Forest /Baden-Württemberg region. Combine a trip to France or Switzerland with a visit to southwestern Germany.

Bavaria/Alps  – Munich is the feature city of Bavaria ( Oktoberfest! ), along with smaller cities like Regensburg, Nuremberg, Würtzburg, Bamberg, and Passau. There’s also the famous Zugspitze, Eagle’s Nest, Neuschwanstein castle , and Chiemsee lake, as well as lovely alpine towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden . Combine a trip to Bavaria with a visit to Austria, Czech Republic or Switzerland.

Click here for what to do in Munich!

Where to Go in Germany: Itineraries and Planning

There’s so much to see and do in Germany! Here’s some info to get you started on your itinerary (you can also check out this article with 10-14 day itinerary ideas ). 

If you have just a few days,  I recommend focusing on one city and a day trip (e.g., Hamburg with a day trip to Lübeck or Munich with a day trip to Neuschwanstein ).

If you have a week,  you could visit 2 cities (plus 2 day trips) in different parts of Germany and allot one day for travel between cities (e.g., a few days in Munich with a day trip to Chiemsee, travel day to Berlin, then a few days in Berlin with a day trip to Potsdam). Or you could spend a week touring one region of Germany (e.g. the Black Forest or the Rhine and Mosel areas).

If you have two weeks,  you can see a lot of Germany! You could, for example, start in Berlin, then visit Hamburg, take a day trip to Lübeck , then visit the Rhein river area, stop in the Black Forest , and end your trip in Munich. You could easily do this trip via train or car. Take a look at a couple 10-14 day itineraries we’ve outlined to give you a sense of how much you can do in that amount of time.

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

How long does it take to travel around Germany by train? 

It’s quick and easy to travel around Germany by train. Here are some sample travel times to give you an idea: 

• Berlin to Hamburg – 1 hour 45 minutes 
• Berlin to Munich – 4 – 4 1/2 hours
• Hamburg to Lübeck – 1 hour 
• Hamburg to Cologne – 4 hours 
• Hamburg to Munich – 5 hours 40 minutes 
• Frankfurt to Nuremberg – 2 hours 
• Stuttgart to Munich – 2 1/4 hours 
• Munich to Berchtesgaden – 2 hours 

I use and recommend the official German rail system website to check travel times and book train tickets (point-to-point, saver tickets, and discounted regional tickets). I book all of our train tickets here!

Want more itinerary ideas? Are you a big city person? Check out… 

• Cologne / Düsseldorf

Prefer smaller historic, picturesque cities? Check out…

• Lübeck
• Würtzburg
• Tübingen

What about cute little villages with “Fachwerk” (half-timber) architecture? There are so many! Here are a few ideas…

• Wernigerode
• Quedlinburg
• Dinkelsbühl
• Rothenburg Ob der Tauber
• Berchtesgaden

Looking forward to visiting fairytale castles?

• Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau (the “Disney castle”)
• Castles near Frankfurt
• Castles near Cologne
• 16 castles to visit in Germany

Like islands and water? Take a look at…

• Husum (North Sea)
• Timmendorferstrand (Baltic Sea)
• Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Titisee 

What about nature, hiking, and national parks? Consider…

• Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
• Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park 
• Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
• Jasmund National Park
• Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park
• Müritz National Park
• Lower Oder Valley National Park
• Harz National Park
• Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
• Hainich National Park
• Eifel National Park
• Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Bavarian Forest National Park
• Berchtesgaden National Park
• Black Forest National Park

How about a road trip? Why not drive the…

• German Timber-frame Road (northern to southern Germany)
• Romantic Road (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Castle Road (Bavaria to Baden-Württemberg, east/west)
• Wine Road (Palatinate wine region, north/south)
• Fairytale Route (from Hanau to Bremen, south/north)
• Black Forest High Road (Baden-Württemberg, north/south)
• Alpine Route (Baden-Württemberg to Bavaria, east/west)
• Volcanic Route (Rhein River and Eifel mountains, north/south)

Passports & Visas

If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, you do not need a visa to enter Germany (at the time of publishing this article). You do, however, need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity AFTER your planned departure date.

Play it safe and have MORE than 6 months validity on entrance to Germany! You also need at least 2 blank passport pages at the time of your arrival. Check your passport NOW so you have plenty of time to renew it if needed. Do not wait until the last minute to do this (been there, done that – it’s expensive and stressful)!

Germany is part of the Schengen zone, which means you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. If you visit other countries in the Schengen zone before or after Germany, that counts towards your 90 days and reduces the amount of time you can spend in Germany. While on the automatic 90-day tourist visa you may not work but you can engage in business.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Germany?

The best time to visit Germany is whenever you can get there! No, seriously! There’s no best time of year for your  Deutschland   tour because there’s no bad time of year to visit. I’ve traveled all over Germany in spring, summer, fall, and winter and enjoyed every single season (Cate here, writing this article, by the way).

When should  you  travel to Germany? Well, it just depends on what you’re looking for…

Summer  is when you’re most likely to have warm (even hot) sunny weather. But it’s not guaranteed. I’ve had hot steamy summers in Germany (like last summer when we traveled during a heat wave), cold rainy summers, and everything in-between.

Fortunately, even if you encounter rain in the summer it likely won’t last more than a few hours or at most a couple days before you’ll see the sun again. The benefit of summer travel is that you’ll have nice long days for sight-seeing because the sun doesn’t fully set until about 10pm. If you’re interested in beaches or mountains, summer is a great time of year to visit.

Note, however, that not all hotels, cars, and restaurants use A/C. If you really hate hot weather, play it safe and avoid Germany in the middle of the summer. (Although, to be honest, in all of the summers I’ve spent in Germany, there have only been a few days in the summer that I’ve found truly unbearable without A/C.) If you  must  have A/C, be sure to confirm that your room or rental car has it.

Summer can also be a more crowded time to travel, since so many families make use of summer break. Book accommodation early for the most options and best prices!

Winter  travel in Germany can be cold but beautiful. One of my favorite times of year to travel in Germany is during the four weeks of advent at Christmas.

Yes, it gets dark early (by 5pm or a bit earlier) but the lights, decorations, and Christmas markets more than make up for it. Plus, you can go skiing and enjoy other winter activities.

I was just in Germany for a couple weeks in December and the weather was perfectly fine 90% of the time. There was only one day where the weather was truly miserable and even on that day there were enough breaks in the weather to enjoy my day trip exploring a new town and a new Christmas market. 

Germans don’t let winter keep them from enjoying outdoor activities, hiking to strolling through a Christmas market or enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Don’t let it stop you, either! Just bundle up, grab a mug of Glühwein, and you’ll be fine!

Fall and spring  are also great times to visit Germany. In the fall you’ll enjoy crisp mornings and cool evenings and seeing the leaves change color.

In the spring you’ll experience the joy everyone feels when they can once again sit outside at cafes and restaurants. The weather can vary quite a bit day to day but if you travel late in the fall or early in the spring you can score great deals and will find smaller crowds.

Germany Booking Timeline

I’ve booked flights, accommodations , and tours and tickets a few weeks before my arrival, and I’ve booked them several months in advance. Book early if you:

• Are traveling during peak summer, Christmas market or ski season
• Have very specific travel dates or lodging, transportation, sight-seeing needs
• Are visiting big cities
• Are on a tight budget
• Are visiting during a special event, such as Oktoberfest 

I usually start looking at my options as early as possible so I can figure out what a good deal looks like for my travel dates. I then set up flight alerts and start earmarking AirBnB’s and hotels. I begin booking whenever I find something that meets my needs and fits my budget. 

Here’s a general booking timeline to get you started:

6-12 months in advance:

• Research and book your international flights
• Research travel insurance
• Plan your travel itinerary and dates
• Research and book flights within Germany or Europe
• Research travel options within Germany (rental car, train bus, etc)
• Research accommodation options (book if you find great deals or if availability is limited)
• Make sure your passport is up-to-date (you need at least 6 months left on it when you enter Germany) and apply for a new one if it isn’t

3 – 6 months in advance:

• Book accommodation
• Book trains or busses (usually 90 before your travel dates is the earliest you can book but always check if you can book earlier – the best deals go fast)
• Book rental car
• Book tours, events, and tickets
• Book travel insurance 
• Review your travel wardrobe and gear and purchase the items you need  

1 month in advance:

• Book any remaining attractions and tours
• Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your lodging
• Purchase a sim card for phone or check how you can use your current phone service in Germany (e.g., I can use my Verizon phone service for a $10/ a day fee)

1 week in advance: 

• Print out or ensure that you can easily access all bookings, tickets, and travel info on your phone (make sure you can access everything without data or wifi!)

1 day in advance:

What’s the Weather in Germany Like?

What will the weather be like when you visit Germany? Well, it depends on the time of year and where you are. Weather in Germany can be somewhat unpredictable no matter the time of year.

I recommend being prepared by wearing layers, packing an umbrella or rain jacket, and remembering that the weather will likely change soon. And, as I said earlier, don’t let any kind of weather stop you from enjoying Germany! 

Summer.  Germany comes alive in the summer with everyone and their dog (literally, there are dogs everywhere) outside enjoying the nice weather. Average high in the summer is 80F.  

Be warned…it can rain in the summer but it doesn’t usually last that long. It can also be super hot in the summer…but again, scorching temperatures doesn’t usually last that long.

Fall.  Such a beautiful time of year in Germany with the leaves changing colors and cool, crips mornings and evenings and warm days. One of my favorite times of year in Germany! In September, the average high is 67F and by November it’s around 47F.

Winter.  Bring your scarf, hat, and mittens because German winters can get cold! Average temps hover around freezing with warmer days in the 40s/50sF. While it can snow anywhere in Germany, you’ll find the most snow in southern Germany. Winter weather doesn’t mean everyone hides inside, though. On the contrary! Do what the Germans do – bundle up and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring.  I love being in Germany on the first spring day because  everyone  heads outside to enjoy the sun and everyone is in such a good mood! Early spring will see a high around 47F but by late spring it’s more like 67F.

What Time is it in Germany Right Now?

Germany is in the Central European Time zone (CET) or UTC+2. It’s 6 hours ahead of the US EST, 7 hours ahead of CST, 8 hours ahead of MST, and 9 hours ahead of PST.

Daylight savings in Germany in 2020: time “falls back” on October 25 and “springs forward” on March 29. Write these dates in your calendar so you don’t accidentally miss any flights or trains (been there, done that)!

What’s the Best Way to Get to Germany?

It depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going.  When flying from outside Europe, many people fly into Frankfurt (FRA), the largest airport in Germany and one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe.

The benefit of flying into Frankfurt is that it has a ton of direct flights, and once you reach Germany you can easily take a commuter flight, train, bus or rental car to your final destination.

The downside? The airport is huge, busy, and I’ve noticed prices into Frankfurt have been higher than regional airports in Germany.

I used to  always  fly into Frankfurt , and then take a train, bus or rental car to my final destination. But recently? I’ve found that it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to bypass FRA and fly into other German cities, such as Munich , Hamburg , Berlin , Düsseldorf ( Cologne ) or Stuttgart .

You might even be able to find a direct flight from the US (I’ve flown direct Atlanta – Stuttgart and Washington DC – Munich, for example). Otherwise, you’ll change planes somewhere in Europe and take an easy 1-3 hour flight to Germany. We’ve changed planes in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Paris, and Vienna, for example. You could also fly into another European city and then take a train, bus or rental car into Germany.  

A Few Notes About Flying Into FRA (Frankfurt Airport) and Traveling Onwards

If you take a commuter flight from Frankfurt  (FRA) to your final destination in Germany, you’ll go through passport control in FRA and then to your connecting gate. Super easy. Most flights from FRA to elsewhere in Germany are an hour or less in duration.

If you’re traveling onward by train from Frankfurt,  you can transfer to the train right at the airport below Terminal 1. If your train leaves from the main station in Frankfurt, you can either take the S-bahn or a regional train from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof (main station) in about 10-15 minutes.  

Important:  you’ll find cheap “savings fare” train ticket prices if you book your ticket online well ahead of your arrival. Be sure to book your ticket for  at least  a few hours after your flight’s arrival time into FRA.

Be warned: getting through passport control, customs, picking up your checked luggage, and making your way to the train station can take longer than you think. And if your plane from the US (or elsewhere) is delayed…well, it’s easy to miss your train and have to buy a new, much more expensive ticket on the spot. Personally, I would book a saver fare train ticket for a train that leaves 3-5 hours after my international flight’s arrival time – at the minimum. And that’s still cutting it close if there’s any kind of delay!

Tip: If you want maximum flexibility and peace of mind, buy a “flex ticket.” You’ll pay more but these tickets aren’t tied to a specific train. So if your flight is five hours late, you can take a train later in the day without changing your ticket or losing money.

These tickets also you to stop somewhere en route to your final destination for a couple hours, and then get back on a different train (e.g., stop in Stuttgart for a couple hours on your way to Munich). So if you arrive on time, you can work in a short excursion on the way to your final destination (store your luggage at a locker in the train station). If your flight is late, just go directly to your destination. These tickets are also refundable before the first day of travel.

For ultimate flexibility and peace of mind, spend the night in or around Frankfurt and book a saver fare train for early the next morning. 

You can also easily pick up a rental car at FRA  and drive to your final destination. Aaron and I have done this a few times and never had any problems.

The one problem we do have? Staying awake long enough to drive to our destination! We usually keep the driving distance to an hour or two on the day of our arrival and drink a lot of coffee. Sometimes we pull over at rest area and take a nap. 

If you want to rent a car at the airport and are concerned about driving while jet lagged, consider picking up the car and then spending the night in nearby town, such as Wiesbaden (I spent an enjoyable few days there before catching my flight home a few years ago). 

If you’re catching a bus  from the city center to travel onwards, S-bahn 8 or 9 will zip you into town quickly and cheaply in about 10-15 minutes. Buy tickets at any of the ticket machines before you board the S-bahn.  

You can also catch busses  into Frankfurt and elsewhere in front of Terminal 1 (arrivals level) and Terminal 2 (level 2).

You’ll find taxis  in the same general area. It takes about 20 minutes to get into downtown Frankfurt by taxi.

Flying to Germany from Elsewhere in Europe

These days it’s super easy and generally inexpensive to fly to Germany from all over Europe. Here are a couple tips:

When booking your international flight, you might be able to include a stop-over in the city where you’ll transfer to your Germany flight. I used to do stopovers in London, and a couple years ago I did an awesome stopover in Iceland. TAP also offers free stopovers in Lisbon or Porto.   

I highly recommend looking into both flying and taking a train (or bus) into Germany, especially if you’re arriving from a neighboring country and not on a stopover. Of course, if you’re flying from cities like London, Barcelona, Rome or Oslo, flying is the best option. But if you’re traveling from Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen or Prague, for example, a train might be the better way to go.

Even if the actual flight is only an hour, you have to factor in the time it takes to travel to the airport, go through security, potential flight delays, and then traveling to your lodging once you land. A 5- or 6-hour train ride might actually take less time than a 1-hour flight when you total it all up!

Traveling to Germany By Train, Bus or Car

Traveling to Germany from other European countries by train, bus or car is easy. Train travel is generally simple, comfortable, and quick. Most train stations in Germany are located in the city center, so it’s easy to get to your lodging via taxi or public transportation. 

If renting a car in another country, just double check that you’re authorized to take the car out of the rental country. If you are, you’ll have no problems crossing the boarder and driving around Germany. 

Busses tend to cost less than trains, and you can find some amazing deals, but to be honest, I still prefer taking trains over busses. Trains are more comfortable, you can get up and walk around, and they’re almost always faster than busses. Plus, they don’t get stuck in traffic.

Tips for Booking the Best Flights with Cash or Miles: 

• Start looking for flights early,  especially if you’re traveling during peak season. I booked our mid-June flights in late January. While we found low mileage flights for very specific weekend travel dates, we could have found better flight times had we booked even earlier. 
• Track flights  through google or look at options in Hopper so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.  
• Look for last-minute deals.  When I decided to go to Germany in December I didn’t start looking for flights until early November (the trip was a last-minute decision). Because I was flexible on travel dates and went early in the month, I found excellent tickets using miles. This doesn’t always happen, but it never hurts to look for deals, even if your travel dates are right around the corner. 
• Fly in or out of smaller regional airports  (e.g., Berlin , Hamburg , Stuttgart , Munich , Düsseldorf). When I booked our flights for mid-June I couldn’t find anything into Frankfurt using miles. But I did find flights into Berlin and out of Stuttgart, and that actually worked even better for that trip ! For my recent December trip , I found that flying in and out of Stuttgart used the lowest amount of miles and had the best schedule. I’ve also flown into Hamburg and Munich airports.

Where to Stay in Germany

Germany has so many options for lodging:

• Vacation rentals (e.g., VBRO, AirBnB)
• Hip boutique hotels
• Quirky hostels
• More traditional HI hostels
• Large hotel chains
• American-styles hotels (Hilton, Marriott, etc)
• Family-run Pensionen (bed and breakfast)
• Camping (RV and tent)

When we’re in Germany we typically opt for AirBnB (I like having a kitchen to make breakfast) or a smaller family-run Pension or boutique hotel. We used to stay in hostels when we was younger (they’re pretty nice in Germany) but even then I found Pensionen to be very affordable – sometimes  more  affordable than hostels – especially when traveling with one or two other people. If we’re spending the night near an airport or train station and want convenience and ease we’ll stay at a larger chain hotel .

Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget accommodations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Germany! To help you get started, check out our Germany hotel guides.

Breakfast  is often included with lodging in Germany (but not always). Sometimes breakfast will feature fresh bread or Brötchen (delicious German rolls), cold cuts and cheese, butter and jam, and tea and coffee. Other times there will be an extensive breakfast buffet that includes things like yogurt, museli, a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and even hard-boiled eggs. You’re unlikely to find things like omelets, bacon, pancakes, waffles, and hot oatmeal.

If you’re looking to save money on lodging,  book rooms with a shared bathroom. (This is typically only an option in smaller or older hotels and not an option I come across as often anymore.) Sometimes that will mean sharing a full bathroom with other guests on your floor, and other times you’ll have a sink and/or shower in your room and will share a toilet located in the hallway. Shared bathrooms are more common in smaller Pensionen than in hotels.

These days I prefer the convenience of having a full bathroom in my room but I’m not averse to sharing a hall bathroom when needed (takes me back to my younger backpacking days – ha!). I’ve never had to wait to use a shared bathroom or had any trouble with them. Sometimes there are two or more bathrooms per floor. If you do opt for a shared bathroom, bring flip-flops!

Hostels can be a great option for families,  as many offer family rooms. Hostels typically offer a simple breakfast and sometimes dinner. While accommodations are simple, some hostels can be in spectacular locations. The hostel in Bacharach, for example, is in an old castle on a hill and offers a gorgeous view of the town below and the Rhine river!  

Getting Around Germany

One of the benefits of traveling in Germany is that it’s super easy to get around the entire country. You have so many transportation options.

You can rent a car and drive from place to place. Or you can stick to trains and busses. Or ride a bike – there are tons of bike paths throughout Germany.   

If I’m primarily visiting big cities I prefer taking the train or a bus to get from one city to another. When I spend more time in smaller cities or want to take day trips to harder to reach places, I prefer having a car.

For our recent summer trip to Germany, we rented a car at the Berlin airport and returned it to the Stuttgart airport. We didn’t take trains or busses at all. We got a car so we could go to places that aren’t as easily (or quickly) accessible by train. We didn’t use the car every day, though. We walked and used public transportation when exploring cities.    

Speaking of public transportation, Germany’s is one of the best! It’s super easy to get everywhere you want to go via the S-bahn (above ground metro), U-bahn (underground metro), Strassenbahn (street car), and city bus. Taxis (and Uber/Lyft, where available) are also convenient options, though more expensive than public transport.

There are also car-share programs that you can look into. I haven’t used any of them and don’t know how convenient they are for travelers but it doesn’t hurt to check them out.

German cities are very walkable, so it’s easy to get around by foot. And, if you’d like to bike around like a local, there are lots of places to rent bikes (or scooters!) around town or maybe even at your hotel or AirBnB. If you’re more interested in just one afternoon of biking, try a city bike tour!

A few transportation tips:

• For the best train ticket prices book your ticket via the official German rail system website in well in advance. I book all of our tickets there. Note: if you pre-purchase your ticket at the lowest price you have to take the specific train you booked. If you miss that train, you have to buy another ticket. 
• If you don’t mind taking slower regional trains you can get some really cheap tickets and regional day tickets. You may not want to use these tickets to go from Munich to Hamburg, but they’re great for day trips, whether traveling solo or with others.
• Busses are often less expensive than the train (though not quite as comfortable and often slower).
• There are Eurail options for Germany, and they’re a great choice if you value flexibility and ease or if you want to make stops while traveling (eg., stop in Cologne for a couple hours while traveling from Hamburg to Munich).
• If you plan to rely on public transportation in the cities you visit, buy a day pass (or perhaps a multi-day or week pass) rather than individual tickets. Also check to see if there are group day tickets or if young kids can ride free. Note: there’s often a small additional fee to bring a bike or a large amount of luggage on public transportation. There are often less expensive day passes for travel starting after 9am. 

What to Wear in Germany

Check out my packing list for Germany!

Layer, layer, layer!  The weather in Germany is often unpredictable so your best bet is to bring layers so you can customize your wardrobe on the fly. Since rain is a possibility any time of year, you may want to bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella.

Bring comfortable shoes.  You’ll no doubt walk all day long (often on cobblestone), so bring your most comfortable, supportive shoes. Be sure to break in your shoes  before  you travel. There’s nothing worse than realizing a day into your trip that your shoes pinch your toes or give you huge blisters. (Bring along moleskin, just in case. I always have  this kind  in my day bag!) I typically bring a good pair of walking shoes appropriate for the season (e.g., boots in the winter) and a nicer pair of flats (sandals in the summer).

You can wear jeans.  Some people say  never travel with jeans  but I’m not one of those people. I love traveling with jeans! They’re comfortable, I can wear them a few times without having to wash them, and I feel less like a tourist wearing them because everyone wears them. If you like jeans, wear jeans.

Scarf, hat, gloves.  If you’re traveling in the winter or even late fall or early spring, definitely bring a warm scarf, hat, and gloves or mittens. Or buy them in Germany and take them home as a souvenir! Almost all of my winter accessories are from Germany. Even if you’re not traveling in colder weather, I recommend a  travel scarf with a hidden pocket  for ease and security.

You can wear shorts in the summer.  Shorts are more popular in Germany than they used to be, so if you like them and are comfortable in them, wear them. That said, do also bring summer dresses or skirts and or lightweight pants to wear when shorts are too informal.

Bring a comfortable day bag or purse.  When you’re out and about all day you want a comfortable bag or purse to hold your travel essentials – wallet, phone, camera, ipad/kindle/book, umbrella, journal, etc. For peace of mind, you may even want one with special security features.  Click here to read my guide for buying the best travel purse.

My Absolute Favorite Travel Clothing Items

Merino wool camisole/tank  – These camisoles are the BEST for travel! They’re soft, comfortable, easy to hand wash, and they never stink. This might be TMI but a few years ago, when I was traveling solo around Europe, I wore the same merino wool tank each day for 14 days in warm spring weather. It never smelled bad! Since that experiment I don’t typically go that long without washing my tanks, but I like knowing that I could!  Click here to read more reviews and buy a merino wool camisole/tank.

Foldable flats  – I splurged on a pair of foldable leather flats a few years ago, and after I broke them in I started really liking them. I wouldn’t recommend them for a full day of walking (especially on cobblestones) but I like to bring my foldable flats along for a change of pace or when I want the option of wearing a cute pair of shoes but don’t want them to take up much space in my suitcase.

Merino wool shoes  – I bought a pair of dark grey merino wool walking/tennis shoes a couple years ago and I LOVE them! I can wear them barefoot in the summer, and not only do my feet stay relatively cool, my shoes don’t stink when I take them off at the end of the day. I can throw them in the wash if they get dirty (though mine still look great 2 years later), they pack flat and don’t take up much space in my suitcase or travel backpack, and the heel is thick and cushioned. You can also buy replacement merino wool insoles without having to buy a new pair of shoes.

What I don’t like: the pair I have doesn’t have enough arch support for me and there’s not enough padding under the ball of my foot. The first few times I wore them they were uncomfortable after walking all day and I was super disappointed! But after adding an arch support and a gel insert under the ball of my foot (I like  this one ) I loved them and now wear them all the time while traveling and at home. Many people love them from the start!  Click here to to read reviews and check out merino wool shoes.   

What to Eat in Germany

You’ll never go hungry while traveling in Germany! While you can always find traditional items like Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, and Bratwurst, there are plenty of healthier options, including those that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

Many restaurants now cater to special diets and accommodate allergies, as do some specialty grocery stores. Aaron has a meat allergy and frequently eats gluten-free and has never had a problem finding delicious food in Germany.

These days Germany has a wide variety of restaurants to ft all budgets featuring cuisine from all over the world (except Mexican…I’ve yet to find good tacos in Germany). So you won’t be stuck eating Schnitzel every day – unless you want to!

We usually eat breakfast at our AirBnB or hotel, enjoy a nice lunch at a restaurant we’ve stumbled upon, and then grab a Döner, salad or pizza for dinner. We also often picnic using ingredients from the bakery and grocery store or farmer’s market.

Traditional German dishes to try:   Schnitzel, Spätzle, Rouladen, Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Schweinehaxen, Maultaschen, Currywurst, Leberkäse, Flammkuchen, Sauerkruat, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Quark, all kinds of German breads.

Quick lunches and snacks on the go:  Döner, Falafel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Bratwurst, Currywurst, salads, Brötchen filled with meat and/or cheese, fresh pretzels, pastries, cakes. Click here to see the best German street food!

Desserts & sweet treats:  Schwarzwälderkirchtorte (Black Forest Cake), Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), cheesecake, Stollen, Frankfurter Kranz, cake, Donauwellen cake, Berliner, Lebkuchen, Pflaumenkuchen (plum cake), all kinds of pastries and chocolate – just to name a few! Click here to see the 10 must-try German desserts and sweets.

Beer:  every kind you could ever imagine! I usually just ask for the local beer unless there’s a specific one I know I want to try.

Christmas: This is the best time of year to be in Germany, partly because of the many delicious holiday treats like Lebkuchen, Stollen, Glühwein, and so much more. Click here to read more about what to eat in Germany during the Christmas season.

Want to try German food now? Click here to see where to buy delicious German food online!

Got a question about traveling in Germany? Join our free Germany trip planning community or  send us an email!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

Similar Posts

Best Things to Do in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

50 Famous Landmarks to Visit in Germany

What to Do in Munich in 1 Day: the Perfect Itinerary for 2024

Best Museums to Visit in Berlin, Germany in 2024

Best Things to Do and See in Germany’s Black Forest

Tips for Visiting Hamburg for the First Time

Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

69 Comments

I enjoyed reading this information. My husband and I would like to stay in Germany for 2 to 3 months in 2022. I am interested in staying in the area of Bamberg with the plan of visiting other regions in Germany via a rental car. Either at the end or beginning of our stay we would like to visit France (especially Paris). I have so many questions. But our hope is to have basically our last trip on our own and experience more of the everyday lifestyle. Up to this point we have only traveled via being guest of Viking River Cruise and tours.

Hi Donna! 2-3 months in Germany sounds awesome! Since you’ll be there so long, you might want to consider spending 1 month in 3 different regions or 1.5 months in 2 regions. Otherwise you’ll be doing a lot of overnight or multi-night trips if you want to see other regions. Are you thinking about renting an AirBnB? If you want to experience the everyday lifestyle, I highly recommend it. Feel free to email me if you have questions as you start planning. 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this awesome post. It’s very useful. I wanted to ask you a question. I’m planning to travel to Germany as soon as the pandemic starts to be less dangerous. I want to go to Germany for 2 months, how many cities do you think is possible to visit? And also how much money do you think is possible to use everyday for food if my budget is small? Thank you very much!

Hello! Two months is a good amount of time to visit Germany, and you should be able to see and do quite a lot! Just how many cities depends on how quickly you like to travel and what you want to do in each place (e.g., just see the highlights or live like a local). If you want to stick to big cities you could spend 1-3 weeks in each and take lots of day trips to see the surrounding area.

If that’s the case, you could rent an Airbnb (or similar), which would not only save you money on lodging (they’ll often give discounts for stays of 1 week or longer) but also make it easier to make some inexpensive meals at the Airbnb (and it’s easy to make German dishes “at home”!) and maybe even do laundry for free.

If you want to be on the go the whole time, moving from city to city (big, medium, and small), it will be more expensive unless you stay at hostels (or super cheap hotels). And remember to factor in the constant packing and unpacking, time getting to/from the train station (or airport)…that gets tiring when traveling for a couple months!

I recommend coming up with a budget, then looking at what kind of lodging fits that budget (hotels, hostels, longer Airbnb stays, Couchsurfing, etc). Then think about what you most want to do in Germany (live like a local, just spontaneously explore, see specific sights, have specific experiences, etc) and what you want your daily experience to be like (e.g., do you want to feel relaxed each day and get to know fewer places or be on the go, packing and unpacking, moving from place to place). Neither is better than the other, it’s just important to get clear on what kind of experience you want!

A few ways to reduce your budget: – Eat in fewer sit-down restaurants. Eat breakfast at “home”, buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store and bring them with you each day, cook some meals each week at “home”, pick up lunch from a grocery store or bakery and eat in a park, etc. Make eating dinner in a sit-down restaurant a special occasion. Doing these things will save you money and you’ll eat healthier!

– Take busses or slower trains to travel around Germany. There are regional train passes you can purchase that allow travel in a specific area very inexpensively. Travel will be slower and there are some restrictions on when you travel (often not during rush hour) but you’ll save money and often you’ll see some out of the way sights. You can also get good deals on flights but once you factor in travel to the airport (time and cost), time to check in, waiting to board, potential delays, and then getting from the airport to your final destination, it’s often just easier to take the train.

– Buy standard train tickets in advance. You can get nice discounts on faster train tickets if you book far enough in advance.

This might be more info than you wanted but I hope that helps you start planning your trip! Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂

• Pingback: Europe Through the Seasons: The Best Time to Visit - Intentional Travelers

Great post full of detailed information on all aspects of travel in Germany. When travel reopens in Europe we’re planning on a 2 week trip in Germany with our adult son. He’s an avid soccer fan so we’ll need to plan the trip around the soccer schedule so he can see as many games as possible. We are considering Eastern Germany with a short trip into Poland or Northern Germany with a few days in Denmark. We’d really appreciate your expertise and suggestions. Although we’ve traveled extensively in many western and eastern European countries, we have not spent a great deal of time in Germany. Thanks. J.

Hello! I’m back working on this site now and am happy to help. I’ve got more articles and resources coming but let me know if you have any specific questions!

Hi Both The Ueckermann family 9-10 adults and 2 little once to experience Germany in Oct 2023. Central G and Netherlands will be awesome. We need to do all planning and funds estimates please assist. We live in South Africa and hopefully COVID 19 not a factor any more. Plan 2-3 weeks depending on the funds regards Engela

Hi Engela! Let me know if you have any specific questions about planning your trip to Germany. Happy to help!

HI, I was having trouble with your email 🙂 so sorry I am just replying here. I was hoping you could help us and I wasn’t sure if you offer buying tickets and guidance of our specific places we would like to visit. Anxiously wanting to hear back from you, Anne

Hi Anne! I just sent you an email. 🙂

Hello Cate! Such a well written article with great info! My husband and myself would like to travel to Germany in Oct. of 2022, possibly with my then 16 year old son as well. We want to go in October so we can also experience Octoberfest. I cant have beer because I have celiac’s. IS THERE OTHER ALCOHOL DURING OCTOBERFEST OTHER THAN BEER? WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN OCTOBER AND DOES OCTOBERFEST RUN THE FULL MONTH? IS THERE A CERTAIN AREA WE SHOULD STAY TO REALLY EXPERIENCE OCTOBERFEST AND ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES TO AVOID DURING OCTOBERFEST? We are overwhelmed with planning our trip because we don’t even travel within the US and I feel like there’s so much we want to experience in such a short period. We would like to go for 2 weeks. We want to go because both our families are from Germany. My family comes from Nuremburg (sp) and my husbands family Bavaria but we are unsure which part. This trip is important for us to try to learn about our family roots. DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE COULD GO IN GERMANY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GENEOLOGY? We would like a more of a laid back approach to experiencing Germany. I dont want to necessarily feel rushed every single day but I do understand that some events and places we would want to visit would need to be scheduled and we are ok with that. I would like to do the Air bnb but know nothing about them. I would like less stress worrying about transportation such as missing busses. We are interested in castles, picturesque views, experiencing floating on the Rhine River perhaps. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON AIR BNB’S THAT PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND ANY IDEAS ON AREA’S TO VISIT BASED ON EVERYTHING I’VE PROVIDED? P.S……our last name literally translates to “the German”. We have had so many Europeans tell us that when they hear our name…LOL

CORRECTION: This is Lisa Nemec. My hubands family is Bohemian. We believe his family crossed over from Czech.

Hi Lisa! There are plenty of other drinks at Oktoberfest, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something. The weather at that time of year can vary but in late September to early October it’ll likely be warm during the day and cooler in the evening. Oktoberfest is mostly held in late September but I believe it goes until Oct 2 in 2022. There are a lot of hotels and AirBnB’s within walking distance of Oktoberfest (also walking distance to downtown) but book early because they fill up quickly! You’ll also pay a premium at that time of year. Some people prefer not to stay near the main train station but other people don’t mind it.

As to where you could go in Germany to find out about your genealogy, I’d start by searching the genealogy sites online and get as much specific info as you can. You can then try a site like http://www.genealogienetz.de/index_en.html (I haven’t used it, just found it).

If you have 2 weeks, you could fly in and out of Munich and focus on Bavaria. While in Munich you could take a couple day trips to Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, the Alps, etc. You could see a lot at a laid-back pace in 2 weeks!

AirBnB’s are great if you’re going to be somewhere for at least a few days, want a little extra space, a kitchen, etc. Even just being able to make breakfast, coffee/tea, and keep drinks cold for when you come home in the evening is so nice. But you don’t typically get hotel-like services like a prepared breakfast, new towels each day or linen changes. If you want to be walking distance to lots of things in Munich, a hotel near downtown could be a great option. If you’re ok with being in a neighborhood, an AirBnB could be a good choice. There are so many great neighborhoods in Munich so you really just need to look at price, amenities, and distance to the things you want to see. I’ve stayed at hotels near Marienplatz and in an AirBnB further away (maybe a 10-15 minute walk + U-bahn ride to Marienplazt) and I enjoyed both.

I hope that helps!

• Pingback: 12 Most Popular German Drinks & Beverages You Must Try In Germany | travel-boo | Portugal & Spain Travel Blog

HELP……I have been put in charge of coming up with an itinerary for my hubby and 4 of our friends for travel in July 2022. I truly have no idea what I am doing. What we are looking for are castles, beautiful scenery and history (although I have been told that they do not want to go to concentration camps). The following is the tentative itinerary I have come up with. We are looking also, for moderate priced Inns/quaint hotels and castle stays centrally located. Any changes/suggestions/comments would be GREATLY appreciated. We will be renting 2 cars. 1 night Munich drive to Nuremburg 3 nights Nuremburg – drive to Fussen 1 night Fussen – drive to Ettal 3 nights Ettal – drive to Unterwossen 1 night Unterwossen – drive to Salzburg Austria 3 nights Salzburg Austria drive to Munich 1 night Munich – fly home

Hi Linda! Your itinerary looks good for a 2-week trip. Here are few suggestions:

-If you’re flying into Munich, you could drive right to Nuremburg on the first day, since it’s only a couple hours drive from Munich airport. If you pick up your car, drive into Munich, settle into a hotel, and then drive to Nuremburg the next day, you’re using a lot of time for driving/checking in/unpacking/packing and you won’t get to see much of Munich. If you go right to Nuremburg on arrival day and stay for 3 nights, you could add a night to the end of your trip so you have 2 nights in Munich or add a day to Salzburg and keep Munich at 1 night.

-Fussen and Ettal are pretty close to each other so you could stay 3-4 nights in one and then take a day trip to the other. I like to reduce the number of one night stays as much as I can during 1 and 2 week trips for the reasons I mentioned above. You could also stay in Ettal and make day trips to both Fussen and Unterwossen and cut out 2 1-night stays.

-If you don’t want to see Munich, I’d keep that at 1 night and stay near the airport at the end of your trip. If you do want to see Munich, I’d give that 2 nights minimum.

I hope that helps! I think you’ll really enjoy your itinerary!

• Pingback: Can I Go to Germany Right Now? (Your COVID-19 Questions Answered) - My Germany Vacation

Thankyou for all the wonderful suggestions! I’m visiting Germany closer to Christmas for two weeks.

That’s my favorite time to be in Germany! Everything is so beautiful and festive. You might be interested in my Stuttgart Christmas Market article – even if you won’t be near Stuttgart, it will give you an idea of what you can do, see, and eat at any Christmas market. I also talk about 6 other nearby Christmas markets that are super fun to visit. 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!

I had all but given up on our delayed 25 yr Wedding Anniversary(07/28/2020 delayed to Sept 2021, due to covid) trip to Germany. Then I found your website! It reinvigorated our desire to NOT CANCEL our plans! We have a son in Kaiserslautern(rhein main air force base) , and want to split a 2 week trip between seeing 7-8 days traveling in Germany( Berlin, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart) and Paris. And then 6 to 7 day visiting our son. We had all but given up, until I read your article. Thanks! I wish that there were some way to have everything planned for us in advance! But, your post at least has assured us that we can make this happen on our own. Thank you very much!!

Definitely don’t cancel your plans, even if you have to postpone! (We had to postpone our anniversary trip, too – such a bummer!) You can definitely make your trip to Germany happen. Here are a few ideas for you…

You could fly into Paris, then travel to Kaiserslautern to see your son and do a day trip to Stuttgart (visit the Christmas market if you’re there in December or nearby Esslingen any time of year) and then either visit Munich and the area around there (fly out of Munich) or travel up to Cologne and over to Berlin (fly out of Berlin).

It’ll be a lot to try to see Paris, spend several days in Kaiserslautern, and also see Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Berlin but if you can combine things – like if your son can go with you to visit Stuttgart and Munich or Cologne and Berlin, you could see a lot of the places you’re interested in. Flying into one city and out of another will help a lot, too.

You could also fly into Munich, then go to Kaiserslautern via Stuttgart, take a short trip to Paris, then go to Berlin via Cologne and fly out of Berlin. Or do the same but start in Berlin and fly out of Munich.

You’ll have a great time no matter your itinerary! 🙂

Your website is a such a great resource! I have a ton of questions about planning a trip, I’m just going to send you an email.

Thank you Komal

Got it and replied 🙂

What is a good budget for 2 adults in Germany for two weeks?

It’s nearly impossible to give a guideline because it depends on so many things – your travel style, what kind of transportation you want to use, your accommodation & restaurant preferences, etc. I know that’s not very helpful in the short-term but it would be less helpful for me to give you a specific budget not knowing any specifics about you or your trip plans. Plus, most travelers like to splurge in one area and cut back in another but that’s so different for each traveler.

What I recommend is this: start looking at flights, transportation, and accommodations well before you want to book them in order to get an idea of what each costs for your travel dates. Add everything up for 2 weeks and then decide if you’re ok with that amount so far, keeping in mind you’ll still need to add on food, souvenirs, tickets/tours, insurance, and anything you need to get before you leave (clothes, luggage, passport, etc). I like to do this research before I book flights/transport/accommodations. That way I get an idea of what will be my splurge and where I will need to reduce costs to keep within the budget that’s right for me. Everyone’s ideal budget is so different!

hi i am planning to travail to Germany in December 2021 with my family , any idea

My big tip for Germany in December: visit the Christmas markets (if they’re open this year)! You’ll find one in nearly every German city, town and even small villages. They’re outdoors so dress warmly and enjoy the food, drink, and stalls. They’re a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts, too.

Days are short in December, and some touristy sites do shut down in winter, so keep that in mind. But you’ll still find plenty to do after dark, especially if you’re in bigger cities. As long as you take these two things into consideration, you’ll have a great visit no matter where you go!

Hi, my partner and I are wanting to visit Germany in January 2022. I have previously stayed in Wurzburg for 3 weeks and dream of taking my partner there.Seeing as I went with school a few years ago we didn’t really have a chance to look around other parts of local Germany. Where would you recommend us to go whilst in that area? We like architecture (but not too much…) we’re in our 20’s so we also want to have fun 🙂 we’ll either be driving (we live in France) or we’ll be going by train. Will the Christmas markets still be on? I doubt it but you never know… Thanks

Also, we are wanting to go with our dog. Would that be possible or too complicated?

You could easily go to Munich and spend a few days there – lots to see and lots of places to have fun. (I had a great time there in my 20s!) There are also a lot of day trip options – Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein, Passau, Regensburg, etc. You could also stop in Nuremberg on your way to Munich. All of that is easy by car or by train – and if you go by train, you could probably do those day trips using a regional train pass. Or you could do guided day trips and not have to plan anything! I’ve got some listed in my Munich guide – https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/munich-travel-guide/

It looks like the Christmas markets are on for 2021 but they could always get canceled in the coming weeks. Most have their last day on Dec. 24 so unfortunately, you won’t get to see them if you visit in January. That just means planning another trip to Germany for December 2022! 🙂

Germany is pretty dog-friendly so it’s probably do-able. But there are likely museums and other sites that might not allow dogs inside. If you mostly want to spend time outdoors, and your dog is ok with possibly very cold/wet/windy weather, or if you can leave the dog at your lodging for part of the day, it might work ok.

Hope that helps!

Hi Cate, you have put together a terrific planning guide. Thanks. Our 4 children just gave us a trip back to Germany in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. We lived in Erlangen from Aug 1972 – 1973. We are excited to go back but we are debating between a Rhine river cruise or going on our own. We’ll probably go sometime in May/June or Sept/Oct 2022.

How exciting!! It’s so fun to go back and revisit where you used to live in Germany. Aaron and I did that in 2019 and had such a good time seeing what had/had not changed. I’m excited for you!

I’ve heard people say great things about Rhine river cruises. If you don’t have time to or don’t want to do much trip planning, that’s a great option. The downside is that you’re more limited to what you can do and see. If you have time and interest in planning your own trip, you can definitely do it. And since travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more in the coming months and helping people plan their trips, so I’ll be here to help you, too. 🙂

Hi Cate, We have wanted to visit Germany (from the US) for a few years now and have finally decided to make it happen, but had no idea where or how to start. Your article is full of valuable information. Thank you. At least we now have a starting point. Our trip isn’t for another year, but it will go quickly. So excited and thank you for all the information.

You’re welcome! I’m so excited for you already. 🙂 The next year will fly by and you’ll be on a plane bound for Germany before you know it. Now that travel is coming back, I’ll be focusing on this site a lot more so be sure to come back when you’re ready to plan your trip. I’m working on lots of guides and helpful resources! 🙂

Hello. My grandfather expressed interest in going to Germany in 2022. More specifically, he wants to go to ‘The Battle of the Bulge’ where his older brother passed away in World War II. We would also like to go to the Holocaust Memorial. I have been trying to research/plan this trip but would be open to suggestions. We are from the US and could spend about a week out there. I am grateful that I stumbled across your blog as it is very informative and interesting! 🙂

Hello! That sounds like it will be a wonderful trip for your grandfather! If you’re talking about visiting the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin (highly recommended), you could fly right into Berlin (their new airport!) and spend half of your time seeing the city, then head to Brussels and take a Battle of the Bulge day tour! I found one here that you can look at (aff link): https://www.getyourguide.com/bastogne-war-museum-l35043/bastogne-battle-of-the-bulge-tour-from-brussels-t169657/?partner_id_Y5UOFLS It looks like it also goes into Luxembourg so you could get 3 countries in one trip. 🙂 If you have enough time, you could take a day trip to Brugges or Ghent – both are 30-60 minutes from Brussels. You could then fly out of Brussels back to the US. To get from Berlin to Brussels you’d probably want to fly but it’s a short flight and you could probably get an early morning or a late afternoon flight so it wouldn’t take up your whole day. Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, your site is wonderful and has some great information! I am traveling (solo) to Germany in late April and will be there for one month. I have been to Munich/Bavaria/Salzburg before so I’d planned on focusing my trip on the rest of Germany. I’m flying into Berlin and was planning on staying there 4-5 nights, then I’m not sure where to go. I was thinking of spending a week in an area and going on day trips; for example, the Black Forest, the middle Rhine area, maybe Harz Mountain. But I also want to see some cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Trier, and Hamburg. So maybe a bit of both cities and countryside? Do you have any thoughts? Thanks!

I definitely recommend choosing 3-4 locations where you can stay for a week or so and then take day trips. You could do longer stays in Berlin and Hamburg – there’s tons to do and see in each city, as well as lots of day trip options. You could also do Cologne or try a smaller town on the Rhein or Mosel and explore that area in more depth. For the Black Forest you could stay in the university town of Freiburg and day trip to towns/hiking in the Black Forest, as well as Basel and Colmar/Strassbourg). You could also choose 3 locations for longer stays (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg and Freiburg) and then do a couple of 2 or 3-night stays as you travel between cities, e.g., a short stay in Wernigerode or Quedlinburg (Harz mountains), Trier, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, or Tübingen on your way to Freiburg. Tip: if you want to do a lot of day trips, make sure you stay where it’s fairly quick and easy to get to the train/bus station! Since you’ll be there for a month you have lots of flexibility and plenty of time to do and see a lot of the areas you mentioned!

@Cate, Thank you so much! I’m really enjoying going through your site, too!

Looking for a good travel guide book for Germany any recommendations?

Rick Steve’s is always a good one! I’ve used his guidebooks a ton. You can get his Germany guidebook on Kindle or as a hard copy (aff link): https://amzn.to/33z7d59

@Cate, Thanks

So excited to find your site! My husband and I will travel from Texas to Bavaria for 7-10 days in September. I am in charge of all the planning. I’m thinking Munich & surrounding area and Salzburg. Do you have any suggestions? I’m also pondering some organized day tours..

Munich is a wonderful home base for seeing lots of great sites in Bavaria! You could easily spend 1-3 days in Munich (especially if you’re there during Oktoberfest) and then take day trips to places like Neuschwanstein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Salzburg, Linderhof, Chiemsee, Berchtesgaden, Nuremberg…just to name a few! You can easily do all of that by train and mix it up with some organized day tours here and there. I’ve been working on a Munich guide that will have ideas for day trips and tours so keep an eye out for that!

Hello Cate, Your blog is very helpful. Like to seek your help and guidance. I am from Singapore and not familiar with Germany. Both me and my wife intend to fly to Amsterdam where my daughter is attending university and spend 18 days vacation with her in Europe during her break. Am planning 7 days touring Germany. Tentatively looking tourist site at hamburg, Berlin, Stuttgart and then off to another country eg. france, switzerland or Italy for another 7 days. then travel back to Amsterdam to fly home. Any advise how we can optimize the traveling as we are not familiar with these region? Appreciate your kind assistance. regards, Perry

It will be so much fun to travel with your daughter! It might be difficult to fit Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart into 7 days. On the train it takes about 6 hours from Amsterdam to Hamburg, 3 hours from Hamburg to Berlin, and over 8 hours from Berlin to Stuttgart. While all three of those cities are amazing, I recommend choosing either northern or southwestern Germany, rather than trying to hit all three (or make the Germany part of your trip 10 days).

You could, for example, travel from Amsterdam to Hamburg, then to Berlin, and fly from Berlin to France or Italy. That would give you plenty of time for travel, city exploring and day trips.

Or take the train from Amsterdam to Stuttgart and explore that area. Stuttgart is close to France, so you could spend several days seeing both southwestern Germany (Stuttgart, villages in the Black Forest, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, etc) and French cities like Strassbourg, Colmar and Mullouse. You could also very easily go to Basel in Switzerland! It’s a long train ride from Amsterdam to Stuttgart so I’d look into flights. Stuttgart is a great airport to fly into!

Hi, my family and I would like to visit Germany this summer. My husband and I have two teenagers (15 and 13), and one of them is reads a lot and it is very interested in history. We would like to visit german cities but also, some concentration camps. Our plans is to spend two weeks there. Any suggestions?

You’re going to have so much fun in Germany! Everywhere you go there’s so much history, so it just depends on what kind of history you’re looking for. For a 2-week stay you could easily visit 2 (maybe 3) different parts of Germany without feeling like you’re spending your whole vacation on the train or in the car. You could, for example, fly into Munich, visit the city and Dachau concentration camp, take a few day trips to Salzburg, the Alps, Neuschwanstein, Nuremburg, etc – there are so many options!…then visit the Black Forest area, the Rhein/Mosel area, the Hamburg area or the Berlin area and fly out of that second city (Stuttgart, Cologne/Düsseldorf, Hamburg or Berlin). If you want to focus on 2 main areas, say Munich and Berlin, you could do a 1-2 night stopover in a city in-between. Hope that helps you get started on your planning! 🙂

@Cate, We are from USA planning on attending next years NfL game if possible. We are a large group 10-15people who would also like to see the culture and history. Open to staying in Berlin, munich, or anywhere else as long as accessible to get to game. We want to fly out wed night from BOS be there Th F S Su (game in Frankfurt) leave M. Anything you would recommend?

Hi! I just now saw your question. If you’re flying into FRA and have Th, F, and S to do some sight-seeing, I’d stick to the Frankfurt area and do day trips. If you go to Berlin or Munich you’ll spend most of your time in transit and checking in/out of hotels. We’ve got a Frankfurt guide on our website and also a castles guide – so you could spend a day exploring FRA, then a day visiting a castle, and then 1 day visiting a nearby city like Heidelberg, Nürnberg or Rothernburg ob der Tauber. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. We’ve also got a Germany Trip Planner and one-on-one travel consults, too. And lots of info on this website. We’re happy to help!

I just found your great website! We have just drafted a 3 week trip plan to Germany and Austria and I would love your thoughts about it!. Is late May better than June? (I really can’t do heat without AC!)

– [ ] 2. Land in Vienna- 2 nights… – [ ] 3. Take tour or just Spend a day in the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace, – [x] 4. Rental car to Take KM 29 for about an hour to Burg Liechtenstein drive an hour to Melk Abbey Then Steyr From Melk, Steyr 1 night stay – [x] 5. Spend a little time, touring the Steyr Mannlicher! – [x] 6. Wake up early and bike 15 minutes to spend the morning exploring more of Halstatt before the day-trippers.. Sky Walk salt mine – [x] 7. After lunch, enjoy more the beauty of Salzkammergut area! on to Salzburg in time to return the rental car. we will stay in the old town (Salzburg 3 nights) – [ ] 8. See Salzburg – [ ] 9. Take guided tour to Eagles nest – [ ] 10: To Munich by 2 hour train.. taxi to hotel, Sleep Munich 2 nights … – [ ] 11. Guided tour all day— Dachau and Munich sites – [x] 12 Slow morning to rest, checkout, cab, 1.5 hour train to Oberarmagau for lunch and stroll. Rent car in Garmish and Drive another hour to Sleep in Hohenschwangau 2 nights Maybe take 30 minute Schloss Hornschwangau Castle tour before closing if time – [x] 13 Visit Neuschwanstein! (Hohenschwangau castle first if not last evening) then rent a bike and go a mile -7 minutes to Tegelberg luge ride – [x] 14 drive 2.5-4 hours but first stop for lunch and see Ulm Cathedral. Going Opposite the crowds arrive in afternoon to stay in nearby Rothenburg 3 nights. See stunning Rothenburg – [x] 15 After coffee and quiet streets, walk the medieval wall. If crowds arrive, leave and drive a short way and tour the Bad Weinsheim Frankonian Open Air Museum – [x] 16 Drive 30 min to Ansbach, park and Take 30 min train and10 min cab into Neuremburgfor day. – [x] 17. leave in early morning and drive 3-5 hours through To St Goar take B9 along the Rhine from Bingen arrive in time to tour Burg Eltz and then maybe return car in Emmelshausen this day or next. Take cab back down to nearby St Goar for 3 nights. – [ ] 18 See Burg Eltz castle if not seen yesterday and then see Marksburg castle – [ ] 19 REST maybe just board a boat for a relaxing Rhine River cruise from Sant Goar. We will disembark to visit small Bacharach and back again by train. – [ ] 20 Depart by 70minute train to Frankfurt airport Or would it be better to do the trip in reverse, starting with Germany first? Thank you!!

It’s not usually super hot in May but it can be hot in mid-late June. The last time we were there in June (2019) it was incredibly hot and there isn’t as much a/c there…but you never know, I’ve had cold and rainy June visits, too. If you want to be more sure of not-super-hot weather, I’d go in mid-late May or early to mid-June — as long as you’re ok with the possibility of some not-so-warm days. If you go in mid-late June and don’t love hot weather, book hotels with a/c, rent a car with a/c, and plan to buy a lot of cold drinks. No matter the weather, it’s always fun to travel around Germany! 🙂

You could easily do your itinerary either way so I’d just look at whether flights are better into Vienna/out of FRA or vice-versa. Check the hotels you want to stay in to make sure they have availability — I’ve actually reversed my itinerary before due to hotel availability!

You’re planning to cover a lot of ground in 3 weeks and be on the go go go, which some people find more tiring than expected…but if you know your travel style, then go for it! 🙂 3 nights in one place gives you 2 full days, which is a good amount of time for most places. 2 nights means 1 full day, which can be enough in some locations but if you do many in a row, it can feel like you’re constantly checking in/unpacking/packing/checking out, and can get super tiring if you’re doing a lot of day trips.

Be sure to plan in time for getting ready, eating breakfast, packing, checking out of the hotel, getting to the train station/car rental – it often takes up more time than you’d expect. Trains aren’t as punctual as they used to be, so keep that in mind for what you plan on arrival after a train trip.

An idea — instead of taking a train to Oberammergau, then to Garmisch to rent a car, then driving to Hohenschwangau, I’d rent a car in Munich and drive to each place. It will probably be less expensive to rent in Munich and easier than doing the train and car pick-up (especially with luggage!).

For the longer drives, plan on them taking longer than what’s estimated in google maps because there’s often traffic! If you miss the traffic and arrive early, it’ll be a nice bonus!

Your idea to add in some guided day tours is a good one – it’s a nice change from having to figure everything out yourself and can feel like a mini vacation from your vacation.

Overall, you’ve got a really fun trip planned!

Hi Cate! I love your clear way of describing and explaining. My husband and I are invited to a wedding outside of Berlin the last weekend in April. From there we would love to head to the spas in Baden-Baden .. what else would you suggest to see in the Baden-Baden area and without driving the best transportation option? We can stay up to about 10 days. Thank you!

Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂 I’d take the train from Berlin to Baden-Baden. It’s about 6 hours and you can relax and see the sights along the way. You could fly from Berlin to Stuttgart but by the time you travel to the airport in Berlin (the new one is further out than Tegel was), check in, wait to board, fly, and then take the train from Stuttgart to Baden-Baden, it’s at least as long as – if not longer – then taking the train.

When in Baden-Baden you could visit Gengenbach, the Black Forest, Triberg (cuckoo clocks & waterfalls), Tübingen, Stuttgart/Esslingen, Lichtenstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, Freiburg, Basel (Switzerland), Strassbourg (France), Colmar (France) — just to name a few! You should be able to reach all of these places via train/bus. The Black Forest Open Air Museum is also a lot of fun! I’m working on guides to several of these locations – and some are already on the site – so check back soon for new ones. 🙂

You should be able to get a free KONUS train pass, which enables you to travel throughout the Black Forest region for free. I don’t think it works for every place I listed but it will get you to several of them. Here’s more info about the KONUS card: https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/planen-buchen/konus-gaestekarte (you can switch to English if it’s in German).

You could fly out of Stuttgart airport or travel up to Frankfurt and fly out of there. Strassbourg or Basel might work, too.

@Cate, that really does! Thanks again,

You’re very welcome!

• Pingback: Best 31 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany in 2022 - My Germany Vacation
• Pingback: 10 Days in Germany: Itinerary Ideas For the Perfect Trip - My Germany Vacation
• Pingback: Perfect Berlin in 2 Days Itinerary: What to Do & See - My Germany Vacation
• Pingback: Vacation In Germany - Touriago

I am planning a trip with my husband, 18 year old daughter, mother in law and myself. We will have 8 nights total flying Munich to Amsterdam or vice versa. Interested in the Christmas markets, of course, castles (would love if we could stay the night in a castle if that’s possible), and just getting an authentic German experience. My mother in law found family ancestry in Stuttgart, so she would like to stop there. The other areas that we have an interest in are Frankfurt, Cologne (wonder if there is such thing as a day cruise on the Rhine River), and maybe Hamburg (for the canals, but I’m not sure December is the best time of year for that). Although, I’m not sure we’ll be able to see all those cities in just 8 nights, as we would also like 1-2 nights in Amsterdam.

We plan to rent a car and I will be doing the driving. We live in Colorado so I’m familiar with winter driving, but wonder if I can use Google maps while traveling through Germany.

Would love your thoughts or suggestions on this.

Thank you, Lea Ann

Hi Lea Ann, you’ve got the makings of a magical winter trip! All of the places you mentioned will be beautiful in December because of the Christmas markets. Stuttgart, for example, has a huge, old Christmas market (plus there are 2 other really beautiful ones nearby) and there are 2 nearby castles you can visit. Hamburg and Cologne and also wonderful cities (Frankfurt too but I’d skip it on a short trip unless you have a specific reason to go there).Amsterdam is also a lot of fun and a great place to fly in or out of.

It’s a lot to fit into 8 nights so you’ll definitely need to hone in on just a few places, otherwise you’ll spend your entire trip packing/unpacking/driving. 🙂

You can use google maps in Germany and that’ll make getting from place to place easy. But unless you want to stop at specific sights between cities, you could easily take the train, since you’re going to big cities (you don’t need a car in any of the cities you want to visit). If you don’t mind parking the car at each hotel in the city, a car can give you more flexibility.

You can also stay in a castle in Germany! We’ve got a guide for that right here so you can see which one you like best.

It’s hard to get more specific about an itinerary here in the comments without taking to you and getting a better sense of your interests and needs but we’ve got lots of resources to help you — Christmas market guides (definitely take a look at the Stuttgart one!), city and hotel guides , and we’ve also got a Germany Travel Bundle with an interactive Germany Travel Map, City Cheatsheets, and other resources, and I do one-on-one trip planning consults .

And be sure to join our travel planning Facebook group !

@Cate, thank you for your quick response and feedback! I’ll check out the links you shared and I’ve joined your Facebook group.

You’re welcome! Glad you joined the group! 🙂

Hi Cate , I have visited Germany but only Düsseldorf for my sugery. I will like to take my wife and kids with me this time I have an appointment in December might use the opportunity to take them for Christmas holiday . I have 12’night in total . 5 night in Düsseldorf can you please advise which city we can visit for the rest days and we are not leaving Germany until 26th. So I want them To enjoy the Christmas but I don’t know which city to choose .I will you to please give me where the kids can enjoy the trip age 8 ,6 and 3 . Do we fly back from Düsseldorf or from Another city ? Thanks for your help.

If you’d like to fly out of the Düsseldorf airport, you could spend the second part of your trip in Cologne so you could visit the markets there, in Bonn, and surrounding area (e.g. a day trip to Aachen).

If you’re ok with flying out of a different airport, you could go to Stuttgart (good Christmas markets in the area and a couple castles), Munich (good markets and day trips) or Berlin (good markets and day trips) and fly out of any of those airports.

Most everything will be closed on Dec 25 and the latter half of Dec 24 so keep that in mind when doing your daily planning.

Hope that helps with your planning!

Hi, Thank you for the detail page. I and my family will be visiting to watch a NFL game in Frankfurt and had some travel ideas outside of the city that I have not found solutions for. First, are US citizens allowed to rent cars without a permit? We want to travel to Stuttgart and Munich for some museums and possibly Berlin, but I’ve yet to figure how time and distances for the trip as these do seem to be quite a distance from each other. Then, we would end the trip back in Frankfurt to travel back to the US, unless we find an airline in Berlin. Do you have suggestions? This would be a 7-14 day trip, depending on cost. Thank you

Hi Marco! Yes, you can rent a car with just your US driver’s license. While not required, an int’l driver’s license can be helpful if you get pulled over or in an accident (you can get on at AAA). You can check distance between those cities via google maps (it’ll show you both driving and trains). I always add 25% to the times they suggest because there’s a good chance you’ll encounter traffic somewhere. We use google maps for all of our road trips in Germany. You could definitely do Frankfurt – Stuttgart – Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt (stay near airport on the last night) in 14 days. If you don’t want to drive from Munich – Berlin – Frankfurt, you could return the car in Munich and then take the train to Berlin and back to Frankfurt. Hope that helps you get started on your trip planning!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Shop search
• Flight search

Travel restrictions and visa information

What should you know before traveling to another country? Depending on your route, nationality, and vaccination status, you may need to meet different requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic. Take advantage of our practical tool to get up-to-date information on travel conditions and required documents. Simply select your trip details and other parameters to get a personalized summary.

We need your consent to load the Sherpa travel restrictions and visa information!

We use a third party service to display related content. This service may collect data about your activities. Please read the details and agree to use the service to view travel restrictions and visa information.

You may also be interested in

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced) .

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN  Clayallee 170 14191 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT  Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH   Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF Willi-Becker-Allee 10 40227 Duesseldorf Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (211) 788-8927 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (211) 788 - 8938 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg Alsterufer 27/28 20354 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (40) 411-71-100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (40) 411-71-222 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 04107 Leipzig Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (341) 213-84-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (341) 213-84-75 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.   

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .     
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds  and a  return plane ticket .   
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.   
• For transit through Germany to another Schengen country, passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of your visit to Europe.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Germany as they are in the United States; however, ATMs are widely available throughout Germany. 

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.  

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)  
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.   

Demonstrations:

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany.  Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues.  Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.     

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.   
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.   

International Financial Scams:

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:    

• Romance/Online dating  
• Transit flight issues related to romance scams 
• Immigration, and Detention issues related to romance scams

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.  

Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.  Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups. Seemingly racially motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above) . 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germay
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence: 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance.  Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.  

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein”  .

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:  Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers :  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The German government has authorized  several vaccines  , including the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines.  Visit the FDA's website to   learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Payment for medical services in Germany:

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.   Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Credit card payment is not always available.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.   
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office. Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always, carry your prescription
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.   Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany.  For additional information, see this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry (German language only).

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.  

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license.  Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards.  Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and do not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report.  It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation:  Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although some taxis do not accept credit cards. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, germany map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Nicki Minaj's Husband Kenneth Petty Gets Judge's Permission to Travel Internationally for Pink Friday 2 World Tour

Kenneth Petty will get to spend more time with his wife, Nicki Minaj , as she embarks on the international leg of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, set to begin in Toronto on April 30.

According to documents filed on Petty's behalf on April 15, the 46-year-old sought permission from a federal judge to travel and provide "child care" of their 3-year-old son, along with other "various purposes."

“Defendant Kenneth Petty ('Mr. Petty'), by and through counsel, hereby applies to the Court for an Order allowing him to travel out of the country with his family for his wife’s tour and her professional purposes,” the filing reads, as shared by media legal reporter Meghann Cuniff .

It continues, "Mr. Petty and Mrs. Petty believe Mr. Petty is necessary to accompany the family on the tour for various purposes, including childcare. The anticipated travel schedule begins on April 17, 2024 and continues periodically to July 14, 2024. The travel schedule calls for travel to several countries including Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, and Romania. The Government has been notified about this application and takes no position. Mr. Petty’s probation officer has been notified of this application and has no objection to the travel request."

Cuniff added on Tuesday that Petty's request was approved by Judge Michael Fitzgerald in L.A.

More on this

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty Fail to Respond to 2021 Assault Lawsuit, Incur $500K Default Judgement Mark Elibert · March 24, 2024

Nicki Minaj Wants Katt Williams to Join Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour tara mahadevan · Feb. 20, 2024

People Doxxed by Nicki Minaj Stans Speak Out, Explore Legal Options Alex Ocho · Feb. 18, 2024

Petty will need to give his probation officer details regarding his travel and itinerary, in addition to being required to check in with his P.O. upon his return to Los Angeles at the tour's conclusion in July.

Petty is a registered sex offender, stemming from the 1994 rape of Jennifer Hough , who was 16 years old at the time of the alleged incident. In 2023, he was required to fulfill 120 days of house arrest after making threats online to rapper Offset .

In 2019, Petty accompanied his wife during a Nicki Wrld Tour show in Frankfurt, Germany. Security guard Thomas Weidenmuller alleged he was assaulted by the couple backstage. Weidenmuller sued the Pettys for $732,000 in 2022, but the couple reportedly didn't respond to the lawsuit, and may have to cough up $503,318 thanks to a recent default judgment.

• Live on Sky
• Get Sky Sports
• Sky Mobile Apps
• Kick It Out
• Black Lives Matter
• British South Asians in Football

England's Euro 2024 fixtures, dates and potential route for tournament in Germany

The tournament gets under way in Munich on Friday, June 14 and runs through to Sunday, July 14; the semi-finals take place in Munich and Dortmund on July 9 and 10; the final is in Berlin; England in Group C with Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia; Serbia vs England first up on June 16

Wednesday 27 March 2024 09:36, UK

We look at England's Euro 2024 fixtures, as well as their potential route through the knockout stages.

England will face Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in their Euro 2024 group next summer .

Gareth Southgate's side face a replay of their Euro 2020 semi-final against the Danes in Group C, having won 2-1 after extra-time in July 2021 before eventually losing to Italy in the final.

England's first game on Sunday June 16 sees them travel to Gelsenkirchen to take on Serbia, who finished second in qualifying Group G behind Hungary, and who they have not faced since their split with Montenegro in 2006.

They then take on Denmark four days later in Frankfurt before rounding off their group on Tuesday June 25 in Cologne against Slovenia, who they previously beat in a must-win final group game at World Cup 2010 to reach the knockout stages.

• Papers: Man Utd scout runs rule over Brazilian winger Gustavo Nunes
• Kane: Spurs fans want Bayern win (but Arsenal victory can help rivals!)
• Ange dismisses Dier 'no tactical work in training' claims
• How Mousinho finally got Portsmouth back to the Championship
• Hits and misses: Dembele relishes role as scourge of Barcelona
• Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Man Utd pushing to extend Mainoo's contract'
• Why Tottenham are hoping for a favour from Arsenal
• European talking points: Make or break for Jesus at Arsenal
• Sahin: I fell in love with the tactics board
• Portsmouth 3-2 Barnsley
• Latest News

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Euro 2024: England drawn with Denmark; Scotland face Germany in opener

• Euro 2024 fixtures in full
• Euro 2024 kits - who's wearing what?

Here are England's Euro 2024 fixtures, as well as their potential route through the knockout stages...

Euro 2024 groups in full

• Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
• Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
• Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
• Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
• Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
• Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

England's potential Euro 2024 route

Group stage.

The top two in each group plus the four best third-placed teams go through

Euro 2024 latest news

Download the Sky Sports App

Find out more about Sky Sports

Sunday June 16 - Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen - kick-off 8pm UK time)

Thursday June 20 - Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt - kick-off 5pm UK time)

Tuesday June 25 - Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne - kick-off 8pm UK time)

England’s potential route to the final as group winners…

If all results at Euro 2024 go with the world rankings England’s opponents in the knockout rounds would be… Round of 16: Sunday June 30 - England vs Austria/Romania/Turkey (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen) Quarter-final: Saturday July 6 – England vs Italy (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf) Semi-final: Wednesday July 10 – France vs England; kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) Final: Sunday July 14 – Spain vs England; kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

England’s potential route to the final as group runners-up…

If England finish second in Group C but all other results at Euro 2024 go with the world rankings, the Three Lions’ opponents in the knockout rounds would be… Round of 16: Saturday June 29 - Germany vs England (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) Quarter-final: Friday July 5 – Spain vs England (MHPArena, Stuttgart) Semi-final: Tuesday July 9 – England vs Netherlands; kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich) Final: Sunday July 14 – England vs France; kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Round of 16

If England finish first in Group C...

Sunday June 30 : Group C winners vs third-placed side in Group D/E/F (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)

If England finish second in Group C...

Saturday June 29 - Group A winners vs Group C runners-up (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)

If England finish as one of four best third-place teams...

Monday July 1 - Group F winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)

Tuesday July 2 - Group E winners vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)

• Euro 2024: Who's qualified and when is it?
• Download the Sky Sports App | Bet with Sky Bet | Get Sky Sports

Quarter-finals

If England finish first in Group C and win round of 16 game...

Saturday July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf)

If England finish second in Group C and win round of 16 game...

Friday July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart)

If England finish as one of four best third-place teams and win round of 16 game...

Friday July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)

Saturday July 6 (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

Semi-finals

If England finish first in Group C, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final...

Wednesday July 10 - kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)

If England finish second in Group C, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final...

Tuesday July 9 - kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)

If England finish as one of four best third-place teams, win round of 16 game and win quarter-final...

And finally, the final...

Sunday July 14 - kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)

The Super 6 Christmas Rollover is coming to town. Play for free for a chance to win £250,000.

How to watch Premier League, EFL, WSL, Scottish Premiership, F1 and more

• Stream with NOW

• Upgrade Now