Frankfurt Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Frankfurt

Frankfurt combines historic squares, world-class museums and riverside life in a compact, easy-to-navigate centre.

• Römerberg — The heart of the Old Town, lined with half-timbered houses and the Römer, the city hall that has served Frankfurt for centuries.
• Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus) — A striking red sandstone Gothic church where Holy Roman emperors were once elected and crowned; its tower offers wide views.
• Museumsufer — The Museum Embankment along the River Main, home to the Städel Museum’s superb collection of European art and many other museums.
• Main Tower — One of the city’s skyscrapers with a public viewing platform, giving panoramic views over the skyline and the river.
• Sachsenhausen — The district south of the river, famous for traditional taverns serving apple wine (Äppelwoi) and hearty local dishes.
• Goethe House — The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, furnished in the style of the 18th century.
• Palmengarten — A large botanical garden with glasshouses of tropical plants, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

Best time to visit Frankfurt

Late spring and summer (May to September) bring the warmest weather, long evenings and the most outdoor life, with café terraces, beer gardens and riverside promenades full of people. Temperatures are usually pleasant, though summer can occasionally be hot, and short showers are possible.

Autumn is mild in September and cooler from October, with colourful parks and fewer tourists. Winter is cold and often grey, but December is special thanks to the Christmas market on Römerberg and the surrounding squares, one of the oldest in Germany, with stalls, mulled wine and festive lights.

Frankfurt is a major trade fair city, and large international fairs held throughout the year can fill hotels quickly. The Museumsuferfest, a large cultural festival along the river in late summer, is another busy period. Check the events calendar before you book to avoid the busiest dates or plan around them, and pack layers at any time of year.

Getting from the airport

Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe’s largest hubs and lies about 12 km southwest of the city centre. It has two terminals linked by a free automated shuttle train, and excellent rail connections.

• S-Bahn (suburban train) — Regional S-Bahn trains leave from the regional station beneath Terminal 1 and reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station) in around 15 minutes, continuing to central stops such as Hauptwache and Konstablerwache.
• Long-distance trains — The separate long-distance station next to Terminal 1 connects the airport directly with many German cities, useful if you are travelling beyond Frankfurt.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside both terminals; the ride to the city centre takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Buy public transport tickets from the machines in the station or through the local transport app before boarding, as tickets are checked on board and fines apply. Allow extra time if you arrive at Terminal 2 and need to transfer to the train station.

Where to stay

Frankfurt’s main sights are close together, and an efficient network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams makes it easy to stay a little outside the centre. Prices and availability depend heavily on trade fair dates, so book early if your trip coincides with a major event.

• Altstadt and Innenstadt — The Old Town and city centre put you close to Römerberg, the cathedral and the Zeil shopping street; ideal for short stays and first-time visitors.
• Sachsenhausen — South of the river, with the museums on one side and apple wine taverns on the other; great for culture lovers and those who enjoy a lively evening.
• Westend — An elegant, leafy district of old villas near the Palmengarten and the trade fair grounds; suits business travellers and anyone wanting calm.
• Nordend and Bornheim — Residential areas with local cafés, markets and shops; a good choice for travellers who want an authentic neighbourhood feel.
• Around the Hauptbahnhof — Very convenient for trains and the airport, with many hotels, though some streets can feel rough at night.

Travel tips

• Getting around — U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses share one ticket system. Buy and validate tickets before travelling, as there are no barriers but inspectors check regularly.
• Payment — Cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés, bakeries and market stalls still prefer cash, so it is wise to carry a small amount of euros.
• Tipping — Service is included, but it is customary to round up or add around 5–10% in restaurants. Tell the server the total you wish to pay rather than leaving money on the table.
• Sundays — Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays, although restaurants, museums and shops in stations and at the airport stay open.
• Safety — Frankfurt is generally safe, but stay alert around the Hauptbahnhof area at night and keep an eye on your belongings on busy trains and shopping streets.
• Entry requirements — Check passport, visa and entry rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel, as requirements can change.