Germany

Frankfurt

Frankfurt: banking towers, a riverside skyline, and cider taverns.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
0.75M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $71 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $152 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $17.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

FRAFrankfurt am Main International AirportMain hub, 14 km southwest of the centre.
HowCostTime
S-Bahn S8/S9Hauptbahnhof / Hauptwache€6.6020-30 min
Buy a ticket at the machine before boarding.
Bus 61Frankfurt Süd station€3.80-6.6030-40 min
Slower than the S-Bahn; useful for the south side.
TaxiCity centre€35-4520-30 min
Fares rise in traffic and during trade fairs.
Uber / Bolt / Free NowCity centre€30-4520-30 min
Pick-up points are signed in the terminal.
HHNFrankfurt-Hahn AirportBudget airport far from the city, 103 km west.
HowCostTime
Airport busFrankfurt Hauptbahnhofabout €2190-110 min
Runs roughly 12 times a day; buy at the kiosk outside.
Bus + train via Traben-TrarbachFrankfurt Hauptbahnhof€25-352.5-3 h
Few late services; check timetables first.
TaxiCity centre€180-23090-110 min
Very expensive; only for groups or late arrivals.
Uber / BoltCity centrecheck locally90-110 min
Availability is limited at this airport.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Frankfurt

Getting around

Walk the centre; use U-Bahn and trams for longer hops, and ride apps at night.

  • Metro ★U-Bahn and S-Bahn run on one RMV network. Buy a ticket before boarding. Single ticket in the centre is €3.80; a day ticket is €7.75.
  • BusTrams and buses use the same RMV tickets. Buy before boarding.
  • Taxi / ride appsUber, Bolt and Free Now all work in the city. Handy late at night.
  • Rental carEasy to reach by car but parking is hard. Use park-and-ride during trade fairs.
  • Walking ★The centre is walkable. Bikes and e-scooters are widely available.
  • TrainS-Bahn lines S8/S9 link the airport and suburbs. They are often delayed, so allow buffer time.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: the Römer, the old and new town and the Main riverside fit one day, with one museum added.

Best for
  • CultureMuseums, the river skyline and the old town.
  • HistoryCathedral, Römer and the Paulskirche story.
  • FoodApfelwein taverns, sausages and market halls.

Weather by month

5°0°Jan🌧 14d
8°1°Feb🌧 11d
11°2°Mar🌧 13d
15°5°Apr🌧 11d
20°10°May🌧 11d
25°14°Jun🌧 11d
26°16°Jul🌧 10d
26°16°Aug🌧 10d
21°12°Sep🌧 9d
16°8°Oct🌧 11d
9°4°Nov🌧 14d
6°1°Dec🌧 14d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers and cold, grey winters. Rain is spread across the year, so pack layers and an umbrella any month.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs of 20–26°C and long evenings. Ideal for the riverbank, old town and beer gardens.
  • Winter is cold (December to February)Highs of 5–8°C and lows near 0–1°C. Wear a warm coat, hat and gloves.
  • Rain all yearAbout 9–14 rain days every month. November, December and January are the wettest.
  • Carry an umbrellaShowers are common and can be sudden. A light rain jacket beats an umbrella in wind.
  • September is the driestAbout 9 rain days and highs near 21°C. A comfortable month for walking.
  • What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes. Add a warm coat and gloves for November to March.

Landmarks 10

Must-see · 9

  1. 1

    Römerberg

    The historic heart of Frankfurt, a cobbled square framed by half-timbered houses and the city's iconic town hall. It is the most photographed spot in Frankfurt and a must-see for any first-time visitor. Tip: visit early morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.

  2. 2

    Main Tower

    One of Germany's tallest skyscrapers, offering an open-air observation deck with panoramic views over Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region. It is a must for skyline lovers. Tip: go up about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight and lit up at night; tickets are available at the entrance.

  3. 3

    Römer

    Frankfurt's historic town hall, a medieval building that has served as the city's administrative center for centuries. Its distinctive facade is a symbol of the city. Tip: the inner courtyard is free to visit and less crowded than the square outside.

  4. 4

    Eiserner Steg

    A pedestrian bridge over the Main River, famous for its love locks and views of the skyline. It is a romantic and practical crossing between the old town and Sachsenhausen. Tip: walk across at dusk for beautiful reflections of the city lights on the water.

  5. 5

    Goethe House

    The birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. It offers a glimpse into 18th-century Frankfurt. Tip: check the website for opening hours and consider a combined ticket with the nearby Goethe Museum.

  6. 6

    St. Paul's Church

    A historic church that served as the seat of the first German National Assembly in 1848, making it a symbol of German democracy. It is a must-see for history buffs. Tip: entry is free, but donations are welcome; climb the tower for a view over the city center.

  7. 7

    Palmengarten

    A vast botanical garden with exotic plants from around the world, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It is one of Germany's most beautiful gardens. Tip: visit on a weekday for fewer crowds and check for seasonal exhibitions.

  8. 8

    Alte Oper

    A grand concert hall that was rebuilt after World War II, hosting world-class performances. Its architecture and history make it a cultural landmark. Tip: book tickets in advance for evening concerts, and dress smartly for the occasion.

  9. 9

    Zoo Frankfurt

    One of the oldest and most famous zoos in Germany, home to a wide variety of animals including rare species. It is a great attraction for families. Tip: buy tickets online to skip the queue and arrive early to see the animals at their most active.

1Römerberg2Main Tower3Römer4Eiserner Steg5Goethe House6St. Paul's Church7Palmengarten8Alte Oper9Zoo Frankfurt

Cultural

Bridge 1

Museum 1

Skyscraper 1

Garden 1

Modern History 1

Palace 1

Christian 1

Activities

Theater 1

Amusement Park 2

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Frankfurt

    Heidelberg · 32 min by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 95 km from Frankfurt

    Best way: Direct IC/ICE trains take about 32 minutes and the old town and castle are a short walk or funicular ride from the station.

    Direct IC/ICE trains run from Frankfurt Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf in about an hour, then the old town and castle are a short walk or funicular ride from the station.

    • Train ★32 min · from €5
    • Bus1 h 44 · from $10-$16
    • Car1 h 05 · taxi ≈ €210

    What to see

    • Heidelberg Castle and the funicular
    • Old Town and Heiliggeistkirche
    • Philosopher's Way viewpoint
    • Student Jail and university quarter

    5 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Book ICE/IC seats ahead for the fastest fares
    • Castle funicular and old town are the classic first visit
    • Spring to autumn is the best time to walk the old town

    Mainz · 25 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Half day · 41 km from Frankfurt

    Best way: S-Bahn S8 runs directly in about 25 minutes and the cathedral and old town are a short walk from the station.

    S-Bahn lines S8 run directly from Frankfurt to Mainz Hbf in about 40 minutes, and the cathedral and old town are a short walk away.

    • Train ★25 min · from $6-$29
    • Bus1 h 00 · from $4-$7
    • Car34 min · taxi ≈ €90

    What to see

    • Mainz Cathedral
    • Gutenberg Museum
    • Old Town and Marktplatz
    • Chagall windows at St. Stephan

    Good to know

    • S8 is direct from Frankfurt
    • Cathedral and Gutenberg Museum are the highlights
    • Check museum closing days before going

    Wiesbaden · 32 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 39 km from Frankfurt

    Best way: Frequent S-Bahn lines connect Frankfurt city center to Wiesbaden Hbf in about 32 minutes with no changes.

    Frequent S-Bahn lines S1/S8/S9 connect Frankfurt city center to Wiesbaden Hbf in about 40 minutes with no changes.

    • Train ★32 min · from $8-$35
    • Bus30 min · from $3-$6
    • Car31 min · taxi ≈ €90

    What to see

    • Kurhaus and hot springs
    • Neroberg hill and Nerotal
    • St. Elizabeth's Church
    • Wilhelmstrasse shopping street

    Good to know

    • S1/S8/S9 run frequently with no changes
    • Kurhaus and hot springs are near the center
    • Good as a half-day add-on rather than a full day

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Frankfurt rewards visitors with a compact old town, world-class museums and a lively riverfront. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

    A compact culture day: old-town sights, the skyline view and a museum walk.

    Stay: Altstadt (Old Town). Walk to the Römer, cathedral and river in minutes. Quiet at night, few budget rooms.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EUR 9
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EUR 60
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    EUR 110–260
    1 night · Altstadt (Old Town)
    Day 1

    Old town and the skyline

    Tickets ≈ EUR 9 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 60
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 286 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    2. 1

      09:30–10:15 · Free to walk

      Römerberg Landmark quest

      Start early before the crowds. The square is always open.

      Open Square always open

    3. 1

      10:20–10:40 · Free to view from outside; city hall inside is not open to tourists

      Römer Landmark quest

      Just steps away. The facade is always visible.

      Open Exterior always visible

    4. Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ EUR 10
    5. 2

      10:50–11:20 · Free entry

      St. Paul's Church Landmark quest

      Short walk. Closed during events, so check on the day.

      Open Daily, roughly 10:00–17:00; closed during events

    6. Taxi · 531 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
    7. 3

      12:00–12:45 · Free to enter; food priced per item

      Kleinmarkthalle

      Lunch from the stalls. Closed Sunday.

      Open Mon–Fri roughly 08:00–18:00, Sat until about 16:00; closed Sunday

    8. Taxi · 1224 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
    9. 4

      14:00–15:00 · ≈ EUR 9 for the observation deck; check current price

      Main Tower Landmark quest

      Ride up for the view. Hours vary; check on the day.

      Open Daily, roughly 10:00–21:00 in summer; check on the day

    10. Taxi · 1187 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
    11. 5

      16:00–18:00 · Free to walk; museums charge separately, often ≈ EUR 10–12

      Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

      Walk the promenade. Most museums close Monday.

      Open Promenade always open; museums usually closed Monday

    12. Taxi back to your hotel · 1030 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a city afternoon for a Rhine Valley day: trains run south to Rüdesheim and the river villages; check times on the day.
    • Add a stop at the Städel Museum for old masters and modern art; allow 2–3 hours.
    • Cross to Sachsenhausen for a slow riverside walk and an Apfelwein dinner instead of a second museum.

    Getting around

    • U-Bahn (metro), trams and buses run on one RMV fare network; buy a ticket before boarding.
    • S-Bahn lines S8/S9 link the airport and suburbs; they are often delayed, so allow buffer time.
    • Single ticket in central Frankfurt is €3.80; a day ticket is €7.75.
    • Uber, Bolt and Free Now all work in the city.
    • Driving is easy to reach but parking is hard; use park-and-ride during trade fairs.
    • The centre is walkable; bikes and e-scooters are widely available.

    Where to stay

    • Altstadt (Old Town) · ≈ EUR 110–260 a night
      Walk to the Römer, cathedral and river in minutes. Quiet at night, few budget rooms.
    • Bahnhofsviertel · ≈ EUR 70–180 a night
      Cheapest central beds and the main station on your doorstep. Lively and gritty at night.
    • Sachsenhausen · ≈ EUR 90–220 a night
      South-bank Apfelwein taverns and river walks; 10–15 minutes into the centre on foot or tram.
    • Westend · ≈ EUR 130–320 a night
      Leafy, calm and close to the trade-fair halls and Palmengarten. Good for business trips.

    Food & drink

    • Try Frankfurter Grüne Soße (green herb sauce with eggs and potatoes) and Frankfurter sausages.
    • Drink Apfelwein (apple wine) in a Sachsenhausen tavern; ask for it 'sauer' with sparkling water.
    • Kleinmarkthalle market hall: graze on sausages, cheese and coffee, roughly €5–15 per snack.
    • Bakeries and kiosks sell pretzels and sandwiches for about €3–6; good for a quick lunch.
    • Book dinner on Friday and Saturday nights; popular taverns fill up. Check prices on the menu first.

    Tips

    1. Download the RMV app for easy transit ticket purchasing and route planning
    2. Most shops and supermarkets are strictly closed on Sundays
    3. Visit a traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) tavern in the Sachsenhausen district
    4. The Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) offers a dense cluster of world-class museums
    5. Keep cash on hand, as some smaller restaurants and bakeries still do not accept cards
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Eiserner Steg
      • See Frankfurt's skyline from the water
      • Learn about the city's history and architecture
      • 6,015 reviews · 4.4 rating
      Commentary includedGreat views

      River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (6,015)

      Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

      Römerberg
      Römer
      St. Paul's Church
      • Explore the historic heart of Frankfurt
      • Hear stories of the Holy Roman Empire
      • 1,559 reviews · 4.7 rating
      German-language guideOld Town focus

      German-Language Guided Old Town Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,559)

      Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

      Römerberg
      Römer
      St. Paul's Church
      Eiserner Steg
      • Walk through 1,200 years of history
      • Small-group experience with a local expert
      • 469 reviews · 4.9 rating
      English guideTop-rated

      Frankfurt on Foot Daily History Tour in English

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (469)

      Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

      Main Tower
      Römerberg
      • Contrast modern banking district with medieval sites
      • Learn about Frankfurt's role as a financial hub
      • 9 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Small groupExpert guide

      Banking District & Medieval Sites Walking Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (9)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Römerberg
      • Hear spooky tales from Frankfurt's past
      • Led by the city's historic hangman
      • 517 reviews · 4.1 rating
      Theatrical guideFamily friendly

      Scary Sightseeing Tour with The Hangman

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.1 (517)

      Souvenirs

      Bembel apple wine jug

      EUR 20–35About 0.5 L, 1 piece · shop prices

      This is a stoneware jug with a blue pattern, traditionally used to serve apple wine in Hesse, the region around Frankfurt.

      Where: Frankfurt Tourist Information, Römer
      Buy it at the Römer tourist office.

      Frankfurt Bethmännchen cookies

      EUR 9–20100 to 200 g · shop prices

      These are local almond and marzipan cookies, a sweet treat that is closely linked to Frankfurt.

      Where: Café Konditorei Siesmayer
      Check whether they are sold in the current season before you go.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

      Search flights · Trip.com

      Hotels

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