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Planning to spend one day in Frankfurt and wondering what’s actually worth your time?
Whether you’re visiting on a layover, kicking off a Germany itinerary, or using Frankfurt as a home base (like we did!), this city has more to offer than most people expect.
My boyfriend Tim and I spent our first afternoon in Frankfurt exploring the Old Town, walking along the river, and finding some incredible food and wine spots—and it ended up being the perfect introduction to Germany.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to spend one day in Frankfurt, including a simple itinerary, must-see highlights, where to eat, where to stay, and practical tips to help you make the most of your time.
Frankfurt in One Day at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s the perfect way to spend one day in Frankfurt, combining historic landmarks, scenic views, and great food.
Morning
- Explore Römerberg (Frankfurt’s Old Town)
- Visit Frankfurt Cathedral + climb the tower for city views
Midday
- Walk along the Main River (Mainkai)
- Cross the Eiserner Steg for skyline views
Afternoon
- Relax with a drink in the Old Town or Sachsenhausen
- Optional: visit a museum along Museumsufer
Evening
- Dinner at a local restaurant or wine bar
- Stroll the riverfront at sunset
💡 This itinerary is walkable, easy to follow, and perfect for a first-time visit or layover in Frankfurt.
A Brief Intro to Frankfurt
Located along the Main River, Frankfurt am Main is one of Germany’s most important cities—and one of the most misunderstood.
At first glance, Frankfurt is known for its modern skyline (often nicknamed “Mainhattan”), global finance scene, and major international airport.
But beyond the glass skyscrapers, you’ll find a city filled with historic squares, riverfront walks, museums, and traditional German culture.
Much of Frankfurt was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt, which explains its mix of old and new architecture.
Today, it’s a major hub for business and travel, home to institutions like the European Central Bank and one of Europe’s busiest stock exchanges.
Despite its reputation as a financial center, Frankfurt is surprisingly easy to explore in a day. Its compact Old Town, walkable riverfront, and excellent public transportation make it a great first stop in Germany.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re visiting in mid-October, try to plan your trip around the Frankfurt Book Fair—the largest book fair in the world.
Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering whether Frankfurt is worth visiting, the short answer is: yes—especially as part of a larger Germany itinerary.
Frankfurt is often overlooked compared to cities like Munich or Berlin, but it offers a unique mix of modern skyline, historic Old Town, and easy access to some of Germany’s most scenic regions.
While you may not need more than a day or two here, Frankfurt makes an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations like the Rhine Valley, Eltz Castle, Cologne, and Heidelberg.
It’s also one of the easiest cities to visit logistically, thanks to its major international airport and excellent train connections.
💡 If you’re flying into Germany, spending one day in Frankfurt is a great way to ease into your trip before heading to other destinations.
Getting to Frankfurt
Frankfurt is one of the easiest cities in Europe to reach, thanks to Frankfurt Airport—Germany’s busiest international airport and a major hub for Lufthansa.
If you’re arriving by plane, getting into the city center is quick and simple:
🚆 By train (best option):
Take the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) from the airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
- Travel time: ~15 minutes
- Cost: ~€5
- Runs frequently throughout the day
🚌 By bus:
Several buses (like the №61) connect the airport to the city.
- Travel time: ~30 minutes
- Cost: ~€5
We personally took the train and found it fast, affordable, and very easy to navigate—even after an overnight flight.
💡 If Frankfurt is your first stop in Germany, this smooth airport-to-city connection makes it an ideal place to start your trip.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt
We stayed at The Pure, a Member of Design Hotels at both the beginning and end of our trip, and it was a great home base—especially for a short stay.
The hotel is located just a short walk from Frankfurt Central Station, which made it incredibly convenient for arriving from the airport and taking day trips.
Here’s what we liked:
- Stylish, modern rooms
- Cozy lounge bar downstairs
- Easy access to trains and public transportation
One thing to note: the rooms ran a bit warm at night. We were able to open the windows, but if you’re sensitive to temperature, it’s something to keep in mind.
A Broad Recommendation: Request a room on a higher floor and away from the street to avoid noise, especially on weekends. And definitely opt for the breakfast—it’s worth it!
👉 If you’re comparing areas or want more options, check out my full guide on where to stay in Frankfurt (coming soon).
1-Day Frankfurt Itinerary (Step-by-Step)
If you’re wondering exactly how to spend one day in Frankfurt, here’s a simple, realistic timeline based on our visit.
9:00 AM – Start at Römerberg: Kick off your day in Frankfurt’s historic Old Town. Wander through the square, admire the half-timbered houses, and snap photos before the crowds arrive.
10:00 AM – Visit Frankfurt Cathedral: Head to St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and explore the interior. If you’re up for it, climb the tower for panoramic views over the city.
11:30 AM – Walk Along the Mainkai: Stroll along the riverfront promenade and enjoy views of the skyline, bridges, and surrounding architecture.
12:30 PM – Cross the Eiserner Steg: Walk across Frankfurt’s most famous pedestrian bridge for some of the best photo spots in the city.
1:00 PM – Lunch or Drinks: Stop for a relaxed lunch or a drink—either along the river or in the Old Town.
Afternoon – Explore at Your Own Pace: Use the afternoon to:
- Visit a museum along Museumsufer
- Explore the Sachsenhausen district
- Or simply wander and enjoy the city
Evening – Dinner + Drinks: Wrap up your day with dinner at a local restaurant like Emma Metzler or drinks at a wine bar like Balthasar Ress.
💡 Short on time? You can easily hit the main highlights in 4–6 hours.
Things to Do in Frankfurt
If you only have one day in Frankfurt, the good news is that many of the city’s top sights are located close together—making it easy to explore in just an afternoon or full day.
Here’s exactly how we spent our time in Frankfurt, with a simple route you can follow.
Stop 1: Römerberg (Old Town)
Start your day in Frankfurt’s historic heart: Römerberg.
This picturesque square is known for its colorful half-timbered houses and historic charm—and it’s easily one of the most iconic spots in the city.
It’s also home to the Römer, Frankfurt’s city hall for more than 600 years.
While much of the Old Town was destroyed during WWII, the area has been beautifully reconstructed, giving you a glimpse into what Frankfurt once looked like.
Why it’s worth it: It’s the best place to get your bearings and soak in Frankfurt’s historic side.
- ⏰ Time needed: 20–30 minutes
- 💰 Cost: Free
Stop 2: Frankfurt Cathedral
Just a short walk from Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral is one of the city’s most important landmarks.
This Gothic church played a major role in German history, serving as the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors from the 16th through 18th centuries.
The present church is the third to be built on this site, and excavations revealed buildings that can be traced all the way back to the 7th century—wow!
Similar to Römerberg, the cathedral was destroyed during a fire in 1867 and again during WWII. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1955.
Fun fact: The 15th century red sandstone chapel of Sleeping Mary (to the left of the high altar) was too large to move and was thus fortified with sandbags prior to the bombings of WWII.
Both the altarpiece and the fine stained glass next to it survived.
If you’re up for it, climb the 328-foot-tall tower—the narrow spiral staircase is a workout, but the panoramic views over Frankfurt’s skyline are absolutely worth it.
Why it’s worth it: One of the best viewpoints in the city.
- ⏰ Time needed: ~1 hour
- 💰 Cost: Free (cathedral) / ~€6 (tower climb)
Stop 3: Mainkai
Next, head toward the river and take a stroll along the Mainkai promenade.
This scenic riverside path offers beautiful views of the skyline, bridges, and historic buildings—and it’s a great place to slow down for a bit.
You can also grab a drink at a riverside café or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Why it’s worth it: A relaxing break with some of the best views in Frankfurt.
- ⏰ Time needed: 20–30 minutes
- 💰 Cost: Free
Stop 4: Eiserner Steg
From the riverfront, walk across the Eiserner Steg—Frankfurt’s famous pedestrian bridge.
It’s one of the best photo spots in the city, especially at sunset, with views of both the skyline and the river.
It was first built in 1868 and has gone through several changes since then.
One of these occurred shortly after WWII, since the bridge was destroyed during the final days of the war, and the last round completed in 1993.
Why it’s worth it: Classic Frankfurt photo + easy walk between neighborhoods.
- ⏰ Time needed: 15–20 minutes
- 💰 Cost: Free
Stop 5: Drinks at Balthasar Ress Weinbar & Vinothek
After a full afternoon of exploring, Balthasar Ress Weinbar & Vinothek is the perfect place to unwind.
Located in the New Old Town, this stylish wine bar offers a mix of local German wines (especially from the nearby Rheingau region) and small plates.
We loved the atmosphere—and it seemed to be quite popular!
We visited during a lovely, fall day, and though all of the seats outside were taken, the windows were open, creating a cozy experience inside too.
Why it’s worth it: Great spot to slow down and enjoy local wine.
- 💰 Price: $$–$$$
A Broad Recommendation: Be sure to try traditional German cuisine like Apfelwein (apple wine), Grune Sobe (green sauce), Handkase bit Musik (marinated cheese), and Schnitzel while in Frankfurt.
Stop 6: Dinner at Emma Metzler
Wrap up your day with dinner at one of Frankfurt’s top restaurants.
Located in the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts on the Museumsufer, Emma Metzler offers a modern French-German menu using locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant’s design mimics a bistro theme and is reminiscent of the inns that were once typical in Frankfurt, making the restaurant feel like a small museum itself.
Pro tip: If the weather is nice, try to sit outside on the terrace overlooking the park.
Why it’s worth it: A memorable, elevated dining experience to end your day.
- 💰 Price: $$$$
A Broad recommendation: The restaurant is closed on Mondays. If you visit on the last Saturday of the month, your entrance to the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Arts is free.
👉 Planning a bigger trip? Don’t miss my full 7-day Germany itinerary that includes Frankfurt, Munich (+ Oktoberfest in Munich), and the Rhine Valley.
Other Things to Do in Frankfurt
If you’re spending more than one day in Frankfurt—or just want a few backup ideas—here are a few more spots to check out:
- Palmengarten: Botanical gardens with more than 13,000 plant species
- Zeil: Frankfurt’s main shopping street
- Museumsufer: A collection of museums along the river
- Saalgasse (‘Hall Street’): A unique street with postmodern architecture similar to the buildings that stood here before WWII
👉 If you’re staying longer, don’t miss my guide to the best day trips from Frankfurt for more ideas.
👉 Planning your itinerary? Don’t miss my 7-day Germany itinerary to see how Frankfurt fits into a full trip.
FAQ About Visiting Frankfurt
Q: Is one day in Frankfurt enough?
Yes—one day in Frankfurt is enough to see the main highlights, especially if you focus on the Old Town, riverfront, and a few key landmarks.
It’s also a great starting point for a longer Germany itinerary.
If you have more time, I highly recommend adding a Rhine Valley day trip or visiting nearby towns like Cologne or Braubach.
Q: Is Frankfurt worth visiting?
Yes—especially as a first stop in Germany.
While it’s often known for its business district, Frankfurt offers a mix of historic sites, scenic river views, great food, and easy access to nearby destinations like the Rhine Valley.
Q: What is Frankfurt best known for?
Frankfurt is known for its modern skyline, major financial institutions, historic Old Town (Römerberg), and being home to one of Europe’s busiest airports.
Q: Can you explore Frankfurt on a layover?
Yes! Frankfurt is one of the best European cities for a layover.
The airport is only about 15 minutes from the city center by train, making it easy to explore even with limited time.
Q: Do you need a car in Frankfurt?
No—Frankfurt is very walkable, and public transportation is efficient and easy to use.
For a one-day visit, you won’t need a car.
Final Thoughts on One Day in Frankfurt
Frankfurt might not always be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Germany, but it’s absolutely worth a stop!
With its mix of historic charm, modern skyline, and easy access to incredible day trips, it’s the perfect introduction to the country.
Whether you’re here for a quick layover or the start of a longer trip, one day in Frankfurt gives you just enough time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed.
👉 Planning a longer trip? Don’t miss my full Germany itinerary and what to wear in Germany in September to help you prepare.
Safe travels!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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