One Day in Frankfurt, Germany: The Best Frankfurt Itinerary
Frankfurt was the first city we visited in Germany and it was a great experience. It’s one of those places that feel kind of underrated, yet hold so much charm and interesting architecture once you look beneath the surface. We spent a few days here, but I know that many people only spend one day in Frankfurt, whether on a long layover or a road trip through western Germany.
The city is, at heart, a dynamic international financial hub. But it also harbours a rich culture, vibrant history, and plenty of attractions worth visiting. If you find yourself in Frankfurt for just one day, I’ve created the ideal itinerary that will let you explore the best of this fascinating city.
✅ Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the best river cruise in Frankfurt, the hotel we stayed at during our time there. And, to see the best of Frankfurt, I highly recommend getting the Frankfurt Card
Where to stay in Frankfurt, Germany
As I mentioned, this city is the financial capital of Germany. There are lots of places to stay here as many use it as a layover city or a stop on a German road trip. As such, there are lots of places to stay, from fancy business hotels to charming apartments overlooking the city. Here are some of my recommendations for where to stay in Frankfurt:
- £££ – Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof – This incredibly stylish 5* hotel is in the heart of Frankfurt. The luxurious rooms have elegant furnishings, modern bathrooms, and comfortable beds. There is also an on-site restaurant, a beautiful bar area, and a spa with a Turkish Bath. The ultimate place to relax!
- ££ – Boutique Kaiser Hotel and Apartments – These stylish apartments are the perfect way to get a home-from-home feel. Located just 400 meters from the city centre, you’ll find a fitness centre, bar, and restaurant. The large apartment rooms have modern self-catering facilities and a large bed.
- £ – Bristol Hotel Frankfurt City – An affordable 4* hotel located in the centre of the city. The Bristol City Hotel has a modern glass facade, cosy, contemporary rooms, and a delightful breakfast buffet.
✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Frankfurt
One Day in Frankfurt Itinerary
So, without further ado, here’s the ultimate itinerary for the perfect day in Frankfurt. You’ll get a taste of the city’s best architecture, see some great views, and visit one of Europe’s best museums.
9:00 – Start Your Day at Frankfurt Cathedral
Cost: Free to enter. But €3 to climb the tower
Start your day with a visit to the Frankfurt Cathedral, known in German as ‘Kaiserdom.’ This Gothic-style building is steeped in German history. It’s also one of the most impressive buildings you’ll see and the spire towers into the skyline.
The inside is also pretty impressive. The cathedral’s Gothic architecture is breathtaking, and you’ll also find lots of brilliant stained-glass windows that dapple the light on the inside.
As the former election and coronation church for the Holy Roman Emperors, this cathedral has played a pivotal role in German history since the 14th century.
Today, you can climb the 328 steps to the viewing platform, which offers panoramic views.
9:30 – Stroll Along the River Main
Cost: Free
After you’ve explored the cathedral, take a scenic stroll towards the River Main. This river runs straight through the city centre and is a great place to admire both sides of Frankfurt and breathe in the fresh air.
I actually found it interesting how the city was laid out along the river. One side seemed to be the older side of the city, and then, on the other bank, you could see all the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings of the financial side.
You can walk along the whole bank of the river, but for this Frankfurt itinerary, just head to the Iron Footbridge. If you want, you could even head back to the Alte Brucke, a beautiful historic bridge, cross this to the other side of the river, and walk to the Iron Bridge from there.
10:00 – Admire the Iron Footbridge
Cost: Free
Next, you’ll arrive at the Iron Footbridge, also known as the Eiserner Steg Bridge. This is Frankfurt’s answer to a love lock bridge and you’ll see countless padlocks covering this striking metal structure.
The bridge connects the central district with the diverse neighbourhood of Sachsenhausen and has stood as a historical monument since it was created in 1869. It was also reconstructed after WWII.
The bridge offers a spectacular view of all the skyscrapers in the financial district, a stark contrast to the more traditional architecture on the other side. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and sightseers alike and you may also see some street performers along the bridge.
10:30 – Explore Römerberg Square
Cost: Free
Now, we’ve arrived at one of the most well-known spots in the city, but an absolute must-see, even if you only have one day in Frankfurt. Römerberg Square is beautiful. The lively square is surrounded by colourful half-timbered houses.
These were actually reconstructed after the Second World War and it really takes you back to what times must’ve been like. The style of the houses is from the 15th and 16th centuries and in the centre, you’ll find the Fountain of Justice.
Today, Römerberg is a great spot to snap photos, enjoy outdoor cafes, and immerse yourself in the frequent markets and festivities, including the famous Frankfurt Christmas market which transforms the square into a winter wonderland every year.
11:30 – Admire St. Paul’s Church
Cost: Free
Just a short walk away, you’ll find St. Paul’s Church. Created in the 19th century, it gained its fame as the place where the first national assembly took place. In 1848, it became the seat of the Parliament, the first publicly and freely elected German legislative body.
Though the church was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, it was one of the first structures to be rebuilt, mainly because of its symbolic importance.
Nowadays, it is a venue for prestigious events and a church. You can explore the impressive circular interior as well as its historical importance.
12:00 – Explore Hauptwache
Cost: Free
Finish this morning’s exploration with a tour of Hauptwache. One of the most famous plazas in the city, this bustling square has everything from a medieval defensive tower to a police station.
The name ‘Hauptwache’ comes from the baroque guardhouse that was built in 1730, which once served as the city’s main guard post. Nowadays, it has been converted into a café and shopping centre, offering a diverse range of restaurants and shops.
The square is also home to the Old Stock Exchange and Frankfurt’s most famous statue, depicting German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Hauptwache is the perfect spot to sit and people-watch, take in the surrounding architecture, or venture out to explore other nearby attractions such as the Zeil shopping street or the historic Zeppelin Museum. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat!
12:30 – Lunch
Since you’re already in one of the city’s best lunch spots, it makes sense to grab a bit to eat from the Hauptwache area. This bustling square is full of great restaurants and cafes, or you could also head inside one of the shopping centres for lunch.
13:30 – Visit the Goethe House
Cost: €10 per adult
After lunch, head to one of the most interesting places to visit during your one day in Frankfurt – Goethe House. No trip here is complete without visiting the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Okay, admittedly, this building is actually a restored replica. However, the original is another building in Frankfurt that was destroyed in World War II.
As you step inside, you’re transported back in time; the large wooden staircase, period furniture, and family portraits all tell the story of the Goethe family’s life and society during that era.
The house also exhibits several of Goethe’s personal belongings and writings. You’ll also find the historical museum next to the house where you’ll find a collection of artworks from Goethe’s time.
14:30 – Visit Frankfurt’s Alter Oper
Cost: Free to view. Tickets vary.
This stunning building is just a short walk from the Goethe House. Surrounded by high-rise skyscrapers, the building looks incredibly grand and beautiful.
With an intriguing history that dates back to its opening in 1880, the opera house has survived the tests of time, including near destruction during World War II.
Following the war, it underwent substantial renovations and was reopened in 1951. Today, it is acclaimed for its world-class performances, ranging from classic operas to contemporary pieces.
It’s well worth admiring the building during your one day in Frankfurt, even though you might not have time to go inside.
15:30 – Visit the Senckenberg Nature Museum
Cost: €12 per adult
Next, let’s head to one of the city’s best museums. The Senckenberg Nature Museum is one of Europe’s largest natural history museums. We found it completely fascinating and a great way to end your day in the city.
It’s a fair walk from the Opera House – 22 minutes – or a 10-minute tram. But well worth it for the expansive collection of dinosaur bones you will find inside.
Open since 1821, you can explore a lot of Earth’s history within its walls and learn about a vast collection of creatures.
Included in this are the original dinosaur skeletons which you’ll see as soon as you enter the museum. They are huge and it’s quite terrifying to think creatures that large once roamed the earth!
Additionally, the museum has many biodiversity exhibits, from the deep sea to the expanses of outer space. With educational programs and interactive exhibits, it’s a great place for exploring the wonders of nature and the importance of its conservation for future generations.
17:30 – Admire the Views from the Observation Deck
Cost: €9 per adult
After you’ve explored the fantastic Natural History Museum head to the best place to view the city. It’s roughly a 25-minute walk from the Senckenberg Nature Museum, or alternately, you could always hop on the public transport system. A tram will get you there in just over 10 minutes.
I love a panoramic view and this observation deck is without doubt the best place to see the skyline of Germany’s financial capital.
Named after the city’s river, the Main Tower has an impressive height of 200 meters. Once you reach the observation deck, you’re greeted with a 360-degree panorama that stretches out over Frankfurt and beyond.
You can see the tiny dots of people on the streets below, the contrasting blend of historical and modern architecture, and on clear days, even spot the distant peaks of the Taunus mountain range.
The observation deck is not just for sightseers; photographers are also drawn to capture the city’s beauty, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light makes the cityscape look beautiful. Capturing the sunset from above the city seems like the best way to end your day in Frankfurt.
✅ Book tickets to Main Tower and a Guided City Tour
Is One Day in Frankfurt Enough?
Possibly not. We actually spent two days in Frankfurt and it was plenty of time to explore the historic old town, several of the museums, and both sides of the river. With just one day in Frankfurt, you’ll be pushing it to see that much.
You’ll likely only have time for one museum, even if you change some of the things on this itinerary. All in all, I recommend spending at least two days in Frankfurt, but if you only have time for one, this itinerary will allow you to see the best of the city.
If You Have More Than 1 Day in Frankfurt
If you are blessed with more time in this magnificent city, there are plenty of ways you could extend your itinerary. Frankfurt has lots of fantastic museums and attractions. Here are some of the things you could add to your list:
Visit the Städel Museum
The Stadel Museum is one of the most popular art galleries in Frankfurt and the whole of Germany. It contains a fantastic collection that spans over 700 years of European art, from the early 14th century to the present. It’s a must-visit destination for art lovers.
Visit Quaint Old Sachsenhausen
The cobblestone streets of Old Sachsenhausen are a pocket of the city that has retained its historical charm. Known for its traditional apple wine taverns, quaint shops, and remarkable half-timbered houses, this district is the perfect place for a stroll or a bite to eat.
There are lots of great pubs and restaurants here. In the summer months, the streets are alive with al-fresco diners.
Explore the Historisches Museum
Frankfurt’s Historisches Museum is a great way to explore the city’s evolution. Located on the banks of the River Main, this museum offers an insightful look into Frankfurt’s urban history, cultural life, and transforming landscape throughout the ages.
Take a Day Trip to Cologne
This was how we spent our third day in Germany. We actually spent 3 nights in Frankfurt, but on the third day, we took a train to Cologne. It was very easy to do – we just headed to the main train station and hopped on a direct train.
It was also relatively affordable, and a great way to see more of Germany’s magnificent cities. Plus, if you’re visiting in the winter months, it’s a great way to eat a lot of Christmas food as the markets in both of these cities are magnificent.
Getting Around Frankfurt in a Day
Frankfurt is a very easy city to get around, which is great because, if you’re short on time, you’ll likely not want to spend all day walking.
Luckily, Frankfurt’s public transport system is both efficient and user-friendly. The U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter train), trams, and buses can pretty much take you anywhere you want to go in the city.
To make things even easier, consider grabbing a Frankfurt Card — a travel pass offering unlimited travel within the city’s public transport system and discounts on many tourist attractions.
However, if you’d rather not use public transportation at all, then the central city is very walkable. To see all of the things on this day itinerary, you’d only need to do just over one hour of walking – not too bad for a full day!
Getting From Frankfurt Airport to the City Centre
However, despite the transport in the city being easy peasy, you’ll need to be careful when it comes to getting from the city to the airport. Frankfurt has two airports.
Frankfurt International Airport is the hub for Lufthansa, is located near the centre of the city, and you can get transport to the city centre any time of day by bus, train, or taxi in around 20-30 minutes.
On the other hand, Frankfurt Hahn Airport is much more of a problem. It’s basically what London Luton Airport is to London – not really in London at all. Typically, because flights with Ryanair were the cheapest, this was the airport we flew into!
If you fly into this airport, your options are either a very expensive taxi or take a bus that will get you there in about 2 hours. On our first night in Frankfurt, we caught a late flight in and didn’t end up getting to our hotel until about 3 in the morning.
Not an ideal start to a trip, but we learnt our lesson! Next time, we will be landing at Frankfurt International Airport!
The Best Time to Visit Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a year-round destination. However, to dodge the summer tourist surge and premium hotel rates, I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn.
That way, you’ll enjoy the city’s charm without the crowds. Alternatively, winter in Frankfurt is fantastic and the Christmas markets are some of the best in Germany.
Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Frankfurt
Though one day in Frankfurt only just scratches the surface, it is enough to whet your appetite for a longer stay.
It is the ideal layover city because so many airlines fly into their main airport, it’s well connected to the rest of Germany and other European cities via its main train station, and you can easily see a lot of attractions if you only have a day in this wonderful city.
Nonetheless, if you truly want to see everything, you might want to consider staying for two days or longer. Because, from historic sites to modern buildings, Frankfurt is much more than meets the eye.
P.S. If you want to explore other destinations in Germany, I recommend Baden-Baden, Hohenbaden Castle, Bastei Bridge, and Dresden.
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