Last Updated on May 30, 2026
When people think about visiting Germany, cities like Berlin, Munich, and even Hamburg tend to be the first places that spring to mind. But if anyone asks me, I’ll always recommend Frankfurt.
To me, Frankfurt is a compelling city to visit. To start with, it is steeped in medieval history, which dates back to the 16th century. It also boasts a beautiful riverside location on the River Main, as well as sleek skyscrapers, excellent museums, and some fantastic local food options.
On top of that, its stunning Christmas market is attracting more and more visitors every year. If you are interested in heading to the city, let’s explore the best things to do in Frankfurt for first-time visitors.
Why Visit Frankfurt?
One thing I love most about Frankfurt is that it shows a different side of Germany. That’s predominantly why I recommend first-time visitors to go there.
The city is home to Germany’s financial center, which goes some way towards explaining its impressive skyline. In fact, Frankfurt is often nicknamed “Mainhattan,” a portmanteau reference to its skyscrapers and location on the River Main. That said, just a few streets away from the modern office towers are cobbled squares, traditional pubs, and centuries of history evident in the Old Town.
The great thing about Frankfurt is that it is incredibly easy to reach. Its airport is one of Europe’s busiest by passenger numbers. This makes it a convenient starting point for travelers arriving from the rest of the continent, who can usually get here within 1-2 hours flying time.
What Are the Must-See Attractions in Frankfurt for First-Time Visitors?
Without question, the biggest must-see attraction in Frankfurt is Römerberg. Offering a glimpse into Frankfurt’s past, this picturesque square sits in the heart of the Old Town. It features beautifully restored timber-framed buildings and is one of the city’s most photographed locations. You could easily spend a good few hours here, people watching and soaking in its ambience.
Frankfurt Cathedral is a short walk away. Dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, this Gothic church dates back to 1550. Interestingly, despite its name, it was never officially a cathedral. However, it remains one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. After checking out the inside, make sure you climb the stairs to the top of the tower. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Another worthwhile stop is St Paul’s Church. An important landmark that played a key role in German democracy during the nineteenth century. Elsewhere, I always advise first-time visitors to stroll towards the River Main. It’s a lovely walk along the waterfront, especially on a sunny day.
How Many Days Do You Need in Frankfurt?
I would recommend that any first-time visitor spend at least two days in Frankfurt. This will give you enough time to get your bearings and comfortably see its major attractions.
If you can stretch to four or more, then you factor in trips to a couple of museums, such as the Städel Museum, which showcases art from the 14th century to today, and the Senckenberg Nature Museum.
For those with even more time on their hands, Frankfurt’s location is a great base for road trips through Germany. Within a few hours, you can reach the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, Bavaria, or even neighbouring countries such as France and Luxembourg. Indeed, many visitors choose to hire a campervan to give them a place to stay every night and the freedom to stop in small villages, explore scenic roads, and travel at their own pace.
Germany’s road network is excellent, and several companies offer rentals of both new and older models. If you do decide to book one, make sure you take time to sort your campervan insurance through RentalCover or another similar provider.
What Should First-Time Visitors Know Before Traveling to Frankfurt?
If English is your first language, you’ll be pleased to discover that it is widely spoken in Frankfurt, especially among
those under the age of 50. This means you should have no trouble communicating with the locals.
They also drive on the right-hand side of the road here, which will definitely suit visitors from the USA, Canada, China, and Mexico more than it would from the UK, Japan, India, and Australia. If you don’t decide to hire a vehicle, you’ll find the public transport system in Frankfurt to be reliable and easy to use. Trains, trams, and buses will connect you to most parts of the city, and there are plenty of Uber drivers in the city.
Germans use Euros as their currency, so it’s worth carrying some around with you. That said, cards are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants. If you are traveling on a budget, here’s how you can get around and enjoy Germany on the cheap.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Frankfurt?
Frankfurt is a great city to visit all year round because each season lends itself to a different kind of experience. The majority of travelers tend to visit in late spring, which in Germany runs from May to June, or in September and October, which constitute early autumn.
In both these time periods, you tend to get pleasant weather and more manageable crowds, and there are plenty of local events you can enjoy. It’s also a great time to explore the city’s attractions on foot without enduring the heat of summer.
As you can imagine, summer is the busiest time of the year to visit Frankfurt. If you do come during July and August, you can expect long daylight hours – it’s sometimes light beyond 9 pm at night. It is also a great time of year for outdoor dining along the River Main.
There is no denying that the winter months can be cold and grey. But if festive lights, mulled wine, and traditional German Christmas traditions appeal to you, then December is a wonderful time to experience the city.
