Frankfurt am Main — or just Frankfurt — is a lively city in central Germany, in the state of Hesse. It’s where old-world charm meets modern ambition — medieval squares on one side, glass towers on the other.

Known as Germany’s financial capital and home to the European Central Bank, Frankfurt is also one of Europe’s biggest travel hubs, with an airport that connects millions of travellers around the globe every year.

We’ll be honest — we used to think Frankfurt was just a layover city. But after a few days here, between the food and river walks, we totally changed our minds. Here’s how we made the most it.

G E T T I N G T H E R E A N D G E T T I N G A R O U N D

Frankfurt is ridiculously easy to reach and navigate:

✈️ By Air: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is just 12 km (7 miles) from the city centre. Hop on the S-Bahn (S8 or S9) to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) — it’s only a 15–20 minute ride.
🚆 By Train: Germany’s high-speed ICE trains connect Frankfurt to Berlin (4 hrs), Munich (3.5 hrs), Cologne (1 hr), Amsterdam (4 hrs), and Paris (4 hrs).
🚌 Public Transport: The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams are reliable, clean, and efficient. You won’t need a car here. You can purchase tickets from the ticket machine at the tram/train station or via RMVgo app
🌤️ Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) — sunny weather, outdoor cafés, and fewer crowds.
We went in July, right in the middle of peak season. It was crowded and hot, but honestly, summer in Europe is unbeatable — especially when you’re with the right people.

*My mom, holding on tight as the train rolls through Frankfurt*

W H E R E T O S T A Y I N F R A N K F U R T

Once you’ve landed, choosing where to stay makes all the difference. Frankfurt’s compact layout means you can find something that fits your vibe easily:

Innenstadt / City Center – Best for First-Timers

Stay near Römerberg or Zeil Shopping Street for quick access to the city’s main sights.

Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – Affordable, stylish, and walking distance to everything.
Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof – 5-star luxury and historic charm (if you want to treat yourself).

Near Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof – Best for Convenience

Perfect for train travelers or day-trippers.

25hours Hotel The Trip – Quirky, colourful, and full of character.
Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt City Centre – Comfortable, central, and super practical.

Sachsenhausen – Best for Foodies & Local Vibes

Across the river, packed with cider pubs, cafés, and more chill energy.

Libertine Lindenberg – Trendy and artsy, perfect for creatives.
Hotel Cult – Affordable, modern, and close to all the good eats.

T H I N G S T O D O I N F R A N K F U R T

1. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Start your Frankfurt trip in Römerberg Square, the old town’s beating heart. This area looks straight out of a storybook — timber-framed houses, cobblestone lanes, and the Römer, Frankfurt’s city hall for over 600 years.

A short walk away, the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus) towers over the skyline. It’s a must for history lovers — and if you can handle 300+ steps, the view from the top is spectacular.

2. Stroll the River Main

One of our favourite parts of Frankfurt is how easy it is to slow down here. Walk along the River Main, where locals jog, picnic, and sip wine by the water.

*Euro 2024 on the big screen, the River Main beside us, and good vibes all around*

Cross the Eiserner Steg, a pedestrian bridge covered in love locks, and you’ll get an unbeatable view of the skyline — glass towers on one side, church spires on the other.

If you’re into art and culture, head to the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). There are over 30 museums lining both sides of the river, from the Städel Museum (for art lovers) to the German Film Museum and Museum of Communication. You can even grab a Museumsufer Ticket for discounted multi-museum entry.

And if you’d rather experience the river from the water, hop on a River Main cruise. You can take a short sightseeing cruise around Frankfurt to admire the skyline from a different angle —

3. Eat Your Way Through Frankfurt

Let’s be real — we travel for food, and Frankfurt did not disappoint.

Grab a kebab from one of the city’s countless spots (they’re practically an institution, literally every corner), or warm up with a bowl of ramen at Ramen Jun Red — seriously, it’s the kind of meal that hits the soul after a long travel day.

*Trying the orginal Frankfurter Würstchen / Frankfurt sausage*

*Ramen at Jun Red + beer after a long haul flight*

If you want something classic, try Frankfurter Würstchen or schnitzel in Römerberg. Sure, it’s touristy — but eating traditional German food surrounded by medieval buildings? Worth every bite.

*Schnitzel from a cozy little spot in Römerberg*

Don’t skip Apfelwein (apple wine) in Sachsenhausen — it’s the local drink of choice, and it pairs suspiciously well with fried potatoes.

4. Day Trips from Frankfurt

If you’ve got more than a day to spare, Frankfurt makes a perfect base for mini adventures.

Rüdesheim am Rhein – About an hour away, this storybook wine town is full of vineyards, castles, and cozy river views.
Heidelberg – A romantic university town with a hilltop castle and charming old streets, just 90 minutes by train.

*Cable car through vineyards at Niederwaldtempel - Rüdesheim am Rhein*

Both are easy to reach and guaranteed to make your Instagram feed look unfairly good. We chose to visit Rüdesheim am Rhein because it seemed less touristy and more connected to nature — no regrets!

W H A T W E T H I N K O F F R A N K F U R T

Frankfurt has its own unique charm. Yes, it’s Germany’s financial hub — fast-paced, efficient, and full of sharp suits — but there’s another side to it. Wander a little, and you’ll find cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and riverside views that feel a bit like a mini London. That contrast — polished yet real, historic yet modern — is exactly what we love about it.

What really stood out to us was the city’s diversity, especially around the main station area. Like London, Frankfurt feels like a true global mix — locals, tourists, and people from all over the world calling it home. That said, as with any major city, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busier areas.

Venture beyond the city, though, and you’ll hit spots like Rüdesheim am Rhein, which are simply breathtaking — rolling vineyards, river cruises, and storybook charm everywhere you look.

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