Between the riverwalk, museums, cathedral and old world architecture there is more than enough to see in one day in Frankfurt.
What to Know before spending one day in Frankfurt
If you’re flying into Europe, there’s a good chance you’ll be traveling through Frankfurt as the fourth largest airport in Europe, and it is a hub for Lufthansa. Whether you’ve got an extended layover, or you are taking a train to your next destination, give yourself some time to explore the sites in downtown Frankfurt.
Languages spoken in Frankfurt
German is the official language of Frankfurt and Germany. However, you will find that in the city center, English is widely spoken. As with any country, I recommend learning a few basic phrases “hello”, “goodbye”, “thank you”, “please”, “I don’t speak ___”. Even if that’s all you have to work with, locals generally appreciate the effort.
How to pay during one day in Frankfurt
The currency in Germany is the Euro. Hotels, the tram, and larger establishments such as cafes and restaurants will take credit cards. Small shops and street food vendors however may only accept euros. Unless you LOVE paying with cash, you do not need to take out a ton of money in euros for most places in Europe. For a 2 week trip, I took out $100-150 worth of Euro at the start of my trip and had to work hard to spend it before I left, since so many places took credit cards.
The best way to get euros is at an ATM tied to an official bank (ex: Deutsche Bank). Non-affiliated ATMs may charge you additional fees. You can find many ATMs at the airport or at the central station.
Do not bring money to exchange at the airport. These “services” will provide a worse exchange rate than an ATM or charge a fee. I recommend setting up a checking account that offers free international transitions. For this, I have a Charles Schwab checking account just for travel to avoid ATM fees.
Tipping in Frankfurt
Often you will find a service fee included in the cost of your meal or drink. If you feel inclined to add more, a small 5-10% tip is standard but not required.
Christmas Markets near Frankfurt
Being the central transport hub of Germany, Frankfurt is a great airport to fly in or out of when visiting Christmas markets in Germany. Whether you explore markets on your own by train, join a tour, or take a river cruise, Frankfurt Germany is an easy option to access so many markets.
- Enjoy a day trip to Heidelberg: A Complete 2024 Guide to the Heidelberg Christmas Market
- Explore the markets in Cologne: A Complete Guide to the Cologne Christmas Market
One day in Frankfurt: How to get to and around the city
How to Get to Frankfurt from the Airport
Frankfurt-am-Main is the larger of the two Frankfurt airports and located right outside the city center. From here, you can easily find public transportation and take the tram from Terminal 1 to the city center.
The S-Bahn S8 or S9 train will take you directly to the central train station. Frankfurt Main, or the central station, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Frankfurt. You’ll easily be able to walk or take a tram to get to the main attractions.
The train takes about 15-20 minutes from the airport to the central station. The cost is approximately €5 per person for a one way ticket.
If public transportation isn’t your thing, taxis are available at the airport. Uber is also utilized throughout Europe, so you can also order one from your phone app. Taxis will take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and can cost €25-€35 to the city center.
One day in Frankfurt by Tram
The tram is a quick and easy way to get around for one day in Frankfurt. The price of a single trip will cost around €2.75. Day passes are also available for a low rate. Tickets can be purchased directly from the kiosk at the tram stop, or a bus driver.
You can also buy a 1 day Frankfurt Card pass for €12 which will provide unlimited trips on the tram and discounts to select museums and tours. These need to be purchased online or at select tourist centers. You can find additional information here.
24 hours in Frankfurt on foot
Frankfurt is an extremely walkable city. It is very flat with well maintained streets and sidewalks. Most of the attractions are within a 15-30 minute walk of the central station or a short walk from a tram stop.
What to see during one day in Frankfurt
Visit the Old Town and Rӧmerberg
Walk, or take the 11/12 tram to the Römer/Paulskirche stop. From there you can have a quick view of St Paul’s Church. This was built in the late 1700s and has a long standing history as a location for political debates and public assembly. It’s best known for its round interior rotunda.
Next walk to the Rӧmerberg square. This is a beautiful representation of old world German architecture. Here you’ll get a picture perfect view of old town Frankfurt with the traditional 17th century half timber houses. Also in the square you’ll find St Nicholas Church, which dates back to the 13th century. And finally, on the opposite side of the fountain is the city hall which has served as the city hall since the early 1400s.
A few blocks from Rӧmerberg, you’ll find the New Frankfurt Old Town. Here, there are a series of buildings built from 2012-2018 as a reconstruction effort to rebuild areas damaged from WWII. They are modern takes on the existing pre-war architecture, but manage to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding buildings.
Visit the Cathedral
As you continue your journey east, make your way to the Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus, or Frankfurt Cathedral. This Catholic church dates back to the 1300s and was a ceremonial church for the Holy Roman Empire during the middle ages. You can visit the main portion of the cathedral for free.
If you’re adventurous I strongly recommend climbing to the top of the tower. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to see 360 degrees around Frankfurt. A few things to note:
- The cost to climb the tower is €3.
- There is no elevator, you’ll need to make it all the way up and back down on your own.
- There are 328 steps to the top. The stairs are in a small, winding staircase with limited windows. If you have issues with claustrophobia, this may not be for you.
- There is only one route up and down, so you’ll need to pass or allow others to pass you.
- The tower closes at 6pm in the late spring/summer season and 5pm in the fall/winter season.
- You can find information on the hours here.
Stroll along the Main River
Frankfurt has a beautiful riverfront along the central portion of the city. Be sure to cross over the Eiserner Steg, or Iron Footbridge for the best views of both sides of the city. In the summer you’ll find street food and beer vendors along the waterfront. There are also restaurants and bars along both sides of the river making this the perfect location to sit back, have a drink and people watch.
If you happen to visit on a weekend in the summer you may also come across a festival taking place with additional vendors and activities.
The south side of the river is also home to a number of museums featuring art, film, and culture. If you have extra time during your 1 day in Frankfurt Germany, check out the Stӓdel Museum.
Where to stay for one night in Frankfurt
If you are planning an overnight stay during your one day in Frankfurt, I recommend you stay central and near a tram stop. If you are taking the train to your next destination, there are a number of budget friendly hotels that are located near the train station.
Europa Style
This is a mid-budget hotel likely geared toward business travelers or short term guests.
The nightly fee includes continental breakfast, which opens early around 630am (perfect for anyone with jetlag), and complimentary beverages in the mini-fridge. The hotel is also only a 10 minute walk, or 2 tram stops, from the train station.
Victoria Hotel
This highly rated hotel is two blocks from the central train station and right near multiple tram stops making it an ideal location to get in and out for a Frankfurt one day visit. The Victoria also boasts excellent service and spacious rooms
Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof
Enjoy a luxury 5 star stay at the historic Steigenberger Hotel. It has a central location midway between the train station and the cathedral, right near the financial district. The hotel also features a spa with Turkish baths.
Additional posts on traveling in Germany
- A Complete 2024 Guide to the Heidelberg Christmas Market
- A Complete Guide to the Cologne Christmas Market
- The Trier Christmas Markets: Everything you need to know
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