How Many Days In Frankfurt Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Germany soon? You might be wondering how many days in Frankfurt is enough.

The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the city.

If you’re interested in fully exploring the city, we suggest spending at least two days in Frankfurt.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Germany has to offer, such as sampling local apple wine, exploring museums and galleries, or enjoying the incredible shopping.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Frankfurt is more than enough.

But if you’d like to slow things down, have a little more time to spend at each attraction, and take a day trip to somewhere close by, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Frankfurt instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Frankfurt you’ll need.

You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Frankfurt’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Frankfurt

Deciding how long to spend in Frankfurt can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Frankfurt, make a list of the things you want to do in the city, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Frankfurt you’ll need.

That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Frankfurt.

Are you planning on staying in Frankfurt, or do you want to use Frankfurt as a base to explore the city?

Frankfurt can be a good base for exploring the city, but it really depends on what you want to do while in Germany.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.

If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.

If you want to get to Frankfurt early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.

Things To Do In Frankfurt And Its Surroundings

Frankfurt is a popular destination for culture and history enthusiasts, as well as business travelers and foodies.

The city also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting ancient castles close by and exploring the financial district and the old town.

You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your Frankfurt itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Frankfurt you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or someone who wants to explore the region outside of the city further – then 4 days in the Frankfurt area will definitely suit you better than 2.

There is so much to do here that Frankfurt is worth visiting for a weekend at least.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus?

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Frankfurt.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

That said, if you’re going to Frankfurt directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.

You could also purchase the Frankfurt card if you wish to use public transportation to get around.

Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

What To Do In Frankfurt

Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Frankfurt, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

Visit Old Town

A great activity to do when in Frankfurt is to visit the old town, or the Altstadt as it’s known in German.

This is a charming and historic neighborhood with quant and unique houses. Around here you can see the iconic Romerberg square and Frankfurt City Hall.

Take a stroll through the historic Römerberg, the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town, and marvel at the stunning Gothic-style Frankfurt Cathedral and the old town hall.

A popular activity is visiting the old town and enjoying a beer-tasting experience.

Through a tour, you can get into the German drinking culture by sampling several local beers and craft brews. All while taking in the beauty of the old town.

Suggested time: 2 – 4 hours

Stroll Along The River Main

A relaxing activity for your trip to Frankfurt is a stroll along the River Main. This river runs through the city and you can enjoy stunning views from along its banks.

There are lots of different activities on offer here, including renting a bike or simply strolling along the river bank.

A highlight of this area is joining a boat tour along the Main River. From here you will be treated to a completely different view of Frankfurt and learn more about the city’s history.

Suggested time: 4 hours

Visit The Frankfurt Cathedral

The Frankfurt Cathedral, otherwise known as Kaiserdom, is a must-see while you are in the area.

This is located at the heart of the city and is a Gothic cathedral that is a stunning sight to behold. During a visit to the cathedral, you can climb to the top of its tower for panoramic views of the whole city of Frankfurt.

The architecture of this cathedral is incredibly impressive and the intricate stonework and stained glass windows provide ample opportunities for photography.

This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Frankfurt and therefore is a popular and busy tourist destination, so make sure you visit it easily during the day to avoid the crowds.

The interior of the 700-year-old cathedral is equally impressive, with plenty of marble sculptures and impressive artwork.

Suggested time: 1 hour

Try Local Cuisine

Something that makes Frankfurt popular is the array of amazing food and drinks on offer here.

The area is well known for its traditional German cuisine, so it’s a great look into the culture of Germany through food.

Here you must try Frankfurt’s famous sausages, Frankfurter Würstchen, and their Handkäse mit Musik which is a regional cheese dish.

During your time in Frankfurt, you must try apple wine. This area has a long history of producing apple wine which is a drink made from local apples and contains alcohol.

If traditional German cuisine doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can also find a wide range of international food options in the city’s many restaurants and cafes.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Explore The Museumsufer

This area is home to some of the best museums in Frankfurt and Germany alike. Here you will find something for everyone as there is a wide variety of topics covered by each museum.

The Städel Museum is a must-see and is one of the most important art museums in all of Germany. It is home to a collection of art from the middle ages to the present day.

The Museum Embankment is also home to the German Film Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, which are both worth a visit.

Suggested time: half a day

Best Time To Visit Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dream destination for history enthusiasts and foodies alike. But when is the best time to go to Frankfurt to get the most out of your stay?

The ideal time to visit Frankfurt is in spring or winter. Although summer is warm and pleasant, it can sometimes get too hot and be overly crowded.

Since Frankfurt doesn’t have any beaches, it’s not the ideal place to be on a hot summer’s day.

Visiting Frankfurt in winter or spring offers bright, crisp days and fewer tourists.

Final Thoughts On Frankfurt Trips

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Frankfurt is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!

We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Frankfurt.

Not sure when is the best time to visit Frankfurt? We recommend you visit Frankfurt between April and May or September and October.

Traveling to Germany soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Cologne itinerary
• German SIM cards
• Berlin in winter