How to Spend 2 Days in Frankfurt, Germany

Last updated on February 11th, 2025 at 06:09 pm

Frankfurt is nicknamed “Mainhattan.” The Main River flows through Germany’s financial capital, which features one of Europe’s most impressive skylines. But Frankfurt offers much more than the beating financial heart of Europe’s largest economy.

Frankfurt is the initial gateway to Germany for many visitors. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest train station and Frankfurt Airport is the fourth busiest on the continent.

Travelers can easily enjoy 2 days in Frankfurt before moving on to explore more of Germany or elsewhere. Frankfurt is also a great base for day trips to beautiful Heidelberg, Mainz (home to the Gutenberg Museum) or the nearby spa town of Bad Vilbel.

Frankfurt welcomes visitors with a great culinary scene, world class museums and an interesting contrast between centuries old traditions and its modern skyline. The city has world class public transportation, and a smart focus on sustainability. Frankfurt draws around 40 million visitors a year for conferences. Tourism is an emerging sector and 2 days in Frankfurt allows you to take in many of the sites.

Frankfurt Walking Tours

There are many free walking tours in Germany, in major cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and more. Usually the groups are capped at around 15-20 people. You just need to book a spot in advance by entering your email, as the tours can fill up. The concept works by tipping the guide at the conclusion of the walking tour. It is typically recommended to tip around €10 – €20 per person.

I’ve enjoyed some great free walking tours during my travels. They are a fantastic way to gain knowledge about a city. Expert city guides also share the best places to eat, drink and offer money saving tips too. So book a walking tour at the beginning of your visit to Frankfurt to learn, orientate yourself and get the most value from the experience.

As I was on media visit, I received a private tour of Frankfurt from local guide Jens-Peter Meyer with City Tours Frankfurt. Jens has a background in political science and frequently gives tours to media and business professionals. His website is only in German, but he offers private tours in English and French as well. My private tour covered Frankfurt’s business district, the financial district, Romerberg and Sachsenhausen. A Frankfurt walking tour offers an opportunity to tailor and maximize 2 days in Frankfurt.

Main Tower offers a Bird’s Eye View Overlooking Frankfurt

There is no better place to get a great view of Frankfurt’s skyline than the observatory on the 55th floor of the Main Tower, Frankfurt’s highest vantage point. The observation deck is well suited to take great selfies of Frankfurt’s impressive skyline as there is a deck below, so there’s no need for a big fence to obstruct your view. Visitors get wonderful views of Romerberg (Frankfurt’s historic center), the skyline, Main River, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and more.

Typically I would advise people to visit an observation deck just before sunset to take in the scenery as daylight transitions to night. But be advised that if you want to do this expect to wait so allow an hour to be on the safe side. If you don’t want to potentially wait in line, visit when Main Tower opens at 10 am. You can also enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails at Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge, a great date idea. It is excellent value to visit Main Tower too!

Admission Prices for Main Tower

Admission Prices

*Reduced price concession tickets can be purchased directly at Main Tower ticket counter. The concessionary price applies to school pupils, students, elders and persons with severe disabilities. Be sure to bring a valid ID for reduced price tickets.

Frankfurt River Cruise Along the Main River

Another great way to enjoy 2 days in Frankfurt is embarking on a river cruise down the Main River. Boats depart from multiple docks near Eisener Steg (Iron Bridge) regularly, with options of 50, 60 and 100-minute cruises. Tickets can be purchased from ticket outlets along the Main River prior to the cruise.

Especially when the weather is good, a river cruise is picturesque and relaxing to enjoy Frankfurt. Gab a drink at the bar and sit on the ship’s outdoor deck. If you go towards Gerbermühle, you have the option to get off the boat and spend an hour there. In summer you might want to purchase tickets in advance to be on the safe side, but I just rocked up 15 minutes before a 1pm cruise departed and bought my ticket.

A great idea for romantic night is a Frankfurt dinner cruise on the River Main. Soak up the city’s striking skyline over a 4-course dinner that features seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a live performance from the Riversight Dinner Duo as you cruise. The Frankfurt dinner cruise costs from $85.49 USD per person.

Römerberg

Römerberg is the historic center of Frankfurt that was re-built in 1986, as much of the center of Frankfurt was destroyed during World War II. A highlight of Römerberg is the traditional half-timbered architectural style. Recently, the second part of the historic city center was rebuilt, with 15 out of 28 houses built as original reconstructions.

Romerberg is a great place to have lunch, dinner, or a drink outside when the weather is good. If all the outside tables are full, another popular place in the area with a nice view from the terrace is Paulaner Dom, next to Frankfurter Dom. It’s a must when spending 2 days in Frankfurt.

Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen is a historic neighborhood just across the Main River from Romerberg. This neighborhood wasn’t bombed as heavily during the war and features many buildings that have been around for centuries.

Sachsenhausen is also where some of Frankfurt’s hippest bars and most traditional restaurants are located. Walk across the Eisener Steg (Iron Bridge) around sunset for dramatic views of the sun setting over Frankfurt.

Enjoy Apple Wine (Apfelwein) and Green Sauce (Grüne Soße) in a Traditional Restaurant

Apple wine has been a popular drink in Frankfurt for over 250 years. If you have a small group, consider ordering apple wine the traditional way, from a bembel. A traditional bembel is a large ceramic jug decorated in blue and white colors.

Daheim Lorsbacher Thal in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood is an excellent place to enjoy apfelwein and delicious food. They serve over 200 varieties of apple wine. You can also choose a sample menu that pairs four traditional small dishes with four small apple wines.

Frankfurt’s Traditional Green Sauce

Frankfurt’s Grüne Soße (green sauce) is a typical local dish not found elsewhere in Germany. It’s a tasty vitamin rich probiotic blend of 7 herbs mixed with sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt and topped with hard boiled eggs and chives. It’s typically served cold and sometimes even paired with schnitzel on Frankfurt menus.

Kleinemarkethalle

The Kleinemarkethalle is a great place to grab a quick lunch or snack. This historic indoor market is the place to go for fresh produce, nuts, spices, meats and more. Also popular at the Kleinemarkethalle are Frankfurters, sausages traditionally made with pork meat and enjoyed in Frankfurt since the 13th century.

Consider joining the queue at Metzgerei Schreiber, an iconic sausage stall that hasn’t changed the way they operate since 1954. But avoid going during lunch hours as the line is very long. My guide Jens informed me that the sausages from the quieter stall just across are equally good. So if the line looks longer than 10-15 minutes at Metzgerei Schreiber, go elsewhere if you want a quick takeaway sausage, especially if you just have 2 days in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom)

Many emperors and kings were once crowned inside Frankfurt Cathedral. Buried in the vast chapels and cloisters are many royals and members of important families of the Middle Ages. Like much of Frankfurt, Frankfurt Cathedral was re-built following World War II.

Frankfurt Museums

Frankfurt is packed with great museums, and the choice of which ones you should visit comes down to personal preference. Most people should pick one or two museums to visit on a 2-day visit to Frankfurt. Here are several of the most famous to choose from.

Goethe House

The Goethe House is one of the most popular museums in Frankfurt. The museum is the re-built house where famous writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born in 1749. Goethe spent his childhood and most of his youth in the house on the Großer Hirschgraben. In his parents’ home, Goethe created his impressive early works, including ‘Götz von Berlichingen’, the original version of ‘Faust’ and ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther.’ These made him world famous overnight.

Goethe then accepted the invitation of Hereditary Prince Carl August of Saxony Weimar-Eisenach to Weimar in 1775. The unique atmosphere of the originally furnished rooms showcase Goethe family life as well as 18th century Frankfurt life. Goethe House is a great place to visit for those interested in literary history, art and antiques.

Frankfurt Opera

The “Old Opera” dates back to 1880. The building was destroyed during bombings on March 23rd, 1944. It reopened after extensive reconstruction on August 28th, 1981. Alte Oper is a great place to enjoy a concert so check the schedule on their website. There’s great fine dining with outdoor terraces next to the Opera House as well. It’s worth at least strolling by to admire the architecture.

Where to Stay For Your 2 Days in Frankfurt

I stayed at 25hours Hotel the Trip. Each floor of 25hours Hotel The Trip is themed with adventurous journeys and legendary expeditions. This stylish hotel is packed with modern amenities and a comfortable bed. You can make use of a fashionable day bag hanging in the room to carry belongings around town.

Amenities include a rooftop igloo sauna, cinema, reading room and a psychedelic meeting room. Rooms start at around $95 per night. They also have multiple suites, including the 61 sq meter Macchu Picchu Suite with a kitchenette.

Buffet breakfasts at the adjoining restaurant, Bar Shuka, where “Israel meets Palestine” are one of the best I’ve come across. Items like freshly carved prosciutto and parma ham, smoked salmon, artisan breads and shakshuka (eggs poached in tomatoes, chili peppers and garlic, spiced with cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and nutmeg) are among the highlights. There’s also a press to make fresh squeezed orange juice, along with fresh mint and spices. Breakfasts are definitely worthwhile, as it’s superior to some luxury hotels I’ve stayed in.

Luxury Hotels in Frankfurt

Jumeriah Frankfurt

For a luxury stay, the Jumeriah Frankfurt is an excellent choice. The spacious rooms and suites at Jumeirah Frankfurt offer fantastic views of Frankfurt’s skyline and the Taunus hills. All rooms feature a 42-inch TV, Nespresso coffee machine, efficient climate control system and a large painting by the contemporary artist Hartwig Ebersbach. Tropical rain showers and 2 saunas can be found in the Jumeirah’s spa area

The Römer Square is 2,300 feet away. Hauptwache Underground and S-Bahn Train Station is only 350 feet from the Frankfurt Jumeirah Hotel.

Steigenberger Hotel Metropolitan

The 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Metropolitan offers spacious rooms with iPod station, a stylish health club, and free WiFi. Rooms also include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mini-bar, and a granite décor bathroom. The hotel is next to Frankfurt Central Station, a 10-minute walk from the Frankfurt Messe Exhibition Center.

The Metropolitan Health Club features a sauna, steam room, and gym. A range of massages can also be booked here. The Steigenberger’s Brasserie M restaurant offers an international menu.

Frankfurt Tips: The Frankfurt Card

Consider buying a Frankfurt card to easily jump on and off Frankfurt’s excellent public transportation system. The Frankfurt Card allows you to use the city’s public transport system free of charge and also offers discounts on admission to museums, sightseeing tours and many other attractions. A free glass of apple wine is included too! Frankfurt Cards are available as single or group tickets and are available at tourist information offices, located at Main Train Station and Römerberg.

1 day individual Frankfurt card: €11

2 day individual Frankfurt card: €16

1 day group ticket (up to 5 people): €23

2 day group ticket (up to 5 people): €33

More details on the Frankfurt Card can be found on the Frankfurt tourism website.

Day Trips from Frankfurt

There is a lot to experience near Frankfurt, including visiting the nearby spa town of Bad Vilbel. I did not visit Bad Vilbel and instead visited Mainz, which is just over 30 minutes by train from Frankfurt.

Mainz is the capital and largest city in Rhineland-Palatinate. Johannes Gutenberg, the founder of the printing press, ran his business from Mainz, which is also where he was born. I visited the Gutenberg Museum and enjoyed the centuries old rare books and printing presses. Among the highlights are two first edition Gutenberg printing press bibles. Mainz also has an impressive and historic old town, as archbishops became chancellors and electors of the Holy Roman Empire there in the 14th century.

I also spent a couple days in Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. It’s especially picturesque with the autumn foliage. Heidelberg is just an hour south of Frankfurt by train. It’s a university town, with a fun bar scene to pair with the charming surroundings.

You can also book a half day Heidelberg tour from Frankfurt. Travel in an air conditioned coach from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. The tour covers Heidelberg Castle and the beautiful Renaissance architecture in the Old Town. You will see the Karl Theodor Bridge, Church of the Holy Spirit and the world’s largest wine barrel.

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Disclosure: I was hosted by the Frankfurt Tourism office and 25 Hours Hotel the Trip for the Frankfurt portion of my trip, but all photos and opinions expressed here are my own. Also, this article contains some affiliate links.