One Day in Frankfurt

Still unsure where you want to travel for your next weekend getaway? Even though Frankfurt has a lot to offer, the city has a reputation for being a destination for business travelers only. It’s known for its banks and its airport, but did you know that there’s a lot more to discover?

Whether you like exploring castles, strolling around the old town or simply relaxing at a nearby café sipping apple wine, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Frankfurt. 

#1 Kleinmarkthalle (Small Market Hall)

If there is one place to learn not only about German food but also about scrumptious foods from across the globe, Kleinmarkthalle is where you should be! With nearly 160 stalls displaying dishes from all over the world, just about every craving is catered to here. Don’t forget to try out the famous Frankfurter Grüne Soße (the Frankfurt green sauce), a traditional condiment made of seven herbs, sour cream, and egg – you have to try this if you have one day in Frankfurt!

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: Mon-Fri (8AM-6PM), Saturdays (8AM-4PM), Sundays closed 
Web page

#2 Hauptwache and MyZeil

Situated right in the heart of the city, Hauptwache is the perfect place to sample daily life in Frankfurt. It is one of the most famous plazas in the city, known for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures. In the mood for some shopping? Go for a stroll on Zeil street – Frankfurt’s long pedestrianized shopping street packed with high-end shops and department stores. 

Address: An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: open 24 hours a day

#3 Bockenheimer Warte Subway

If you’re looking for a unique sight and the perfect photo opportunity, you’ll have to pay a visit to the Bockenheimer Warte subway. Designed by architect Zbigniew Peter Pininski, the entrance to the train station appears to resemble an old railway car bursting from the ground – a truly remarkable piece. The subway station is perfectly safe to use so get in there and snap that selfie we know you desperately need. 

Address: Bockenheimer Landstrasse | Bockenheim, 60325 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany 
Opening times: open 24 hours a day 

#4 Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Opposite the impressive skyline you will find the Museumsufer – a collection of 16 stunning museums situated along the banks of the river Main in Frankfurt that could keep you fascinated and entertained for days. Developed during the 1980s and 1990s, Museumsufer hosts today some of the most important museums in Germany. From film and art to architecture and ethnography, there is a museum to extinguish all your burning curiosities.  

Address: Brückenstraße 3-7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main 
Opening times: Sat-Thu (10AM-6PM), Fridays (10AM-8PM), Mondays closed 
Web page

#5 Climb to the top of the Main Tower

Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s Inner City (Innenstadt) district, the 200m tower is the fourth tallest building in Germany and offers breathtaking views of the entire city. If you happen to be visiting on a Friday or Saturday, the observation deck is open until later – 9PM in winter and 11PM in summer – offering the perfect opportunity to observe Frankfurt surrounded by city lights – for sure of the best things to do when you have one day in Frankfurt!

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: Sun-Thu (10AM-7PM), Fri-Sat (10AM-9PM) 
Web page

#6 Goethe House and Museum

Frankfurt was the birthplace of Germany’s greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Goethe House used to be his family home and offers visitors today a rare glimpse into his family life and childhood years. The interior is furnished with contemporary artefacts, as well as Goethe’s writing room where he completed many of his early works. The Goethe Museum is right next door and displays several artifacts from his life and career.  

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main 
Opening times: Fri-Wed (10AM-6PM, Mondays closed), Thursdays (10AM-9PM) 
Web page

#7 Römerberg: Frankfurt’s Old Town Center 

Römerberg is the most picturesque public square located in the heart of Frankfurt where you’ll find top attractions such as Römer — the city hall — and the 15th-century Old Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church. The photogenic cluster of medieval houses make for some amazing photographs, while the hip cafés and high-end shops invite you in for a well-deserved break. Römerberg is also home to numerous tourist attractions and fun activities, including the well-known Christmas markets.  

Address: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: open 24 hours  

#8 Eiserner Steg   

Frankfurt’s iconic footbridge, Eiserner Steg, connects the city centre with the Sachsenhausen area and is the place to be if you want to admire the Main river and the famous city skyline, also known as Mainhatten. If you’re into photography, walking across Eiserner Steg is one of the essential things for your Frankfurt trip.  

MEININGER Tip: go for a stroll on the bridge at sunset when the sun illuminates the high-rise towers in the Bankenviertel for some amazing views and even more stunning photos. 

Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main 
Opening times: open 24 hours 

#9 Senckenberg Natural History Museum 

Traveling with kids currently undergoing their dinosaur phase? We’ve got just the right place for you: Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the second largest natural history museum in Germany! Along with its numerous biodiversity displays, the museum also houses Europe’s biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs, making it particularly popular with families. Watch out for the life-sized dinosaur models welcoming you right at the entrance.  

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: Mon-Fri (9AM-5PM, Wednesdays 9AM-8PM), Sat-Sun (9AM-6PM) 
Web page

#10 Frankfurt Zoo 

Home to more than 4,500 animals and 510 different species, Frankfurt Zoo is Germany’s second oldest zoo and is known for its excellent animal houses, including the unique Grzimek House with displays of Madagascar’s diverse fauna. Other highlights include the Exotarium, with animals from different climatic regions, including marine life, reptiles, and crocodiles, and the Nocturnal Animals House.  

A variety of events and programs are offered, including family festivals, exhibits, and tours. Make sure to plan your day around the various feeding times, which bring you closer to crocodiles, penguins and seals.  

Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
Opening times: Mon-Fri (9AM-7PM) 
Web page