Frankfurt is a fairly large city in central Germany and is the country’s financial hub. It’s actually one of the only cities in Germany with skyscrapers! But even with its size, Frankfurt is a very charming place to visit. There’s beautiful architecture, old and new, tons of history, great food, and beautiful sites to see. If you manage to visit during the Christmas/winter season, you’ll be even more blown away by this special place.
I visited Germany for the first time a few months ago and Frankfurt was our first stop. I didn’t know what to expect, especially with it being a known financial hub. But its European charm still shined through. We only spent one day in Frankfurt before moving on to our next destination, but this was enough time for us to get a good feel for what the city had to offer.
Frankfurt is also one of the cheapest cities in Germany to fly into. So if you’re planning to visit the country and Frankfurt wasn’t necessarily on your list, it’s definitely worth adding it just to spend one day exploring before moving on.
Where to Stay in Frankfurt
Frankfurt has many places to stay depending on your budget and your preferred way of travel. Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxury traveler there’s something for you. Here are a few recommendations:
- Libertine Lindenberg– If you’re looking for a little luxury, this unique, boutique hotel is a great option. All of the rooms are designed with beautiful decor, free Wifi and Netflix are offered, and there’s a fitness center.
- Hotel Miramar– This is where we choose to stay. The location couldn’t have been more perfect and this was our selling point. The hotel itself was clean, convenient, and very inexpensive. There was nothing fancy about it, but it was perfectly comfy and cozy for one night.
- Meininger– If you’re on a strict budget and doing the hostel life thing, Meininger has fantastic ratings all around. They have dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms, 24-hour reception, and a convenient location right near the airport.
When to Visit Frankfurt
April through September is known to be the best time to visit Frankfurt. The temperatures in the city are fairly mild with sunny, comfortable days.
During the summer Frankfurt is one of the warmest places in the country, with an average of 75 F but sometimes reaching as high as 90. Thankfully air conditioning is more common in Frankfurt than in other parts of the country. June is the sunniest month, but rain does still occur.
Temperatures during winter can drop below freezing. Snow isn’t uncommon. However, it rarely accumulates. There is a major plus to visiting during the winter months though and I honestly recommend it just because of the magical Christmas Markets.
We went towards the end of November. The temperature was mild and the sun was shining, which made all of the difference. I would suggest this as a perfect time to visit and get to experience this city during the Christmas season.
How to Spend your Day in Frankfurt
This one day itinerary will cover the best of Frankfurt and ensure you spend your short time there wisely. Frankfurt is a beautiful city and is very walkable. It’s a great place to wander around as it’s filled with beautiful architecture, wonderful cafes, and cute neighborhoods. In this itinerary, I’ll be highlighting the best of it!
Start the Day with Breakfast at Hoppenworth & Ploch
Once you get settled in, head to New Old Town, where you’ll discover many historical landmarks, unique medieval-style architecture, and tons of cute shops, restaurants, and cafes. Hoppenworth & Ploch is a wonderful place to start your day and enjoy a nice breakfast.
This cozy cafe is located on an adorable corner, surrounded by other charming restaurants and buildings. This is a great place to go for coffee, fresh pastries, or even something a little heavier, like a panini. We really enjoyed their croissants and fruit & yogurt bowl.
Step Inside the Frankfurt Cathedral
The Frankfurt Cathedral’s construction started in the 13th century but wasn’t entirely completed until 1877. During World War II, destructive air raids destroyed most of the city. Nearly all o the churches in Frankfurt went up in flames. However, the Cathedral remained intact.
Alongside its incredible history, this cathedral’s gothic-style architecture will leave you in awe. Just wait until you step inside and have the opportunity to admire the soaring heights of the arches and stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral is open daily from 9 am-noon and from 1:15 pm- 8 pm. Sundays you’re able to enter anytime from 1 pm- 8 pm.
Stroll Past the Opera House
Just about a 15-minute walk from the cathedral will bring you to Alte Oper Frankfurt, the opera house. Located in a bustling area with a nice public square, the opera house definitely stands out as it’s such a remarkable building.
It opened in 1880 but was rebuilt after the war. Today it hosts a variety of events and concerts. Apparently, in the evenings, there are light effects on the building, illuminating the beautiful architecture. We, unfortunately, missed this as we visited during the day, but I’ve heard that it’s definitely a sight to see!
Take a Walk through Eschenheimer Anlage Park
Right near the opera house is Eschenheimer Anlage park, the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. This park is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city surroundings. While walking through the park you can still see the sky scrappers, along with beautiful fountains and interesting sculptures. Its a very picturesque, beautiful part of Frankfurt.
Get the Best View of Frankfurt from Eiserner Steg- The Iron Footbridge
Walking through Eschenheimer Anlag Park will eventually take you right to the river. The riverfront in Frankfurt is stunning all on its own, with lovely views on either side. However, the view only gets better once you walk along the iron footbridge, also known as the Love Lock Bridge. This bridge has gained a large collection of locks, which people hang from both sides, symbolizing their everlasting love. And from the bridge, you will get amazing views of the Old City skyline as well as the new.
Eat Your Way Through the Christmas Market
After so much walking and sightseeing, you’ll surely have built up an appetite. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, which I couldn’t recommend more, spend your evening at the Christmas market, eating your way through the numerous stalls and indulging on delicious treats.
The Christmas markets in Europe are really like no other. And I found the ones in Germany to be particularly special. If you’re visiting the Christmas market in Frankfurt for the first time, here are some things you must try: mulled wine, a german sausage, potato pancakes, a giant pretzel, and of course, something sweet!
Thank You For Reading
I hope this itinerary has brought you a little inspiration and guidance in planning your time in Frankfurt. It’s a really special city that was honestly never on my radar prior to traveling there. I’m glad I was able to visit and experience this beautiful place and I hope you feel the same way if and when you make it to Frankfurt. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and happy travels!
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