Frankfurt Travelers Recommend

From a fairytale palace towering over the Rhine River to one of Germany’s oldest forts, there are a number of impressive medieval castles to explore outside Frankfurt and they each make for a great day trip destination. Here are a few of the best.

Greifenstein Castle

With a history dating back to 1226, the imposing stone ruins of Greifenstein Castle rank among Germany’s oldest fortresses, and the once-mighty stronghold is still remarkably preserved. Now a National Historical Landmark, visitors can explore the 12th-century torture chambers, wine cellars and herb gardens, climb the towers and marvel at the unique German Bell Museum.

Eltz Castle

With its majestic turrets, stone-brick towers and dramatic entry bridge, Eltz Castle is a residence fit for royalty, and it’s been the home of the Counts of Eltz ever since the 12th century. Perched atop a 70-meter cliff and surrounded by dense woodlands, the journey to the castle is as jaw-dropping as the lavish interiors, and visitors can tour the period-style rooms, including an armory room, a hunting room and the medieval kitchens.

Heidelberg Castle

Standing watch over the city from its hilltop perch, the striking pink sandstone facade of Heidelberg Castle is a romantic sight, framed by forested slopes. The most photogenic viewpoint is looking out over the Old Bridge across the Rhine, but it's worth riding the funicular to the top too, where you can admire the 13th-century Gothic-Renaissance ruins, stroll through the castle gardens and view the legendary Heidelberg Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel.

Schwetzingen Castle

Built as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Bavaria in the 18th century on the site of a medieval moated castle, Schwetzingen Castle is lavishly decorated with original furnishings and features an exquisite Rococo theater. The palace is most renowned for its stunning Baroque-style gardens, which include a formal French garden, an English-style park, a monumental mosque and Turkish garden, plus a vast series of sculptures.

With three days in Frankfurt, you’ll have plenty of time to tour the city’s historic monuments and museums, and to explore farther afield. To maximize your time, look for tours that combine multiple attractions in one day or take advantage of money-saving deals and sightseeing passes. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Shopping and Sightseeing

Joining a guided sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get your bearings and make sure you don’t miss anything. Listen to the onboard commentary as you drive through Frankfurt’s Financial District, past historic sites like the Frankfurt Stock Exchange building and the Eschenheimer Tower, and towering skyscrapers like the Main Tower.

Jump out to explore the Altstadt (Old Town) on foot, starting at the main square, the Römerberg. After admiring landmarks like the Rathaus (Town Hall), St. Nicholas Church, and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, stroll along the Zeil, Frankfurt’s main shopping boulevard, and browse the stalls at the Kleinmarkthalle, Frankfurt’s daily food market.

Continue sightseeing into the evening with a scenic cruise along the Main River and enjoy dinner onboard as you admire the illuminated skyline from the water.

Day 2: Explore the Rhine Valley

The UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley is the most scenic stretch of the Rhine River, flowing between Mainz and Koblenz. Set sail aboard a traditional steamer and cruise past the vineyards, medieval towns and mountaintop castles of the Rhine. Stop along the way to visit historic Rudesheim and the landmark Loreley Rock, enjoy wine tasting at a family-run winery, or savor lunch with a view at a riverfront restaurant.

You can choose to explore this region on a full-day cruise from Frankfurt or opt for a Rhine River cruise pass and take in the sights at your own pace. Alternatively, combine an afternoon cruise along the Rhine with a morning visit to Heidelberg, where highlights include the hilltop Heidelberg Castle and the picturesque Old Town.

Day 3: Parks and Museums

Frankfurter’s Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment, stretches along the south bank of the Main River and is home to 13 museums. Spend the morning admiring the artworks at the Städel Museum, visit the German Museum of Architecture or the German Film Museum, or browse the exhibitions at the Museum of World Cultures.

In the afternoon, enjoy a change of pace and take a walk around the Palmengarten, one of the largest botanical gardens in Germany. Alternatively, pay a visit to Frankfurt Zoo, where the 4,500 animal residents include tigers, giraffes, gibbons, and rhinos.

On your final evening, head into the atmospheric Sachsenhausen district, where the cobbled lanes are filled with restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs. Perhaps enjoy a dinner of traditional Frankfurt cuisine, sample the city’s famous apfelwein (apple wine) at one of the historic wine taverns, then go bar-hopping along Dreieichstrasse and Bruckenstrasse.

Two days in Frankfurt give you time to explore the city’s historic center, visit museums, or even spend a morning in nearby Heidelberg. Planning your trip in advance is the best way to maximize your time and will allow you to take advantage of super-saver deals or sightseeing passes. Here are your options.

Day 1: Hop Around Frankfurt

Morning: A walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour is the most convenient way to take in the central sights. Look up at the gleaming skyscrapers of Frankfurt’s Financial District, see landmarks like Eschenheimer Tower and the New Opera House, or take a stroll around the Palmengarten botanical garden.

Afternoon: Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Old Town, then visit the Römerberg, Frankfurt’s main square, where highlights include St. Paul's Church, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, and a series of striking half-timbered buildings. Nearby, pay a visit to Goethe House, the former home of writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Night: Set sail along the Main River on an evening sightseeing cruise around Frankfurt. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard and sample traditional Frankfurter cuisine as you float past glittering skyscrapers and illuminated landmarks.

Day 2: Markets and Museums

Morning: A morning tour of the medieval town of Heidelberg is one option, or else join locals at the Kleinmarkthalle, the city’s main market hall, where you can taste local sausages, green sauce (yogurt and sour cream with herbs) and handkäse (sour milk cheese). Afterward, browse the shops along the Zeil, Frankfurt’s principal shopping boulevard and the best place to pick up some souvenirs.

Afternoon: On the south bank of the river, Frankfurt’s Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), is home to 13 museums. Combination tickets are available for those visiting multiple museums. Some of the most popular include the Städel Art Institute, the German Film Museum, and the Museum of World Cultures.

Night: Sample Frankfurt’s famous apfelwein (apple wine) at a traditional wine tavern in the Sachsenhausen district, just south of the Museumsufer. The historic district is most lively after dark when a wide selection of bars, pubs, and jazz clubs stay open until late.

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip, stopping en route to the Rhine Valley, or making the most of a layover, one day in Frankfurt is just enough time to these the highlights. There’s no time to spare, so plan your itinerary in advance, pre-book tickets for must-see attractions, or choose a tour that covers it all. Here are your options.

Morning: Hop Around Frankfurt

Maximize your time in Frankfurt by joining a guided city tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour, which takes the hassle out of navigating a new city. Listen to the onboard commentary as you drive along the riverside, stopping at the museum embankment and crossing the Friedensbruecke (Peace Bridge).

Continue through Frankfurt’s Financial District, the largest in Germany, where the 19th-century Frankfurt Stock Exchange building stands amid a sea of skyscrapers. Look for landmarks like the Goethe House (birthplace of author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe), the Eschenheimer Tower (part of the city’s late-medieval fortifications), and the New Opera House, and perhaps climb the Main Tower for a spectacular view over the city.

Afternoon: Explore the Römerberg

The highlight of any Frankfurt tour is the Römerberg, the lively main square located at the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town). Lined with medieval half-timbered buildings, this area is home to the old and new Town Halls, the 12th-century St. Nicholas Church, and the Historical Museum.

A short stroll away, St. Paul's Church and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral are both worth a peek, while the Zeil is Frankfurt’s principal shopping boulevard. Be sure to stop by Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle, the main market hall, where you can sample local specialties from Frankfurter sausages to Frankfurter Kranz (cream cake).

Night: Cruise the Main River

Frankfurt’s modern skyline is even more impressive by night, and the best views are from the water. Set sail on an evening cruise along the Main River and enjoy a delicious dinner on board as you float past the glittering skyscrapers and illuminated landmarks.

If you’ve still got energy to spare after your cruise, the Sachsenhausen district is the most atmospheric place to experience Frankfurt’s nightlife. Sip a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine) at one of the historic wine taverns or join locals at one of the many bars or jazz clubs along Dreieichstrasse and Brückenstrasse.

Southern Germany’s endlessly scenic Romantic Road winds through the foothills of the Bavarian Alps and the former Imperial cities of Rothenburg, Donauworth, and Dinkelsbuhl. Whether you’re starting your journey in Munich or Frankfurt, here are a few ways to explore Bavaria’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed attractions along the pretty route.

Tours from Munich

If time is short, a full-day round-trip tour from Munich is a great way to see the key sights of the Romantic Road with ease. After meeting your guide, you’ll head straight out of the city and into the Bavarian countryside. Admire sweeping views over the dense forests and soaring peaks, and stop in the medieval towns of Harburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Along the way, discover top attractions such as 11th-century Harburg Castle and St. Jakob’s Church, and enjoy free time to explore the cobbled lanes at your leisure.

If you have more time to spare, 4-day tours run from Munich to Frankfurt. Soak up the atmosphere in historic Augsburg and Rothenburg, and explore famous sights including Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace near Hohenschwangau. On these multi-day excursions, the pace is a bit more relaxed and there’s more time to spend at each destination.

Tours from Frankfurt

Choose a full-day tour from central Frankfurt to travel along the banks of the Neckar River to Rothenburg, visit imposing fortresses such as Heidelberg Castle and 18th-century Schwetzingen Castle, or roll along the Spessart mountain roads to Wurzburg, home to baroque architecture and vineyards. Alternatively, take in two top attractions on a super-saver tour, and visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg in one day.

On a multi-day tour from Frankfurt to Munich, follow the Romantic Road through Bavaria and the mythical Black Forest. Explore historic towns like Fussen, Heidelberg, Rothenburg, and Singen, and visit natural highlights such as Lake Constance and the Rhine River. During your tour, stop at popular landmarks including Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle, and gain insight into centuries of Bavarian history and heritage.

Things to Know

• From Munich, you can choose either a full-day, round-trip Romantic Road tour or a multi-day one-way tour to Frankfurt.

• Munich is 154 miles (248 kilometers) from Rothenburg, about a 3-hour drive.

• From Frankfurt, choose from a broad range of Romantic Road tour options ranging from 8-hour day trips to 7-day adventures.

• Frankfurt is 109 miles (176 kilometers) from Rothenburg, about a 2.5-hour drive.

• Day tours typically include entrance fees, guide, and transportation by air-conditioned bus.

• Multi-day tours typically include 3-star hotel accommodations, activity fees, and meals.

From the towering spires of Cologne’s UNESCO-listed cathedral to the traditional wine taverns of Mainz, Germany’s Rhine (Rhein) Valley has plenty of world-class sights. Here are some of the best ways to see the scenic Rhine Valley from Frankfurt.

Day Trips

Spend the day seeing some of southern Germany’s loveliest sights on a day trip from Frankfurt to riverside Heidelberg. Soak up the many sights and flavors of Germany by visiting castle ruins, seeing medieval villages and vineyards, cruising along the UNESCO-listed Rhine River, and sampling local food and wine. Arranged transportation and stops on a prebooked tour takes the guesswork out of visiting the Rhine Valley.

Combo Tours

Combine a scenic Rhine river cruise or drive through the Rhine River Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a trip to nearby Heidelberg, home to one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval castles and one of its oldest universities. Other combo tours pair wine tasting through the valley with a river cruise; a city tour and a boat trip; and a cable car ride plus dinner.

Things to Know

• The Rhine is one of Germany’s most popular cruise destinations, and nearby Frankfurt makes a convenient starting point for tours.

• Day trips can last upwards of 11 hours, so be prepared for a long day.

• A combo tour can be one of the most economical way to experience the area’s must-sees.

• A private tour gives you the flexibility to customize your own itinerary.