Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub, is renowned for its impressive skyline. The city is home to towering skyscrapers such as the Main Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The historic Römerberg Square, with its charming medieval architecture, beautifully contrasts with contemporary structures. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Museumsufer's rich array of museums, while food lovers can indulge in local specialities like Apfelwein and Frankfurter Würstchen. Additionally, the city serves as a gateway to scenic Rhine Valley excursions. With its mix of culture, cuisine, and commerce, Frankfurt offers a dynamic and multifaceted experience for every visitor. We have culled together all Frankfurt's impressive and unmissable bits in a 3-day itinerary. You can peruse the agenda and then plan your visit for a thorough exploration in a matter of 3 days.
Start your Frankfurt adventure in the historical heart of the city, Römerberg. This charming square, lined with half-timbered houses, is the perfect place to experience the city's medieval ambience. Explore the Römer, Frankfurt's iconic city hall with its distinctive stepped gables. Be sure to visit the Alte Nikolaikirche, a beautiful Gothic church with a peaceful atmosphere. For breakfast, make your way to the nearby Kleinmarkthalle, a lively indoor market offering a variety of local specialities. Don't forget to try a traditional Frankfurter Würstchen (sausage) with freshly baked bread.
Kleinmarkthalle address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
After exploring the Old Town, cross the Main River to the Museumsufer, a cluster of some of the best museums in Germany. Start with the Städel Museum, home to an impressive collection of European art spanning seven centuries. Next, visit the German Film Museum to dive into the history of cinema. For lunch, you can stop by the café at the Museum of Applied Arts, which offers a relaxing garden setting and a menu of light, fresh dishes.
As the sun sets, head to Sachsenhausen, known for its lively apple cider taverns, or "Apfelweinwirtschaften." Enjoy a hearty dinner at Atschel, a traditional tavern where you can try dishes such as Grüne Soße (green sauce) with boiled eggs and potatoes or Handkäse mit Musik (a cheese dish with onions and vinegar). Pair your meal with a glass of Apfelwein (apple wine) for a quintessential Frankfurt experience. After dinner, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and perhaps visit another tavern to sample more local cider.
Atschel address: Wallstraße 7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 12 pm to 11:30 pm
Begin your day by visiting the Main Tower, one of Frankfurt's tallest buildings. Ride the elevator to the observation deck for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the surrounding region. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Taunus Mountains. Then, take a stroll along the Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping street. Here, you can explore a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to large department stores. For a mid-morning snack, make a pit stop at a bakery such as Kamps for a freshly baked pretzel or a slice of Frankfurter Kranz, a decadent layered cake.
After that, head to the Palmengarten, which is Frankfurt's beautiful botanical garden. Take a walk through the various themed gardens and greenhouses, each featuring plants from different climates around the world. It's a perfect place for a relaxing walk or a picnic. For lunch, the garden's café offers a variety of light meals, ideal for enjoying in the peaceful surroundings. Alternatively, you can bring a packed lunch to enjoy on one of the many benches in the garden.
Address: Palmengarten der Stadt, Siesmayerstraße 63, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
In the evening, you can explore the cultural district around Willy-Brandt-Platz. If you're a fan of classical music, you can catch a performance at the Alte Oper, Frankfurt's renowned opera house. For a casual evening, you might consider visiting the English Theatre Frankfurt for a play or musical. This area has plenty of dinner options, ranging from upscale dining at the OpernTurm Restaurant to cosy Italian fare at Casa Nova. If you prefer something more modern, try Emma Metzler for contemporary German cuisine with an innovative twist.
Emma Metzler address: Schaumainkai 17, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm
On your last day, take a short train ride to the nearby city of Mainz. This charming city is known for its well-preserved old town and historical significance. Start at the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the printing press inventor. Visit the beautiful Mainz Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. For breakfast, visit a local café like Kaffeekommune, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries.
Kaffeekommune address: Breidenbacherstraße 9, 55116 Mainz, Germany
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
After exploring Mainz, you can take a scenic cruise along the Rhine River. This leisurely journey provides picturesque views of vineyards, castles, and charming villages along the riverbanks. Many cruises offer traditional German dishes and local wines, and lunch on board is a wonderful way to experience a different side of the region and appreciate its natural beauty.
Return to Frankfurt in the late afternoon. For your final evening, consider treating yourself to a memorable dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant such as Villa Merton, known for its innovative use of regional ingredients. Alternatively, for a more relaxed setting, you could visit the traditional Frankfurt tavern, Zum Gemalten Haus, in Sachsenhausen for one last taste of local fare. Conclude your trip with a leisurely walk along the Main River, taking in the illuminated skyline as you reflect on your journey through this vibrant city.
Villa Merton address: Am Leonhardsbrunn 12, 60487 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 12 pm to 2 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm
Zum Gemalten Haus address: Schweizer Str. 67, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Timings: 11 am to 12 pm
Indian nationals travelling to Germany for up to 90 days require a pre-approved Schengen visa, also known as a "short-term visa" or "C visa." Due to increased demand, longer wait times for appointments and visa processing may occur. Required documents include a completed application form, valid passport, recent photos, proof of residency in India, proof of travel, proof of accommodation, and Schengen travel health insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Travelling to Frankfurt from India is convenient, with multiple options for travellers. The most common way is by air, with several airlines offering direct flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of Europe's busiest international hubs. An average flight costs INR 26,000 (USD 312) to INR 43,000 (USD 515). Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, travellers can easily reach the city centre via efficient public transport, including trains, buses, and taxis. The airport's well-connected network ensures a smooth transition to your final destination within Frankfurt or beyond.