Is Frankfurt worth visiting? I’ve asked myself this question more than once. My first visit was over 35 years ago, when I passed through the city as a teenager. Since then, I’ve returned twice, most recently spending 2.5 weeks here and making Frankfurt my home base for day trips across Germany.
Frankfurt am Main is not the fairy-tale Germany many travellers imagine. It’s modern, business-driven, and marked by a skyline of glass towers. Yet it also has layers that reveal themselves slowly—timbered houses around Römerberg, afternoons along the Main River, apple wine taverns tucked into Sachsenhausen.
I’ve come to see Frankfurt as both practical and quietly rewarding. It may not sweep you away at first glance, but for the right traveller, it offers culture, history, and unmatched connections to the rest of Europe.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read my Affiliate Disclosure.
First Impressions of Frankfurt
My first memories of Frankfurt go back to my teenage years. Back then, the city was nightlife. I wasn’t looking at architecture or history—I was chasing moments with friends.
Coming back as an adult, Frankfurt feels very different. It’s a city of contrasts. On one side, sleek skyscrapers line the skyline, a reminder that this is Europe’s financial hub. On the other hand, the Römerberg and Altstadt offer timbered houses, cobbled streets, and a glimpse of centuries past.
Frankfurt doesn’t mirror other German cities. In Berlin, where I once lived for three months, I found a sense of home. Berlin oozes with history. It’s got a cool vibe with a little creativity, rebellion and grit.
Frankfurt feels more businesslike, yet softened by weekend strolls along the Main River or quiet hours exploring the Old Town.
Who Will Love Frankfurt?
For Slow Travellers
Frankfurt rewards a slower pace. I loved walking the promenades along the Main River, where locals cycle, stroll, and linger with coffee in hand. Neighbourhood cafés in Sachsenhausen or Nordend invite you to sit longer than you planned. And with the train station at the city’s heart, day trips couldn’t be easier. From here, I reached the Rhine Valley, Wiesbaden, Mainz, and even Heidelberg in under an hour.
For History and Architecture Lovers
The city’s past is written in its streets. Römerberg square, with its half-timbered houses, feels like a step back in time—though much of it was carefully reconstructed after the war. There is no denying that the Römerberg Square is one of the most attractive squares, and one of my favourites in Germany. Goethe’s birthplace adds another layer, connecting you with one of Germany’s greatest writers.
For Culture Seekers
Frankfurt is rich in culture. The Museumsufer alone could fill days, with its collection of world-class museums along the riverbank. The city also thrives on performance: opera, galleries, and seasonal festivals. When I visited, I caught the Jazz Festival and the time before that, the Christmas Markets.
For Food and Drink Enthusiasts
Food in Frankfurt is about contrasts. Traditional taverns serve apple wine and Hessian specialties, hearty and distinct. But the city’s dining scene is more international than many expect—less about sausages and stews, more about global flavours reflecting its diverse community. You can eat your way around the world without leaving Frankfurt.
Reasons Frankfurt Is Worth Visiting
A Perfect Base for Day Trips
When I stayed in Frankfurt for 2.5 weeks, I quickly realized how ideal it was as a base. The central station connects you to nearly everywhere in Germany. With the high-speed ICE trains and efficient regional lines, I explored charming towns and cities without ever needing a car. From here, I slipped into Wiesbaden for a spa day, admired half-timbered streets in Tubingen, and reached the Rhine Valley in less than an hour. The convenience is unmatched.
Riverside Charm
The Main River brings a softness to Frankfurt’s sharper edges. I often walked its promenades, watching joggers and cyclists pass by. The bridges make it easy to crisscross the river, each offering a different view of the skyline. From certain angles, the mix of glass towers and spires is striking.
Modern City Energy
Sometimes you just crave that big city energy, and Frankfurt delivers. The skyline rises above the city in a way few German cities do, and from the Main Tower, you see the full sweep of glass and steel. Traditional taverns sit not far from massive shopping districts. On weekends, markets and festivals fill the squares, and the locals come out in droves to shop and enjoy life.
How Long Should You Spend in Frankfurt?
One day is enough to see most of the top attractions. You can wander Römerberg square, climb the Main Tower for views, and walk the riverfront before the sun sets. It’s a compact introduction that fits well if you’re passing through.
Longer stays change the experience. Frankfurt works beautifully as a base. I spent 2.5 weeks here and managed to visit twelve different towns, all by train. For me, it was convenient and aligned with the way I like to travel—covering ground, exploring, and then sharing those discoveries with you. If you travel the same way, Frankfurt gives you reach without the need for a car.
The Downsides – When Frankfurt Might Not Be for You
Frankfurt is not Heidelberg. It doesn’t have the storybook charm of cobbled alleys winding beneath castle ruins. Parts of the city feel corporate, and other parts are full of modern apartment blocks that don’t invite lingering. In some neighbourhoods, there’s little to see beyond daily life.
If you’re looking for fairy-tale Germany, you won’t find it here. Long stays can feel underwhelming if your heart is set on timbered houses and romantic lanes. Frankfurt is modern, practical, and efficient—but not dreamy.
There are also safety concerns worth mentioning. The area around the main train station is gritty and, at times, unsettling. Many hotels are clustered here for convenience, but it’s not where you want to wander after dark. As a solo female traveller, I walked with purpose and did not make eye contact. It wasn’t frightening, but it wasn’t comfortable either.
Final Thoughts – So, Is Frankfurt Worth Visiting?
After three visits, my answer is yes—but only for the right traveller. Frankfurt is not Germany’s most romantic city. You won’t find half-timbered fairy tales around every corner. What you will find is a modern hub with excellent connections across Hesse and beyond. For me, that made it an ideal home base to explore the region.
If you value convenience and the balance between big-city energy and riverside calm, Frankfurt is worth your time. If your heart is set on medieval lanes and storybook charm, you may want to look elsewhere.
Travel is personal. What resonates with me may not be what you’re seeking. If you’d like a custom itinerary—whether to include Frankfurt as a base, or to skip it in favour of other German towns—I can help design a journey that fits your style of travel.
