Frankfurt surprises first-time visitors. People expect a grey banking city and find a compact, walkable place where glass towers stand a few minutes from the reconstructed medieval Römerberg, the river Main is lined with museums, and the apple-wine taverns of Sachsenhausen fill up every evening. This guide covers the essentials for your first trip in 2026.
Getting In from the Airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) sits about 12 km south-west of the centre. The S-Bahn (lines S8 and S9) runs from the airport's regional station to the Hauptbahnhof and Hauptwache in around 15 minutes for a few euros. A pre-booked private transfer from FrankfurtRide costs from €45 fixed, meets you in arrivals with a name board, and takes you door-to-door — easier with luggage or after a long flight. For the full rundown see our guide on getting from the airport to the city centre.
The Römer and the Old Town
Start at the Römerberg, the postcard square framed by the gabled Römer (city hall) and the rebuilt half-timbered houses of the Ostzeile. Climb the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom) tower, walk the New Old Town (Neue Altstadt) between the cathedral and the Römer, and cross the Eiserner Steg footbridge for the classic skyline-over-river photo.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Frankfurt's core is small. Two days is enough to see the old town, the Museumsufer (museum embankment), and Sachsenhausen, with time for a skyline view. Add a third day and you can take a day trip — the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, or the wine towns are all easy from here. See our day trips from Frankfurt for ideas.
Money, Language and Practicalities
- Currency: the euro. Card payment is widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller taverns and market stalls.
- Language: German, but English is widely spoken in this international city.
- Public transport: one RMV network covers S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses. Buy a single or day ticket from machines or the RMVgo app.
- Tipping: round up or add around 5–10% in restaurants if you are happy with the service.
A Local Tradition: Apfelwein
You have not really visited Frankfurt until you have drunk Apfelwein from a ribbed Geripptes glass in a Sachsenhausen tavern.
Frankfurt's signature drink is Apfelwein (apple wine), tart and served in the city's old cider houses across the river in Alt-Sachsenhausen. Pair it with Handkäse mit Musik or Grüne Soße for the full local experience.
Our Tip
Base yourself near the Hauptbahnhof or the old town for walkability, and treat Frankfurt as a hub: compact enough to see quickly, and perfectly placed for day trips. When you arrive or leave, a fixed-price transfer takes the stress out of the airport run — see all our routes and destinations.
