Frankfurt Fun on a Budget: 5-Day Guide

Experience the charm of Frankfurt without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

. Frankfurt is a great city to explore on a limited budget, thanks to its abundance of free attractions and affordable accommodation options. Take a stroll through the city’s historic Old Town, visit the museums along the Main River, and indulge in affordable local cuisine at one of the many street food stalls and cafes. Make the most of your trip by getting around with discounted public transport tickets and taking advantage of free guided walking tours.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the city

  • Start the day with a stroll around Römerberg, the picturesque medieval square in the center of Frankfurt
  • Visit the Frankfurt Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church with a panoramic view of the city from the top
  • Head to the Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping street, and browse the myriad of shops and boutiques
  • Take a break at Apfelwein Wagner, a cozy tavern offering traditional regional dishes and the famous apple wine
  • End the day with a visit to the skyscraper Main Tower, and enjoy the breathtaking view of Frankfurt's skyline from the observation deck
  • Stay at Hotel Europa Life, a budget-friendly hotel conveniently located in the city center.
Day 2

Art and culture

  • Visit the Städel Museum, housing an impressive collection of European art from the Middle Ages to modern times
  • Explore the Museum District, home to several other world-class museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Natural History Museum
  • Take a stroll in the Palmengarten, one of Europe's most stunning botanical gardens
  • Sample the local street food at Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling indoor market with an array of food vendors
  • Enjoy the evening at Kulturcafé Brotfabrik, a quirky cultural center offering live music, exhibitions, and a cozy bar
Day 3

The river and the vineyards

  • Take a scenic walk along the banks of the Main river, enjoying the views of the city skyline and the lush forests on the other side
  • Cross the river to Sachsenhausen, and explore the quaint old town with its half-timbered houses and traditional apple wine taverns
  • Take a train to Wiesbaden, and from there a bus to the picturesque wine village of Eltville
  • Wander the vineyards, sample the local Riesling wines, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rhine river
  • Return to Frankfurt and end the day with a visit to the bustling nightlife district of Bahnhofsviertel
Day 4

History and politics

  • Visit the Goethe House, the birthplace and childhood home of Germany's most famous writer
  • Head to the Paulskirche, the historic church where the first freely elected German parliament convened in 1848
  • Take a guided tour of the Deutsche Bundesbank, the central bank of Germany, and learn about its role in the economy and financial system
  • Have lunch at the cozy café in the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest trade fair for books
  • Spend the afternoon at the Holocaust Memorial Wall, a solemn tribute to the victims of the Nazi regime
Day 5

Parks and markets

  • Visit the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, one of the largest and most diverse museums of its kind in Europe
  • Take a leisurely walk in the Niddapark, a vast green oasis on the outskirts of the city with lakes, meadows, and forests
  • Head to the Bornheim market, one of Frankfurt's beloved local markets, and explore the stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and crafts
  • Have dinner at Zum Gemalten Haus, a cozy tavern serving hearty local dishes and the famous apple wine
  • End the day with a visit to the historic Alte Oper, a stunning concert hall with a varied program of concerts and performances

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Frankfurt, Germany by plane is to fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Many major airlines have flights to this international airport, including Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Emirates.

Car

If you're driving to Frankfurt, the best way to get there would be through the A5 autobahn, which leads directly to the city. You can also take the A3 or A66, which connect to the A5.

Train

If you're looking to travel by train to Frankfurt, the best way to get there would be through the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). This large and busy station is located in the city center and serves many national and international routes.

Boat

While there is no way to travel directly to Frankfurt by boat, it's possible to take a river cruise on the Rhine or Main rivers. These cruises often stop in Frankfurt, and you can disembark at the Mainkai terminal to begin exploring the city.

Bus

Traveling by bus to Frankfurt is possible through many bus companies, including Flixbus and Eurolines. Both of these companies have routes that stop at Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof).

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