Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt

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Photo of Frankfurt Johannisburg palace, Aschaffenburg Germany.
Photo of Frankfurter Dom Cathedral in Roemerberg Frankfurt and Main river.
Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt
Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt
Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt
Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt
Top 3 Itineraries in Frankfurt
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By Dr. Julius Arnegger

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Introduction

Get ahead of planning with the top 3 itineraries in Frankfurt! From iconic landmarks like Römerberg and Iron Footbridge to local hangouts tucked away in charming neighborhoods, these itineraries cover it all. Keep reading to learn more!

A well-designed Frankfurt itinerary should capture the essence of the city by blending sightseeing with authentic local experiences. Crafting the perfect itinerary can take many hours of research and planning if you don’t know where to start.

To simplify your planning, we have reviewed the biggest selection of vacation packages in Frankfurt and curated the top 3 best itineraries. These travel plans cover everything you need to consider when planning a trip to Frankfurt.

For the ultimate experience, you’ll also need the perfect place to stay. Luckily, the list of top-rated hotels in Frankfurt includes options for every budget and preference.

So, why wait? Scroll down to discover 3 perfect itineraries for Frankfurt!

Popular Types of Trips to Frankfurt

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Frankfurt.

If you only have a few days, Frankfurt weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Frankfurt offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Frankfurt are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Frankfurt’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Frankfurt offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Germany's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Frankfurt truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Frankfurt

If you’re as convinced as we are that Frankfurt belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Frankfurt are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Frankfurt and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Frankfurt Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Frankfurt itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Frankfurt for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Frankfurt without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Frankfurt!

3. The Ultimate 12-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Frankfurt and Beyond

Photo of Frankfurt Johannisburg palace, Aschaffenburg Germany.

A scenic 12-day road trip through Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt am Main, Ludwigsburg, and Hohenschwangau is one of the best ways to experience Germany. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Frankfurt can easily be combined with other top destinations in Germany without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt am Main, Ludwigsburg, and Hohenschwangau by public transport, renting a car in Germany opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Berlin

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Berlin. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Berlin

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Berlin Cathedral, and Museum Island. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Berlin, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Dresden

Spend the day exploring Zwinger, Semperoper Dresden, Brühl's Terrace, Golden Rider, and Frauenkirche Dresden. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Dresden.

Day 4: Experience Leipzig

Continue your journey through Leipzig, where you can explore Bach-Museum Leipzig, Marktplatz Leipzig, Wildpark Leipzig, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, and Botanical Garden Leipzig. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Leipzig.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Nürnberg

Drive through Nürnberg, stopping to visit Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Museums Nuremberg - Albrecht Dürer House, Narrenschiffbrunnen, and The Beautiful Fountain. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Nuremberg.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of München

Spend time discovering English Garden, Viktualienmarkt, Nymphenburg Palace, and Marienplatz, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Munich.

Day 7: Spend Time in Hohenschwangau

Explore Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Hohenschwangau Castle, and Neuschwanstein Castle at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart

  • Destinations: Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart
  • Driving distance: 265.74 km, approx. 3 hours and 48 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Stuttgart, e.g., Motel One Stuttgart-Hauptbahnhof
  • Sightseeing: Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart TV Tower, Frieden Church, and Wilhelma
Continue your road trip through Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart, enjoying the flexibility to explore Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart TV Tower, Frieden Church, and Wilhelma and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Stuttgart.

Day 9: Wander Through Heidelberg

  • Destinations: Heidelberg
  • Driving distance: 126.67 km, approx. 2 hours and 18 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Heidelberg, e.g., Lotte
  • Sightseeing: Philosophers’ Way, Brückenaffe, Heidelberger Marktplatz, Old Bridge Heidelberg, and Heidelberg Castle
Visit Philosophers’ Way, Brückenaffe, Heidelberger Marktplatz, Old Bridge Heidelberg, and Heidelberg Castle as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Heidelberg.

Day 10: Uncover Frankfurt am Main

Continue your exploration of Städel Museum, Frankfurt Cathedral, Alte Oper, Römerberg, and Iron Footbridge, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Frankfurt.

Day 11: Journey Through Rüdesheim am Rhein and Aulhausen

Take in the highlights of Asbach Besucher Center, Rossel Castle, and Eibingen Abbey, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Berlin.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Berlin

  • Departure city: Berlin
  • Driving distance: 5.09 km, approx. 18 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Berlin Wall Memorial
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Berlin. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1395 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Frankfurt.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Frankfurt for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Frankfurt City Itinerary

Photo of Frankfurter Dom Cathedral in Roemerberg Frankfurt and Main river.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Frankfurt with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Frankfurt and Frankfurt's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Frankfurt without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Frankfurt

Arrive in Frankfurt and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Berliner Keller Frankfurt is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Frankfurt's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Frankfurt by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Historisches Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt Cathedral, Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, Römerberg, and Iron Footbridge.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Frankfurt. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Frankfurt in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Frankfurt

Use this day to discover more of Frankfurt’s top sights. We recommend visiting MesseTurm, Senckenberg Nature Museum, Alte Oper, and Palmengarten Frankfurt.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Frankfurt in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Frankfurt's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Frankfurt’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Frankfurt

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Städel Museum, Museum for Communication Frankfurt, German Film Museum, Willy-Brandt-Platz, Frankfurt, and Nizza are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Frankfurt.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Frankfurt. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Germany!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Frankfurt

Spend your last few hours in Frankfurt soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Frankfurt in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Frankfurt, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Frankfurt travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 3-Day Frankfurt Weekend Itinerary

Photo of the medieval Roemer building housing the Town Hall in the center of Old town of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Frankfurt offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Frankfurt itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Frankfurt weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Frankfurt

Arrive in Frankfurt around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Frankfurt’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Frankfurt with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Städel Museum early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Alte Oper, stopping by Frankfurt Cathedral for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Frankfurt and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Frankfurt

Make the most of your last few hours in Frankfurt before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Frankfurt. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Frankfurt itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Frankfurt

As you explore Frankfurt, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Frankfurt for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Frankfurt in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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