When most people think of Frankfurt, they picture men in suits, giant banks, and long layovers at one of Europe’s busiest airports. Because of its famous skyline, it’s even earned the nickname “Mainhattan.”
But if you are wondering exactly what to do in Frankfurt for 3 days, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Beyond the glass skyscrapers lies a beautifully reconstructed Old Town, romantic walks along the Main River, world-class museums, and cozy taverns serving up traditional apple wine. Plus, it’s the absolute perfect basecamp for exploring Germany’s fairy-tale castles.
If you’re ready to look past the financial district, here is the perfect Frankfurt in 3 days itinerary for exploring couples.
Day 1: The Altstadt, Food Markets, and Skylines
Your first day is all about grounding yourself in Frankfurt’s history before heading up into the clouds.
- Morning: Start your trip at the Römerberg. This is Frankfurt’s historical heart, famous for its picturesque, half-timbered houses and the Römer (the city hall). Just a short walk away is the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom), a stunning gothic structure where Roman-German emperors were once crowned.
- Lunch: Head over to the Kleinmarkthalle. This bustling indoor food market is a foodie couple’s dream. Grab some fresh regional cheese, a famous local sausage from Schreiber, and maybe a glass of wine to enjoy on the market’s upper terrace.
- Afternoon: Visit the Goethe House, the beautifully restored birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most famous writer. Afterward, take a romantic stroll down to the river and cross the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge), famous for the thousands of love locks attached to its railings.
- Evening: Catch the sunset from the Main Tower. It is the only skyscraper in Frankfurt with a public viewing platform (tickets are currently €9.00 for adults). The panoramic views of the city as the lights turn on are unforgettable.
Day 2: Culture, Gardens, and Traditional Apfelwein
Day two slows the pace down, taking you through Frankfurt’s lush green spaces and ending in its most traditional neighborhood.
- Morning: Cross the river to the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). Frankfurt has over a dozen museums lined up right along the water. The Städel Museum is highly recommended—it holds 700 years of European art and has an incredibly cool, modern underground wing.
- Afternoon: Escape the city noise at the Palmengarten. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Germany and features massive historical greenhouses, tropical plants, and a boating lake. It’s incredibly peaceful and highly photogenic.
- Evening: You cannot leave Frankfurt without visiting Old Sachsenhausen, a cobblestone district located south of the river. Head into a traditional tavern to try Apfelwein (tart apple wine) served from a blue-grey ceramic jug called a Bembel. Pair it with Frankfurt’s famous Grüne Soße (a cold green herb sauce served over potatoes and hard-boiled eggs) or a hearty schnitzel.
Day 3: The Epic Day Trip
By day three, you’ve seen the very best of Frankfurt city. Now, it’s time to take advantage of the city’s incredible train connections for a romantic day trip. You have two fantastic options:
- Option 1: The Romantic Rhine Valley (Highly Recommended) Take a quick train to the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. From there, you can hop on a KD River Cruise. The boat glides down the Rhine River past steep vineyards, dramatic gorges, and dozens of medieval ruined castles. You can hop off at a town of your choice, do some Riesling wine tasting, and catch a train back to Frankfurt.
- Option 2: Heidelberg Just an hour south by train is Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most romantic cities. It survived WWII largely intact and features a stunning old university, a beautiful riverfront, and the massive, imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle perched on the hill above the town.
Explorer Couple Practical Tips
To make your trip perfectly smooth, keep these quick logistical tips in mind:
