48 hours in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is one of Germany’s main cities and one of the most important financial centers in the world. It’s home to the European Central Bank and the German Central Bank. The city is very modern, but like many European cities, it also has a charming old town. In the next few lines, I’ll help you put together a practical 48-hour itinerary in Frankfurt so you can enjoy the best the city has to offer!

A quick fun fact before we start:

Did you know that Frankfurt is not the city’s full name? The official name is Frankfurt am Main. And the fun facts don’t stop there, Frankfurt has one of the busiest train terminals in Europe, has been ranked the most expensive city in Germany, and has also been named one of the best cities in the world to live in.

How to Get to Frankfurt

The city has a major international airport with flights to destinations all over the world!

If Frankfurt isn’t your final destination but you're flying with Lufthansa, you might have the chance to do a 48-hour stopover in Frankfurt and explore the city. That’s because Lufthansa is based in Frankfurt, and many flights layover there.

If you're coming from another European city like Zurich or Cologne, you can take a train or bus. Low-cost airlines or Lufthansa flights are also an option.

Day 1

Between museum visits and outdoor walks, your 48-hour itinerary will be packed. So, wear comfy shoes and let’s explore the city!

Museums

Frankfurt has plenty of museums, including the German Film Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Römerberg

This is the main square of the city, surrounded by important buildings like St. Nicholas Church and the City Hall. The tip here is to walk around, explore the details, and if you have time, find a little spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Eurotower

A 40-story skyscraper that serves as the headquarters of the European Central Bank. You can even take a guided tour inside, check their official website for more info. In front of the building, there’s a famous sculpture of the euro symbol (the EU’s official currency).

Städel Museum

Often called the “German Louvre,” this museum houses over 3,000 paintings and 500+ sculptures, including works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Monet, Degas, Picasso, and more.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM (open until 9 PM on Thursdays)

Entry: €10 (special summer rate from June 22 onwards)

River Cruise

Near the Städel Museum, you’ll find boats offering sightseeing cruises along the Main River, which runs through the city. Depending on the time of year, it’s a great way to see Frankfurt from a different angle.

MMK – Museum of Modern Art

This museum has a collection of over 5,000 works of modern art, dating from 1904 to today.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM (closed on Mondays)

Entry: €16 for a combo ticket (includes MUSEUMMMK + ZOLLAMTMMK + TOWERMMK)

Depending on how into museums you are, these activities could fill up your first day in Frankfurt. End the day with a visit to the Main Tower to see the city from above, and be sure to take a moment to walk without a set destination and admire Frankfurt’s beautiful architecture.

Day 2

Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Start your second day with (yep!) another museum. The Senckenberg is perfect for all ages, featuring dinosaur skeletons, mammals, birds, and exhibits on human evolution.

Opening hours:

Weekdays: 9 AM – 5 PM
Weekends: open until 6 PM
Wednesdays: open until 8 PM(Bonus: it's open on Mondays—rare for museums in the city)

Entry: €16 (but only €6 after 5 PM on Wednesdays).Children under 6: Free

After the museum, you can visit the Frankfurt Opera House, then spend the afternoon wandering the city streets. Walk across the iconic Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge), and stroll along the lively Schweizer Strasse.

Bonus Museum Ideas (if you have the energy)

German Film Institute
Schirn Kunsthalle – Modern & Contemporary Art
Liebieghaus – 3,000+ sculptures from Ancient Egypt to Neoclassicism

End with a Little Shopping

If you want to squeeze in some shopping before your 48 hours are up, check out MyZeil Shopping Center or the Galeria Kaufhof department store.

Did you enjoy this 48-hour itinerary for Frankfurt?If you have more time, consider staying at least 4 full days to explore even more. You could visit nearby towns or dive deeper into the city’s cultural side.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments! See you next time. 💛

A quick fun fact before we start:

How to Get to Frankfurt