Top Things To Do In Frankfurt In Winter

Frankfurt weather in Winter

You can expect cold temperatures in Frankfurt in winter. The mornings are frosty and cold winds whistle through the streets. Light snowfalls are frequent, although the city experiences the lowest number of rainy days per month, particularly in February.

Apart from the occasional conference at the Frankfurt Messe, crowds are at their smallest in January and February. The average high temperature in January is 4.9°C/41°F, and the average low is -0.4°C/31°F. February’s average high is 6.6°C/44°F, and the average low is -0.3°C/31°F. 

Frankfurt in Winter: 11 Things to do and see

1. Stroll around the Frankfurt Christmas Markets

If there’s one festive season market you need to visit at least once in your life, it’s the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Dating back to the 1300s, this is one of if not the oldest Christmas market in Europe. You’ll find the heart of the action at the Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt Römerberg, where half-timbered buildings and a gigantic Christmas tree form a delightful backdrop to the hundreds of stalls selling gifts, ornaments, and yuletide treats.

You’ll find other markets in various locations around the city, such as Paulsplatz, Hauptwache, and Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz. However, as most Frankfurt Christmas markets close just before or just after Christmas, you’ll need to wait until November this year to experience them.

Dates: 27^th of November – 21^st of December 2023

Opening Hours:

Mon – Sat: 10am – 9pm

Sun: 11am – 9pm

Location: Street running from the Hauptwache down to the River Main

If you travel to Frankfrut in January or February, you won’t need to worry about what to do in the city in winter, marketwise. You can still visit farmer’s and flea markets such as Kleinmarkthalle, Bauernmarkt Konstablerwache, Bornheimer Wochenmarkt, Friedberger Platz Weekly Market, and Flohmarkt Lindleystraße.

2. Explore Römerberg Square

The iconic Römerberg Square at the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town) was rebuilt in the mid-1980s after its half-timbered mediaeval and ornate baroque buildings were destroyed by World War II bombing. No visit to Frankfurt in winter or any other time of year is complete without exploring Römerberg Square.

The square is dominated by the Römer, which was the city hall for 600 years, Old St Nicholas Church, and a gorgeous cluster of buildings in mediaeval style. The bronze fountain of justice stands in the centre of the square, which is still used for markets and fairs, most notably the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Haus Wertheym, built in 1479, is the only mediaeval building on the square that was left unscathed during the Second World War, and it operates as a restaurant serving home-style cuisine.

3. Take a ride on the Ebbelwei Express

Coming in at number three on our list of the top 11 things to do in Frankfurt in winter is a fun and exciting way to see the city.

The Ebbelwei Express is a tram ride that takes you on a historical journey around Frankfurt. The trip takes about an hour from beginning to end and will take you through the city letting you observe the cultural and historic sights. As an added treat, the ticket price also includes your choice of a bottle of apple juice or cider and a bag of pretzels while enjoying a charming ride in a comfortable and warm tram. The tram also lets you to enjoy some Frankfurt specialities on the way.

4. Go Museum Hopping in Frankfurt

Step out of the cold and into the long and interesting history of the city of Frankfurt. If the weather is a bit more “Singing in the Rain” than “White Christmas” Frankfurt has many museums, most of which are on the banks of the Main river. Some of the must-sees include: the Städel Art Museum, the German Architecture Museum, Jewish Museum and the German Film Museum.

The Städel Art Museum has a vast array of interesting artworks. With more than 3,000 paintings, 600 sculptures and over 4,000 photographs on display covering 700 years of European art, the impressive is perfectly suited for a great day out for any visitor to the city.

5. Best Places for Shopping in Frankfurt

If you find yourself in the mood to do a bit of shopping in Frankfurt in winter, head to these top retail destinations.

• The Zeil: One of Frankfurt’s busiest and most important shopping streets, the Zeil district is lined with different shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The pedestrianised section of the road connects the Hauptwache and Konstablerwache plazas, both of which are excellent shopping areas. If you’re looking to do some Christmas shopping this is definitely the place to visit. Pick up a souvenir of your trip, treat yourself or a loved one or browse the German fashion lines for some continental pieces.

• Galeria Frankfurt an der Hauptwache: One of the city’s best department stores, Galeria offers men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as home and travel items. You’ll also find a cafeteria-style restaurant and a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of the skyline.

6. Sample some of the local cuisine

Visitors to the city will be pleased to know that apple wine and fried potatoes are never missing on the menu at Apfelwein Wagner’s! Aside from being extremely tasty the restaurant has a great atmosphere, a plentiful menu and should be among your places to visit.

Frankfurt has a deeply ingrained love for apple wine as you will discover during your trip! The beverage is extremely popular here and can be found in almost all of the city’s pubs and restaurants. Another must try is Frankfurt’s famous crown cake - first made in 1735, and a national symbol positioning the city as the “crown city” of the German empire.

It’s also worth visiting the local food market, a good place to feel the city vibe and find out what do the locals eat. In Frankfurt, you cannot miss the Kleinmarkthalle! This market is an excellent place to eat with plenty of German and international food.