Self guided audio tour in Frankfurt

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Frankfurt. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Frankfurt Skyline Tour by Boat - Experience Frankfurt's impressive skyline from the water with this 50-minute cruise along the Main River. See the banking district's skyscrapers from a unique perspective while learning about the city's history.
• Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour - Complement your self-guided tours in Frankfurt with this flexible bus tour that lets you explore at your own pace, with audio commentary in multiple languages.
• Day Trip to Heidelberg - Take a break from exploring Frankfurt's attractions with a half-day excursion to the romantic city of Heidelberg, featuring its famous castle and old town.
• Rhine Valley Tour - After discovering the must-see places in Frankfurt, venture out to the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley with its vineyards, castles, and picturesque villages.
• Städel Museum - One of Germany's most important art museums houses works spanning 700 years of European art history. The perfect cultural complement to your Frankfurt sightseeing tours.
• Kleinmarkthalle - This indoor market hall is a foodie paradise where you can sample local specialties and international cuisine. Great for experiencing Frankfurt without a guide after your audio tour.
• Palmengarten - Frankfurt's botanical gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the urban environment with plants from around the world displayed in beautiful themed gardens and greenhouses.
• Main Tower Observation Deck - For spectacular views of the city, visit this 200-meter skyscraper with a public viewing platform. It's one of the best areas to explore in Frankfurt for panoramic vistas.
• Goethe House - Visit the birthplace and family home of Germany's most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This meticulously restored house provides insight into 18th-century life.

Best Time to Visit
Frankfurt is enjoyable year-round, but late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures ideal for walking tours. Summer brings vibrant outdoor festivals like the Mainfest river festival in August, while December transforms the city with enchanting Christmas markets. If you're wondering how to see Frankfurt in one day, these moderate seasons provide the most comfortable conditions.

Getting There
Frankfurt boasts Germany's largest airport with excellent connections to the city center via S-Bahn trains (15 minutes). The central train station (Hauptbahnhof) connects to all major German and European cities. Within the city, the comprehensive U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus network makes navigating between Frankfurt attractions map points simple with a Frankfurt Card or day ticket.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most shops in Frankfurt open from 10:00 to 20:00 Monday through Saturday, with major stores in the Zeil shopping district staying open latest. Museums typically close on Mondays, while many observe longer hours on Thursdays. Banks and offices close for national holidays, particularly during the Christmas period (December 24-26) and Easter. Plan ahead if your self-guided tours in Frankfurt fall on these dates.

Comfort on the Go
Frankfurt's varied terrain calls for comfortable walking shoes, especially when exploring the cobblestoned Altstadt (Old Town). The weather can change quickly, so layering is advisable even in summer. Carry a water bottle and consider a portable charger for your phone, especially if using it for Frankfurt walking tours throughout the day.

Local Customs and Etiquette
Germans appreciate punctuality and directness. When entering small shops, a greeting of "Guten Tag" is customary. In traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) taverns, don't be surprised if you're seated with strangers at communal tables – it's part of the experience! Tipping is expected (usually 5-10%) but less than in America; simply round up the bill when paying.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Frankfurt?
You need at least one full day to experience Frankfurt properly. Our self-guided tours in Frankfurt can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, but the real joy comes from setting your own pace. Take time to stop at a traditional Apfelwein tavern in Sachsenhausen, enjoy coffee at Hauptwache, or browse the shops along the Zeil between audio segments.

What makes Frankfurt different from other German cities?
Frankfurt uniquely combines Germany's financial center with rich historical heritage. Unlike Munich or Berlin, Frankfurt features a striking skyline of modern skyscrapers (earning it the nickname "Mainhattan") alongside meticulously reconstructed medieval buildings. The city is also known for its international character, with residents from over 180 nations and the highest percentage of foreign-born inhabitants in Germany.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Frankfurt
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Frankfurt at your own pace. You can start whenever you want, pause to photograph the banking district's impressive architecture, or extend your lunch break at a traditional German restaurant without keeping a group waiting. This flexibility is particularly valuable in Frankfurt, where the contrast between old and new invites personal exploration.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, once you've downloaded the Frankfurt walking tours, everything works offline. This is particularly useful in Frankfurt where some banking districts and underground passages can have spotty coverage. All maps, audio, and directions are stored on your device, so you won't incur roaming charges while exploring.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, though our Frankfurt sightseeing tours are primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will enjoy the stories about the medieval emperors crowned in Frankfurt, the bombing during WWII, and the city's transformation into a financial center. Younger children might appreciate the visual contrasts between old and new architecture even if they don't follow all the historical details.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! Our Frankfurt walking tours can be enjoyed by multiple people together. Each person can use their own phone with headphones, and we offer attractive discounts for multiple purchases. Check the Frankfurt product page for current group pricing options.

What else is there to do in Frankfurt?
Beyond our audio guide, Frankfurt offers excellent museums like the Städel and Museum of Modern Art. The Frankfurt Zoo is among Germany's oldest, while the Palmengarten botanical gardens provide a peaceful retreat. For culinary experiences, visit the Kleinmarkthalle market hall to sample local specialties like Grüne Soße (green sauce) and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese).

Is there a free tour in Frankfurt?
While some companies advertise "free" walking tours in Frankfurt, these typically expect substantial tips at the end (€10-15 per person). Our audio guide offers better value with a fixed, transparent price that includes professionally researched content, high-quality audio production, and the freedom to use it whenever you want without group constraints or awkward tipping situations.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Frankfurt audio guides are created by historians and local experts who know both the famous landmarks and hidden gems in Frankfurt. We combine historical research with engaging storytelling to give you insights that even many locals don't know about their city.

How accessible is Frankfurt for visitors with mobility issues?
Frankfurt is one of Germany's more accessible cities. The public transportation system is largely wheelchair-friendly with elevators at most stations. The main shopping areas and the reconstructed Römerberg have level access, though some parts of the old town retain cobblestones. Our self-guided tours in Frankfurt can be adapted to your needs as you can skip sections or take breaks whenever necessary.

When is the best time to see Frankfurt's financial district?
Weekdays between 10 AM and 4 PM offer the most vibrant atmosphere in Frankfurt's banking quarter when the area buzzes with business activity. For photography enthusiasts, early evening (especially in winter) provides dramatic lighting when the skyscrapers are illuminated. Sundays are quietest, offering unobstructed views but with most businesses closed, giving a different perspective on one of the best areas to explore in Frankfurt.

What local Frankfurt specialties should I try during my tour breaks?
Frankfurt has several unique culinary traditions worth sampling during breaks in your walking tour. Try Frankfurter Würstchen (the original Frankfurt sausages), Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese with onions), and Grüne Soße (herb sauce served with eggs and potatoes). For drinks, sample the local Apfelwein (apple wine) served in the traditional ribbed glass called "Geripptes" in the Sachsenhausen district.

"Il contrasto tra le torri finanziarie scintillanti di Francoforte e il centro medievale ricostruito mi ha affascinato. La guida audio spiegava come la città si sia ricostruita dopo la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, preservando allo stesso tempo il suo patrimonio. Perfetto per esplorare al mio ritmo!" — Raphael, Italia

"Ik heb Frankfurt meerdere keren bezocht voor zaken, maar pas met deze zelfgeleide tour begreep ik de stad echt. De verhalen over de ontwikkeling van het bankdistrict en de handelsgeschiedenis van de stad gaven me een compleet nieuw perspectief. Het was geweldig dat ik kon pauzeren wanneer ik een leuk café zag!" — Rianne, Nederland

"As someone who hates being rushed through attractions, this Frankfurt walking tour was perfect. The narration about hidden gems in Frankfurt was informative without being overwhelming, and I could revisit sections when something particularly interested me. The freedom to explore on my own schedule made all the difference." — David, UK