Frankfurt is a city that makes Germany one of the most iconic destinations in the world. A social, economic, and cultural hub, Frankfurt is one of the most culturally diverse cities worldwide. While it certainly holds a rich and dark history, Frankfurt wows tourists with its charming walkways, magnificent architecture, and lovely people. A trip to Germany is incomplete without visiting Frankfurt, so ensure you’re going there, even if it’s for a day. Speaking of which, we’re compiling some of the best day trips from Frankfurt. Beware, these are so good, you’ll be itching to go again:

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim am Rhein is a gorgeous town in the Rhine Valley in Germany. Nestled along the Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim am Rhein is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as one of the most romantic and historical destinations in Germany. You might be wondering why even spend half an hour on the train to reach Rüdesheim am Rhein? Well, Rüdesheim is known for its winemaking, especially the scrumptious Riesling wine, so it’s the perfect chance for wine connoisseurs to finally take a sip. Ecplre the Drosselgasse, a remarkably narrow street with typical German houses. If you’re in the mood, catch the Rüdesheim cable cars, explore the Rüdesheim vineyards, and of course, stop for the wine.

Taunus

The Taunus mountain range in Germany lies north west of Frankfurt, and is just a short U-Bahn away. Well, if you follow our guide. Instead of exploring Taunus the usual way, we recommend taking the U-bahn up to Oberursel Hohemark, from where you can hike up to Fuchstanz. The restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy the view. From there, carry on the hike, though down to the Forellengut trout farm, where you can grab a fresh piece for lunch. Admire the scenery, and gear up for the hike back, where you can catch the U-bahn again. It’s short, it takes up the whole day, and you’ll get some of the best food and views in Germany.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

There’s a reason Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most famous Bavarian towns in Germany: its medieval charm is quite hard to ignore, especially when you’re an art and history buff. Rothenburg ob der Tauber isn’t that close to Frankfurt; it takes close to two hours from Frankfurt, but trust us, it’s worth the visit. While you’re strolling the medieval streets, stop at the Altstadt (old town), where you can visit the Market Square. The Medieval Crime Museum is also an interesting spot. Spend the whole day exploring Rothenburg ob der Tauber before catching the train back, but not before trying the infamous Schneeball.

Aschaffenburg

If you’re staying close to the Frankfurt Airport, you can drive straight to Aschaffenburg for 40 minutes or take the 50-minute train ride. Spending the whole day in Aschaffenburg might not sound much, but once you visit, you’ll realise it’s the one place that’ll keep you aching for more. Gateway to the Spessart hills, Aschaffenburg is every nature lover’s paradise, especially if you count the nice weather, so you can make a whole hiking trip out of it. If you’d rather skip the exercise, might we recommend Schloss Johannisburg, an iconic palace that’ll make every architect swoon?

Mainz

Most day trips from Frankfurt focus on Wiesbaden and Mainz, and for good reason; they’re both some of the most iconic destinations in Germany. But skip Wiesbaden and travel straight to Mainz, a 30-minute train ride from Frankfurt Airport. Here, you’ll walk through German history as if it were still happening, since Mainz is practically a historical landmark. Explore the Mainz Cathedral and don’t forget to stop at Mainz Romisches Theatre to learn more about the Romans and Germans’ love for art.

Saalburg Römerkastell

Very few tourists visit Saalburg Römerkastell unless they’re popping by the Taunus. This is because Saalburg Römerkastell usually goes unnoticed by mainstream tourist itineraries, and that’s exactly why we recommend it. The museum is just 40 minutes by train and is perfect for families eager to learn more about Germany without running into other tourists. The Roman fort stands tall against the main ridge of Taunus, and isn’t just a glimpse into Roman architecture; you’ll also find a few eateries serving authentic Roman food nearby!

Hanau Wilhelmsbad

Hanau Wilhelmsbad is one of the best places to visit if you’re travelling with kids. The state park surprisingly dates back to the 1700s, and even features a vintage 1700s carousel. Talk about originality! The park’s main manor is an intriguing destination for architecture enthusiasts, but that’s not all; the park also features a medieval-like castle, a pyramid right in the middle of a lake, and a spiral mountain. It’s really one of the most unique destinations in Germany, but you’ll have to get a local to help you since Hanau Wilhelmsbad isn’t usually mentioned in tourist guide maps.

Fulda

An hour and 15-20 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, Fulda is one of the most interesting and relaxing destinations you could visit. Since it usually skips tourists’ radar, you won’t have to worry about tourist footfall and can experience the city at your own pace. Fulda lies on its namesake river, and has some of the most preserved buildings from the Baroque era. We’re talking about the impeccable Fulda Cathedral, where the tomb of St. Boniface lies. Don’t forget to stroll the dreamy Schlossgarten, and definitely visit the Altstadt.

Würzburg

Würzburg, like Fulda, is just an hour to 15-20 minutes from Frankfurt Airport. Known for its baroque and rococo architecture, Würzburg is a destination no art and history lover would want to miss. Würzburg’s most iconic destination is the Residenz Palace, dating back to the 18th century and featuring gorgeous rooms and even an intricate fresco by Tiepolo. When you’re done marvelling at the Venetia artist’s work, head to the Old Town to mark the trip.

Nuremberg

Lastly, we have Nuremberg, one of the farthest yet most beautiful destinations from Frankfurt. It takes roughly 2 and a half hours to reach Nuremberg, which has so much to offer that it’s best to book a local tour. If you’d like to explore by yourself, visit the Frauenkirche Church, the Nuremberg Castle and save enough time to explore the Nuremberg downtown area. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a Nuremberg bratwurst while you’re there.

If you are someone who loves road trips, there is no better way to start from Frankfurt. Germany is full of beautiful small towns and hidden gems, many of which are just a short drive from Frankfurt. So, hop on the car, grab a map, and get ready to experience the best day trips from Grankfurt.

There are many other towns and attractions you can visit from Frankfurt. For more information, visit this website.