We will be flying from Portland Oregon, either into Frankfurt or Hamburg for a few days prior to our tour leaving from Hamburg. Any experience with staying in either city? If we fly into Frankfurt what transportation would you recommend to get us to Hamburg? We are older and not used to navigating so the easier the better:) Barb
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9315 posts
Where are you flying from?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you. I just edited to include our departure city...Portland OR
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2922 posts
I’d recommend Hamburg. You can either hop there on a flight from FRA in 1 hour ( preferred) or take a train in 4 hours.
Posted by
Schwerin
3868 posts
My answer would depend on your interests and what you hope to see or experience. Please list.
Personally I like Hamburg more than Frankfurt - worked in both cities - but of course this does not mean that it would be the better decision for you.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
356 posts
There are direct trains in under four hours from Frankfurt to Hamburg.
How many days are "a few"?
We spent a long weekend in Hamburg in 2023. Great time.
There is the largest model railway in the world - which is why we were there.
Great boat rips around the harbour. An opera house. An illusion museum. Great shops. etc etc.
What time of year - quite chilly in winter.
Frankfurt has its own attractions.
Posted by
Duluth🌲
9419 posts
I'd vote for Hamburg—either flying there or taking the train or flying there after you land in Frankfurt. It's a very cool city with a lot to see and do. Personally, I like traveling by train. If you take a high-speed ICE train, you will get there in around 4 hours.
Posted by
London
412 posts
There's not a whole lot for tourists in Frankfurt in my experience (tho it is a nice place)- I would definitely choose Hamburg. Frankfurt feels more business-focussed whereas Hamburg has more the feel of a big port city (which is what it is).
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you!!!! Very helpful!! Hamburg it is :)
Posted by
Freedonia
17348 posts
Why not split it and do both?
Frankfurt is more than just a business city. I learned this after taking the Frankfurt on Foot walking tour.
It's then an easy train trip to Hamburg. And I also suggest visiting Miniatur Wunderland and the model trains.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9391 posts
I kind of think if you need to be in Hamburg, then fly into Hamburg. There are plenty of near-by towns to explore besides this huge city and you save the train or flight fare, plus lots of time.
Obviously, if you want to see Frankfurt or any of the towns near here, then go ahead and fly here, but you haven't stated what your interests are. If you do that, we can help you decide.