I'm traveling through Germany via train with a friend, but I'm arriving in Frankfurt a few days before her. Where should I spend those 2.5 days?
Is Frankfurt worth a couple days or would my time be better spent in Cologne, Wurzburg, or Nuremberg?
Thanks for the suggestions!
Frankfurt can certainly keep you occupied for a couple of days. Where are you and your friend headed afterward? Don't want to hit the same sights twice, so maybe there is somewhere else you want to see
Frankfurt is a large, dynamic, multicultural city with a fascinating history (including a major Jewish history - for instance, Anne Frank was born there, and only moved with her family when Hitler came to power). It was heavily bombed in WWII, and unlike Munich, they chose not to rebuild in the prewar styles but in newer ones. Those in search of "Olde Europe" or stereotyped Germany (the Bavarian cliches of oom-pah bands in every restaurant, and dirndls and lederhosen) are often very put off by Frankfurt. Those who like big cities and don't mind that it doesn't fit certain stereotypes can like it a lot (I certainly did). There are enough museums for those alone to keep anyone busy for a few days, as well as some very pleasant residential neighborhoods quite different from the sometimes scruffy center.
So, some of the answer depends on what you're looking for, and some depends on what else you're doing on the trip. I haven't been to Wurzburg; I definitely preferred Frankfurt to Cologne (not that Cologne isn't worthwhile too); and Nuremburg is also very interesting (I'd say there's no clear winner in that contest).
I'd stay in Frankfurt. There's lots to see and do in Frankfurt. The other cities won't be that much different. There are several tours of Frankfurt. Most people would recommend Frankfurt on Foot. I thought their walking tour was very good. I'd try to arrive early and get some suggestions from the tour guide on what to do the next day(s).
"Where should I spend those 2.5 days?"
A perfect amount of time to visit the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Castles
Old-world towns villages like Bacharach
Hike the Rhine Castle Trail
Pay a visit to MAINZ on the way back to FRA airport.
I didn't care for Frankfurt at all, I guess I'm one of those looking for "old Germany". If it were me, I'd head for either Nuremberg or Wurzburg. They are both very walkable and charming.
Nuremberg is also a really interesting town and if you're passing by, you might enjoy a day or overnight there.
Thanks for the responses! I guess I should have been more specific about our itinerary. We're traveling through the Rhine, to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, then to Munich with a day trip to Berchtesgaden, then Berlin.
I'm looking for a place that has good amount of history, a worthwhile museum or two, and is pretty laid back.
Frankfurt can occupy days of sightseeing if you know what you are looking for. This was one of Germany's' most historic cities. As a Free Imperial City, it was the selected location for the elections and coronations of the Holy Roman Emporer, site of the 1st and longest lasting Jewish Ghetto, home of the Berlin Airlift and the currency reform in 1948, and with one of the oldest churches in Germany you could keep yourself busy. Multiple Farmers Markets in the city center as well as the Klein Markt Halle, the beautiful Palmengarten, and lovely residential neighborhoods all built in the late 1800's. Check out Bornheim, Bockenheim, Westend, North end and of course the applewine pub district of Sachsenhausen.
One of the neighborhoods is Höchst and it is part of the Half-Timbered Route that runs through Germany. Here you will find a schloss with a dry moat, the Justinus Church (850AD) city walls, quaint cobblestone lanes with half-timbered houses, all located along the Main. (haven't managed to get Rick to visit here yet though, which is why it is not in the Germany book) Their market held 3 times a week is a delight.
When are your travel dates? There are so many festivals here and in the surrounding towns that I will be happy to make some suggestions.
I would choose to stay in Frankfurt, lots of sights and museums to visit, including the Opera House, Sachsenhausen, Goethes Haus, etc. Now you're bent on seeing something different, go to North Germany or Westphalia..towns like Soest, the oldest in Westphalia, Paderborn, Minden, Porta Westfalica, Münster/Westfalen, Hameln.
Heidelberg is close by. Less than an hour from Frankfurt Airport so you can go and meet your friend when she arrives.
