Things To Do
in Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder) sits on the German-Polish border along the Oder River, opposite Słubice. It is a historic university town known for brick Gothic architecture, a lively riverfront, and a compact, walkable center. The Viadrina European University infuses the city with a youthful energy and cross-border culture.
With easy access to Berlin and Poland, Frankfurt (Oder) makes a convenient base for exploring eastern Germany and beyond.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Frankfurt (Oder) and check into your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll along the River Oder, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance and natural beauty of the riverside. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café while watching the world come to life.
Visit the St. Mary's Church, a significant landmark with stunning Gothic architecture. Afterward, explore the Kleist Museum to learn about the life and works of the famous German poet Heinrich von Kleist. Delight in lunch at a traditional German restaurant, indulging in local cuisine.
As the sun sets, take a walk through the historic Old Town and admire the beautifully lit buildings. Grab a drink at a cozy bar and befriend locals or fellow travelers. Enjoy a hearty dinner at a nearby restaurant, soaking in the cultural vibe of the city.
Start your day by visiting the Brandenburg Gate of Frankfurt (Oder), one of the city’s iconic symbols. After soaking up the history, head to a nearby bakery for some fresh Brezeln and coffee. The locals are often friendly, encouraging you to strike up a conversation.
Explore the University of Viadrina to understand the academic atmosphere in Frankfurt (Oder). You can take a guided tour of the university or enjoy a quiet moment at its beautiful library. Lunch in the university district allows for a different culinary experience, influenced by the vibrant student population.
Attend a performance at the Frankfurt (Oder) City Theater, showcasing local talent and cultural expressions. Post-show, wander to a nearby pub for live music, where the sound of instruments creates a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a late-night snack to cap off a culturally rich day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌1-day public transport pass | $6-9 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $40-70 |
| 🧺Milk (1 liter) / basic groceries | $0.90-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city with rich history
- Cross-border culture and easy access to Poland
- Relatively affordable compared to western Germany
- Beautiful riverfront and green spaces
- Smaller nightlife scene than bigger cities
- Limited direct international flight options
- Some services and amenities fewer than in larger urban centers
- Cross-border travel requires some planning for longer trips
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigen Sie" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Ich hätte gern …" - I would like …
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Ich komme aus …" - I am from …
Places to Visit in Frankfurt (Oder)
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic brick-Gothic architecture and the lively square provide strong morning or golden-hour poses.
Historic storefronts and the Town Hall offer charming, pedestrian-friendly photo opportunities.
Wide river views, boats on the water, and bridges to Poland create dynamic compositions, especially at sunset.
Brick-built academic quarters and courtyards capture the town’s intellectual heritage.
Cultural history and tranquil green spaces ideal for contemplative shots.
Food in Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder) Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty one-pot stew featuring seasonal vegetables and meat; commonly served with bread in traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
Classic German dish often accompanied by mashed potatoes or dumplings, widely available in the Old Town.
Freshly prepared river fish dishes found in riverside restaurants, lightly seasoned and served with butter and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets near the Town Hall offering fresh produce, bread, cheeses, sausages, and local specialties.
Polish market across the river where you can sample pierogi, pastries, and regional snacks when crossing the river bridge.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite forms (Sie) with strangers; a handshake is common. A quick “Guten Tag” goes a long way.
Be punctual for appointments and public events; it’s valued in daily life.
Polite curiosity about cross-border culture is welcome; respect local customs and language effort.
Safety
Tipping in Frankfurt (Oder)
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving about 5-10% if service charge is not included is common.
Cash is widely accepted, and card payments (including contactless) are increasingly common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and long evenings invite river strolls, outdoor markets, and al fresco dining. Expect occasional thunderstorms and humid spells.
Pleasant daytime temperatures with colorful foliage; great for walks and early-well-lit evenings at cultural venues.
Cold with a chance of snow; Christmas markets light up the city; indoor attractions and cozy cafés are popular.
Milder temperatures and blooming trees; ideal for canal and river photography and park visits.
Frankfurt (Oder) at Night
Hiking in Frankfurt (Oder)
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive forest trails, wetlands, and lakes ideal for day hikes and nature photography.
Scenic multi-use trails along the border region offering easy to moderate hikes.
Airports
How to reach Frankfurt (Oder) by plane.
Major international gateway about 60-90 minutes by train or car, providing frequent connections across Europe.
Polish airport about 2–3 hours by road or rail, offering several European routes and good cross-border access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student presence thanks to Viadrina University, adding a youthful vibe to the city.
Traditional residents with a mix of Brandenburg culture and cross-border influences.
People traveling daily across the Oder to work or study in Poland or Germany.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional favorite in the region with local clubs and community leagues.
The Oder River supports rowing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
Flat roads along the Oder and surrounding countryside make for pleasant rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Frankfurt (Oder).
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most eateries; look for salads, vegetable plates, and dumplings with vegetable fillings. Ask for simple meat-free versions of classics like Eintopf or schnitzel-less dishes.