frankfurt tourist attractions

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Frankfurt

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A picturesque old imperial city on the River Main, Frankfurt am Main has long been an important commercial and economic center. Frankfurt's impressive skyline is dominated by a great cluster of high-rise buildings in the banking quarter, giving it a distinct North American flavor, along with the nicknames "Mainhattan" and "Chicago on the Main."

Frequently ranked in the top 10 best cities in which to live and do business, this truly global city has also long been an important center for cultural and tourism activities. Its huge trade fair complex, Messe Frankfurt , hosts important events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), the world's most important publishing event, along with internationally renowned music and cultural festivals.

Frankfurt is also well known for its exceptional number of fine museums covering art, science, and history. It's also a lovely city to explore on foot, with many of these museums and attractions being within easy walking distance of the downtown core. If you do walk, be sure to include a stroll across the Main via the Eiserner Steg , a pedestrian footbridge originally built in 1911 (and rebuilt since) that links the Sachsenhausen district to the downtown core.

To learn more about the best places to visit and things to do along the way, be sure to read our full list of the top tourist attractions in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Römerberg: Frankfurt's Old Town Center

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Set in the heart of Frankfurt's Old Town (Altstadt), the Römerberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at its center. Not only is it Frankfurt's most picturesque public square, it's the city's busiest pedestrian zone and home to numerous tourist attractions and fun things to do, including Christmas markets and other events.

Points of interest here include its many open-fronted shops. Once common throughout the old town, and the Römer , this cluster of 11 historic buildings together made up the medieval-era Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This popular Frankfurt attraction was faithfully reconstructed in 1954 from original 15th- to 18th-century floorplans. Of special note is the elegant Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), once the scene of splendid banquets.

Other notable buildings in the Römerberg include the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) dating from 1908; the 14th-century Gothic Church of St. Leonhard; and St. Nicholas Church , with its carillon.

Also of interest here is the Historical Museum ( Historisches Museum Frankfurt) . Founded in 1878, its interesting collections relate to Frankfurt's rich cultural history from medieval to modern times, and the six traditional-style buildings of the Ostzeile .

The historic Wertheim House (Haus Wertheym), the only building to have survived the 1944 air raids that destroyed much of old Frankfurt, can also still be seen and is now home to a popular restaurant. Built in 1479, it's an undeniably romantic setting for a memorable meal (reservations recommended).

Address: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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The Städel Museum (Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie), with its excellent collection of paintings from the 14th century, is the most important of the world-class museums that make up Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer).

Of its many collections, the most important include works by Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Goya, and into the later centuries with Monet, Degas, Beckman, and Picasso. The more contemporary works include those by Bacon and Baselitz. The collection also features prints and drawings from Durer and Cezanne to Pollock and Ernst.

English-language guided tours are available, along with audio guides for those who prefer to go it alone. For those with additional time, workshops and talks, along with a research library, are also available. A café and bookshop are also located on-site.

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt's Museum District (Museumsufer) on the south and north banks of the River Main is a first-rate collection of some 16 separate museums, many of them of international standing.

In addition to the centerpiece, the Städel Art Museum , a highlight is the excellent Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen). Regarded as one of Europe's top ethnological museums, it was founded in 1904 and features collections that include more than 65,000 artifacts from as far afield as Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

The Museum of Ancient Sculpture is another important museum here. Situated in the 19th-century Liebieghaus , the museum is home to a large collection of Asian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures, as well as pieces from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Also worth visiting, the Icon Museum (Ikonen-Museum der Stadt Frankfurt am Main) is a rare institution housing a treasury of more than a thousand Christian Orthodox images from all over the Orthodox Diaspora.

Other museums of note are the German Architecture Museum (Deutsches Architekturmuseum), focusing on architectural design and offers more than 200,000 plans, drawings, and models; the Film Museum (Deutsches Filminstitut), with exhibits relating to the Lumière brothers and the history of cinema; and the Museum of Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst), or MAK for short, with its displays of more than 30,000 objects representing European and Asian decorative art.

Try to squeeze in a visit to the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum (Archäologisches Museum Frankfurt), set in a former monastery and dealing with the city's history from its foundation to the present. Even a quick visit is time well spent.

Address: Schaumainkai, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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Located in the heart of Frankfurt's Inner City (Innenstadt) district, the 200-meter-tall Maintower (Aussichtspunkt Frankfurt) should rank highly on your list of fun things to do. Considered one of the top tourist attractions in Germany, it was completed in 1999, this impressive 56-story skyscraper is one of the largest in Germany and was built with a superb rooftop observatory that's open to the public.

Two public viewing platforms are on its top floors, and the views from here are simply breathtaking. In addition to enjoying panoramic vistas of the Old Town (Altstadt) and the many other Frankfurt attractions on your must-see list, the river views alone make the fast glass-fronted elevator journey to the top worth it.

If visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you may want to time your visit for after nightfall. The viewing platforms are open later on these days, offering a unique opportunity to view the city from on high at night.

You may also want to combine your visit with a meal at the popular Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge on the building's 53rd floor (reservations recommended). Be sure to also check out the art installations and mosaics in the building's lobby area, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located on Bockenheimer Landstrasse, the beautiful 54-acre Palm Garden (Palmengarten) is the largest botanic garden in Germany. One of three such gardens in Frankfurt, it was an instant hit with the public upon its opening in 1871. In fact, the attraction lured some of the top performers of the time from around the world, including Buffalo Bill, who visited with his Wild West show in 1890.

Highlights of a visit today are the lovely outdoor botanical exhibits laid out according to their geographical location, along with a number of greenhouses containing subtropical and tropical plant species. The gardens also offer boating, a children's playground, and picnic spots, and guided tours are available.

The Europaturm , a 337-meter-tall telecommunications tower also known as the "Tower of Europe," is just a short walk away and worth visiting for its viewing platform and restaurant. Great views can also be enjoyed from the viewing platforms of the nearby Main Tower, one of its tallest skyscrapers.

Other Frankfurt parks of interest are the 72-acre Grüneburgpark and the even larger Nidda Valley People's Park (Volkspark Niddatal). Covering some 415 acres on the outskirts of the city, Nidda Valley is a pleasant place for a stroll or a fun family picnic.

Address: Siesmayerstraße 61, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Located in Frankfurt's Senckenberg Gardens , the Senckenberg Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum Senckenberg) is one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe and the second largest of its kind in Germany.

Along with its numerous displays relating to our planet's biodiversity and the evolution of organisms, the museum houses Europe's biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs, making it a particularly pleasant spot to stop if you're traveling with kids. A number of life-size replica dinosaurs greet you in the museum's forecourt and make for an excellent backdrop for a family selfie.

The museum is also home to the world's largest collection of stuffed birds, along with an extensive exhibit outlining the development of mankind. English language tours are available, and you can rent audio guides if you want to tour on your own. Educational workshops and lectures are also held regularly. A bistro and a souvenir shop are also located on the premises.

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Roman Catholic Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom) certainly stands out for its lovely color. Officially known as St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (Dom St. Bartholomäus), its dazzling exterior comes from the red sandstone it was built with between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Add to this its Gothic styling and 95-meter-tall tower, and this impressive cathedral still manages to stand out in this city of skyscrapers. One of only a handful of churches in Germany to be designated as an Imperial Cathedral, it was here in the Election Chapel from 1562 to 1792 that the coronation of Emperors took place.

Beneath the tower is the magnificent Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen, sculpted in 1509, while in the Marienkapelle is the Maria-Schlaf-Altar from 1434. Other highlights include the grave slab of King Günther von Schwarzburg, who died in Frankfurt in 1349, as well as numerous carved side altars dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The cathedral's most important relic is the skullcap of St. Bartholomew, kept in the Late Romanesque Bartholomew's Choir. Many of the cathedral's most important artifacts can be viewed in Frankfurt Cathedral Museum (Dommuseum Frankfurt).

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Vegetables for sale at the Kleinmarkthalle

Markets are always a good place to get a feel for a city, and Frankfurt's Kleinmarkthalle , where many locals shop daily, is no exception. The present hall dates from 1954, and its 1,500 square meters house 150 market stalls selling some of the finest foods in Germany.

This is a good place to try out the famous Frankfurt "Green Sauce" ( Frankfurter Grüne Soße), a traditional condiment made of seven herbs, sour cream, and egg. You can also savor local specialties like sausages, cheeses, and pastries.

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Frankfurt was the birthplace of Germany's greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His family home, Goethe House (Goethe Haus), was where Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, and lived until 1765. Immaculately preserved, it shows how the well-to-do family and their staff would have lived at the time.

You can see everything from the sumptuously decorated dining room on the main floor to Goethe's writing room on the top floor. It was here he penned many of his early works and where he played as a child with his puppet theater.

Next door is the Goethe Museum , a 14-room gallery showcasing artworks from the writer's time, including masterpieces of the Late Baroque and Romantic periods. Family guided tours of both properties are available.

Goethestrasse , a high-end shopping area with many fine boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, is another Frankfurt attraction that testifies to the writer's fame and importance.

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, D-60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the middle of the city and one of Frankfurt's busiest pedestrian areas, the Hauptwache, which literally translates as the "Main Guard," is famous for its mix of fine historic buildings and modern structures. The most notable building here is the old Baroque Guard House after which the square is named. Built in 1730, it once housed the city's militia, a prison, and later, a police station, and now houses a café.

The square itself is one of Frankfurt's main shopping areas, complete with a large underground mall. It's also the point from which the city's main shopping and commercial streets radiate.

Pedestrian-friendly Zeil heads east, and Kaiserstrasse , with its many places of entertainment in its side streets, runs southwest past the Rossmarkt and Kaiserplatz to the Hauptbahnhof. This is the city's main train station, built in 1888 and one of the largest train terminals in Europe.

Address: An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art (MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt) is widely regarded as one of Europe's most important galleries of contemporary art.

Opened in 1991 in a stunning postmodern building in the heart of the city, the museum includes in its vast collection some 5,000 fine examples from more than 450 leading artists. Spanning from the 1960s to the present, works are by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Francis Bacon.

The museum also operates Zollamt MMK, a satellite exhibition space featuring works by younger and as yet unknown artists; the Frankfurt Museum of Applied Art (Museum für angewandte Kunst), with more than 30,000 items of European and Asian applied art, including furniture, tapestries, glass, ceramics, and books; and Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, showing both modern and contemporary art.

Also of interest is the Caricatura Museum (Caricatura Museum für Komische Kunst), which is notable for its exhibits and displays relating to comic art.

Address: Domstraße 10, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Home to more than 4,000 animals representing at least 450 different species, Frankfurt Zoo covers 32 acres near the city's old Friedberger Tor.

Founded in 1858 as the Frankfurt Zoological Garden, it's Germany's second-oldest zoo and is noted for its excellent animal houses, including the unique Grzimek House with displays of Madagascar's diverse fauna.

Also of interest is the Exotarium, with animals from different climatic regions, including marine life, reptiles, and crocodiles. The Borgori Forest has a superb ape house in an authentic jungle setting.

Other highlights include the Nocturnal Animals House and the Bird Hall. A variety of events and programs are offered, including family festivals, exhibits, themed tours, and feeding experiences.

Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's Opera Square (Opernplatz), the Old Opera House (Alte Oper) was constructed in 1880 in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1981 as one of the city's most important concert venues. Fun English-language guided tours are available.

The city's new opera house, Oper Frankfurt , and the drama theater, Schauspiel Frankfurt, share a contemporary, state-of-the-art venue known as Städtische Bühnen Frankfurt.

Address: Opernplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Eschenheim Tower (Eschenheimer Turm) was built in the early 1400s and remains the finest relic from Frankfurt's old town walls. Standing 47 meters high, it still impresses with its dimensions and dominates the Eschenheimer Gate district.

Today, the tower houses a great café restaurant as well as meeting rooms used by local historical societies. Also of interest is the nearby Stock Exchange , built in 1879 and the largest in the country.

Address: Börsenplatz, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Opened in 1988 on the 50th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a pivotal point in the persecution of Germany's Jews in the 1930s, the Jewish Museum Frankfurt (Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt) is well worth a visit.

Spread across two venues, the displays in the main collection in the Rothschild Palace location focus on the more than 900-year history of Jewish life and culture in Frankfurt. Highlights include an exhibit relating to Anne Frank in the Frank Family Center, as well as a state-of-the-art research library.

The second location, Museum Judengasse, is also worth seeing. Of greatest interest here are the foundations of 19 houses dating back to the foundation of Europe's first Jewish ghetto in the 1400s. Artifacts and interesting exhibits relating to this period provide a fascinating glimpse into Jewish culture during this period of European history.

Address: Untermainkai 14-15, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

If you want to sightsee in Frankfurt, one of the most convenient places to stay is the city center. Many of the top tourist attractions are found here, including the Frankfurt museum embankment (Museumsufer), historic churches, quaint shops, and the Old Town (Aldstadt) with its lovely half-timbered buildings and picturesque town square (the Römerberg). Below are some highly-rated hotels in the city center:

Luxury Hotels:

Located in a great location near the shops of Zeil Street and a short stroll from the Römerberg, JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt offers modern luxury in the heart of the city. Rooms come in a variety of sizes, and many offer excellent views of the city and River Main. There are also suites with separate living space and pullout sofas should you be traveling with the kids. Some suites even have kitchens. Amenities here include an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a great fine-dining restaurant.
As its name suggests, the five-star Sofitel Frankfurt Opera is within walking distance of Frankfurt's Alte Oper, which dates back to the 1800s. The hotel is set inside a stylish villa in the heart of Old Town Frankfurt. The rooms and suites are contemporary and plush and feature warm hues, designer toiletries, and Bose sound systems. On-site amenities include a French restaurant, an indoor pool, a spa with a sauna, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

If you just want a good-value hotel and don't mind a chain brand property then check out the popular Premier Inn Frankfurt Messe Hotel . Just a short bus ride from Frankfurt's main attractions, it features amenities like Hypnos beds in contemporary rooms, which are big enough to sprawl out in. The restaurant serves three meals a day including a breakfast buffet.
Located in the center of Frankfurt's creative east end, 25hours Hotel The Goldman is an excellent mid-range choice. The property features bright and colorful rooms decorated with historic-themed art and unique wooden headboards on comfy beds. There is a restaurant on-site, and you can rent a bike to explore the city.
Just across the street from Frankfurt's Central Train Station, the trendy Hotel Hamburger Hof has an energetic city center vibe. The rooms here are colorful and comfortable. If you are traveling with the family, consider a suite with a separate living room for the kids to sleep in. There is a free breakfast buffet each morning.
Hotel Villa Florentina is an excellent value mid-range choice that is just outside the city center in Frankfurt's elegant Westend banking district. This popular three-star hotel is inside a century-old villa and has an Italian design theme throughout. Families will appreciate the fact that kids under 12 stay free.

Budget Hotels:

Within walking distance of the main train station in the city center, Ibis Frankfurt Centrum overlooks the River Main and is a great option if you're watching your wallet. The rooms are contemporary and clean, and business travelers will appreciate in-room work desks, as well as free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
About a 10-minute walk from the Römerberg, Hotel Expo Frankfurt City Centre is another popular budget property, near shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This boutique property features tidy rooms with wood furnishings and pops of color in the form of bed covers and matching drapes. If you're traveling with a small family, some rooms can sleep up to three people. Wi-Fi and parking are also free here.
Sightseeing: The most convenient, single-day sightseeing tour option is the double-decker, open-air Frankfurt City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . This tour allows you to get off at any of the 14 stops to explore some of the top attractions or stay on the bus and listen to the audio commentary and get acquainted with the city and sites.
Day Trips: If you have time to explore the countryside, there are some wonderful day trips from Frankfurt . One of the most popular is the Rhine Valley Trip including a Rhine River Cruise , with full-day and half-day options available. This is a coach tour through the scenic Rhine Valley and a steamboat cruise along the Rhine River, complete with a guide and lunch. Another good option is a Half-Day Trip to Heidelberg , with coach transportation, plenty of free time to explore this medieval city, and free entrance to the Heidelberg Castle. Combining two popular tours and visiting one of Germany's most famous castles, the Frankfurt Super Saver: Neuschwanstein Castle and Rothenburg Day Trip is a great option. This tour includes skip-the-line admission to the Neuschwanstein Castle and a guided tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as well as time to explore the medieval streets on your own.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)

Germany’s big financial centre is a city of many sides. The central business district, Bankenviertel, captures your attention right away and has all ten of the tallest skyscrapers in the country. Opposite that sci-fi cityscape is the Museumsufer, an entire neighbourhood of museums that could keep you fascinated and entertained for days.

Frankfurt also has a city centre bursting with sights like the church that held Germany’s first democratic parliament, and the childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Under the gaze of those skyscrapers are fun-loving neighbourhoods like Sachsenhausen, where taverns serve traditional Apfelwein and there’s always something going on at night.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Frankfurt :

1. Museumsufer

Grouped together on both sides of the River Main is a cluster of 12 museums in an area known as the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). Most are on the left bank (south side). There are museums for film, art, architecture, communication and ethnography, to name a handful, and we’ll deal with many of them in more detail later.

The Museumsufer is a recent idea, having been developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

Some museums moved into patrician houses while others had eye-catching venues built for them by eminent architects like O.M. Ungers and Richard Meier.

On the last weekend of August the Museumsiferfest happens on the embankment, bringing later opening hours, multi-passes, outdoor music and dance performances, and a two-day dragon boat regatta on the Main.

2. Städel Museum

One of Germany’s top cultural attractions, the Städel Museum has recently been named German Museum of the Year following an extension for contemporary art in 2012. The museum was founded in 1815 when the banker Johann Friedrich Städel donated an invaluable collection of old masters to the city.

The current museum building was designed in a palatial Gründerzeit style in 1878 and within there’s a marvellous array of painting from the 1300s to the present.

Think Botticelli, Rembrandt, Hieronymus Bosch, Vermeer and van Eyck.

For later movements like Romanticism, Impressionism and Expressionism you’ll find paintings by Caspar David Friedrich, Degas and Kirchner.

Included in : Frankfurt Card

3. Main Tower

In Frankfurt’s ever-growing forest of skyscrapers there’s still only one tower with a public viewing platform.

The 200-metre Main Tower opened in the year 2000 and is the fourth-tallest building in the city, which also makes it the fourth-tallest in Germany.

And being on the east side of the Bankenviertel there’s a clean view from the top over the Altstadt and the Main.

On Fridays and Saturdays the observation deck is open a little later (until 21:00 in winter and 23:00 in summer), so you come up in the evening to see Frankfurt in lights.

The tower was designed by Schweger und Meyer, and in the foyer are two pieces of modern art: A video installation by Bill Viola and a mosaic on the wall by Stephan Huber.

4. Goethe House and Museum

The German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born at the fine corbelled house on 23 Großer Hirschgraben in 1749. It’s a medieval dwelling that had been updated with a Rococo facade and interior just before Goethe’s parents moved in.

Goethe lived here until the age of 16 and returned for long spells in between stints studying in Leipzig and Strasbourg.

In that time he wrote The Sorrows of Young Werther, and after being damaged in the war the house has been restored to how it would have looked when Goethe lived here.

The interior is furnished with contemporary artefacts like an astronomical clock that he admired and belonged to a family friend.

Attached to the house is a museum of Romantic art, appropriate for the youthful Goethe’s “Sturm und Drang” period.

5. Frankfurt Cathedral

When Germany was united in the 19th century, Frankfurt Cathedral took on special meaning because of its historical importance in the days of the Holy Roman Empire.

The cathedral was begun in the 1300s and 1400s in the Gothic style, and has been faithfully rebuilt twice: Once after a fire in 1867 and then in the 1950s after the war.

This former collegiate church was awarded the title of “cathedral” in 1562 when it started hosting the coronation ceremonies for the Holy Roman Kings.

Ten kings were crowned at this very place from 1562 to 1792, and even before then the imperial elections were held in the church from 1356. Look out for the 14th-century choir stalls, the Baroque Assumption Altar and the 15th-century fresco of the life of Mary in the southern transept.

6. Römerberg

The quaintest square in the city is walled by photogenic medieval houses, a church and historic administrative buildings.

The one that will grab your attention is the Römer, the middle of a group of three gabled buildings housing Frankfurt’s city hall since 1405. The neighbouring “Goldener Schwan” building was also annexed, as the council decided to move into houses that were already standing instead of constructing one from scratch.

In front is the Renaissance Fountain of Justice, dating to 1543, and on the opposite side of the square stands the 15th-century Old St Nicholas Church, which is incredibly came through the war without major damage.

Most of the handsome half-timbered houses to the east and west have bar and restaurant terraces on their ground floors for an Apfelwein and pretzel.

Related tour : Old Town Wonders Exploration Game and Tour

7. Palmengarten

Opened in 1871, Frankfurt’s botanical garden sweeps across 22 hectares, where plant species from all parts of the globe are displayed in greenhouses or the open-air.

The specimens are organised according to their region: One glass pavilion contains a sub-Arctic landscape, while there’s a tropicarium for rainforest and two separate structures for the desert environment.

Some of these are from the 1980s while others go back to the 19th century and were restored after the park was returned to the city’s hands in the 1960s.

There are exhibitions and performances in the historic Festsaal, while Jazz im Palmengarten is the world’s oldest open-air jazz festival, going back to 1959.

8. Eiserner Steg

Spanning the River Main between the centre of the city and the Sachsenhausen area, Frankfurt’s iron footbridge has had an eventful 150 years since it was completed in 1869. It has been rebuilt twice, the first time in 1912 when the Main was made navigable to larger boats, and again after the Nazis blew it up in the last days of the Second World War.

There’s an elegance in the bridge’s metal frame, and the best time to cross is late in the day when the low sun illuminates the high-rise towers in the Bankenviertel.

The Eiserner Steg has also been taken over by the fashion for love locks, which are fastened to every available surface.

On both banks of the Main there’s a band of parkland at the waterfront, planted with lawns, flowerbeds and pollarded trees.

On sunny days in summer you’ll pass families taking picnics, while in the evenings offices there are large crowds relaxing and chatting over beers.

The best photographs can be taken from the left bank just east of the Museumufer, where the skyscrapers rear up on the opposite bank.

Be sure to come by when the sun’s going down or at night when the Bankenviertel is lit up.

Related tour : Hop-on Hop-off Day Skyline or Express City Tour

10. St Paul’s Church

On Paulsplatz, St Paul’s Church is a building of great significance, not just for Frankfurt but Germany as a nation.

It began as a Lutheran church in 1789 and was designed with a circular plan according to the protestant principles of the time, ensuring that every member of the congregation could hear the sermon.

In 1848 that round format made St Paul’s the ideal seat for the first democratically elected parliament in Germany.

And in turn, this would form the basis for German constitution.

Parliament meetings only lasted for a year before religious services returned, but the church’s place in history was sealed as a symbol of freedom and the birthplace of German democracy.

Included in : Frankfurt: 3-Hour Bike Tour

11. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

If you have a child currently going through his or her dinosaur phase, Germany’s second largest natural history museum needs to be on the agenda.

There are anatomically up-to-date, life-sized models of dinosaurs welcoming you at the entrance, and inside are fossils of a triceratops, iguanodon, t-rex, diplodocus, parasaurolophus and a psittacosaurus.

There’s much more to see apart from dinosaurs, like an enormous catalogue of animal specimens that includes a quagga, a species of zebra extinct since the 1880s.

You can also view a cast of Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton of an australopithecus afarensis a close ancestor to modern humans.

12. Old Sachsenhausen

For hundreds of years the district of Sachsenhausen was a village distinct from the rest of Frankfurt, but still granted the protection of the city’s enormous ring of walls.

The fertile left bank of the Main was given over to farming.

And when the climate became a little cooler in the Little Ice Age, apple orchards replaced vineyards, and from the 18th century the bars in the quarter started serving cider (Aplfelwein). One of the perennial must-dos in the Frankfurt is to cross the Eisener Steg for a jaunt around the cobblestone streets in Sachsenhausen.

Pop into an Apfelweinkneipe for a glass of cider and a plate of green sauce (we’ll explain later!), in a neighbourhood that buzzes with party-goers on weekend evenings.

13. Hauptwache

At Frankfurt’s geographical centre and a busy transport hub, Hauptwache is as good a place as any to sample daily life in Frankfurt.

The plaza is at the western end of the Zeil, Frankfurt’s long pedestrianised shopping street, brimming with high street chains and big German department stores like Karstadt.

At the heart of the Hauptwache is the structure that gave the square its name.

The Baroque Hauptwache building dates to 1730 and was a barracks for the city’s Stadtwehr militia, at a time when Frankfurt was a free city-state.

Since those days it has been a prison and a police station, and now houses a much-loved cafe.

14. Schirn Kunsthalle

If you know you’ve got a trip to Frankfurt coming up, one of the first things to do is check what’s on at the Schirn Kunsthalle.

Designed in the 1980s, the hall is the main venue for temporary art exhibitions in Frankfurt, and the standard is superb.

The Kunsthalle is in an international network and collaborates with the Pompidou Centre, the Guggenheim Museum, New York’s MoMa, Moscow’s Hermitage and Britain’s Tate Gallery.

There have been celebrated retrospectives for Munch, Giacometti, Frida Kahlo and Marc Chagall, as well as more specific exhibitions on anything from Matisse’s collages to the art of Paris during the Belle Époque.

15. Berger Straße

While Zeil is all about chain stores and malls, Berger Straße has a bit more character.

The street begins by Bethmannpark on the east side of the Innenstadt and heads northeast for almost three kilometres into the Bornheim neighbourhood.

The lower part of the street, closest to Frankfurt’s centre, is full of family-owned shops and stylish, one-of-a-kind boutiques, all a world away from the Bankenviertel.

In between the shops are independent restaurants and quirky bars, at possibly the best neighbourhood in Frankfurt for nightlife.

16. Deutsches Filmmuseum

The German Film Museum approaches its subject from a few different angles.

The exhibitions handle broad topics like the technological origins and development of cinema, tracing its invention in 1895 through the advent of sound in the 1930s into the 21st century.

For budding moviemakers, the museum also breaks down exactly how a director is able to tell a story in this medium.

There are regular in-depth exhibitions on important figures from film history; Kubrick, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Romy Schneider have all featured.

And finally, there’s a cinema screening artistically significant films and classics.

Silent movies are accompanied by a live performance on a Wurlitzer pipe organ.

17. Frankfurt Zoo

Germany’s second oldest zoo dates to 1858 and is open 365 days a year.

The location is 11 hectares of landscaped parkland to the east of the Innenstadt.

It’s all an environment for 4,500 animals from more than 500 different species.

Like the best zoos, the attraction is constantly improving, adding “Ukumari-Land” a great new space for its Andean spectacled bears, looking like a real canyon.

The zoo also has preservation at a guiding principle and participates in breeding programmes for seven species.

When you come make sure to plan your day around the various feeding times, which bring you closer to crocodiles, penguins and seals.

18. Liebieghaus

On the riverfront in the Museumsufer, the Liebieghaus is a sumptuous 19th-century villa containing a sculpture museum.

The Liebieghaus was commissioned by the textile magnate Baron Von Libieg as a retirement home in the 1890s.

Not long after he died the building was acquired by the city and turned into a museum.

It now holds the sculpture collection for Frankfurt’s Städtische Galerie, which was hand-picked at the start of the 20th century to provide an overview of more than 5,000 years of sculpture.

The exhibits are a delightful mixture, jumping from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, to the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

There are calvaries, an Ancient Greek discus-thrower, Romanesque heads, a marble statue of Athena and fragments from Gothic tombs.

19. Grüneburgpark

Between the Goethe University and the Palmengarten is one of Frankfurt’s favourite spots to meet up, hang out and relax.

When the weather’s good the Grüneburgpark’s endless lawns are decked with groups of students from the university, and families on days out.

The 30-hectare English-style park was designed in 1877 on land that once belonged to the Rothschild family.

Before then it had been in the hands of the banker Peter Heinrich von Bethmann Metzler, and his guests included Goethe and the writer Bettina von Arnim.

Look for the Korean Garden with two pagodas, laid out to coincide with the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair

20. Museum Angewandte Kunst

Frankfurt’s museum of applied arts is in a mesmerising building by the American architect Richard Meier.

In the 1980s he created a bright, airy gallery, inspired by Le Corbusier’s International Style, taking up the grounds of the Neoclassical Villa Metzler and attached to it via a footbridge.

Inside there are European textiles, paintings, furniture and porcelain from the 1100s to the 2000s, as well as beautiful pieces from the Neat East, China and Japan.

The museum puts an accent on certain periods and movements, like the Baroque and Art Nouveau, and entire rooms in the Villa Metzler have been decorated in a given style.

21. Eschenheimer Turm

Very little of Frankfurt’s titanic medieval wall has made it to the 21st century: It was mostly pulled down at the start of the 1800s when the defences were modernised.

The ten-storey Eschenheimer Turm, guarding the northern wall, was also up for demolition.

But in the end it was spared and became a monument, against the wishes of the Comte d’Hédouville, ambassador of the occupying French forces.

The tower, erected at the start of the 15th century, is the oldest unchanged landmark in Frankfurt and was designed by Madern Gerthener, who also worked on the cathedral.

Just for that reason it’s worth a detour, even if you can’t go inside unless you get a table at the posh restaurant now based here.

22. Klassikstadt

To visit this unforgettable classic car attraction you’ll need catch an RB or RE train east to the industrial area close to Frankfurt-Mainkur station.

In the atmospheric confines of a former clinker brick factory there’s a restoration facility for privately owned prestige cars.

You can peek over the shoulder of experienced craftsmen and engineers, servicing engines, fixing instruments and stitching leather fittings.

The line up of Porches, BMWs, Jaguars, Mercedes and many more brands is a real treat, and to show how seriously the Klassikstadt takes its business, they’re stored in glass cases to regulate humidity.

Also at the Klassikstadt are dealerships for Aston Martin, McLaren and Lamborghini so if you’re a car enthusiast you may need to cancel any plans for the rest of the day.

23. Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)

There’s nothing elegant about the old Hessian speciality, green sauce, but you do have to give this condiment a try when you’re in Frankfurt as it’s delicious.

The sauce has a thick consistency and an egg base, and that green tone comes from its seven fresh herbs: Parsley, borage, chervil, chives, burnet, cress and sorrel.

Green sauce always comes with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.

Apparently it was also Goethe’s favourite dish, so you’ll be in good company.

24. Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)

The only true pairing for a serving of green sauce is a glass of tart Apfelwein, which despite the name, is best compared to cider.

Apfelwein has been the drink of choice at Frankfurt’s taverns (Kneipen) for more than 250 years.

And like best traditional drinks, Apfelwein has its own paraphernalia: It will be brought to you in a Bembel, a stoneware pitcher painted with filigree patterns, and is poured into a glass with a ribbed pattern, known as a Gerippte.

You’ll also be handed a Deckelchen, a small wooden disc to keep flying insects out of your glass.

And as for the flavour, well it’s both refreshing and sour, and cuts through the creaminess of the green sauce.

If you really catch the Apfelwein bug there’s a tourist train serving the best taverns in summer.

25. Kleinmarkthalle

Close to the Zeil shopping street is a hangar-like indoor market that toes the line between a traditional fresh produce market and a cosmopolitan food experience.

There are 156 stalls trading every day of the week except Sunday, so you can feast your eyes on the best cheese, meat, vegetables, fruit, confectionery, bread and pastries from the region.

And appropriately for a city as multicultural as Frankfurt the market has dozens of places to pick up Turkish, Spanish and Italian specialities: Make a lunchtime visit for tapas, a panini, oysters, bratwurst and much more at the bars above the main hall.

25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany):

Museumsufer
Städel Museum
Goethe House and Museum
Frankfurt Cathedral
Palmengarten
Eiserner Steg
St Paul's Church
Senckenberg Natural History Museum
Old Sachsenhausen
Schirn Kunsthalle
Berger Straße
Deutsches Filmmuseum
Frankfurt Zoo
Liebieghaus
Grüneburgpark
Museum Angewandte Kunst
Eschenheimer Turm
Klassikstadt
Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)
Kleinmarkthalle

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The Top 12 Attractions in Frankfurt, Germany

This internationally-diverse city has plenty to offer

Often relegated to "the gateway to Europe ," Frankfurt has more to see than just the Frankfurt International Airport . Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany and thanks to its skyscrapers and the river Main, Frankfurt's playful reputation as "Mainhattan" makes it unique within Germany.

Even though it only has 700,000 residents, Frankfurt is a remarkably diverse city —more than half of its residents are non-German and more than 100 different languages are spoken. With this in mind, it's no surprise that Frankfurt has many great things to offer, from the arts, outdoors , and shopping, to historic buildings and high-rises. Here are the 12 best Frankfurt attractions you don't want to miss.

Stroll Through Historic Römerberg

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Römerberg ("Roman Mountain") is the historic heart of Frankfurt . It is the only part of the modern city that was recreated to look like all of Frankfurt once did.

It is home to its Rathaus (City Hall) which dates back to 1405 and is flanked by half-timbered houses. This historic square used to be the place for Frankfurt's first trade fairs in the 13th century. Today it still hosts its historic Christmas market .

Head Up to the Main Tower

There is no better way to see Frankfurt than from the top of the Main Tower, the city's only high-rise open to the public. The building is named after the German river Main, which runs through Frankfurt's city center.

Take the elevator up to the 650-feet high platform to enjoy sweeping views of Frankfurt’s skyline. Here you can enjoy a cocktail and meal at the Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge , located on the upper floor of the tower. The restaurant offers international cuisine and 26-foot panoramic windows.

Tour the Goethe House

Frankfurt is the birthplace of Germany's most important writer , Johann Wolfgang von Goethe , born in 1749.

Although Goethe's house was destroyed in World War II , it was fully restored with the original furniture, paintings, and books belonging to the family. Take inspiration from the writing desk, where Goethe wrote " The Sorrows of Young Werther ."

The house is located at Grosser Hirschgraben 23-25, near Römerberg.

See Europe's Largest Dinosaur Skeleton

The world-renowned Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt is one of the largest museums of natural history in Germany. Popular with children and adults alike, it showcases thousands of exhibits ranging from fossils to Egyptian mummies to the museum's most famous attraction: the largest dinosaur skeleton in Europe.

Sip Cider in Sachsenhausen

The signature drink of Frankfurt is apfelwein or ebbelwoi as the Frankfurters say. It is a crisp and alcoholic apple cider that is locally produced in the regions around Frankfurt.

You can find some of the best and oldest apple cider taverns in the cobblestone streets of Frankfurt's historic Sachsenhausen district, south of the Old Town. Or combine a tour of the city with its favored drink on the Ebbelwei Express , a landmark tram that drives through the town to the tunes of traditional schlager music.

Visit Paulskirche

St. Paul's Church was built between 1789 and 1833 and is the cradle of German democracy: The church was used for political meetings and became the seat of the first freely-elected German parliament in 1848.

Today, Paulskirche is no longer a church and serves as an exhibition space for events like the annual awarding of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade during the Frankfurt Book Fair. It's located in Römerberg.

Spend an Afternoon Admiring Fine Art

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Take a walk along the river Main through Frankfurt's Museumsufer , a corridor of some of the best museums in the country. Among them is the superb German Film Museum and the world-famous Städel Museum , which focuses on the fine art of the old masters.

On Saturdays, the area comes alive with other kinds of old things in the form of Frankfurt's largest flea market.

Take in the Flora at Palmengarten

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Founded in 1868 by a group of Frankfurt citizens, the Botanical Garden takes you on a horticultural journey from the African savanna and the exotic plants of the rain forests, to the blooming flower gardens in Europe. Spread across 50 open acres and various greenhouses, you can see more than 6,000 different botanical species from all around the world.

Shop on the "Fifth Avenue of Germany"

The premier place to shop in Frankfurt is the bustling pedestrian zone called Zeil . Also known as "The Fifth Avenue of Germany," this shopping street offers everything from chic boutiques to international department chains to a modern 10-floor shopping center, the "Zeil Galerie."

Admire Modern Architecture and Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MMK) is not only famous for its extensive art collection, which includes artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, and Gerhardt Richter, but also for its bold architecture. Designed by the Viennese architect Hans Hollein, the museum has a triangular shape and is called Frankfurter Küche or "the slice of cake" by locals.

Experience a Museum You Can't "See"

You go to a museum to "see" artifacts, right? Not so at Frankfurt's unique DialogMuseum .

This one-of-a-kind museum takes visitors on a one-hour tour through four pitch-black rooms. Guests will experience daily life without any visual cues, just as those are blind or visually-impaired do. All tour guides are also visually-impaired.

Skip the Meat at Vevay

Eating vegetarian or vegan food in Frankfurt seems blasphemous. After all, you're in the land of the Frankfurter!

But Frankfurt is home to Vevay , a delicious meat-free restaurant that serves up fare so hearty you won't even miss the meat. Try the colorful and filling superfood salad, loaded with quinoa, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sprouts, all topped with a soy-mint dressing. P.S. Bring cash!

The 9 best attractions in Frankfurt

Want to see the best of the best? From markets to museums, these are the most unmissable attractions in Frankfurt

What are the attractions in Frankfurt that you simply cannot miss? Well, read on and find out, intrepid explorer. Much of this marvellous city was obliterated during the Second World War, meaning many of its magnificent constructions aren’t quite as old as they look, but the modern side of Frankfurt offers spectacular architecture too.

Germany’s financial capital is home to a great restaurant scene and a museum quarter that demands attention, and fabulous embellishments to the many attractions here that take centre stage. Frankfurt is, quite frankly, fabulous.

RECOMMENDED: 🏨 Check out the best hotels in Frankfurt 📍See the best things to do in Frankfurt

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Frankfurt attractions

1. städel museum.

Art and design
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Frankfurt has some 60 museums of varying sizes, and 13 of them are by the Main river in what’s known as Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment. Here you’ll find the Städel, with its vast art collection housed in a striking building and new extension. This is Germany’s oldest museum foundation, boasting a collection spanning roughly 700 years of European art. Works date from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque periods to the present. The contemporary works are housed in the spacious underground extension (which cost €52 million) beneath the gardens, where you can check out Andy Warhol’s 1982 silkscreen of German literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born in Frankfurt.

Time Out tip: Consider downloading the free app, which has information on roughly 100 artworks. After your art tour, stop for a bite at the museum’s acclaimed restaurant, Holbein’s.

2. Historisches Museum

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There’s no better place to learn about Frankfurt than at this historical museum. It has hours’ worth of interactive exhibits that delve into the city’s past, including a model showing how much of the centre was flattened during the Second World War. Visitors can also learn about the Main river (which explains the city’s official name, Frankfurt am Main), or check out a city model based on input from real locals, not curators. The museum interviewed 1,166 Frankfurters about their city (think favourite and least favourite places, etc) and incorporated all the input into a dense city model.

Time Out tip: If you’re in town on a Saturday, take note: admission is free every last Saturday of the month, except in August and December.

3. Kleinmarkthalle

Markets and fairs

Nothing in Frankfurt is quite as vibrant as this two-storey produce market. Sure, it can pack out on Saturdays, but it’s well worth braving the crowds. As with much of the city, bombs destroyed the original neo-Renaissance hall in 1944; the building you see now was finished in 1954. It’s long been an institution beloved by locals for its bounty of fresh meat, cheese, dried fruits, flowers and other produce. Stand after stand overflows with local specialities like Handkäse , a plethora of Wurst types and wholegrain German bread.

Time Out tip: On the first floor, the Marktstubb café serves hearty regional dishes. You can take food to go or eat in, though a seat is not always easy to find.

4. Frankfurt Stock Exchange

Parliament and civic buildings

After the Nazi regime’s collapse, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange closed for six months, before reopening in September 1945. Today it’s one of the biggest in the world. You can see the trading floor on tours running from Monday to Friday; included is a view from the visitors’ gallery onto the trading floor below. For €125, you’ll get a presentation that includes the history of the stock exchange – be sure to request English if you need it

Time Out tip: Outside the beautiful collonaded building, check out the two bronze figures, the Bull and Bear by Reinhard Dachlauer, which represent the ups and downs of the world’s stock markets.

5. Old Jewish Cemeteries

Frankfurt’s Jewish cemeteries date back to the Middle Ages (the oldest surviving gravestone is from 1272). You’ll find tombstones leaning in all directions here – those that remain, at least, since both the Nazis and the bombing destroyed many graves during the Second World War. Today fewer than 200 tombstones are in good condition, but the sites are still worth a visit. One cemetery wall was turned into a memorial in 1996 as a tribute to the city’s Jewish history. Inscribed are the names of some of the 10,000 Frankfurter Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Another Jewish cemetery, on Rat-Beil-Straße 10, contains hundreds of graves of Jews who committed suicide between 1938 and 1943. Despite the tragic history that pervades these graveyards, they’re now peaceful places of contemplation, with tombstones covered in moss and tall trees offering shade and places to sit and reflect.

Time Out tip: As you walk through the grounds you'll notice graves inscribed with a fish trap, rabbit or windmill. They signify which house on The Judengasse these individuals would have lived on.

6. Portikus

Exhibitions

Halfway across the Alte Brucke, or Old Bridge, sits Portikus, a tall, narrow, red structure that’s impossible to miss. Founded in 1987, this free contemporary art space has exhibited major established artists like Dan Graham and John Baldessari, as well as emerging ones. It’s the exhibition space of the Städelschule, the state academy of art in Frankfurt, whose name comes from businessman and banker Johann Friedrich Städel, also of the Städel Museum. Check out artist Olafur Eliasson’s light installation in the roof gallery exhibition space. During the day, enjoy the sight of swans convening near the building. At night, the lights from Eliasson’s work create a beautiful reflection on the water.

Time Out tip: Love literature? Portikus runs an annual book festival titled How(ever), which takes place around October and explores the intersection between publishing and artistic practice.

7. IG Farben Building

Historic buildings and sites

The IG Farber building, designed by German architect Hans Poelzig and completed in 1931, is a breathtaking behemoth, but behind that vast, Travertine marble facade lies a dark past. Not only did the IG Farber chemical company manufacture the gas that murdered millions in Nazi death camps, but they also relied heavily on slave labour from Auschwitz to make it. Thankfully, the building is now in safe hands, Goethe University to be precise, who have renamed it the Poelzig Building. Learn all about its history in the university's permanent exhibition, or simply go to marvel at the impressive interior and ride the paternoster elevators, which move continuously and don't have doors. We recommend giving yourself a two-hour window for exploration.

Time Out tip: Take note of how the New Objectivity style starkly contrasts with the naked sculpture, Am Wasser.

8. Römerberg

Walks and tours

Despite being dubbed the financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt isn't all shimmering glass skyscrapers. Over in the Römerberg district, you'll find charming cobblestones and timber-framed houses. Walking down these streets feels like stepping into the past, but don't be fooled, as the Altstadt ain't all it appears to be. A lot of old Frankfurt was razed to the ground in both World Wars, so much of the area has been reconstructed, starting in the 1950s and continuing right up until 2018. Apart from the beautiful sights, Römerberg is also home to attractions such as the Museum of History, Schirn Kunsthalle (for contemporary art) and the annual Christmas market.

Time Out tip: Known for its time capsule aesthetic, it's worth taking a few Polaroid snaps if you have one to hand. To make it even more idyllic, we also recommend cycling to Römerberg is you're up for the challenge.

9. Old Opera House

The original Opera House was finished in 1880, but the grand building you see today was reconstructed and inaugurated in 1981 after the old building was destroyed in the war. The new structure boasts an ultra-modern mahogany-panelled concert hall, where you can catch one of the 300 shows they put on a year. The venue no longer stages full operas, but arias and duets are performed regularly, and other concerts span jazz, symphony orchestras, chamber philharmonics, pianists and cellists, and so on. The Alte Oper, as it’s called in German, is the centrepiece of a scenic square with a large fountain and ornate lamp posts. The square makes the perfect spot for a break or quick meet-up; from here, walk down the Große Bockenheimer Straße, a pedestrian shopping street with a number of high-end shops and cafés.

Time Out tip: If you're looking for delicious cheap eats in the area, you'll find popular restaurant Im Herzen Afrikas serving authentic Eritrean cuisine, a 17-minute walk away.

Still after tip-top recommendations?

The 14 best things to do in frankfurt.

From secret acoustic gigs to English theatre to exceptionally good sushi, here’s our pick of the best restaurants, bars, attractions and other things to do in Frankfurt.

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Best of Frankfurt

A city of short distances

Everything is possible in Frankfurt

Frankfurt will surprise you: Here, you will find big-city flair alongside idyllic oases of peace and tranquillity.

Start your day with a coffee in Sachsenhausen before strolling through the banking district, where skyscrapers kiss the sky. Then discover hidden art treasures in the numerous museums on the Museum Embankment. Frankfurt is a melting pot of cultures, which is well reflected in its unrivalled culinary diversity. From traditional apple wine fare to international culinary delights - everything is possible in Frankfurt. This city combines cosmopolitanism with cosiness, culture with nature. It is a place that invites you to enjoy life to the fullest and proves that the best things are often closer than you think.

Our Frankfurt Card

The little must have for sustainable travelling during a visit to Frankfurt

Curved iron bridge "Eiserner Steg" over the Main with Dreikönigskirche church in the background.

Of course, there are many more spots than those already mentioned. The observation platforms of the MainTower, the Cathedral Tower and the Goetheturm are just some of them. There are also countless restaurant and bar locations and cultural hot-spots that would complete this list. But more on that as later! Until then, we send our best wishes #FromFrankfurtwithLove.

Must-do's and must-see's

In Frankfurt, you can …

experience the skyline from a different perspective on a boat trip on the Main.

combine sightseeing with Frankfurt's cult drink on the Ebbelwei-Express.

cycle or ride an e-scooter from Hibbdebach to Dribbdebach.

get many discounts with the Frankfurt Card and travel comfortably and free of charge on public transport, even as far as the airport.

discover the diverse region with the RheinMainCard.

gain an overview with a city tour on a hop-on hop-off bus.

take a virtual journey into the past with TimeRide.

hop on a Velotaxi and relax after a day of exploring.

celebrate 10 recurring festivals every year.

Have fun with the whole family.

Frankfurt Museumscape

TOP 10 Sights

Must eat and drink

These Frankfurt specialities are part of every visit!

Bethmännchen

Green Sauce

Frankfurt Coronation cake

Frankfurter Rips

Frankfurter Sausages

Frankfurt like a local

Personal highlights of the people of Frankfurt

It is often said that Frankfurt is a city for a second glance and we believe this statement to be absolutely true. We also believe that it is ultimately the experiences and adventures in Frankfurt that convince visitors to come back, business people to relocate, etc., etc. ... ...

The true essence of Frankfurt is visible in the small, personal moments that you may experience here. It's the smile of the vendor at the weekly market, the cosy get-together at one of the many apple wine pubs, or the inspiring stories of the tour guides, who convey the diversity of our city in more than 19 languages.

What we and the people of Frankfurt wholeheartedly recommend to everyone:

Enjoy cool drinks and the vibe of the city at one of the iconic Trinkhallen, also known as Wasserhäuschen.

Enjoy a glass of wine at the Kleinmarkthalle on a Saturday alone or with friends

Sipping on a sundowner cocktail in one of the rooftop bars of the city, enjoying a sunset

Relaxing by the Main River (Maincafé, Yachtclub, Döner Boat)

Further information

Must-see attractions in Frankfurt am Main

Städel Museum

Frankfurt am Main

Founded in 1815, this world-renowned art gallery has an outstanding collection of European art from masters including Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir,…

Germany, Hesse, Frankfurt, view of Frankfurt Cathedral, Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomaus.

Frankfurt’s red-sandstone cathedral is dominated by a 95m-high Gothic tower, which can be climbed via 328 steps. Construction began in the 13th century;…

Senckenberg Museum

Life-size dinosaur mock-ups guard the front of Frankfurt’s natural history museum. Inside the early 1900s neo-baroque building, exhibits cover…

RÃƒÂ¶merberg square and Justice fountain, Frankfurt

The Römerberg is Frankfurt’s old central square. Ornately gabled half-timbered buildings, reconstructed after WWII, give an idea of how beautiful the city…

Germany, Hesse, Frankfurt am Main, Museum fur Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art), MMK, wedge-shaped exterior, designed by Hans Hollein

Museum für Moderne Kunst

The outstanding Museum of Modern Art focuses on European and American art from the 1960s to the present, with frequent temporary exhibits. The permanent…

Museum Judengasse

Most of Frankfurt’s medieval Jewish ghetto – Europe's first, dating from 1460 – on narrow Judengasse (Jews’ Street) was destroyed by a French bombardment…

IG-Farbenhaus

The monumental seven-storey IG-Farbenhaus was erected in 1931 as the headquarters of IG-Farben (pronounced ‘ee geh far-behn’), the mammoth German…

Goethe House, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in 1749 - Frankfurt, Hesse

Goethe-Haus

Completely rebuilt after WWII (only the cellar survived Allied bombing), the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) is furnished in the…

Inaugurated in 1880, the Italian Renaissance-style Alte Oper anchors the western end of the Zeil-Fressgass pedestrian zone. Burnt out in 1944, it narrowly…

Riverfront Promenade

Beautiful parkland runs along both banks of the Main River – perfect for strolling, running, cycling or a picnic. The most popular section is between the…

Wollheim Memorial

This memorial is housed in a little pavilion marked ‘107984’ – the prisoner number of Norbert Wollheim, a forced labourer at the IG Farben’s corporate…

Historisches Museum Frankfurt

Showcasing Frankfurt’s long and fascinating history, the city's revamped Historical Museum occupies a five-building complex completed in 2017. Its main…

Frankfurt's skyline wouldn't be the same without the Main Tower, one of the tallest and most distinctive high-rises in town. A great place to get a feel…

Schirn Kunsthalle

Some of Germany’s most topical and talked-about art exhibitions take place at this modern and contemporary art museum, such as retrospectives of artists…

The photogenic Römer (old town hall) consists of three step-gabled 15th-century houses. In the time of the Holy Roman Empire, it was the site of…

Reached from Limpurgergasse (around the south side of Römer) via a small courtyard and a spiral staircase made of carved red sandstone, the barrel-vaulted…

Jüdisches Museum

Frankfurt's Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum) is set in the one-time residence of the Rothschild family, the Rothschildpalais. It's closed for renovations…

Junges Museum Frankfurt

Formerly Frankfurt's Children's Museum, this museum dedicated to kids and families became the Junges Museum Frankfurt (Young Museum) in 2018 when it…

PalmenGarten

Established in 1871, Frankfurt's botanical PalmenGarten (palm garden) is filled with tropical hothouses, rose gardens, a bamboo grove and rock garden…

Museum für Angewandte Kunst

Contemporary trends in design and fashion are featured alongside displays of beautiful furniture, textiles, metalwork, glass and ceramics from Europe …

Liebieghaus

Inside a gorgeous 1890s villa, the Liebieghaus' superb sculpture collection encompasses Greek, Roman, Egyptian, medieval, Renaissance and baroque works,…

Alte Nikolaikirche

Topped by a single spire, this red-sandstone Protestant church – begun in the 13th century – is situated on the south side of the Römerberg and was one of…

Deutsches Filmmuseum

Permanent and changing exhibitions chart the history of cinema, film-making, and specific genres and artists at this dynamic museum. Signs are in English…

Frankfurt Stock Exchange

The famous old Börse, built in 1843, is an impressively colonnaded neoclassical structure. The porch is decorated with allegorical statues of the five…

Westend Synagogue

Frankfurt's largest synagogue was built between 1908 and 1910 by Lichtenstein-born architect Franz Roeckle (1879–1953), who trained in Stuttgart before…

Spread out between 1km and 2km northwest of the Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt’s famous trade fair grounds are anchored by the iconic MesseTurm, a 256m-high…

To the left as you enter the cathedral, the Dommuseum has a small collection of precious liturgical objects, and a young girl's grave dating from 680 AD,…

European Central Bank Headquarters

The European Central Bank (ECB) relocated in 2014 from Frankfurt's Eurotower into these striking 180m-high headquarters on the site of the city's former…

Frau Rauscher Brunnen

Inspired by a local song about apple wine, the Frau Rauscher Brunnen – a statue of a fierce-looking, apple-wine-jug-wielding woman – periodically sprays a…

Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen

Located in the centre of the Römerberg, this bronze fountain depicts the goddess Justitia holding up scales and a sword. The first fountain was…

Museum Giersch

Lesser-known Frankfurt-area artists from the 19th and early 20th centuries are the focus of the special exhibitions at this neoclassical riverside villa,…

Frankfurt Zoo

Dating from 1874, Frankfurt's 11-hectare zoo is home to some 4500 animals, with houses for primates, nocturnal creatures, birds and amphibians. There's a…

Bulle und Bär Statue

In the square out the front of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, a sculpture entitled Bulle und Bär depicts a showdown between a bull and a bear in which the…

Eschenheimer Turm

A local landmark, this 47m-high, early-15th-century tower was a city gate that formed part of Frankfurt's medieval fortifications, and is one of the city…

Deutsches Architekturmuseum

Germany's architecture museum mounts three temporary exhibitions at a time, which often focus on a particular architect or firm. Not much relates to…

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18 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Nestled on the banks of the Main River, Frankfurt stands as a fascinating juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic charm.

As Germany’s financial capital and a major international transportation hub, Frankfurt is a bustling business city. However, beyond its economic significance, it offers an array of captivating experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Affectionately known as ‘Mainhattan’ due to its iconic skyline reminiscent of the famous borough in New York, it is a city where centuries-old traditions merge with cutting-edge modernity effortlessly.

As you stroll through its streets, you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from medieval half-timbered houses to sleek contemporary structures. Within those buildings, you’ll find attractions of interest for everyone from history buffs and art lovers to foodies and shopaholics.

Besides the things to do in Frankfurt itself, the city’s location at the heart of Germany is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside. With its charming vineyards and romantic castles , the Rhine Valley is easily accessible from the city, offering breathtaking scenery and plenty of wine-tasting opportunities.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Frankfurt

18. Hauptwache

One of the first places you should head to in Frankfurt – especially on your first visit there – is Hauptwache.

A prominent square and architectural landmark located right in the heart of the city, it was originally built as a baroque-style guardhouse in the 18th century. However, it has since become a bustling hub that encapsulates the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

The square’s centerpiece is the neoclassical Hauptwache building, which once served as a police headquarters and now houses a popular café. Surrounded by modern buildings and bustling streets, it is a lively meeting point, which makes it a terrific place to get your bearings and for people-watching.

It also serves as a central transportation hub, with an underground station connecting various parts of the city.

17. St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church is a religious structure with immense historical and symbolic significance. Constructed in the early 19th century, it became a focal point for democratic movements in Germany.

Over the years, it played a pivotal role in the country’s path towards democracy. Hosting the first-ever elected national assembly in 1848, which aimed to establish a constitution for a united Germany.

Today, the former protestant church is a memorial and reminder of these democratic aspirations. With its distinctive Greek Revival architecture and towering Corinthian columns, it is an impressive sight you’ll want to take some time to admire from the outside.

Inside, it features a simple yet elegant design, the highlight of which is the stunning views of its floors and the magnificent organ pipes you get from upstairs.

16. Museum of Modern Art (MMK)

If you are into art, you should visit The Museum of Modern Art.

It is conveniently situated near the city centre and showcases an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks from established and emerging artists.

The MMK’s striking architecture, consisting of three interconnected buildings, is a fitting backdrop for its diverse exhibitions. Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations.

Opened to the public in 1991, the museum continually curates thought-provoking exhibitions pushing boundaries and challenging conventional notions of art.

It also serves as a platform for artistic discourse and engages visitors in dialogue about our time’s pressing social, political and cultural issues.

Overall, it is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in cutting-edge contemporary art.

15. Eschenheimer Turm

One of Frankfurt’s most notable landmarks is the Eschenheimer Turm, a historic tower standing as a prominent symbol of the city’s medieval past.

The tower stands around 47 metres tall and was part of the fortifications protecting the city. It was constructed in the 15th century and features a distinct octagonal shape and a striking red sandstone facade. Over the years, it has witnessed numerous renovations and alterations to preserve its architectural integrity.

Today it blends seamlessly with its modern urban surroundings. Visitors can admire the tower’s impressive architecture and enjoy panoramic city views from its observation platform. As it boasts a rich history and architectural splendour, Eschenheimer Turm is well worth visiting due to it offering a glimpse into Frankfurt’s medieval heritage.

14. German Film Museum

Housed in a modern building on the banks of the Main River, the German Film Museum is a fascinating place to visit.

It is dedicated to the history and art of filmmaking, focusing on exploring German cinema, in particular, and the impact it has had on global film culture.

The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, documents and audiovisual displays. Between them, they trace the evolution of German filmmaking from its early days to the present.

Its exhibitions delve into various aspects of the film industry. They include production techniques, special effects and cinematography that focus on the work of renowned directors and actors.

At the same time, interactive displays allow visitors to engage in film-related activities, including scriptwriting and editing.

The German Film Museum also hosts screenings, film festivals and educational programs to complement its displays.

13. Kleinmarkthalle

The Kleinmarkthalle is a bustling indoor market in the city center that has been a culinary hotspot for almost 145 years.

A treat for all your senses, it features over 60 colourful stalls brimming with fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and an array of international delicacies.

The aromas of freshly baked bread, aromatic spices, and specialty foods fill the air, enticing visitors to explore further. While beyond the produce, the market is dotted with small eateries and stands serving regional delights.

The market is open every weekday from 8 am to 6 pm. However, it is closed on Sunday and only opens until 4 pm on Saturday. The busiest day to come here is Friday. But on any day, it is advisable to get here as early as possible.

12. Zoo Frankfurt

If you are an animal lover, you should take the opportunity to visit Zoo Frankfurt.

Established in 1858, it is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Germany. It spans over 11 hectares and is home to a range of exotic animal species from around the world.

Visitors can observe majestic big cats, playful primates, magnificent elephants and several species of birds, reptiles and marine creatures.

The zoo also places a strong emphasis on conservation and education. Offering informative exhibits and interactive programs that highlight the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

In addition to the animal exhibits, there are beautifully landscaped gardens, picnic areas, cafes and a children’s playground to enjoy. For those travelling to Frankfurt as a family, a visit here is an excellent day out.

11. Main Tower Observation Deck

One of the best ways to appreciate the city’s architecture is to visit The Main Tower Observation Deck.

Located in the financial district, the Main Tower stands at a height of 200 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city. Its observation deck, accessible by a high-speed elevator, provides visitors with a spectacular 360-degree vista of the cityscape.

From this vantage point, you can marvel at the modern skyscrapers, the meandering Main River and the picturesque landscape that stretches beyond. On clear days, the view extends as far as the Taunus Mountains. The observation deck is equipped with informative panels that highlight Frankfurt’s landmarks and architectural features.

Additionally, the Main Tower boasts an upscale restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning vistas.

10. Sachsenhausen

Frankfurt has some fascinating neighborhoods, and one of the best of them to visit is Sachsenhausen.

A historic district known for its lively atmosphere and culinary delights, it is situated on the south side of the Main River.

What immediately strikes you when you visit Sachsenhausen is its unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions. The district is famous for its traditional apple wine taverns, known as Äppelwoi Lokale. At them, you can savour Frankfurt’s beloved Ebbelwoi (apple wine) and enjoy hearty regional dishes.

The district’s quaint cobblestone streets are lined with half-timbered houses, small shops, and boutiques, offering a delightful shopping experience. At the same time, history enthusiasts can explore landmarks like the Deutschordenskirche and the Dreikönigskirche, which provide glimpses into the area’s past.

Sachsenhausen is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, pubs and clubs open till late.

9. Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge – also known as Eiserner Steg – is an iconic pedestrian bridge that spans the Main River.

Ever since it was built in 1868, it has become a symbol of the city, connecting the district of Sachsenhausen with the city centre.

Featuring a distinctive iron lattice structure and ornate detailing, the Iron Bridge exudes a sense of charm and elegance. It is a popular spot for an Instagram selfie and offers stunning views of the river, the Frankfurt skyline, and the surrounding areas.

Tourists can enjoy a leisurely stroll across the bridge, take in the bustling river traffic, or simply pause to capture memorable photographs. The iron bridge is also a canvas for love locks, where couples affix padlocks to the railing as a symbol of their commitment. If you are visiting this attraction with your partner, this is something you might want to do.

8. Goethe House

Fans of classic literature may want to visit The Goethe House.

A historically significant site, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. One of Germany’s most celebrated literary figures.

The house, originally built in the 18th century, was the birthplace and childhood home of Goethe. Today, it stands as a meticulously preserved museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of this influential writer.

Inside, the rooms are furnished in the style of the late 18th century, providing an authentic backdrop to Goethe’s early years. Visitors can explore the various chambers, including the study where Goethe penned some of his renowned works.

The museum also houses a collection of artifacts, manuscripts and artwork related to Goethe and his era.

7. Old Opera House

The Old Opera House is a magnificent cultural landmark that showcases the city’s rich history and love for the performing arts.

Colloquially known as Alte Oper, it was constructed in the late 19th century, acting as the city’s main opera house until it was heavily damaged during World War II.

However, rather than demolishing it, the good people of Frankfurt chose to rebuild and restore the Old Opera House to its former glory. Today, the venue stands as a testament to its resilience and serves as a prestigious concert hall.

With its stunning neoclassical architecture and grand interiors, the Old Opera House hosts a diverse array of musical performances. They include classical concerts, operas, ballets, and contemporary productions. The venue’s acoustics are particularly renowned, making it a favourite destination for notable artists and orchestras from around the world.

6. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

One of the most captivating tourist attractions in Frankfurt is the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Taking visitors on a journey through the wonders of the natural world, it is one of the largest natural history museums in Europe. It was established in 1817 and houses an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, taxidermy specimens and interactive exhibits.

The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of scientific disciplines, including palaeontology, geology, botany and zoology. Whilst there, you can marvel at the impressive dinosaur skeletons, explore the diversity of ecosystems and learn about the evolution of life on Earth.

The Senckenberg Natural History Museum also houses a state-of-the-art planetarium where visitors can embark on a cosmic journey through space and time. Additionally, it has immersive displays and educational programs that cater to all ages.

5. Palmengarten

If you fancy a break from sightseeing, the Palmengarten is a breathtaking botanical garden that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

The garden spans over 22 hectares and is a haven for nature lovers and horticultural enthusiasts. It houses an impressive collection of plant species from around the world, meticulously curated in various themed sections.

You’ll be able to wander through lush tropical greenhouses, stroll along serene pathways lined with vibrant flowers and trees and relax in picturesque gardens.

The Palmengarten also hosts seasonal exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events, providing a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages. Overall, it is a terrific place to visit as its serene ambience, beautifully landscaped grounds and diverse plant life offer a peaceful retreat connecting you with nature.

4. Frankfurt Christmas Market

A visit to the Christmas Market is one of the best things to do in Frankfurt if you happen to be in the city during the run-up to Christmas.

Also known as ‘Frankfurter Weihnachtsmarkt’, this beloved annual tradition fills the city with festive cheer. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of Germany’s oldest and most renowned Christmas markets.

The market is held in the city center, and its centerpiece is a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights. It features enchanting rows of wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights, selling a wide array of seasonal delights.

From handcrafted ornaments and gifts to delicious traditional treats like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine, the market offers plenty of delicious food to eat.

Congruently, live music performances, carol singing and amusement rides create a joyful atmosphere that will enchant you.

3. Cathedral of St. Bartholomew

The city’s historic Altstadt (Old Town) is somewhere you should spend a bit of time exploring. Whilst there, be sure to check out The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew.

An iconic landmark, the Frankfurter Dom, as it is known, dates back to the 14th century. Its Gothic architecture, with its soaring spires and intricate stonework, is a sight to behold.

The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew stands as a testament to Frankfurt’s rich heritage and religious significance. It invites visitors to admire its architectural grandeur and discover its historical legacy.

Over the years, the cathedral has witnessed centuries of history, including imperial coronations and significant events in the city’s past.

Its interior features stunning stained glass windows, ornate altars and beautifully carved sculptures. However, one of its main highlights is the view you get from its stunning tower, which conveys the city and the Main River.

2. Stadel Museum

The Städel Museum is a prestigious art museum renowned for its extensive collection spanning over 700 years of European art history.

Established in 1815 by Johann Friedrich Städel, a businessman and banker, the museum offers a comprehensive art experience. It showcases both renowned works and lesser-known gems, housing a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs.

If you love art, you should spend a lot of time exploring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Dürer. The museum’s collection represents various art movements, from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to Impressionism, Expressionism and contemporary art.

Throughout the year, to support its permanent collection, the Städel also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs and lectures that cater to art enthusiasts of all ages.

1. Römerberg

Arguably Frankfurt’s most historic square, the Römerberg, has served as the city’s central marketplace since the Middle Ages. Even today, it remains a popular gathering place.

Surrounded by picturesque half-timbered houses and historic buildings, the Römerberg exudes an enchanting character and charm. One of the square’s most notable landmarks is the Römer, a stunning medieval town hall with its distinctive stepped gables.

The square is also home to the Justice Fountain and the Church of St. Nicholas, adding to its architectural allure. Throughout the year, the Römerberg hosts various events and festivals, including the renowned Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Visitors can also enjoy outdoor cafés, explore quaint shops and simply enjoy soaking in the atmosphere of this vibrant square.

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

The most popular months to visit Frankfurt are from May to October. As well as being the warmest period of the year with temperatures of 14 to 24°C (so 57 to 75°F) – July being the hottest – it is also when most of its main events take place.

Museumsufurfest’s riverside concerts and cultural events attract millions of visitors as does the Frankfurt Book Fair; one of the world’s biggest. As trade shows are almost continuously held in the massive Messe Frankfurt exhibition centre, check the schedule before visiting as the prices of hotels shoot up. The city is also busiest in these sunny summer months.

While all its parks and riverside are coated in golden hues in autumn, the beautiful blooming flowers of spring also make Frankfurt nice to visit then. Fewer people are around and things are cheaper. Although the city is usually quite dry, each month sees between 12 to 16 days with at least some rainfall.

You’ll also need to take a jacket if you visit in late November through December for its huge Christmas market. One of the largest and oldest in Germany, its lights, decorations and cosy cabins selling gluhwein and lebkuchen create an enchanting ambience.

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25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences such as unique images and perspectives. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. Learn more ›

Written by Kyle Kroeger

There’s so much to enjoy—and to wonder at—in the remarkable city of Frankfurt. Wherever you go in Frankfurt’s city center, you’ll see evidence of its gutsy rebirth after the devastation of World War II. Visitors can now enjoy a buzzing, thriving city that uniquely blends the old, the new, and the new.

So, if you’re planning to visit Germany, spend time in this historic town and experience its energetic atmosphere. One helpful feature for travelers is that many residents speak English as well as German. The city’s strong multicultural vibe helps visitors feel at home.

Although the city is part of a greater conurbation with a two million+ population, it has individuality. Plenty makes Frankfurt special – and I’m not just talking about the famous sausages. So, to help you make the most of your time in this lovely city, check out this list of key places to visit in Frankfurt .

Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

1. römerberg.

Römerberg Frankfurt | Things to do in Frankfurt

Address: Römerberg 26, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time at Römerberg. This historic plaza has hosted markets and fairs since the Middle Ages. But to look at the beautiful gabled buildings, you’d never guess they are, in fact, modern. You see the city’s determination that everyone should remember its Medieval glory.

So the gabled Römer building, one of old town Frankfurt’s most significant spaces, was completed in 1988. The fairytale half-timbered buildings of the Römerberg (Ostzeile), or eastern wing, are also a 1980s restoration.

To experience more of Frankfurt’s weaving of old and new, check out the Großer Engel house or Big Angel. In the 1600s, this was the home of Frankfurt’s first bank. The city is now continental Europe’s key financial hub, which started here.

Römerberg is especially worth visiting in December when it’s transformed into a glittering Christmas market. It’s easy to reach by subway (U-Bahn) and tram (Straßenbahn).

See Related: German Christmas Markets to Visit

2. Main Tower

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

In contrast to the Medieval vibe of the old town’s historic buildings, The Main Tower is a powerful modern statement. A stand-out feature of the Frankfurt skyline, it’s a 56-story skyscraper with a height of over 780 feet, including its red-and-white spire.

Although super-tall buildings are rare in Germany, Frankfurt has embraced modern skyscrapers and has more than any other German city.

What makes this one special is that it’s the city’s only skyscraper with a public viewing platform. This is open daily from 10 a.m. and provides stunning views of Frankfurt’s iconic sights.

As well as being a financial center, the tower is home to Europe’s highest fitness club. Check out the fabulous views from the 53rd-floor Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge, open Tuesday through Saturday. The Main Tower foyer also has a gallery devoted to contemporary art, open Monday through Friday.

See Related : Top Tourist Attractions in Potsdam

3. Iron Footbridge

Iron Footbridge or Eiserner Steg in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Eiserner Steg, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Another popular photo spot is Eiserner Steg, an iron and concrete footbridge over the River Main. This neo-Gothic style bridge connects Frankfurt’s old town with the Sachsenhausen district. From the bridge, you’ll get striking views of the Frankfurt skyline.

Originally constructed in 1868, the iron bridge has been through several changes. It’s historically significant as the first bridge Germany rebuilt after World War II . Its most recent makeover was in 1993. You can learn more about the bridge by taking a walking tour of city center attractions .

Visitors are also attracted by the hundreds of padlocks fixed to the bridge. The “Love Lock Bridge,” as it’s known, is where lovers attach a lock and then throw away the key. If you fancy a romantic stroll, this is the place to cross the river. Around 10,000 people a day seem to think so!

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4. Palmengarten

Roses at Palmengarten in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Palmengarten der Stadt, Siesmayerstraße 63, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Palmengarten is one of Frankfurt’s best places to visit and is a refreshing oasis in the big city. Among the 50 acres of plants, you’ll find a stunning Art-Deco-style Palm House, one of the largest in the world.

Besides palms, there are many themed gardens showcasing thousands of species. Expect to travel through every vegetation zone in the world.

Visiting here is also one of the best things to do in Frankfurt with kids. There’s a fantastic adventure playground where kids can enjoy swinging and climbing, a sandpit, and a fun water garden for paddling.

In summer, you can rent a rowing or paddle boat on the little lake. There’s also a butterfly house where you can get up close to the exhibits. Do be aware that the gardens close early in the winter months.

5. Marshall-Brunnen

Sculpture in the Middle of a Park at Marshall-Brunnen

Address: Taunusanlage 20, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Marshall-Brunnen, or the Marshall Fountain, is a compelling symbol of Frankfurt’s renewal. It was built in 1963 to honor the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, who authored the Marshall Plan. This plan was designed to aid the economic recovery of European countries affected by World War II .

Because of its dynamic design, this stunning piece of modern art is also great for photos. The fountain shows bronze water nymphs representing the three Graces in Goethe´s classic novel Faust. A stone slab nearby carries a verse from Goethe, linking the three mythical women with giving, receiving, and thanking.

6. Goethe House

Front and exterior of Goethe House in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Ten minutes walk from the Marshall-Brunnen is The Goethe House . This was the birthplace of Germany’s most famous poet and author, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and where he spent his youth.

It’s also where he planned and wrote some of his best-selling works, such as Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther. You can even see his writing desk.

The building is a loving reconstruction of the Goethe family’s 18th-century townhouse. As well as the iconic exterior, there are beautiful recreations of the stylish interiors. You’ll see original furnishings as well as some of Goethe’s childhood possessions. Among the treasures on display is an 18th-century puppet theatre.

To learn more about Goethe, visit the modern glass-fronted Goethe Museum next door. This contains a wealth of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts focusing on Goethe’s legacy. As well as the many manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures on permanent display, check out the museum’s special exhibitions.

See Related : Types of German Sausages

7. Zoo Frankfurt

Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

If you’re visiting Frankfurt with kids, Zoo Frankfurt is one of the best attractions in town. This 27-acre green refuge east of Frankfurt’s inner city is Germany’s second-oldest zoo, dating from 1858. With its strong focus on wildlife conservation, it’s also a must for natural history buffs.

The 4,500+ animals in the zoo include big cats, great apes, meerkats, and piranhas. There’s a special nocturnal animal house and a petting zoo for kids. You can also plan your visit to coincide with feeding time for your favorite creatures. If you fall in love with one of them, you can participate in the adopt-an-animal scheme.

As well as the wildlife on show, there’s a kid’s playground between the wallabies and the tree kangaroos. There are also two snack bars, plus picnic tables.

Do note that you can’t use selfie sticks in the zoo. The good news is that the Zoo Frankfurt is open every day of the year.

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8. Museumsufer

Address: Brückenstraße 3-7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

A short walk from Römerberg Square is the Museumsufer or Museum Embankment. This is a group of museums in Frankfurt along both banks of the river Main. The museum district is one of the best places to go in Frankfurt with kids, as you’ll find something to suit everyone.

There are 30+ museums in the area, with plans to include new museums. On the north side of the Main, look out for museums dedicated to techno music, satiric comic art, and photography.

And children will love the Junges Museum or Young Museum. There are tons of hands-on activities where touching, testing, and trying out are a must.

On the south bank, you can find out about ancient sculpture, German architecture, and the history of communication. There’s also a modern art museum, plus the impressive Städel art museum, a treasure trove of old masters. Movie fans will enjoy the German Film Museum, with its exhibitions on everything from anime to the Oscars.

If you visit in late August, you’ll also be able to enjoy the fabulous Museum Embankment Festival. This is when the riverbanks are buzzing with music, displays, and great street food.

9. Freßgass

Pharmacy at Freßgass or Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Große Bockenheimer Str., 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The English translation of Freßgass – sometimes spelled Fressgass – is ‘Feeding Lane.’ This pretty much says it all about Große Bockenheimer Straße and Kalbächer Gasse.

Since the early 20th century, these streets have been teemed with delicatessens and grocery stores. Now a pedestrianized area, the Freßgass streets constitute the city’s culinary mile. If you want to check out Frankfurt food, this is the place.

Along with its wide range of delis, bars, and bistros, Freßgass is now home to high-end shopping outlets. You’ll find more high-fashion retail opportunities a short walk away in Goethestrasse – but make sure you fill up at Freßgass first.

Try to visit during the May Freßgassfest, when the streets are filled with stalls offering free samples of delicious food. This is a good chance to try genuine Frankfurter sausages or the famous local green sauce. You could also treat yourself to a Frankfurt foodie walking tour .

10. Paulsplatz

New Town Hall at Paulsplatz in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: 60547, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Just next to Römerberg in Frankfurt’s city center, you’ll find Paulsplatz or St Paul’s Square. This is the largest square in the old town of Frankfurt. It’s a charming tree-lined plaza and a great place to unwind with coffee from one of the many nearby cafes .

The first thing you’ll see is St Paul’s Church, a striking red-brick building in the classical style. This church is particularly significant as it’s considered the cradle of German democracy. Germany’s first National Assembly happened here, giving rise to the country’s modern constitution.

Now, the church is a public concert hall. You can visit for free, but be aware that an event might be taking place. Next to the church is the Unity Memorial. This is a limestone obelisk topped with a bronze figure dedicated to the pioneers of German unity.

A great time to visit Frankfurt is in late November-December. This is when one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets takes over Paulsplatz and nearby Römerberg. Stunning decorations make this one of the country’s most beautiful Christmas markets .

See Related : Top Things to Do in Dortmund

11. Goethe-Denkmal

Goethe-Denkmal or the Wolfgang von Goethebronze statue at the Goetheplatz in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: 60313 Frankfurt, Germany

Fans of Goethe will want to make the pilgrimage to the Goethe-Denkmal, or Monument to Goethe. This stands on Goetheplatz, a short walk from Goethe’s house.

The bronze statue, over 22 feet high, was installed in 1844 as a memorial to Germany’s greatest poet. A hundred years later, during an air raid, it suffered severe damage but was finally restored in 2007.

The imposing monument is also a popular subject for photographers. If you photograph him from the north, you’ll see high-rise Frankfurt in the background.

12. Dom Römer

Old city center Dom-Römer buildings and establishments in Frankfurt, Germany

The Dom-Römer Quarter, New Frankfurt Old Town, is in the heart of old town Frankfurt. This breathtaking recreation of a Medieval-style city center is one of Frankfurt’s best places. The streets and squares of the reconstructed old town have a dream-like, storybook feel.

This was once Germany’s largest Gothic center, but of the city’s 1,500 wooden buildings, only 11 survived the Second World War. So, the Dom-Römer Project was born, using original blueprints. Fifteen half-timbered buildings are exact replicas, and 20 more are Gothic-style with a modern twist. Construction began in 2012, and the area opened in 2018.

A must-see building is the Haus zur Goldenen Waage or House of the Golden Scales. This fabulous recreation of a 1618 house sparkles with intricate gold details.

It was once the home of a Dutch confectioner, and it certainly has a gingerbread look. To discover more about the New Old Town, try one of the inexpensive walking tours available.

13. Hammering Man

Close of Hammering Man statue by by Jonathan Borofsky in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: vor dem Messeturm, Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

If you’re a worker, Hammering Man is for you. Designed in 1990, this monumental kinetic sculpture represents the world’s workers. You may have seen something similar in other parts of the world—there are versions in Seattle and Seoul, for example.

The Frankfurt version is the largest, approaching 70 ft tall, and is an Instagram must. Made of steel and aluminum, it looks like a giant silhouette of a man with a hammer. Its motorized arm never stops as it looms over the street.

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14. Eurotower

Euro sign with stars and Eurotower building exterior

Address: Kaiserstraße 29, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

You can tell you’re at Eurotower when you see the giant Euro symbol. Named the Euro-Skulptur, this is one of Frankfurt’s most photographed objects. The bright blue sculpture is 46 ft high and weighs around 55 U.S. tons.

Once the H.Q. of the European Central Bank, Eurotower is now home to the E.C.B.’s legislative and institutional framework, the Single Supervisory Mechanism. The tower itself is in the Bankenviertel, or banking quarter, in the Innenstadt region. This is Frankfurt’s business center, home to 10 of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.

Eurotower is over 480 feet high but is a baby compared to some neighbors. The Commerzbank Tower, for example, is a massive 850 feet. This makes it the tallest building in Frankfurt and Germany as a whole.

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15. Frankfurt Cathedral

View of a Catherdal and the Town From a River

Address: Domplatz 1, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The majestic Frankfurt Imperial Cathedral, or Frankfurter Dom, is also known as the Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus. Dedicated to St. Bartholomew, it’s the largest religious building in the city. It was built between 1315 and 1358, but archaeological research suggests buildings existed as early as the 7th century.

Frankfurter Dom has never been the bishop’s seat, but it has played a huge role in German history. From 1562, there were ten elections or coronations of German emperors and kings of the Holy Roman Empire.

Today, the Election Chapel is set aside for silent prayer. The cathedral is also seen as a symbol of German unity. A good way to learn more about the cathedral’s history is to take one of the city tours available.

Some amazing treasures are inside the cathedral and in the neighboring museum, including a van Dyck painting. The cathedral tower is noteworthy for being the home to the Gloriosa, at 13 U.S. tons, the second heaviest bell in Germany.

If you manage the 328 steps, you can pay a few Euros to climb the 215 ft. tower. You’ll get stunning views of the New Old Town, Paulsplatz, the Main River, and the museum district.

16. Westhafen Tower

Westhafen Tower and skyline in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Westhafenpl. 1, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Westhafen Tower is another to tick off the Frankfurt skyscrapers list – this one’s a modest 360 ft. The name Westhafen means West Port. Yet Frankfurt residents often call the tower the “ribbed glass” or the “apple wine tower.”

When you see it, you’ll understand why. Its patterned green glass façade bears a striking resemblance to a ribbed cider glass full of apple wine. This eye-catching effect comes from reflections from the tower’s 3,500 triangular window panes.

The reference to apple wine or apfelwein is part of the local culture. Frankfurt’s love affair with apple wine has been an essential part of the city’s soul for centuries.

It all started over 250 years ago when the grape harvest failed. Apple orchards replaced vineyards, and the taste caught on. Look out for apfelwein pubs, particularly in the Sachsenhausen-Nord district.

See Related : Places to Visit in Stuttgart

17. Friedensbrücke

Friedensbrücke and the Westhafen Tower in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Friedensbrücke, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Friedensbrücke, or Peace Bridge, over the Main River, is a good place to see Westhafen Tower. This road bridge offers great views of Frankfurt, old and new, and the banks of the Main.

The bridge is 940 ft long and connects the northern Gutleutviertel district with Sachsenhausen on the south. On the southern bridgehead, you’ll see a bronze sculpture called The Docker, created in 1890. Underneath the bridge on the northern side is a mural commemorating the victims of a terrorist attack.

18. Frankfurt Bahnhofsviertel

Bahnhofsviertel modern architecture and skyline in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Kaiserstraße, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

North of the Friedensbrücke is the Bahnhofsviertel district. The English translation of Bahnhofsviertel is Train Station Quarter, and the main train station is next door to the west.

The Bahnhofsviertel is a hub for entertainment in Frankfurt and has a somewhat spicy reputation. This began centuries ago when the area was outside the official city boundaries.

For this reason, it wasn’t subject to civic laws. Unlike much of the city’s historic center, it escaped heavy bombing in the war. The occupying U.S. forces added to the lively night scene, and the area has been a red-light district ever since.

Now, Bahnhofsviertel has a wide range of clubs, cocktail bars, and restaurants. There’s also a real speakeasy where you must ring the bell. Look out also for the English Theatre Frankfurt, one of the largest English-speaking theatres in mainland Europe .

See Related : Common Misconceptions of Germany

Set of Connected Colorful Houses in Römer, Frankfurt

Address: Römerberg 23, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

You’ll find the Haus Römer or Roman House in Römerberg Square in Frankfurt’s Altstadt. Some say the reference to Rome comes from the Italian merchants who worked here in Medieval times. Although this gorgeous ancient building suffered during WWII, it has now been restored to its former glory.

The three-story complex comprises nine houses surrounding six courtyards. The Römer is the central house in three attractive step-gabled buildings. Its current main entrance faces the Römerberg plaza.

The building has been part of the town hall or Rathaus complex for over 600 years and is still used as the Lord Mayor’s headquarters today. For this reason, you can only look around it as part of a guided tour , although you can visit the tourist office here. It’s also a very popular wedding venue . The glorious Gothic façades make a stunning setting for wedding photographs.

One great way to experience the Römer and other city highlights is on a walking or guided bike tour of Frankfurt .

20. Alte Oper

Alte Oper, Frankfurt Architecture and Fountain

Address: Opernplatz 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

A stone’s throw from the foodie delights of Freßgass lies Opernplatz, Opera Square. This is a lovely place for strolling or taking photos – check out the Lucae-Brunnen or Lucae Fountain. However, the jewel in the crown is the spectacular opera house, Alte Oper.

The neo-classical-style building, dating from 1880, was another sad casualty of the Second World War. It even had a reputation as “Germany’s most beautiful ruin.” But four decades later, the Old Opera House reopened, looking as splendid as ever.

Now, it’s an acclaimed entertainment venue with a vibrant program of musical events. Star tenor Jonas Kauffman performs there, as well as ukulele bands. All genres include classical music, jazz, blues, pop, rock, and musical theatre.

The Alte Oper also hosts dozens of glamorous balls and conferences each year. There’s the Pegasus kids’ program for young people, which includes participatory concerts, workshops for exploring music, and more.

See Related : Things to Do in Berlin

21. St. Paul’s Church

Address: Paulsplatz 11, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

St. Paul’s Church, also known as Paulskirche, is among Frankfurt’s most historic churches. It’s located in Paulsplatz in the old town and’s close to other popular local attractions, such as Römerberg.

The church is important as it’s seen as the seat of German democracy. It was here in 1848 that the first National Assembly took place, the origin of Germany’s modern constitution. Because of this, St Paul’s Church was Frankfurt’s first rebuilding project after WW2.

The exterior faithfully reconstructs the original neoclassical style. The interior has a new purpose as a lecture theatre, exhibition space, and concert hall. It’s free to visit, but be aware that the building might be in use.

A good way to experience historic sites such as Paulskirche is to play one of the treasure hunt games available. This has to be one of the best fun and inexpensive things to do with kids in Frankfurt.

See Related : Breweries in Munich

22. Kleinmarkthalle

Top view of Kleinmarkthalle with shops and people shopping in Frankfurt, Germany

Address: Hasengasse 5-7, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Love to shop? Then Kleinmarkthalle in Frankfurt is a must. A few minutes’ walk from Römerberg, this is Frankfurt’s largest public marketplace. Here, you’ll find over 150 stalls offering a dizzying array of local and international foodstuffs.

Kleinmarkthalle is where to find and try regional delicacies, such as authentic Frankfurter sausages and the famous green sauce. It’s also a flower market, so there’s a feast for the eye. It’s an ideal destination to eat, relax, shop, and discover more about Frankfurt food.

And what about this celebrated green sauce? It’s made from seven herbs – borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel, and chives.

It’s usually served cold over boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. It has a glamorous origin myth. The story goes that the mother of Frankfurt’s darling, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, invented the sauce. It seems it was the poet’s favorite dish. We may never know if this is true, but the recipe has been around for a long time.

See Related : Things to do in Karlsruhe

23. Städel Museum

Address: Schaumainkai 63, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Städel Art Museum is one of Frankfurt’s most impressive museums . The stately neo-Renaissance-style building alone is well worth a visit. First established in 1815, the Städel is one of the oldest museums in the museum district and Germany.

The art collection provides a breathtaking survey of 700 years of European art. It focuses particularly on the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but works from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries are also included.

So you can see works by artists such as Dürer, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Picasso, and Bacon, among many others. As well as 4,000+ paintings and sculptures, the museum also holds over 100,000 drawings and prints.

To make the art as accessible as possible, Städel Museum offers helpful Art Talks and guided tours for private groups. The museum’s app provides an audio guide on your device.

If you want, you can use the hop-on-hop-off bus services on offer – they deliver you to the door. But you might want to set aside more than an hour or two to do the museum justice.

24. Naturmuseum Senckenberg

Front and dinosaur sculpture display at Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Frankfurt

Address: Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Naturmuseum Senckenberg, or Senckenberg Natural History Museum, is a short walk from the Palmgarten. Like the Gardens, the Naturmuseum is one of Frankfurt’s best places to visit with kids.

In fact, young and old will love its mind-boggling array of exhibits. Permanent exhibitions include displays on mammals, human evolution, the coral reef, and even the dodo. You can also check out some bottled anatomy!

One of the Naturmuseum’s most popular and impressive displays is the Dinosaurs Unlimited collection. As well as genuine Diplodocus and Triceratops bones, you can see a cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. There are also stuffed animals and immersive 3-D dioramas.

A brand-new exhibition is the Aha!! Science Lab. This is hands-on science—you can examine natural objects, participate in research projects, and even talk to the museum’s scientists. The museum also offers a program of temporary exhibitions to watch out for.

Children under six can visit the Natural History Museum for free; family tickets are available. If you come from one of Frankfurt’s twinned towns and carry your ID card, you’ll also have free admission.

See Related : German Wine

25. Grüneburgpark

Address: August-Siebert-Straße 22, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Right next door to the Palmgarten is another peaceful green oasis in the city’s heart. This is Grüneburgpark, 70 acres of beautiful, serene parkland. Grüneburgpark is one of the best places to bring kids to Frankfurt. It offers lots of space to let off steam or kick back and relax. There’s also a kids’ playground and paths for inline skaters and cyclists.

This public park was once the garden of a 14th-century castle. In the 19th century, the wealthy Rothschild family took it over. They landscaped much of the garden, establishing the planting you see today. The aim was to create an idyllic English-style garden with lawns, shrubbery, and beautiful specimen trees.

The park also has a charming Korean garden, which South Korea gifted to the city at the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair. After admiring the greenery, you can snack at the delightful Schönhof Pavilion café.

Is Frankfurt Worth visiting?

Frankfurt is well worth a visit as there’s so much happening. It’s a major player on the world stage in business, the arts, and education. The GaWC ranks it as an Alpha World City; you can sense this energy in its lively, bustling atmosphere.

But there’s also Frankfurt’s magical blend of modern and Medieval, which delivers a fascinating slice of European history. Frankfurt Airport is one of Germany’s busiest, and connections between the airport and the city are super convenient. You can use motorways A3 and A5 or take the train. The rail journey on lines S8 and S9 is only 11 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes.

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Frankfurt?

Some of Frankfurt’s must-see attractions are the astonishing recreations of ancient buildings in the Römerberg and Dom-Romer areas of the old city. The stunning opera house, the Alte Oper, is also something visitors mustn’t miss. And the fully-loaded museum district, the Museumsufer, is also hugely popular.

If you like shopping, the Freßgass and nearby Goethestrasse are prime spots. For fresh food, you mustn’t miss the awesome Kleinmarkthalle. And visitors love the vibrant Sachsenhausen district, south of the river, for its wealth of buzzy eateries.

The Main River itself is a beautiful spot to enjoy. You can stroll along the grassy embankments or take a mini-cruise . And, of course, Frankfurt’s Christmas Market is a must-see event.

What are the best things to do in Frankfurt with kids?

Frankfurt is full of fun stuff for kids. The Palmgarten and the Grüneburgpark are two of the best places to visit as they have children’s playgrounds and plenty of space to run about. Kids will also love the Palmgarten paddling pool and lake.

Frankfurt Zoo and the Natural History Museum are also great for kids, especially animal lovers. The Naturmuseum and the Junges Museum have fantastic interactive activities for kids.

Treasure-hunt tours of the city center are also a great way to spark kids’ interest. For escape room fans, there are team urban adventure games. Kids will love the thrill of a trip to the top of the Main Tower.

Related Resources

Plan a Trip to Germany
Best Boat Tours in Frankfurt
Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Frankfurt, Germany

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The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

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The Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt might be one of Germany ’s oldest cities, but you’ll be greeted on arrival by the dizzying sight of the city’s futuristic skyline. Frankfurt is a modern hub of commerce, trade, design, and development, and you’re going to love your stay in the city!

Begin your journey with a ride to the top of Main Tower, where you can see the city’s skyscrapers and contemporary architecture from 200 meters (656 feet) above. Head back down to the ground level, and you can visit the cultural trove of galleries and museums that is Frankfurt’s Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment.

This is a city where tradition is hiding among the new, and you can discover Frankfurt’s exalted past with a tour of the Altstadt (Frankfurt’s Old Town). Frankfurt was founded way back in the 8th century AD, and for much of the Medieval era – right up until the 19th century – it was one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire.

Frankfurt’s Altstadt has a lot to see, including the birthplace of the famous writer Goethe, a grand Imperial Cathedral, and in December, the world-renowned Frankfurt Christmas Market!

With so many things to do in Frankfurt, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to see in Frankfurt to help you plan your trip. Stick to these fun and unique Frankfurt bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’re going to have an incredible time exploring this gorgeous German city!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

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15 Fun Things to do in Frankfurt

1. enjoy the view from main tower.

Unique Things to do in Frankfurt: View from Main Tower

Frankfurt’s skyline is one of the most spectacular in Germany, so much so that the city is often referred to as Germany’s Manhattan. The Financial District, in particular, is well known for its tall skyscrapers and futuristic building projects, and you’ll see it all from the viewing platforms of Frankfurt’s fourth-tallest building.

Best Things to do in Frankfurt: View from Main Tower

The impressive Main Tower stands some 200 meters (656 feet) tall, and you can take the elevator up to the highest observation point in the city. If you’d like to dine with a view, Main Tower is also home to a high-rise restaurant. Book a table at the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge, and you’ll be dining and drinking on the 53rd floor!

2. Take a Tour of the Altstadt

Must do things in Frankfurt: Tour of the Altstadt

Frankfurt is a city with centuries of history to uncover, and there’s no better place to begin exploring than the Altstadt. This is Frankfurt’s Old Town, and you can find this collection of traditional buildings, churches, and public squares on the northern banks of the Main River.

Take a walking tour to discover the Altstadt’s hidden history and heritage. Frankfurt is thought to have been founded in the 8th century AD, and as local legend has it, the mighty European Emperor Charlemagne was the founder. The city began to expand from the 14th century onwards when merchant guildhalls and lavish townhouses began to be constructed by the wealthy.

Frankfurt Bucket List: Tour of the Altstadt

You’ll start your tour in the Altstadt’s most famous location, Romerberg, or Romer Square. The public square was once where Imperial Emperors were crowned, and it’s where you’ll find the impressive Town Hall or “Romer” building. Just north of this square is Paulsplatz, another historic public square, while Frankfurt’s cathedral dominates the Old Town skyline.

But much of the Altstadt – like much of the rest of Frankfurt – was destroyed during bombing raids in World War II. The Old Town that you see today is the result of painstaking restoration work that was carried out in the aftermath of the war. It’s a project that still continues today, with the latest redevelopment being the New Frankfurt Old Town – the area between Romer and the cathedral – where redevelopment only finished in 2018.

3. Explore Frankfurt’s Museumsufer

Frankfurt is home to one of Europe’s densest collections of museums and galleries. You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re looking to take a step back in time or admire a few masterful works of art during your stay in the city.

In fact, there are so many museums that the city has its own dedicated area known as the Museumsufer – or Museum Embankment – where the best museums and galleries are found.

Best Things to do in Frankfurt: Museumsufer

The Museumsufer is located on both sides of the Main River (and there are a few museums within a short walk of the embankment, too). There have been museums in Frankfurt since the 19th century, but the Museumsufer really began to develop in the 1980s when the city decided to turn many of the old townhouses on the river into new cultural institutions.

The architecture of the Museumsufer is beautiful, and you’ll enjoy simply taking a stroll along the north and south banks of the Main River. You won’t have time to visit every museum on the Museumsufer – at least, not unless you have weeks to spend in Frankfurt!

A few highlights include the Frankfurt Historical Museum , Stadel Museum , Museum fur Moderne Kunst , German Film Museum , Jewish Museum , Communication Museum , Ethnological Museum , and Natural History Museum .

4. Delve into Frankfurt’s Past at the Historical Museum

Cool Things to do in Frankfurt: Historical Museum

If you’d love to learn more about Frankfurt’s fascinating past, then the best place to visit is the Frankfurt Historical Museum . This excellent institution is located in the Altstadt, overlooking the northern bank of the Main River. It’s the perfect place to either start or end your journey through Frankfurt’s Old Town.

The museum itself was founded in 1878, and since then, it’s been amassing a vast collection of exhibits that tell the story of Frankfurt’s history. You’ll find a statue of Frankish King Charlemagne outside the entrance, while the museum is located within a fine medieval-style building that was restored after World War II.

Fun Things to do in Frankfurt: Historical Museum

The Historical Museum covers a lot of ground. You’ll start far back in the city’s founding days before moving through the Medieval era and into the Imperial age.

There are collections of unique objects that have been donated in the past by Frankfurt’s citizens, there are famous works of art on display that depict the city in bygone eras, and so much more at this interesting museum! The Historical Museum also hosts many temporary exhibitions, which often focus on contemporary histories, such as World War II, so check their website to see what’s on the calendar.

5. Explore the Natural World at Frankfurt’s Naturmuseum Senckenberg

Must do things in Frankfurt: Naturmuseum Senckenberg

A visit to the Naturmuseum Senckenberg is one of the best things to do in Frankfurt, particularly if you love learning about the natural world!

This is one of Frankfurt’s best museums, and it’s dedicated to natural history. You’ll love the enormous collection of fossils on display, including the skeletons of a diplodocus, a triceratops, and a tyrannosaurus rex.

Frankfurt Bucket List: Naturmuseum Senckenberg

There are thousands more fossils – collected from around Germany and other parts of the world – so many, in fact, that the Naturmuseum Senckenberg is thought to have the largest collection in Europe!

You can learn all about the natural history of the world when exploring the museum, from the evolution of animal species to the first human beings to walk on the earth. It’s a real treat, and it’s a great day out for families with kids and for anyone with an interest in the world around them.

6. Be Awed by Frankfurt’s Imperial Cathedral

Frankfurt Things to do: Imperial Cathedral

One of the best Frankfurt attractions is the Imperial Cathedral, where you’ll be awed by the magnificent architecture and the hallowed history of the city’s most important religious building. You’ll find the Imperial Cathedral in the heart of the Altstadt, and although its official name is the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, the locals simply call it the Dom.

The cathedral has gone through many different phases of construction, although the tall spire and Gothic architecture that you see today date back primarily to the 1400s. In many ways, the Imperial Cathedral reflects the history of Frankfurt, and it’s thought that there’s been some form of a church here since the city was first founded in the 8th century AD.

Best Things to do in Frankfurt: Imperial Cathedral

Like the rest of Frankfurt, the Imperial Cathedral was also destroyed during bombings in World War II. The cathedral was reconstructed again after the war and remains an important symbol of the city. You can visit the cathedral’s museum to learn more about the history and to see the collection of unique religious relics that are held here.

7. Admire Thousands of Works of Art at the Stadel Museum

Cool Things to do in Frankfurt: Stadel Museum

The Stadel Museum overlooks the Main River, and it’s part of Frankfurt’s well-respected Museum Embankment, where you can find the city’s best cultural and historic institutions. The museum itself dates back to 1815, when the collection began, but the paintings date back as far as the 14th century.

Fun Things to do in Frankfurt: Stadel Museum

Step inside the Stadel Museum, and you can find beautiful works of art stretching back through European history. You’ll find moody Gothic works from the Medieval era, Renaissance-era paintings and sculptures, a vast array of works of art from the 17th century to the 19th century, and modern photography exhibitions.

The museum estimates that, in total, there are 3,100 paintings to see, alongside 660 sculptures and tens of thousands more drawings and photographs. Name almost any famous European artist, and you’ll find their work here – from Rembrandt and Monet to Picasso and Beckmann!

8. Admire Contemporary Works at the Museum of Modern Art

What to do in Frankfurt: Museum of Modern Art

If you prefer contemporary art over historical artwork, one of the best places to visit in Frankfurt is the Museum fur Moderne Kunst , or the Museum of Modern Art, in English. The unique architecture of the museum has given the building its local nickname, “piece of cake!” Inside, you’ll find around 4,500 works of art dating from the 1960s to the present.

The museum opened in 1991, and since then, it’s become a world-renowned cultural institution and a showcase for modern art. The main exhibits focus on colorful pop art, as well as modern minimalism. They are built around a collection that was originally curated by Karl Stroher, a famous German art collector.

Must do things in Frankfurt: Museum of Modern Art

You’ll find an impressive list of the best contemporary artists on display, including works by Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. In addition to the permanent collection, there are always exciting new exhibitions and intriguing events at the Museum of Modern Art, so check in when you’re planning your trip to find out what’s on!

9. Visit the Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Frankfurt Things to do: Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If you know your German literature, then you’ll know that Frankfurt was the hometown of legendary German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Born in 1749, Goethe was most famous for his plays, poetry, and literature, and some consider him to be the greatest of all the German writers.

Goethe was born in the family home in Frankfurt, and the tall townhouse still survives. It’s now a wonderful museum dedicated, of course, to Goethe’s life and work. Goethe spent his early years in the family home in Frankfurt, and much of the furniture and decor has been preserved in the museum.

Frankfurt Bucket List: Birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Visit the Goethe House , and you’ll learn all about the famous author’s early years in Frankfurt and see the home where he wrote his first classics, including Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther.

After exploring Goethe’s childhood home, you can visit the Goethe Museum next door to the house. Here you’ll find a more extensive collection of artwork and exhibits that tell the story of Goethe and his life’s work in more detail.

10. Get Tropical at Palmengarten

Fun Things to do in Frankfurt: Palmengarten

The Palmengarten is one of the coolest things to do in Frankfurt, especially if you’d love to get tropical! The Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s glass-domed botanical garden, and inside you’ll find an extensive collection of flora from around the world.

The Palmengarten was first opened to the public in 1871, and the gardens and greenhouses cover 22 hectares (54 acres) of land next to Frankfurt’s Goethe University. You’ll love how there are thousands of different plants and trees in the gardens.

Cool Things to do in Frankfurt: Palmengarten

You can enjoy strolling through the outdoor areas on a sunny summer day or stepping inside into the Tropicarium in the winter. You’ll even find a unique collection of subantarctic plants collected from the world’s most southerly locations.

You can join guided tours of the gardens to learn more about the unique species that are grown here. Plus, throughout the year, the Palmengarten hosts many events, including festivals and concerts. If you need to escape the city without having to actually leave the city, this is the place to go!

11. Take a Cruise on the Main River

Frankfurt Things to do: Cruise on the Main River

Frankfurt is built on the beautiful banks of the Main River, and the city sprawls for miles – both east and west – along this important waterway. The Main River flows for hundreds of miles from the Bavarian Mountains through Germany until it meets with the mighty Rhine River, not too far from Frankfurt.

You can cruise along the stretch of river that flows through Frankfurt to see the city from a completely different perspective. There are several tour companies offering spacious, modern river cruises that – with typical German punctuality – last either 50 minutes, 60 minutes, or 100 minutes.

What to do in Frankfurt: Cruise on the Main River

You’ll see the city’s glorious, futuristic skyline from the water while you cruise past the wide Museum Embankment that’s home to Frankfurt’s best museums. On the longer tours, you’ll also cruise past the more industrial side of Frankfurt (including the local harbors) and then the surrounding countryside.

You can jazz up the tour by booking a nighttime cruise of Frankfurt to see the city spectacularly lit up. You can also reserve a table on a dinner cruise, which we think makes for a suitably romantic Frankfurt excursion!

Book a sightseeing cruise

12. Tackle the Three Castles Hike

Cool Things to do in Frankfurt: Three Castles Hike

This circular walk will take you through Frankfurt’s gorgeous and often forested countryside, with the goal being to link up with and stop off at the three castles that are in close vicinity. The first castle is Burg Kronberg, a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. There’s actually a second “castle” in Kronberg, which is more of a country estate, and which dates back to the 19th century. This is Schlosshotel Kronberg, and it’s a lovely spa retreat you can book for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Unique Things to do in Frankfurt: Three Castles Hike

From Burg Kronberg, you walk through the forest to Burg Falkenstein, following a waymarked trail. There’s some steep walking before you reach this 14th-century castle, but the views are well worth the effort. From Burg Kronberg, you then follow the trail to Konigstein Castle before continuing onwards to end the hike back where you started in Kronberg. The town of Kronberg has good public transport links to Frankfurt, including an S-Bahn stop.

13. Get Festive at Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets

Must do things in Frankfurt: Christmas Markets

Germany is one of the best places in Europe to visit Christmas markets, and you can rest assured that Frankfurt has more than its fair share of festive markets and events!

The festive season is an exciting time to visit Frankfurt, and the Christmas markets run from the end of November until December 22. The main market is found in Frankfurt’s Old Town squares, including Romerberg, Paulsplatz, and Friedrich-Stoltze Platz.

Fun Things to do in Frankfurt: Christmas Markets

You’ll be able to enjoy all the classic elements of the traditional German Christmas market, including carol singing and hymns, Christmas lights and decoration, mulled wine, and excellent festive food. Of course, there will be many stalls selling traditional souvenirs and handicrafts, so you can complete your Christmas shopping.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is thought to be one of the oldest markets in Germany, and historians have traced it back to at least the 14th century. Wrap up warm, order your mulled wine and bratwurst, and embrace the festive season in Frankfurt!

14. Shop and Eat at the Kleinmarkthalle

Best Things to do in Frankfurt: Shop and Eat at the Kleinmarkthalle

There are over 150 different vendors in the Kleinmarkthalle, and you’ll find that the market is the perfect place to pick up those souvenirs you need to take back home for family and friends. The market hall is undercover and spread out over 1,500 square meters (4,921 square feet), so save plenty of time to look around all the stalls.

What to do in Frankfurt: Shop and Eat at the Kleinmarkthalle

You’ll find a whole array of different goods for sale in the Kleinmarkthalle, including fresh fruit and veggies, local culinary favorites such as sausages and Frankfurt’s famous “Green Sauce,” and much more to tantalize your taste buds.

The market itself is a bustling, busy place, and it’s frequented by locals as much as tourists. Many of the vendors have been working here for decades, while the market hall itself dates back to the 1950s and has a gloriously retro look.

15. Explore the Trendy Ostend District

Best Things to do in Frankfurt: Ostend District

To the east of the Altstadt, you’ll find the Ostend (which literally means the East End). This large suburb of Frankfurt is home to seemingly drab industrial buildings and residential apartment blocks, but it’s also the city’s trendiest district!

Ostend is an exciting place to explore. In addition to being home to the Frankfurt Zoo and the stylish European Central Bank, you can discover wonderful theaters and independent galleries, as well as the city’s best bars and restaurants.

Unique Things to do in Frankfurt: Ostend District

This is the place to visit for contemporary culture and excellent food, while there is a collection of hip boutique hotels where you can spend the night. Despite its industrial look, Ostend has a surprising number of green spaces and a lovely waterfront overlooking the Main River.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Frankfurt. What’s your favorite thing to do in Frankfurt?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What better way to start your Frankfurt sightseeing tour than with a view from above? One of the best things to see in Frankfurt is the panorama from the top of Main Tower. You’re going to love seeing the city arrayed before you in all of its glory! Frankfurt’s skyline is one of the most spectacular in Germany, so much so that the city is often referred to as Germany’s Manhattan.

If you’re an art lover, one of the top things to do in Frankfurt is visit the Stadel Museum. This excellent museum holds one of Germany’s most extensive collections of artwork, and you’ll find thousands of works on display. The museum itself dates back to 1815, when the collection began, but the paintings date back as far as the 14th century.

If you’d love a fantastic day hike while you’re staying in Frankfurt, then we highly recommend tackling the Three Castles Hike. This beautiful hiking trail is around 7 miles long, and it conveniently starts and ends in Kronberg, a historic town that’s just a 30-minute drive from the city center. This circular walk will take you through Frankfurt’s gorgeous and often forested countryside, with the goal being to link up with and stop off at the three castles that are in close vicinity.

Frankfurt is famed for its Christmas market, but in the Altstadt, you can also find a permanent marketplace that’s open all year round. The Kleinmarkthalle is packed full of stalls, stands, and shops. Shopping (and eating!) here is one of the most fun things to do in Frankfurt! There are over 150 different vendors in the Kleinmarkthalle, and you’ll find that the market is the perfect place to pick up those souvenirs you need to take back home for family and friends.

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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53 Fun Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

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Frankfurt is one of the central cities of Europe and the fifth most populated city in Germany. With a history that dates back to the Roman Empire, the city has a long and diverse timeline. With a large amount of the area rebuilt after the Second World War, Frankfurt is a perfect blend of ancient culture and very modern architecture.

There are many things to do in Frankfurt that you cannot do anywhere else, such as visit Anne Frank’s first home, wander through Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s childhood home and stop by the headquarters of the European Union.

Whether you like exploring castles, being led around town on a scary theatre piece, or simply sampling some local apple wine, Frankfurt has got something for you.

And it’s also a great home base for day trips, with historic towns, magnificent castles, and legendary cities just a short jaunt away.

So, when you’re ready to explore a dynamic city full of architectural, cultural, and artistic treasures – with distinctive German charm thrown in -, head on over!

1 – Hop on a bike tour past Paulsplatz

Paulsplatz (St. Paul’s Square) is the largest square in Old Town Frankfurt and a hotspot of historic landmarks.

Stopping by the bronze Unity Memorial, gothic monastery or The Old Exchange stock market building are all quintessential things to do in Frankfurt.

In order to pack these sites in, a bike tour can take you through Old Town, as well as all the surrounding sites.

bike tours in Frankfurt

2 – See the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

A hop on hop off bus ticket is a budget-friendly way to see as much of Frankfurt as possible.

With 14 stops around the city, you are able to get on at any stop, explore and then board the next bus that comes by.

Tickets are valid for a whole day so you can really see the city at your own pace.

bus tours in Frankfurt

3 – Make friends (and give your liver a workout) on some pub crawls

There’s no shortage of good places to get a drink in the city… so why not try a little bit of everywhere with a pub crawl?

These fun-filled events are perfect for getting to know your fellow travelers… not to mention the famously lively bar scene in the city!

And if you’re celebrating a special matrimonial event, they also offer bachelor and bachelorette party options!

pub crawls in Frankfurt

4 – Head to the bustling Römerberg

Römerberg is a busy square in the heart of Frankfurt. Here you’ll find Römer — the city hall — and the 15th-century Old Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church.

As one of the oldest public areas in town, it has a long, fascinating history that includes everything from royal coronations to military gatherings.

Today, it’s a wonderful place to people-watch and admire the beautiful fountain and older buildings, showcasing the city’s medieval roots.

If you happen to be in Frankfurt during the winter months, the local Christmas Market takes over the space at Römerberg. The market starts in late November and runs until December 22.

walking tours in Frankfurt

5 – Go animal spotting at the local zoo

There are two main zoos in Frankfurt, Opel Zoo and Frankfurt Zoo , both offering a great way to see some wildlife so you won’t be disappointed.

Frankfurt Zoo has an aquarium open late (until 8 p.m.) and open feeding times so you can make sure you see your favorite animals in action.

Opel Zoo is slightly more open-air with a lot of animals roaming together and public barbecues and picnic spots.

6 – Climb the Main Tower

Main Tower in Frankfurt is the highest vantage point in the city. The viewing platform provides a panoramic view of the city, perfect for landscape photographers.

This impressive, 56-story structure opened in 1999, and offers a unique vantage point of the skyline.

There’s also a restaurant and lounge on the 53rd floor for the foodies and a modern art gallery, so you can get a unique sky-high gallery experience.

From mosaics to multimedia installations, there’s far more creativity than you’d normally expect from an office building!

7 – Treat yourself (and your ears) to some candlelight concerts

Among the city’s many illustrious cultural options, the Candlelight Concert series offers unique music and aesthetics.

Held in various venues around town, these spectacular symphonic performances cover just about every type of genre.

Whether you love the rousing film scores of Hans Zimmer, the grungy sounds of 90s’ rock, or the pop stylings of Ed Sheeran, there’s a perfect concert for you.

And not to worry, orchestra fans – there are plenty of classical music concerts as well!

candlelight concerts in Frankfurt

8 – Cruise down Main River

The Main River in Frankfurt runs alongside historic waterfront homes and the buildings of the city skyline.

Taking a cruise is a fitting way to make the most of the vantage point you get from this river.

You can choose from one- or two-hour cruises, so you can move as slow or as fast as you like before getting off at the landmark Gerbermühle to learn about a local poet.

boat tours in Frankfurt

9 – Cross the Eiserner Steg bridge

Eiserner Steg is an iron bridge that connects the city center and Sachsenhausen. The bridge is crossed by over 10,000 pedestrians a day and is where one of the most famous city skyline views can be obtained.

If landscape photography is your thing, taking your camera to Eiserner Steg is one of the essential things to do in Frankfurt for you.

Directions in Google Maps

10 – Catch a game of football at Deutsche Bank Park

Deutsche Bank Park is the home of local football team Eintracht Frankfurt . It was built in 1925 and has hosted world-class games, including the FIFA women’s world final.

There are concerts and football all throughout the year, so whatever your entertainment, the Deutsche Bank Park has something to offer.

11 – Explore Goethe House and Museum

Johann Wolfgang Goethe is one of Frankfurt’s most famous poets, growing up and working in the city in the 18th century.

Goethe House and Museum is the very house the poet was born in and created some of his most famous works.

The museum displays several artifacts from his life and career, all in the most authentic setting of all: his own home.

As you stroll through this preserved timeline of his childhood and productive later years, you’ll be able to learn more about Goethe’s remarkable upbringing and creative process; and you’ll also get a more general sense of how daily life operated in the city in the 1700s.

12 – Glide around on a Segway tour

A Segway tour is an ideal option for those looking for an effortless and comfortable way to move around Frankfurt and see the sights.

The Segway tour runs along Frankfurts Greenbelt — a scenic road that runs through the city. You’ll glide past rolling hills, meadows and old architecture all in one trip!

segway tours in Frankfurt

13 – Step back in time at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Senckenberg Natural History Museum, Frankfurt

The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is Frankfurt’s premier collection of all things old, ancient and unique.

At the museum, you’ll find dinosaur bones, human evolution exhibits, as well as deep-sea and marine research.

The museum gets very busy so make sure to book admission ahead of time on its website to make sure you’ll get in!

14 – Tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes with some scavenger games

Jam-packed with fun trivia and mystery, the city’s scavenger games are the perfect way to explore the town in a new and innovative fashion!

Using an app on your phone, you can caterwaul from one iconic destination to the next, using clues and fascinating puzzles to explore the secret sides of this dynamic metropolis.

It’s an exciting, interactive way to learn more about the Frankfurt way of life!

scavenger games in Frankfurt

Sip and paint in the dark at this unique workshop!

This retro-futuristic experience combines the thrill of painting with a fluorescent twist, offering a brush in one hand and a choice of drink in the other. The musical backdrop adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends. By the end of the night, not only will you have had an unforgettable experience, but you’ll also leave with a personal masterpiece to proudly display at home.

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15 – See the view from the Frankfurt Cathedral observation tower

Frankfurt Cathedral observation tower view

Frankfurt Cathedral is a gothic church built between 1315 and 1358 in the name of St. Bartholomew.

The cathedral is impressive from the outside but you can also climb the main tower up to a 66-meter high observation deck.

Looking out the window here gives you an intimate bird’s-eye view of the Frankfurt metropolis.

16 – Check out New Old Town

In 1944, there were air raids that destroyed a key part of Frankfurt. Since then, New Old Town has been constructed to recreate the area that was destroyed.

The designers and builders used original blueprints, materials and construction techniques to build a space that was faithful to the original area.

At New Old Town, you’ll find everything from old shop fronts to the Goldene Waage — a renaissance-style timber frame house.

17 – Stop by Staedel Museum

Staedel Museum has one of the biggest collections of art in Germany.

The museum holds 3,100 paintings, 660 sculptures, over 4,600 photographs and more than 100,000 drawings. Inside, you’ll find Monet, Rembrandt, Botticelli and many others.

Along with this spectacular collection, the museum offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to engage with the works on a deeper level, including guided tours and public discussions.

18 – Head to Heidelberg on a day trip

If you hop on a bus tour out from Frankfurt, you can make it to the medieval town of Heidelberg.

The town is where you’ll find the world’s largest wine barrel, Heidelberg Castle and renaissance architecture.

You can choose from morning or afternoon departure times, and the tour lasts for about five and a half hours.

These trips often include visits to Nuremberg , another beautiful city with a complex history. It’s best known as the site of the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazis were persecuted for their crimes after World War II.

Heidelberg day trips from Frankfurt

19 – Spend the day at Rothenburg

If you have a full day to spare, heading out to the perfectly preserved town of Rothenburg is one of the best things to do during your stay in Frankfurt.

A day trip to this ancient town includes access to Rothenburg’s Medieval Crime Museum and a complimentary walking tour of the cobblestoned streets.

Rothenburg day trips from Frankfurt

20 – Delve into the Museum District

Museumsufer is a collection of museums placed along the banks of the River Main in Frankfurt. In the 1980s, politician Hilmar Hoffman began work to turn old villas and build new museums in the area to create a high concentration of museums in one area.

The museums that you can’t miss are the Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art , The Jewish Museum , Deutsches Filmmuseum , Liebieghaus and Museum Angewandte Kunst . The list goes on, but they’re all close together so it’ll be hard to put a foot wrong!

With 39 diverse cultural institutions in the conglomerate, you could easily spend a day – or several! – exploring, so it’s well worth looking into which ones you most want to see and planning accordingly.

And in between visits, you can stroll along the riverside, enjoying the spectacular scenery.

21 – Set out on a Rhine Valley river cruise

Rhine Valley river cruise from Frankfurt

The Rhine Valley is where you’ll find a lot of UNESCO-listed sites. If you hop on a vintage steamboat and head down the Rhine River, you can pass vineyards, medieval towns and mountaintop castles.

If you’re going on a full-day tour, you can even disembark and explore Loreley Rock, renowned by geologists and literature fans alike.

It is perhaps most famous as the setting for the iconic Heinrich Heine poem, which depicts a mysterious maiden luring ships to their doom – but don’t worry, your vessel will be plenty safe!

On this cruise, you can also sample some of the famous Rhine Valley wine and have a meal by the riverside before heading back into town.

Rhine Valley day trips from Frankfurt

22 – Let your hair down on a trip to Baden-Baden in the Black Forest

Baden-Baden is located in Germany’s Black Forest and is well known as a spa town where travelers go to unwind.

There are thermal bathhouses, luxury boutiques and peaceful botanical gardens which all contribute to the town’s tranquility.

A day trip from Frankfurt aboard a coach will take you to and from Baden-Baden, as well as to the photogenic lake Mummelsee.

Black Forest day trips from Frankfurt

23 – Escape to Cologne

Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city that’s a short scenic drive north of Frankfurt.

A day trip to Cologne includes a ride to the city and a double-decker bus around town to see the local attractions, including Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s most visited site.

The trip back to Frankfurt stops by the medieval town of Limburg, making this tour full of exciting discoveries!

Cologne day trips from Frankfurt

Read more; Fun & unusual things to do in Cologne

24 – Unwind at Palmengarten Botanical Garden

Palmengarten Botanical Garden, Frankfurt

Palmengarten is a botanical garden that is home to more than 13,000 species of plant. Over its 150-year history, the garden has hosted many cultural events such as sound installations and sculpture displays.

Don’t miss the hearty plants of the Subantarctic House, the lush greenery of the Tropicarium, or the vibrant colors in the Flower and Butterfly House.

At Palmengarten, you can also come across a huge greenhouse that has famously held concerts and balls for Emperor Wilhelm I.

And the tradition continues (somewhat) to this day, with a steady stream of concerts and cultural celebrations held throughout the year.

25 – Catch the bus to Würzburg

Würzburg is a historic town in the north of the German state of Bavaria. This is where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed site Residenz Würzburg, a huge Baroque-style palace.

Along with its magnificent architecture, this elegant city is home to several gorgeous churches and administrative buildings, showcasing a range of styles from the Renaissance onwards.

And if you’re more museum-minded, there are plenty of great institutions in town, from the antiquities-filled Martin Von Wagner Museum to the Rontgen Memorial Site, which is dedicated to a pioneer in the field of X-rays.

There’s a one-and-a-half-hour bus ticket that will take you from Frankfurt Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Würzburg Main Railway Station, without having to change, making this a very easy — and budget-friendly — day trip.

Würzburg day trips from Frankfurt

26 – Make your way to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle day trip from Frankfurt

Neuschwanstein Castle is a palace atop a rugged hill that overlooks the town of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, a short day trip from Frankfurt.

It is an example of what is known as a historicist castle, a castle that imitates the style of an older architectural movement.

Neuschwanstein Castle is a reconstruction of a castle from the romanticism period, built in the 1870s on the grounds of a previously destroyed palace.

Neuschwanstein Castle day trips

27 – Visit Anne Frank’s 1st Home

Anne Frank, widely known for her diary entries during the holocaust, hid out in Frankfurt. Her first home can be visited on a walk through the city.

Although at the time she was well hidden, travelers can now visit this special part of history located at Marbachweg 307.

See the beautiful neighborhood where the Franks once lived, and learn about how their ancestors (along with many other Jewish families) played a significant role in the city’s social fabric over the centuries.

It’s a poignant spot to visit, but a powerful one as well.

28 – Stroll through the Frankfurt Financial District (aka Mainhattan)

The Frankfurt Financial District got the nickname ‘Mainhattan’ from its high concentration of skyscraper buildings.

After the historic center of Frankfurt was destroyed in the Second World War, the city needed to be rebuilt, thus, a lot of modern and tall skyscrapers were built.

This collection of huge offices and banks then turned Frankfurt into one of the business capitals of Germany.

While it may not seem like a traditional tourist area at first glance, it’s a fascinating spot to visit from both a design-based and cultural perspective.

And of course, wandering through a steel forest of skyscrapers is an experience unto itself!

29 – Stroll through Hauptwache

Hauptwache is one of the most famous plazas in Frankfurt. It lies in the heart of the shopping district of the city, so once you’ve picked up a few trinkets, you can check out the many landmarks in this plaza.

This square is where you’ll find the baroque-style Hauptwache building as well as St. Catherine’s Church.

As you stroll around, you’ll see a nice showcase of the whole history of the city, from the unique antique items in the stores to the glimmering buildings that reflect the redevelopment efforts after World War II.

And with its bountiful cafes and open spaces, it’s also a great place to enjoy the daily rhythms of local life.

30 – Relax at Grüneburgpark

Grüneburgpark is a public park in the Westend Quarter of Frankfurt. Originally constructed in 1789, the park has contained a French-style palace, English gardens and a German castle known as Grüne Burg over the years.

After an air raid in 1944, parts of the park were reconstructed and then opened to the public, with Grüneburgpark becoming a popular recreation spot for locals. There’s even a cafe within the park open in the summer, making it a perfect picnic spot.

31 – Explore Eltz Castle on a day trip

Eltz Castle is a well-preserved, centuries-old fortress in the picturesque German countryside. It’s known to be less crowded than other castles in the country, so you’ll have plenty of space to walk in the footsteps of royalty and aristocrats as you explore the castle.

On a day trip from Frankfurt, you’ll get to see the armory room, gold and silver 12th-century artwork before exploring the surrounding Eltz Forest — full of rare flora and fauna. The tour ends with a dinner on the banks of the Rhine River before being taken back to Frankfurt.

Eltz Castle day trips from Frankfurt

32 – Try new and old favorites at the local restaurants

If you’re looking for a classy, delicious memento of your time in town, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in Frankfurt to enjoy!

Try the artfully arranged dishes and elegant decor of Emma Metzler, or some iconic Italian fare at No. 16 .

Sample avant-garde meals while perching on equally daring furniture at Chairs , or try a little bit of Japanese at Ramen Muku .

Or head over to Atschel , which blends cozy art nouveau surroundings with regional favorites like sauerkraut and schnitzel.

33 – Test your driving skills with indoor go-karts

Go-karts can be a great way to blow off some steam and also get the adrenaline pumping along the way.

Eco Kart in Frankfurt is an electric go-kart track that gives you the pace and thrill of go-karts, without the noise and exhaust of typical engines.

There are three levels to choose from, so no matter your driving experience, there’ll be a track for you to enjoy.

34 – Get a taste of ancient Roman culture at Saalburg

Saalburg is an ancient Roman fort that would have previously been very heavily defended and open only to returning Roman soldiers.

Nowadays, it is open to all, allowing travelers to step back in time and get a glimpse of the life of an ancient Roman.

The fort itself has been well maintained and there is also a packed program of marches and culinary activities to give you a true sense of the historic culture at Saalburg.

From the minute you step through the gates, you’ll feel as though you’re back in the days of the Roman Empire – with indoor plumbing, luckily!

Whether you’re sampling authentic treats, admiring ancient weaponry, or reading your way through the many informative displays, it’s immersive history at its finest!

35 – Visit the home of the euro at the European Central Bank

The inception of the euro is considered a huge moment in European history, and the head office is right in the middle of Frankfurt.

The 185-meter high tower was built in 2014 and is a delight for architecture enthusiasts, with an eco-friendly design and both modern and historic aesthetic elements.

Stop by the visitor center for a fascinating tour that includes interactive exhibits, fascinating informative displays, and behind-the-scenes facts about the inner workings of this remarkable financial institution.

From basics to bitcoin, you’ll get a great crash course in cash!

36 – Head out to Wildpark Alte Fasanerie

A half-hour drive from Frankfurt will take you to the nature reserve Wildpark Alte Fasanerie . The park contains wolves and wild boar — kept in large enclosures to keep visitors safe — as well as many scenic hiking trails and even ropes courses.

If you want to get a little more in touch with nature, swing by the petting zoo to meet some furry friends, get the kids set up on a pony ride, or watch an amazing display of falconry.

Escaping the bustle of Frankfurt and stopping by this reserve is one of the best things to do in Frankfurt for nature lovers.

37 – Hop on a rollercoaster at Holiday Park

Holiday Park is an amusement park that has everything from an Antique merry-go-round to water slides.

It has all the usual rides such as rollercoasters and ghost trains, but it also has attractions for any age such as balloon rides or ball pits for the younger visitors.

And as if all of the rides weren’t amazing enough, there are plenty of shows, meet and greets with costumed characters, and other amazing live events to check out throughout the day.

With so much family-friendly fun, it’s little wonder that this spot has been a beloved destination for over 50 years!

38 – Explore the city with an escape game

ParaPoly is an urban adventure that combines a scavenger hunt, an escape room and a city tour.

You begin the game in a main square of Frankfurt then are taken around town with landmarks and monuments — forming part of the game where you will need to solve clues in order to make it to the next stop.

Not only will you test your lateral thinking, but you’ll also see most of the cities sites with about 2-3 kilometers walking!

escape rooms in Frankfurt

39 – Head to Eschenheim Tower

Eschenheim Tower is the oldest and most unmodified building in Frankfurt’s city center.

With many surrounding buildings destroyed in the Second World War, the tower stands out as a 15th-century medieval monument among modern skyscrapers.

The structure got its start as a city gate, built to protect against marauding forces.

Today, you can stop by the ground floor to enjoy a bite or a beverage, and soak up the centuries of history around you.

40 – Look back in time with a Time Travel VR Experience

A time-traveling VR experience is the best way to make the most of modern technology to enter an ancient time.

This activity puts you in the shoes of a 19th-century merchant where you can see Frankfurt the way it was hundreds of years ago, and even go on a virtual carriage ride around the city!

Time Travel VR experiences

41 – Play golf in the dark with black light mini golf

Right in the heart of the Römer area is one of the most unique things to do in Frankfurt: mini-golf under black light. You can play any of the 18 holes without any ordinary light, as the courses light up and animate themselves.

You can even pop on 3D glasses and have a truly immersive experience, as some of the graphics will jump out at you as you play your next shot!

42 – Meet the animals at Freizeitpark Lochmühle

Freizeitpark Luchmühle is an amusement park with an agricultural twist that’s been going for over 50 years.

The site used to be a flour mill, now it’s a park with rides, animals and great picnic and barbecue spots.

Get some thrills on the rollercoasters or let the kids put their muscles to the test on the climbing courses, then stop by the farming section to learn how mills work and meet some new animal friends.

You can even hike along a trail that leads to an authentic Roman castle – not bad for an afternoon out!

Getting there is easy, just a half-hour drive north out of central Frankfurt!

43 – Pick up some tasty treats at Kleinmarkthalle & Metzgerei Schreiber

Kleinmarkethalle is a market hall with over 60 vendors selling produce, flowers, wine and ready-to-eat meals.

One of the highlights of the market is Metzgerei Schreiber , who has been serving traditional German sausages for over 60 years. His place is loved by locals and tourists, so don’t get scared of the big line because the wait is surely worth it!

44 – See a concert at Alte Oper

Alte Oper is known as Frankfurt’s Opera House, the place where many concerts and operas are performed in the city. It was originally built in 1880, before significant damage in the 1944 air raids of Frankfurt.

Some of the structures survived so the current building is a blend of the old architecture and a rebuild in the 1970s. There are three different halls, all hosting shows of different sizes, so make sure to check out the program when you’re in town!

45 – Eat your way through a food tour

Every city has a unique food culture and for those wanting to discover an authentic taste of Frankfurt, there’s a food tour.

The tour takes you to five hidden gems that serve up authentic cuisine from Germany and afar.

Stroll through local shops and sample meats and cheeses, or tuck into local favorites like marzipan and pork knuckles.

And this being Germany, many of the tours include the chance to sample some beers and wines as well!

food tours in Frankfurt

46 – Soak up the Nightlife

Ready for a good time? Frankfurt’s got you covered!

The nightclubs in town have a flavor all their own, and they’re always welcoming to newcomers!

Enjoy the mellow vibes and social atmosphere of Velvet Club, or the acclaimed DJs and lively dance floors of Gibson Club .

Party down to the diverse musical sets of Belle Club , or the high-energy music sets at Batschkapp .

In this town, the hardest choice is where to go clubbing first!

47 – Soak up the sun at Taunus Wunderland

Taunus Wunderland is an amusement park that is nestled in the natural surrounds of the Taunus Hills.

Although the park has all the usual attractions such as rollercoasters and the like — instead of crowds and busy rides, there are fields and parklands to create a relaxing atmosphere.

There are also six themed restaurants to taste some local cuisine after a hard day running around from ride to ride.

48 – Get spooked on a scary walking tour

A scary walking tour is a trip around town led by professional actors that act out a scary play known as the ‘Bride of Satan’ that takes you around the main sites of the city.

Their tour combines theatre and education, as you will be thoroughly entertained while also learning about all the important spots around Frankfurt.

Visit old churches and haunted riverside spots in the company of the sinister Hangman, or come face to face with a vampire, as he recounts his tale of foiled romance and gruesome circumstances.

It’s a thrilling, chilling way to explore the city’s strange side!

scary tours in Frankfurt

49 – Go shopping on MyZeil & Zeil Street

Zeil Street has been one of the busiest shopping areas of Germany since the 19th century. Zeil means row, originally referring to the row of decadent houses that used to line the street before being destroyed in the Second World War.

Nowadays, it is a mostly pedestrian-only street with countless stores and also the shopping arcade MyZeil .

50 – Take a dip at Brentanobad

Brentanobad is the largest outdoor swimming pool in Frankfurt nestled near the scenic Brentanopark.

The large pool is surrounded by ample lawn for sunbathing, a children’s paddling pool and a beach volleyball court.

There is also an open-air cinema on site that operates during the warmer months.

51 – Take a stroll down Mainkai

Mainkai is a scenic walk by the Main River in Frankfurt. You can simply walk along its length or rent a chair and sit by the water with a book or a beer.

There are also bikes available to hire for those who want to see a little bit extra.

While it’s perfectly centralized within the city, its tranquil lawns and gorgeous riverside views make it feel like a bit of rural paradise.

Along with ample walking and loafing opportunities, it’s a great place to do some photography, with its nice mixture of urban and rural views.

52 – Try the apple wine at Alt-Sachsenhausen

Alt-Sachsenhausen is an area that contains several traditional German bars and restaurants.

The most notable spots in the area are the old apple wine pubs which are a quintessential slice of local culture. The best ones to try are Adolf Wagner, Apfelwein Dax and Zum Gemalten Haus .

53 – Have a drink up at a rooftop bar

Frankfurt has an impressive skyline and there are several rooftop bars where you’re able to admire the sights, as well as taste some of the cities best beer and cocktails.

Long Island Summer Lounge is one of the best which is an office rooftop that is transformed into a summer deck with fold-out chairs when summer rolls around.

GAIA Frankfurt is perfect for a classy cocktail or a small nibble, while Citybeach Frankfurt brings more of a tropical vibe to this northern city.

Occhio d’Oro provides excellent Italian food and great glimpses of the skyline, and the Blasky Hotel and Rooftop Bar provides elegant settings and a seasonally rotating menu to pair with your view.

Meanwhile, the Ruby Louise Hotel & Bar provides unique cocktails and fun 19th-century-inspired decor, as well as beautiful terraced areas.

How to get to Frankfurt?

Like many cities in Germany, Frankfurt is fairly accessible by train from other parts of Europe.

But many tourists find it convenient to fly, arriving and departing through Frankfurt Airport.

And with an airport transfer , you can easily get into the city and settle into your hotel.

Where to stay in Frankfurt?

JW Marriott Hotel Frankfurt combines gorgeous scenery with world-class amenities, offering saunas and gyms to keep you occupied after all of your adventurings.

And at Melia Frankfurt City , you can enjoy the luxurious wellness center and bar, or head out to sample all of the nearby museums and tourist attractions, such as Palmengarten.

Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt boasts multiple restaurants for delicious culinary experiences, plus a variety of sporting facilities to get some energy out – when you’re not busy shopping or hitting the nearby dance clubs, that is!

Park Inn by Radisson Frankfurt Airport offers a nice blend of modern rooms, fabulous amenities (such as an onsite steakhouse!), and easy access to the airport – the perfect place to start or end your trip!

And Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt Airport offers similarly close proximity to transit, along with a delicious buffet breakfast and a lovely business center.

best hotels in Frankfurt

Visiting Frankfurt on a budget?

The Frankfurt Card is ideal for adventurous travelers on a budget, offering amazing discounts on many of the top sites in town.

And if you’re really on a budget, free walking tours are the perfect way to see the city like a local – just be sure to bring some money to tip your guide!

Where to go next?

When you’ve had your fill of Frankfurt (for now, at least), take a spin through the rest of Germany to see what’s available!

Nestled amid rolling hills, Stuttgart surprises with its rich automotive history, including the world-renowned Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

The unique culture and lively atmosphere of Berlin are only matched by its unique history and fascinating kid-friendly attractions, making it the perfect destination for the whole family!

And in Hamburg , you can soak up some authentic German culture and beautiful scenery, all while exploring the intriguing areas nearby.

Meanwhile, Munich is packed to the brim with history, art, and unique excursions, as well as plenty of renowned and innovative public spaces that will have you feeling like a local in no time.

And if you want a nice mix of historical architecture, vibrant academic scenes, dynamic museums, and plenty of parties, Cologne is ready to welcome you!

Once you’re done exploring Germany, check out some of the other best places to visit in Europe !

Final thoughts

Packed with impressive cultural and financial institutions, excellent culinary options, and stunning scenery, the list of things to do in Frankfurt is neverending!

Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient Romans or partying at the hippest nightclubs, the city has something for everyone.

So get historical, adventurous, and a little bit hedonistic – the German way!

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Places to Visit in Frankfurt

Places To Visit

Places to See In Frankfurt

Here is the list of best places to visit in frankfurt:.

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Frankfurts Old Town Center

If you’re planning to visit Frankfurt, then visiting Frankfurt’s Old Town Centre should be at the top of your bucket list. This place is home to several iconic buildings and is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists. You’ll get a chance to get a glimpse of the history of this beautiful city in the form of stunning architecture in the new quarter.

Städel Museum

Stadel Museum is one of the best museums in Frankfurt, which will display the art and paintings from the 14th century by famous artists like Goya, Vermeer, Bacon, Rembrandt, Baselitz, and more under one roof. If you’re an art lover and want to get an insight into the fascinating history of this city, then this place is a must-visit.

Museum District

Museum district is a district in Frankfurt which is home to 16 museums like the German Architecture Museum, The Film Museum, The Icon Museum, Frankfurt Archaeological Museum, and more. While there are tons of museums in this district, one that stands out is the Stadel Museum. It has around 3,100 paintings, 660 sculptures, 4,600 photographs, and 100,000 drawings.

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The Palm Garden

The Palm Garden tops the list of beautiful parks in Frankfurt to visit with family. This place is perfect to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. The garden also has a children’s playground where you can have a lot of fun with your kids. It also offers boating and there are tons of guided tours available which will give you memories that will last forever.

Senckenberg Natural History Museum

The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is one of the famous Frankfurt tourist attractions where you can learn about the evolution of creatures and the transformation of the earth millions of years ago. It also has specially designed rooms where tourists can actively interact with the scientist and learn about the experiments. This is one of the best places in Frankfurt to have a great time with your family.

Frankfurt Cathedral

If you’re interested in learning the history of Frankfurt, then this place is worth a visit. If you’re wondering about what to do in Frankfurt with your family, then visiting this largest religious building in Frankfurt can be a good option. Besides learning about the history, you can also capture stunning views of the city by climbing up to the tower.

Kleinmarkthalle

Kleinmarkthalle is one of the most famous Frankfurt tourist attractions which is home to around 156 local markets, serving the best bakery items and food from other countries. If you’re a food lover, then you can’t afford to miss out on visiting this place. From meats and cheese to wine and bakery time, this place has something for everyone.

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Goethe House And Museum

If you’re someone who loves literary works, then visiting Goethe House can be a good choice. This is one of the best places in Frankfurt to visit with family where you can book the family-guided tours which will brief you about the house and the museum in detail. It is a three-story building that will give insights into the lifestyle of the gentry during Goethe’s time.

The Hauptwache

A perfect blend of modern and historical buildings, The Hauptwache stands out to be one of the favorite places for tourists and locals alike. This place is heaven for shopaholics and food lovers as there's something for everyone. Just wander around the place and you’ll find something which is screaming to get explored. This place surely makes it among the top places to visit in Germany.

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Museum Of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern art has a huge collection of contemporary artwork from talented artists like Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, Claes Oldenburg, Roy Lichtenstein, and Gerhaldt Richter. Once you’re done exploring the artworks, enjoy a coffee with your loved ones inside the museum premises. If you’re someone who loves to explore contemporary art, then this is a place that is worth a visit.

Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo is one of the popular destinations for locals and tourists where you’ll explore a variety of species. The zoo contains a reptile house, an aquarium, and an insect house where you can easily spot dangerous animals and reptiles, and some rare species. A visit to this place will give you the best experience and memories that will last forever.

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The Old Opera House

The Old Opera House is one of the most famous Frankfurt tourist attractions and the best place to visit for music lovers. This place hosts more than 300 music events, including classical, jazz, and children’s concerts which makes this place ideal for music lovers and children. You can also enjoy light meals, cold drinks, and snacks at one of the three restaurants and cafes in the Opera House.

Eschenheim Tower

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Eschenheim Tower is an ideal place to spend your afternoon with your loved ones. Built-in the 14th century, the Eschenheim Tower has a unique structure and it dominates the skyline of the Eschenheimer Gate district. Pay a visit to this place to capture unforgettable memories that’ll last forever.

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Jewish Museum

Jewish Museum is one of the finest museums in Europe which will take you 900 years back. This place will give you deep insight into the history and culture of Frankfurt. Also, there’s another place, Museum Judengasse, where you can explore unique items and interesting artifacts which are must-see. This place will also give you a brief insight into the Jewish culture of the past.

Schirn Kunsthalle

Visiting Schirn Kunsthalle will help you explore the history, culture, themes, and trends of German art. It hosts tons of retrospectives of artists like Kahlo, Chagall, Kandinsky, and more.. A visit to this place will give you a lot of unforgettable memories and make up the top list of places to visit in Europe with your family.

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The Main Tower soars 200 m into the sky, dominating Frankfurt’s skyline. It offers brilliant views of the city from the top floors. You can also visit the 53rd floor, where you can enjoy drinks and delicious cuisines with your loved ones while admiring the brilliant views of Frankfurt. This is an ideal place for sightseeing and the best place to visit in Frankfurt.

Eiserner Steg

If you’re wondering what to do in Frankfurt with your partner, then go for a gentle walk on Eiserner Steg bridge, the only footbridge across the main river. You can spend a good time with your partner while enjoying the beautiful views of Museumufer and Manhatten. It was built in 1896 to give tribute to Frankfurt's industrial age.

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Mainkai is one of the beautiful places which offers fantastic views of the river and the city’s skyline. This is also a great place for couples for a nice, casual walk, especially during the summer and spring seasons. When you wander around the place, you’ll see locals relaxing after work, enjoying meals and drinks, and admiring the brilliant views of the river and skyscrapers.

St Pauls Church

Built as a church in 1789, and now home to the Frankfurt Parliament, St. Paul’s Church is one of the best places in Frankfurt to visit with your family. Inside the premises, you’ll fall in love with the floors and organ pipes. From the inside, it is less a church and looks more like a government building with the national flags of each German federal state.

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Paulsplatz, located in the heart of Frankfurt, Germany, is a historic square known for its significant cultural and political heritage. Named after St. Paul's Church (Paulskirche), which dominates the square, Paulsplatz has played a pivotal role in Germany's history.

German Film Museum

If you’re more into film-making and interested in learning about the film culture of the past, then visiting the German Film Museum should be on your bucket list. You’ll learn a lot about the history of film-making in Frankfurt and get a glimpse of film editing and sound production. The Museum hosts a wide range of exhibits and shows devoted to film genres, filmmakers, and more.

Römerberg is the historic heart of Frankfurt, Germany, and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This charming square is surrounded by picturesque half-timbered houses, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that takes you back to medieval times.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Frankfurt
Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Frankfurt, a global city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Explore its impressive skyline, museums, old town, and more in this comprehensive guide.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Frankfurt (2024)
See ways to experience (17) 10. Deutsche Bank Park. 653. Arenas & Stadiums. The Deutsche Bank Park stands on the site of its great predecessor - the legendary Frankfurt Waldstadion. It forms an integral part of German sporting history and has always been the focal point of…. See way to experience (1) 11.
25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)
Let's explore the best things to do in Frankfurt: 1. Museumsufer. Source: Sanga Park / shutterstock. Museumsufer. Grouped together on both sides of the River Main is a cluster of 12 museums in an area known as the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment). Most are on the left bank (south side).
14 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt Picked By Locals
2. Main Tower. Get another perspective on the city at the Main Tower, the first high-rise building in Europe with a façade made entirely of glass. At 200 metres tall, it's also the fourth ...
The Top 12 Attractions in Frankfurt, Germany
Discover the best things to do in Frankfurt, from historic landmarks and museums to modern skyscrapers and parks. Learn about the city's culture, history, and diversity through its attractions, such as the Main Tower, Goethe House, and Palmengarten.
TOP 10 Attractions
Discover Frankfurt's highlights, from the historic cathedral and town hall to the modern Main Tower and zoo. Explore the cultural and natural attractions along the Museum Embankment, the Palmengarten and the old city walls.
The 9 Best Attractions in Frankfurt: Portikus, Römerberg & More
1. Städel Museum. Museums. Art and design. Photograph: Städel Museum. Frankfurt has some 60 museums of varying sizes, and 13 of them are by the Main river in what's known as Museumsufer, or ...
Attractions
Tourist Information; For Travel Trade; For Meetings Industry ... Attractions . See everything, miss nothing! From A to Z New Old Town TOP 10. Home; ... Römer Town Hall, Emperors' Cathedral and St Paul's Church invite you to discover their fabled stories. Frankfurt welcomes you with the promise of many unforgettable experiences. 3100 paintings ...
Best of Frankfurt
Discover the diverse and cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt with its skyline, museums, culture and cuisine. Find out the top 10 sights, photo spots, must-do activities and local recommendations for your visit.
Must-see attractions in Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt am Main. Germany's architecture museum mounts three temporary exhibitions at a time, which often focus on a particular architect or firm. Not much relates to…. Discover the best attractions in Frankfurt am Main including Städel Museum, Kaiserdom, and Senckenberg Museum.
18 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany (+Map)
One of the most captivating tourist attractions in Frankfurt is the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. Taking visitors on a journey through the wonders of the natural world, it is one of the largest natural history museums in Europe. It was established in 1817 and houses an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, taxidermy specimens and ...
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Frankfurt
Historic iron bridge connecting distinct city areas with panoramic skyline and river views, adorned with love padlocks, and rich in cultural heritage. 10. Deutsche Bank Park. The Deutsche Bank Park stands on the site of its great predecessor - the legendary Frankfurt Waldstadion.
THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Frankfurt (UPDATED 2024)
Historic iron bridge connecting distinct city areas with panoramic skyline and river views, adorned with love padlocks, and rich in cultural heritage. 10. Deutsche Bank Park. The Deutsche Bank Park stands on the site of its great predecessor - the legendary Frankfurt Waldstadion.
Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany: See Tripadvisor's 327,786 traveler reviews and photos of Frankfurt tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in August. We have reviews of the best places to see in Frankfurt. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
It's easy to reach by subway (U-Bahn) and tram (Straßenbahn). See Related: German Christmas Markets to Visit. 2. Main Tower. Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In contrast to the Medieval vibe of the old town's historic buildings, The Main Tower is a powerful modern statement.
The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany
Don't forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany. Quick Navigation Links. 15 Fun Things to do in Frankfurt. 1. Enjoy the View from Main Tower. 2. Take a Tour of the Altstadt. 3. Explore Frankfurt's Museumsufer.
THE 10 BEST Frankfurt Sights & Historical Landmarks
THE 10 BEST Frankfurt Sights & Historical Landmarks. 1. Romer. A big platz with very beautiful buildings and a lot of shops from souvenirs and eat to visit!A place with big history... 2. Main Tower. It's this sleek, modern skyscraper that totally owns the city skyline.
10 best attractions in Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt Zoological Gardens: Baby lions are just the beginning of the animals you'll see here. It's one of Europe's oldest zoos, dating back to the 1850s. Städel Museum: Visitors have been ...
53 Fun Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
6 - Climb the Main Tower. Main Tower in Frankfurt is the highest vantage point in the city. The viewing platform provides a panoramic view of the city, perfect for landscape photographers. This impressive, 56-story structure opened in 1999, and offers a unique vantage point of the skyline. Read more.
Top 10 Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
Take your time strolling through the old town, visiting Germany's oldest university, and exploring the ruins of Heidelberg Castle on the hilltop. The oldest parts of the castle date back to 1214 ...
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Frankfurt 2024 (with Photos)
7. Cathedral of St. Bartholomew (Dom St. Bartholomaus) 2,666. Historic Sites. Gothic cathedral with a peaceful ambiance and historical artifacts. Includes a climbable tower for city views and an interior with ancient masterpieces. See ways to experience (19) 8. Frankfurt am Main Hauptbahnhof.
25 Places to Visit in Frankfurt, Tourist Places & Attractions
The Old Opera House is one of the most famous Frankfurt tourist attractions and the best place to visit for music lovers. This place hosts more than 300 music events, including classical, jazz, and children's concerts which makes this place ideal for music lovers and children. You can also enjoy light meals, cold drinks, and snacks at one of ...

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25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany)

1. Museumsufer

2. Städel Museum

3. Main Tower

4. Goethe House and Museum

5. Frankfurt Cathedral

6. Römerberg

7. Palmengarten

8. Eiserner Steg

10. St Paul’s Church

11. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

12. Old Sachsenhausen

13. Hauptwache

14. Schirn Kunsthalle

15. Berger Straße

16. Deutsches Filmmuseum

17. Frankfurt Zoo

18. Liebieghaus

19. Grüneburgpark

20. Museum Angewandte Kunst

21. Eschenheimer Turm

22. Klassikstadt

23. Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)

24. Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)

25. Kleinmarkthalle

25 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt (Germany):

The Top 12 Attractions in Frankfurt, Germany

Stroll Through Historic Römerberg

Head Up to the Main Tower

Tour the Goethe House

See Europe's Largest Dinosaur Skeleton

Sip Cider in Sachsenhausen

Visit Paulskirche

Spend an Afternoon Admiring Fine Art

Take in the Flora at Palmengarten

Shop on the "Fifth Avenue of Germany"

Admire Modern Architecture and Art

Experience a Museum You Can't "See"

Skip the Meat at Vevay

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18. Hauptwache

17. St. Paul’s Church

16. Museum of Modern Art (MMK)

15. Eschenheimer Turm

14. German Film Museum

13. Kleinmarkthalle

12. Zoo Frankfurt

11. Main Tower Observation Deck

10. Sachsenhausen

9. Iron Bridge

8. Goethe House

7. Old Opera House

6. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

5. Palmengarten

4. Frankfurt Christmas Market

3. Cathedral of St. Bartholomew

2. Stadel Museum

1. Römerberg

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

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