places to visit in frankfurt on sunday

• General Customs
• Tips and Tricks
• Body Language

Expert Tips When Planning a Solo Holiday Abroad

Walking Holidays in Madeira: A route through the Levadas and Portugal

Highlights of the Camino Frances from Ponferrada

Sports Events You Must See Around the World

Sports Tourism – Greatest Sports Cities to Visit

7 Foods You Have to Try When Traveling to Nebraska

Singapore’s Must-Eat Adventures

Top 10 Local Dishes to Try When You’re Travelling to Buffalo

A Quick Guide to Different Types of Wine

Eating the Cebuano Way at the Pungko-Pungko sa Fuente

Ben jij van plan om op reis te gaan zonder reisverzekering?

Houseboat Vacations: Ideas for Your Next Adventure

Exclusive Boat Charters Make Every Trip in Miami More Luxurious

Top Three Most Interesting Cities on The West Coast

5 signs it’s time to move to another city or country

What to do in frankfurt on sunday shops open.

Frankfurt am Main is the fifth-largest city in Germany. It is located (the name alludes to it) on the Main River. Frankfurt has nearly 800,000 inhabitants and is a modern city with many contrasts. For example, walk among glass, concrete and steel skyscrapers, only to find yourself among traditional buildings the next moment. From vibrant nightlife to fascinating museums, Frankfurt has so much to offer you.

Are the stores in Frankfurt open on Sundays?

No, the usual chain stores in Frankfurt are closed on Sundays. Yet that really doesn’t detract from a day in Frankfurt. Even though stores in Frankfurt are not open on Sundays, there are so many many more enjoyable alternatives. Catering establishments do open on Sundays. Enjoy all the other beauty and goodness Frankfurt has to offer.

Frankfurt on Sunday: What to do?

Which sightseeing spots are open on Sundays in Frankfurt? Even though the stores are not always open on Sundays in Frankfurt, there are plenty of other fun sights to visit. The highlights of Frankfurt are listed below.

The Alte Oper

The people of Frankfurt took care of rebuilding the Alte Oper in the 1960s by raising 20 million Marks. Now it is a stately building in neo-Renaissance style, a real gem. Here you can attend various operas and concerts, ballet performances or musicals, even on Sundays.

Museum of Modern Art

One of the world´s leading museums of modern and contemporary art is the MMK (Museum für Moderne Kunst). As many as 5,000 impressive works of art are on display, including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Open on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Palmgarten, a hidden paradise

The green heart of ever-busy Frankfurt is Palmgarten. Spread over more than 26 hectares, you will find special exotic and tropical plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world (anymore). Palmgarten of course also refers to the many palm trees and the palm house. The highlight is undoubtedly the Tropicarium, an immense greenhouse with different biospheres from dry, hot desert to humid rainforest.

Open daily from 09:00 to 19:00.

Alt-Sachsenhausen

The Jewish Cemetery

In the southeast of the center of Frankfurt, the Jüdische Friedhof is somewhat hidden under dense treetops. It has a long history, as evidenced by a tombstone from 1272. After the municipality had to sell this cemetery to Frankfurt in 1939, they began destroying over 6,500 tombstones. Bombings caused the destruction to have to be stopped, but still 2,500 tombstones were spared. The remnants of the destroyed tombstones were stacked by the Jews as a reminder of this atrocity.

The 175 already selected tombstones of special artistic or historical value, had already been transferred to the new location on Rat-Beil-Strasse.

The metal blocks attached to a concrete wall are striking. On these are the 12,000 names of Frankfurters who were deported to concentration camps but never returned. One of these cubes also has Anne Frank’s name on it. Guided tours (from the Judengasse Museum) of the Jüdischer Friedhof take place every second Sunday of the month.

Culinary Frankfurt

Contrary to popular belief, Frankfurt sausage is not the real specialty. What is is the “Grüne Sosse” based on oil, seasoning eggs. A monument has even been erected to this green sauce. Definitely worth trying when you visit a restaurant.

Apple wine is also a real specialty is available almost everywhere. Its alcohol content is comparable to that of a beer. It is fair to say that not everyone is wildly enthusiastic about apple wine. Especially do not order a whole bottle the first time.

Discover Frankfurt by bus, walking tour or segway

Those who want to get a good impression of Frankfurt in a short time should definitely book a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can get off anywhere you want.

There are more ways to discover Frankfurt. When the weather is nice, a short city walk is a fun way to explore this city. Moreover, guides often give very nice tips.

Those who have longer time can admire almost all of Frankfurt’s highlights on their own in one day. Those who like it a little more modern and do not like walking can book a segway tour with one of the many providers. A lot of fun.

• What to do in Cologne on sunday? Stores open?
• What to do in Berlin on Sunday? Shops open?
• What to do in Hamburg on Sunday? Shops open?
• What to do in Munich on Sunday? Stores open?
• What to do in Düsseldorf on Sunday? Shops open?

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

SEE WHAT'S NEW

POPULAR POSTS

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

• Tips and Tricks 722
• Travel Hotspots 571
• Philippines 560
• Food and Recipes 217
• Indonesia 216
• Traditions 181
• Introduction 165
• Advertisement

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

The 14 best things to do in Frankfurt right now

Fancy a ‘blind date’ gig? A booze-fuelled tram ride? The finest things to explore in Frankfurt are right up your street

Ready for outdoor food markets, an excellent café culture and world-leading museums? Welcome to Frankfurt . And no, we won’t accept it as a second city to the likes of Berlin and Munich. No sir. 

When it comes to Germany , all roads actually lead to Frankfurt (no, we mean that literally). It’s home to the country’s biggest Autobahn interchange, biggest airport and a very busy train station. Frankfurt is where it’s at. Here are the best things to do in the city. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍳 The best breakfast spots in Frankfurt  🌭 The best restaurants in Frankfurt 🍻 The best bars in Frankfurt 🛌 The best Airbnbs in Frankfurt

This guide was updated by Florian Siebeck , a writer based in Frankfurt. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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

Best things to do in Frankfurt

1.  museumsufer (museum embankment).

In the 1980s the city authorities came up with the idea of a boulevard of museums – and the results were stunning. Around the Städel , a fine art museum with masterpieces spanning seven centuries, a gaggle of new museums sprung up, some in transformed historic villas, others in new purpose-built buildings. Today, the Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) hosts some of the most important museums in Germany, ranging from applied arts ( Museum Angewandte Kunst ) and architecture ( Deutsches Architekturmuseum ) to film ( Deutsches Filmmuseum ), Jewish history ( Jüdisches Museum ) and antique sculpture ( Liebieghaus ). Lesser-known gems include the Ethnological Museum ( Museum der Weltkulturen ) with historical remnants of bygone times, a ‘Bible experience’ museum or the Caricatura museum for comic art.

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 tallest building in Germany and Frankfurt’s highest vantage point (plus the only one accessible to the public). When the weather’s on your side, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas from the rooftop observation deck and see as far as the hills of Taunus, Spessart and Vogelsberg, Frankfurt’s busy airport, and the Commerzbank Arena.

3.  Frankfurt City Forest

One of the last remaining vestiges of Germany’s vast Imperial Forest, Frankfurt City Forest (Stadtwald) spreads out over more than 5,000 hectares – making the city one of Germany’s most wooded urban areas. Just 15 minutes outside the centre, it draws Frankfurters with its 450-kilometre network of hiking, running and cycling trails. Within the city, you’ll also find the sprawling Günthersburgpark and Grüneburgpark: the former adjacent to the Botanical Garden (Palmengarten), the latter in the Nordend district. Head to Grüneburgpark in summer for a rich programme of theatre and live music.

4.  Schaumainkai flea market

• Markets and fairs
• price 1 of 4

Every other Saturday, Flohmarkt Schaumainkai – considered by many to be Frankfurt’s best flea market – opens on the tree-lined southern bank of the Main river. Grab a coffee or piping hot apple wine and wander down the river through the bustling stalls, where you’ll find an eclectic assortment of wares ranging from second-hand toys to locally made clothing, used bikes, crafts, antique furniture and art, with the Frankfurt skyline serving as a distinguished backdrop.

5.  DomRömer Quarter

• Cultural centres
• price 3 of 4

Many European cities have spent decades carefully reconstructing historic buildings destroyed during the First and Second World Wars, but only Frankfurt has bothered to recreate an entire district as it was at the turn of the last century. The DomRömer Quarter is Frankfurt's ‘new’ old town, spread across 7,000 square metres between Cathedral Square and the medieval Römer building that was more than 90 percent destroyed during the wars. The development opened in May 2018 and includes 20 new buildings and 15 replicas, including the Stadthaus community and conference centre. Expect to find thriving cafés, shops and a handful of decent museums.

6.  Upper Berger Straße

• price 2 of 4

Discover the best of Frankfurt café culture on the picturesque upper Berger Straße. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a weekly farmers’ market is held near the Bornheim Mitte metro station, between the old clock tower (Uhrtürmchen) and Saalburgstraße. Pass that and head north, away from the city centre, to the dozens of restaurants and bars that offer outside seating at the first suggestion of spring in the air. The half-timbered buildings are all original and date from the 1600s. When the sun sets, the street glows with candles and lanterns. While Berger Straße is an excellent destination for a reliable German meal, you could also try  Spaghetti-Eis  – vanilla ice cream squeezed into spaghetti-like noodles, served with strawberry sauce – from one of many nearby ice cream parlours.

7.  Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Jahrhunderthalle

If you love hearing new music, then the concert series Music Sneak at impressively long-named Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Jahrhunderthalle is for you. The idea is based on a blind date model where you don’t know what you’ve got until you turn up. Up to 400 music fans pack in every month, with the performers behind each of the three 30-minute sets only revealed when they get on stage. The acts span genres ranging from singer-songwriter folk to rock, punk, electronic and even slam poetry.

8.  Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache

To sample all the regional specialities Hesse has to offer in one spot (and on the cheap), head to Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache, the state’s largest farmers’ market. Cured meat, hearty German brown bread, and assorted cheeses provide excellent sandwiches, and you can wash it all down with apple wine. Dedicated to upholding traditional techniques, the market features stalls from more than 50 of the region’s farm collectives, and many of the artisanal goods are organic. This is also an excellent place to try  Grüne Soße  (‘green sauce’, a tangy sour cream blended with herbs). To appreciate  Handkäse mit Musik  (‘hand cheese with music’), an oddly translucent cheese topped with chopped onions and caraway seeds, you’ll have to get over the (very) pungent odour.

9.  Kleinmarkthalle

A culinary dream awaits at the 1,500-square-metre Kleinmarkthalle, where nearly 160 market stalls flog local food, flowers and other produce. From cured meats and wine to honey, dried fruit, nuts, handmade pasta and cheese, just about every craving is catered to here. As well as regional delicacies, you’ll find imports from all over Europe and beyond. Don’t miss the terrace bursting with flower boxes on the second level – the small family-owned plonk shop serves wines that pair very well with the food bought downstairs.

10.  English Theatre

Opera in Frankfurt has a rich history, with many world premieres – like Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ – taking place here. The present city opera house, built in 1963, is in the same building as the  Schauspiel Frankfurt  theatre. And just a few steps away, you can find the English Theatre , the largest English-language theatre in continental Europe. Auditions and early rehearsals take place in London and New York City, as most actors are from abroad. Readings, exhibitions and music have made the theatre home for an extensive English-speaking community – after all, Frankfurt is the city with the largest expat population in Germany.

11.  SuperKato

Increasingly popular with the local lunch crowd, this tiny Japanese supermarket offers top-notch sushi at surprisingly low prices. Curate your own combo, or choose from the chef’s freshly made rolls of the day stacked in wooden boxes behind the glass counter. While you’re waiting, browse the shelves in the market section – these have everything you need to prepare sushi at home, from wasabi paste to hard-to-find kitchen accessories. During off-hours, a few high tables inside and out are available, but space is limited, so if the weather’s good, your best bet is to take your food out to the banks of the Main river.

12.  Ebbelwei-Express

• Walks and tours

Beer? Sorry, not the libation of choice in Frankfurt.  Apfelwein  (apple wine), a light and tart drink of fermented apples, is the state beverage, and you can combine it with a tour of the city’s major sights on the weird and wonderful Ebbelwei-Express. Set to a boisterous soundtrack of German drinking music, this vintage tram stops at 29 landmarks in a round-trip tour lasting approximately one hour – whew! Luckily, the ticket is valid all day, so you can get off and on as much as you’d like and take the tour at your own pace. Downloading the accompanying podcast (there’s no guide onboard) will give you an overview of the monuments and memorable sights along the way. A bottle of apple wine and a bag of pretzels is included in the ticket price.

13.  Robert-Johnson Club

Don’t be fooled – this compact nightclub in the Offenbach district might take its moniker from legendary blues musician Robert Johnson, but techno and electronic music are the name of the game here. It’s a small, no-frills place that built its rep by focusing on what’s really important: the music. In fact, the sound system is regarded as one of the best in Europe by the international and local DJs that play here. The main room only fits around 100, and the DJ box is on the same level as the dance floor – giving the space a very intimate feel. There’s also a terrace with views of the Main river for when things all get a bit much.

14.  Go on a bike ride

Work off those calorific German meals in no time by hitting the city on two wheels. The bikes cost no more than a few euros for the day, and with a few clicks and a credit card or Paypal account, you’ll be on your way. In addition to integrated lanes throughout the city, the 50-mile GrünGürtel-Radweg (Green Corridor Bicycle Path) encircles the entire city. For a shorter route, try the six-mile path around the Höchst industrial park.

More great things to do in Frankfurt

Powered by GetYourGuide

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Android app
• Time Out Worldwide

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

A perfect weekend in Frankfurt am Main

Homepage > States > Hesse > A perfect weekend in Frankfurt am Main

Everyone knows the striking skyline, and yet the banking district is only one of Frankfurt's many faces. In the bustling city, there are many cozy corners and secluded spots - in the historic old town, for example, or on the banks of the Main. Discover the different facets of the Hessian metropolis on a weekend trip.

Friday afternoon

Did you arrive by train? From the main train station, you can start exploring Frankfurt's old town right away. You can get there with streetcar line 11 or subway lines 4 and 5; get off at Römer (streetcar) or Dom/Römer (subway). In 20 minutes you can also walk from the main station to the old town around the Römerberg. A very relaxing way to get a first overview of the Frankfurt is also a Velotaxi tour. The drivers with their e-bikes will take you through the city in an environmentally friendly way for speed sightseeing. A money-saving tip: With the Frankfurt Card you can use local public transport free of charge and get a discount on the entrance fee to many museums and other institutions. And because sightseeing burns calories, you can get a refill in the form of Bethmännchen or Frankfurter Kranz at the ConditCouture confectionery on Römerberg.

Friday evening

Really hungry? Then let your first evening in Frankfurt end in style and comfort in the new old town. There are restaurants, bars and cafés in the half-timbered houses, where you can enjoy traditional Frankfurt cuisine or taste a Rheingau Riesling. It's only a few minutes' walk to the trendy restaurants in the city center or in the Bahnhofsviertel.

Saturday morning

A quick glance at the sky: The weather looks good? Then get on your bike and go on a nice city tour. Whether for a day or a weekend, Frankfurt is a wonderful place to discover by bike. Ideal for this are the rental bikes from Call a Bike, which you can rent via app at many stations in the city. Culture lovers should always get off their bikes at the Museumsufer: On both banks of the Main, there are 15 great museums in the immediate vicinity: Bible House or Archaeological Museum, Architecture Museum or Film Museum - you're spoiled for choice! An absolute highlight is the Städel Museum, whose collection provides an almost complete overview of 700 years of European art history under one roof - from Lucas Cranach to Monet and Picasso to Gerhard Richter and Isa Genzken.

Saturday afternoon

City walks through Frankfurt's new Old Town start at the Tourist Information at the Römer. During this one-hour walk between the imperial cathedral St. Bartholomew and the Römer you will discover the special Frankfurt mixture of medieval reconstructions (most of the old town was destroyed in World War II) and modern new buildings. The Römer is the patrician house that has housed Frankfurt's city hall since 1405. Also on the program is the famous Paulskirche, where the first German National Assembly was held in 1848. There is also a free permanent exhibition on the history of the National Assembly and the reconstruction of the Paulskirche. If, on the other hand, a classic city tour seems too old-fashioned, you can also embark on a virtual journey through time in old Frankfurt: In the newly opened TimeRide, you can experience the history of the Main metropolis up close with virtual reality. And if you're traveling with children, have caught a rainy day or simply fancy something special, then head off to the Frankfurt Historical Museum. The oldest municipal museum in the Main metropolis also houses the Junge Museum Frankfurt - and in its interactive exhibitions, (rainy) time flies by. 

Plan plenty of time for a shopping trip through the city center. The Zeil, Frankfurt's main shopping street, is lined with stores of international labels and large department stores. Goethestraße and Neue Rothofstraße, on the other hand, are lined with the exclusive aura of top international designers. If, on the other hand, you prefer something individual and creative, you'll find cool boutiques with their own fashion and design labels and the showrooms of young designers in Berger Strasse, Schweizer Strasse and the Brückenviertel.

For in-between hunger pangs, gourmets should head to the Kleinmarkthalle, a covered weekly market with plenty of delicious snack options, from oyster bars to antipasti Italian restaurants.

Saturday evening

In the evening, it's time for a trip to the other bank of the Main - and to the culinary classics of the region. You absolutely must try the Grüne Soße (the Frankfurter calls it "Grie Soß"), which is served with hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. Or the legendary Handkäs' mit Musik (a lean cheese in an onion marinade). These specialties taste best in the traditional apple wine taverns in Sachsenhausen. There you can just sit down after dinner, have another glass of apple wine and let the day end in a relaxed way in the bustling city. A modern alternative is the three-story restaurant Oosten on the banks of the Main. There you can dine on chic industrial architecture - and enjoy a fantastic view of the skyline and sunset from the roof terrace.

Sunday morning

After a packed Saturday, it's time for some relaxing activities, such as a boat trip on the Main River. From the Eiserner Steg you can sail downstream as well as upstream and get to know the city from a completely different perspective. If you're heading upstream, why not get off at the Gerbermühle and have your photo taken on the Ego Monument in the Mainufer plant, which was created by "Titanic" cartoonist Hans Traxler?

Sunday afternoon

In the afternoon, two of Frankfurt's favorite places are on the agenda: the Palmengarten and the Goethe House. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749; in the reconstructed birthplace of the universal genius, you will be transported back to the poet prince's lifetime in the rooms furnished in the style of the time.

The extensive Palm Garden is a green oasis in the middle of the city; in its greenhouses you can travel through all the climate zones of the earth. And on the large pond you can take a spin on a pedal boat. A trip to Frankfurt's local mountain, the Lohrberg, is always worthwhile: here lies the only remaining vineyard in Frankfurt's urban area. Enjoy the Riesling that is pressed here and the beautiful view of the city from the MainÄppelhaus orchard center.

If you are less interested in language and more in nature, we recommend a visit to the Senckenberg Museum, the natural history museum in the immediate vicinity of the Palmengarten. The permanent exhibition at the Senckenberg Museum tells of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, of dinosaurs, underwater worlds, exotic plants and mammals from all over the world. The development of Homo sapiens, modern man, can also be traced here. 

And because natural events, the formation and extinction of species are also crucial for our future, visions of our world of tomorrow are also sketched here. 

Sunday evening

In the evening you can continue to relax; after dinner you can treat yourself to an ice-cold, sour apple wine on the banks of the Main. Popular addresses for a nightcap are the Maincafé or the Bootshaus Frau Rauscher. Further up the Main, you can also enjoy a drink at the Main Cocktail Bar - and end the Frankfurt weekend with a last view of the skyline.

By the way, you can find tips on how to travel comfortably and inexpensively on long-distance and local trains with Deutsche Bahn  here .

Climate friendly travel

Comfortably to Frankfurt by train and without traffic jams.

Plan arrival

More info for your summer in Frankfurt:

Cover photo: Pulsating city life and cozy hustle and bustle - in Frankfurt am Main they are side by side ©#visitfrankfurt, David Vasicek

More articles from Hesse

Architectural highlights in Hesse's cities

The fairytale half-timbered houses of the state are widely known. But Hessen has many other highlights in store for culture lovers. Cities and ...

Creative and urban - where art and culture are at home in Hesse

Art and culture are ingrained in Hessen's DNA, and travelers will find a wide range of great exhibitions, contemporary events and colorful ...

Rauhnächte in the snow - on the road between the years

The "time between the years" will be those 11 days and 12 nights from December 25 to January 6 also ...

Wiesbaden: A hot place

The fact that Wiesbaden is one of the 10 wealthiest cities in Germany can hardly be overlooked: Art Nouveau and elegant villas everywhere, plus well-kept ...

Beavers, candelabra spruces and sloe liqueur

The south-eastern Spessart is a wonderful place to hike. For example, on the Jossgrund loop, where there are many surprising ...

There's music on it: Culinary and cultural delights in southern Hesse

Wine, cheese and apples - it is well known that the Hessians are connoisseurs. You can experience special moments of pleasure on a culinary tour ...

Winter hiking in Hesse: This will be white!

Fields and trees bathed in white glisten in the sun, it's crisp cold and the snow crunches pleasantly under ...

Fairytale: The six most beautiful castles and palaces in Hesse

Strolling through magnificent halls like a king, waving graciously from the tower like a princess, defending the castle walls like a knight: ...

The top 8 sights in Kassel

Kassel is extremely popular with guests from all over the world - only we Germans have not yet found the Hessian metropolis so ...

You want to go already?

Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Pinterest for the best tips for your vacation in Germany.

Don't miss anything from Germany

Sign up now..

Yes, I would like to receive the Entdecke Deutschland newsletter with tips, reports and competitions on vacations in my own country. We provide information on the revocation, the processing of data and the measurement of success in our Privacy policy .

I would like to receive your newsletter and accept the privacy policy.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

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.

Share this post:

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Western Germany

8 Best Day Trips from Frankfurt

17 Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany

12 Top Tourist Attractions in Leipzig, Germany

Top Things To Do In Neuschwanstein: Germany’s Fairytale Icon

17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Germany

How To Spend 3 Weeks in Germany: DIY Itinerary

23 Best Things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg, Germany

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Germany Footsteps

One Day In Frankfurt: Your Guide To An Awe-Inspiring Day

Heading to Frankfurt am Main but only have a day? Want to know exactly what to see in Frankfurt in 1 day so you can have the best experience possible? Below, I take you on a journey to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, delve into its rich history, savor its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the local culture—all in just 24 hours!

Crafting this itinerary of best places to visit in Frankfurt in one day was no small feat. It involved reading countless travel blogs, consulting locals, and exploring Frankfurt’s gems firsthand. This guide provides a comprehensive, yet concise, snapshot of what Frankfurt has to offer.

A finance and business powerhouse, parts of Frankfurt can feel like a different world to the rest of Germany. It’s home to skyscrapers, one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, business trade fairs and more.

But Frankfurt also has a story that stretches back over a thousand years. It has evolved from a medieval trading hub to a modern metropolis, blending history and innovation. In this guide, we explore its charming old town, its world-class museums and marvel at its architectural wonders.

Frankfurt is also home to a major airport. If you find you have a long transit or are flying here before you hop on a train or bus somewhere else, you may only have a day in Frankfurt. While that’s a shame, it’s also awesome as at least you have a day!

Below, you will find my exact one day in Frankfurt itinerary. This includes all the best things to do in Frankfurt for a day as well as the best places to stay. I also include some changes if you are visiting Frankfurt in winter or if you have kids.

There is also a handy map of your Frankfurt one day itinerary.

You can also download this full itinerary and map here to make your trip extra easy.

Seeing more than Frankfurt? Find our itinerary from Munich to Frankfurt here or our itinerary from Frankfurt to Central Germany here.

Traveling to Germany?  Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Don’t miss the best hotel savings in Germany here >>

Table of Contents

An Introduction To Frankfurt

Frankfurt am Main has been the site of settlements for at least a couple of thousand years. There is evidence of Celtic and Germanic settlements dating back to at least the first century BC. Around 83AD, it became a Roman garrison town.

It’s first mentioned in documents in the 8th century as it became an important centre in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1152, Frederick I was elected king in Frankfurt. From that point, it became the place where German kings were selected.

Its importance to business and trade increased as international trade fairs started here in the 12th century. A stock exchange was opened in 1585.

From 1372 until 1806, Frankfurt was a free imperial city. Napoleon I interrupted this when he made Frankfurt the seat of government for the Confederation of the Rhine and then the capital of the Grand Duchy of Frankfurt. After Napoleon fell in 1815, it reverted back to being a free imperial city. It was the capital of the German Confederation from 1815-1866.

At this point, Prussia took over before returning it back to Germany.

Frankfurt was badly damaged in the March 1944 Allied bombing raids. The bombing destroyed about 80% of its medieval centre. They reconstructed the area around the Römerberg, but much of the city was rebuilt with modern buildings.

Today, Frankfurt is a business and financial hub. It is home to the European Union’s Central Bank, a large stock exchange and many trade fairs. There is also manufacturing of automobiles, chemical and pharmaceutical products, machinery and more.

You can read more about Frankfurt’s history here .

What To See In Frankfurt In One Day

Frankfurt One Day Itinerary

• Explore Römerberg
• See The Views From Frankfurter Dom
• Walk Over The Eiserner Steg Bridge
• Take A River Cruise
• Visit A Market For Lunch
• Learn More At A Museum
• See Frankfurt From The Main Tower Observation Deck (If Time)
• Spend The Evening In Alt-Sachsenhausen

Above is your itinerary and below are more details about the best one day Frankfurt attractions. To make it extra easy for you, I recommend you visit everything listed in the same order as I have written it.

I assume you want to pack a fair bit into your 1 day in Frankfurt. If you like to take things slower then remove a stop or more so it’s a pace you are happy with.

Let’s start!

Want a free guide to Frankfurt?  Click here to download your free Awe-Inspiring Day In Frankfurt Guide .  You’ll be all set for your trip!

Stop 1: Explore Römerberg

The best place to start your Frankfurt one day trip is in the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town. You won’t want to miss Römerberg, the medieval public square. It’s home to reconstructed, half-timbered buildings which are just gorgeous.

Römerberg translated means Roman mountain.

It’s also home to Römer, the old town hall. It consists of three 15th century houses that you’ll want to take a photo of. This was once home to celebrations during elections and coronations of emperors.

These days it’s home to the mayor and a registry office. It is possible to enter Kaisersaal (Emperor’s Hall) when events aren’t taking place.

Also at Römerberg is Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice).

Most of the traditional buildings in the Old Town are around this square.

Stop 2: See The Views From Frankfurter Dom

Your next stop in this list of what to do in Frankfurt for a day is only a few minutes walk away. Head to Frankfurter Dom (which means Frankfurt Cathedral). This is also called Kaiserdom and St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral.

This massive, red-sandstone cathedral has a 95 meter tower which dominates the skyline. Built in Gothic style from 1356 to 1792, it’s where the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperors took place.

Rebuilt twice, after fires in 1867 and the bombings in WWII, it’s a stunning site. It’s worth walking inside to appreciate the interior. There are carved altars and pieces of Saint Bartholomew’s skull. I also highly recommend you climb the 328 steps up the tower for great views which is a small extra fee. It’s one of my favorite places.

There’s also an onsite museum, Dommuseum. It has a small collection of religious objects.

This church generally opens at 9am. Fridays are an exception.

Stop 3: Walk Over The Eiserner Steg Bridge

Next up is a short walk to the river and the Eiserner Steg Bridge. This area is home to a pedestrian friendly walkway with nice views across the river to more of Frankfurt.

The Eiserner Steg Bridge was first built across the Main River in 1868. It’s a popular landmark thanks to its modern metal design which was rebuilt at the end of WWII.

I love the views that you can have when walking across this bridge. You can see the river, each of the banks and you’ll feel right in the middle of Frankfurt. There are also many locks locked here on the bridge by couples – so take one and do it yourself if you’re traveling with a special someone.

Stop 4: Take A River Cruise

It’s time to cross back to the Old Town side of the river ready for your next adventure – a 50-minute river cruise.

Primus Linie cruises depart from the eastern side of the Eiserner Steg Bridge on Mainkai.

On this cruise you can see more of Frankfurt while traveling on the Main River. Boats go both up and down stream so if you only have 50 minutes to spare, you’ll have to decide which direction most appeals to you. You can also do both on a 100 minute circuit.

This is a quick and easy way to see more of Frankfurt.

You can check out the latest timetables and book here.

Stop 5: Visit A Market For Lunch

By now, your stomach is probably rumbling. However, since you’re only on a Frankfurt 1 day trip, we’re going to combine sightseeing with lunch at the Kleinmarkthalle. This market is a 5-minute walk away.

Kleinmarkthalle is a bustling, 1,500 square meter market started in 1954. It has many types of food from pastries to sausages to pretzels to fruit and vegetables. It’s fun to explore and shop here and you’re sure to find something quick, easy and delicious to eat for lunch. I love browsing here.

You can pick up supplies to have a picnic back down by the river.

If your Frankfurt one day tour is on a Sunday or public holiday, Kleinmarkthalle isn’t open. There are many restaurants around here though, so pick one that takes your fancy.

Stop 6: Learn More At A Museum

Frankfurt is home to a whole host of museums. However, since you’re looking for places to see in Frankfurt in one day, I recommend sticking to one that you can explore fully.

Below are what I believe are the best two options for your one day trip Frankfurt, so pick the one that interests you most.

An exception to this is if your one day in Frankfurt falls on a Monday. On Monday, most museums, including the ones below, shut. On a Monday, visit Goethe-Haus instead.

This is a five minute walk from Kleinmarkthalle. It’s the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Today, it’s set up like it would have been when his family sold it. There are tours and exhibits as well as a museum next door with paintings from Goethe’s era.

Städel Museum

Located about an 18 minute walk from the market (less if you ate by the river), Städel Museum is home to one of Germany’s best classic art collections. Its European collection is superb with pieces from the Middle Ages to today.

This museum, founded in 1815, has many big names including Rembrandt, Rubens, Cezanne, Picasso, and Monet. There are also temporary exhibitions which can be quite popular.

It’s best to book ahead to ensure you don’t waste time stuck in a line.

Historisches Museum Frankfurt

The Historisches Museum Frankfurt is back by the Eiserner Steg Bridge. Frankfurt’s oldest museum, this is the place to pick if you want to learn more about the history of Frankfurt.

The buildings of the museum are very interesting. The museum calls five buildings home opposite the Main River. The buildings range in age from 800 years old to 2017. It’s the perfect way to walk through Frankfurt’s interesting past.

It’s a big museum with plenty to see. You won’t get through it all in a couple of hours. On arrival, make sure you get an introduction so you can prioritize the parts that most interest you.

My favorite part is Frankfurt Once? It discusses how Frankfurt residents lived and what makes Frankfurt the way it is. It examines many different aspects of life like finance, science, toys, media, furniture and more.

The Frankfurt Now! section is also great. It talks about what it’s like to live in Frankfurt now, what’s special about Frankfurt and what the future may hold. There’s also a cool scale model of the city.

This is my top pick of the Frankfurt museums.

There’s more information on the museum’s site .

Stop 7: See Frankfurt From The Main Tower Observation Deck (If Time)

If you have time after your visit and it’s a clear day, here’s another thing to add to your Frankfurt what to see in one day list. About a 15-minute walk from either museum option is Main Tower, a 200-meter high skyscraper with a viewing platform.

A lift ride to the top only takes 45 seconds so you’ll soon be seeing Frankfurt from above.

For something special, you could also eat dinner in the restaurant here on the 53rd floor. It’s pricey but you can’t beat the views. There is also a lounge if you want to have a drink while you take in the views.

Find more information here .

Stop 8: Spend The Evening In Alt-Sachsenhausen

If you haven’t had to leave Frankfurt already, great! This last one of the things to do in Frankfurt Germany in one day is lots of fun 🙂

Head to Alt-Sachsenhausen (Old Sachsenhausen) for dinner and some apfelwein (apple wine)

Alt-Sachsenhausen has some gorgeous parts with cobblestone streets and winding laneways. There are plenty of places to eat here, but what you are looking for is an apple wine tavern. Apple wine taverns are famous in Frankfurt. Here, you can try some traditional food and Frankfurt’s famous apfelwein, the German version of apple cider.

You can try Adolf Wagner, Apfelweinwirtschaft Frau Rauscher or Ebbelwoi Unser – or explore until you find somewhere you want to stop.

Click here to download a PDF version of this plan that you can easily take with you.

One Day In Frankfurt In December/Winter

While most of the things to see in Frankfurt in one day listed above are possible during the winter time, there are also some fun things to do in Frankfurt which are especially great in the winter months. Primarily the Christmas Market. You won’t want to miss this if you are in town at the right time.

Unfortunately, the river cruises do not run as often in winter time. At the time of publishing, they were only running on weekends from January to early March. You can check here for current schedules.

When the Christmas market is running, I would start with visiting the museum in the morning. Then head to the Christmas market at lunchtime and eat here instead of Kleinmarkthalle. It is in Römerberg so you can explore that at the same time and then head to Frankfurter Dom.

After this, you can visit Eiserner Steg Bridge and do a river cruise.

Essential Stop: Christmas Market

An unmissable answer to what to do in Frankfurt in one day is the Frankfurt Christmas Market. It runs for a month before Christmas usually around 22 November – 22 December but click here to find the latest dates.

This is one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany dating back to 1393! It’s also one of the biggest (with over 200 stores) and the best. There is plenty to explore and enjoy including special hot apfelwein and Bethmännchen (marzipan and almond biscuits).

The only danger is that you only have 1 day in Frankfurt Germany and you may not want to leave this attraction!

Frankfurt Itinerary 1 Day Map

Below is a map of everything we have covered in this guide to the perfect one day trip in Frankfurt.

Best Place To Stay In Frankfurt

When it comes to where to stay in Frankfurt, there is a great range of hotels and other accommodation options. You won’t have any problem finding somewhere to stay – although it can get busy when big trade fairs are on so it is recommended to book in advance.

Below, I’ve listed a few different places to consider depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.

If you want more options, you can use this map to help you find hotels and home rental accommodation around Frankfurt.

BEST – Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Review

Located in the Old Town just 7 minutes walk from Römerberberg and close to the river and a useful station, the 5-star Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is a popular choice. You will love a stay here!

With over 300 rooms with traditional and modern decor, luxury is the name here. Rooms range from superior double and twin rooms to presidential and royal suites. All come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and first class toiletries. Even the cheaper rooms come with a desk area and sitting area.

There is a gym, 24 hour room service, three restaurants and a bar. You can have breakfast included in your room rate. The star attraction among the restaurants is the Michelin-starred Restaurant Français. It is perfect for a special night in the hotel.

My favorite part of the hotel has to be Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof’s Spa. You can book from a selection of massages and beauty treatments or just relax in the Turkish bath. There’s even a traditional barber shop.

Paid parking is available close to the hotel.

Click here to see the latest prices now.

VALUE – Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Westend Review

For great value prices and a convenient location within walking distance to the main Frankfurt train station, Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Westend can’t be beat. It’s also close to shops and Frankfurt Exhibition Centre.

This is especially a good choice if you like apartment-style accommodation. The rooms vary from studios to two bedroom apartments. I love staying here with my family so we can self cater and easily get to the airport. There are also washing machine facilities in each room to make your stay even easier. Some rooms have views.

There’s a gym as well as parking for an extra charge. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site.

UNIQUE – Libertine Lindenberg Review

If you are looking for somewhere unique to stay in Frankfurt in a pretty spot in Sachsenhausen, consider the Libertine Lindenberg.

This option sells itself as both a hotel and a shared living space. It has communal areas that you can use to meet other guests or to cook your own meals.

Libertine Lindenberg categorizes their rooms based on size which range from 19m2 to 25m2. All rooms are doubles with bigger rooms having seating areas as well. All have flat-screen TVs and Netflix access and are beautifully decorated.

On-site is a shop selling organic groceries and a “living room cafe”. There is a recording studio as well and you can tune into the in-house radio station. For more active guests, there’s a gym and free bike hire.

Find more of the best hotels in Frankfurt here find our list of the Frankfurt Airport hotels here.

How To Get To Frankfurt And Around

Frankfurt is very well hooked up to the rest of Germany, Europe and the world and you should have no problems getting here.

Click here for flight prices.

Frankfurt Airport is a major international airport and it’s easy to catch a train into the city from here in less than 15 minutes. If you are just in transit for a day, there is luggage storage at the airport if you need it.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find train timetables here .

Note that if you arrive at Terminal 2 that you need to get to Terminal 1 first to take your train. There are clear signs as you exit arrivals pointing to where to go to get to the train terminal. These will take you to a bus stop where you can take a free bus to Terminal 1. These run every 10 minutes.

The bus drop off point is close to the station. Simply follow the signs from here and you’ll be there soon.

You can also hire a car to explore Germany. We flew into Frankfurt then hired a car for our onward journey after a day exploring.

Click here to check out car hire deals.

Once in Frankfurt, there are many public transport options. Most of the time, we found it easier to explore by foot. Distances are often short between attractions, and transport did not usually go exactly between the places we wanted.

You can also read our full guide to getting from Frankfurt to Trier (or vice versa) here.

Frankfurt With Kids

Frankfurt is a great place to explore with kids. They’ll enjoy many of the attractions above.

We traveled to Frankfurt with our three kids aged 5 – 11 years old and had no problems. They enjoyed the river cruise especially and we had a good time at the Historisches Museum Frankfurt. This is because it has a section called Junges Museum (Young Museum).

This is specifically aimed at children and is interactive with themes aimed at their interests. It’s not just for young children either, like some childrens museums. There are different exhibits aimed at different age groups. They also enjoyed the Frankfurt Once? and Frankfurt Now! exhibits at the Historisches Museum.

Final Words

I hope you have enjoyed this guide to Frankfurt places to visit in one day, and you’re now all set for your trip. While Frankfurt isn’t my favorite city in Germany, it does offer a lot and you’ll have fun exploring with thie one day itinerary. Simply copy this exactly for a fun day out in Frankfurt.

If you have an extra day, consider following this day in the Rhine Valley.

Don’t forget, you can download a free pdf of this plan here to make your time in Frankfurt extra easy and awesome.

Check out all the best hotels in Frankfurt  for your great stay here or read more guides to visiting Western Germany here or our guide to Oberwesel in the nearby Rhine Valley here or Bacharach here.

Related Articles:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

Very interesting as my ancestors migrated from Frankfurt am Main in the mid 1700s during the palatinate migration.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

10 Things To Do In Frankfurt: Complete Guide To This German City That's Much More Than A Financial Capital

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

7 Beautiful Beaches In Florida State Parks Worth Visiting In 2025

7 hikes in tennessee better than the great smokies, 7 "grand canyons" in america you've never heard of.

Frankfurt is a bustling Bavarian city and a vital trade, financial, and transport center. Its busy airport connects the rest of Europe, earning it the moniker “Central Europe.” Its central business district, Bankenviertel, stands out with a futuristic flair that includes all ten of the country’s tallest skyscrapers, making it one of Germany’s most enchanting destinations .

Home to multiple major commercial institutions, such as the European Central Bank, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Deutsche Bundesbank, it is a significant financial hub, but there is much more to the city than its money matters. The historic town carefully blends the new with the old, treating tourists to a rollercoaster experience with its fascinating sights.

Frankfurt's Museumsufer is an entire neighborhood housing a treasure trove of museums and galleries that culture buffs can’t get enough of. The city also hosts the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s oldest book event . Whether a historian, foodie, or adventurer, every traveler will find something to enjoy in Germany’s financial capital.

Top Things To Do In Frankfurt

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Frankfurt . From its scintillating skyline of skyscrapers and countless museums to interesting historical landmarks, first-timers can look forward to an unforgettable German experience. Uncover the top things to do in Frankfurt!

1 Explore Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Museumsufer is a cluster of museums in the city spread along the banks of River Main. There are over 30 museums in the district dedicated to everything from the arts, film, architecture, photography, and music to ethnography. Museumsufer was conceived in the '80s and '90s, with plans to include more museums.

Every final weekend of August, the area hosts Museumsiferfest on the embankment, an engrossing three-day social event that merges art, culture, and music by incorporating outdoor music and dance shows while featuring extended opening hours and multi-passes.

• Admission : $22.87 for a single ticket and $34.85 for a family card
• Hours : Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday & Sunday (10 am – 6 pm), Friday (10 am – 8 pm)

With so much to see in Museumsufer, an excellent way to experience the museum district is from the water by taking advantage of boat tours on the River Main .

Related: 10 Most Amazing Things To Do In Germany’s Bavaria

2 Enjoy The Views From Atop The Main Tower

The best way to appreciate Frankfurt’s cityscape is to view it from above. Standing 200 meters high, Main Tower is the country’s fourth-tallest building and boasts the only public viewing platform.

At the observation, tourists enjoy a superb panorama of the city’s spectacular skyscrapers, while the eastern wing offers a dramatic view of the Main River and Altstadt.

For an even better experience, visitors can soak in the views while savoring sumptuous German delicacies from the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge on the building’s 53rd floor.

• Admission : $9.80 per adult, $21.78 for family tickets
• Hours : Sunday to Thursday, 10 am – 9 pm (7 pm in winter); Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 11 pm (9 pm in winter)

Take advantage of the observation platform's late closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays to witness Frankfurt in its full glory under the gleaming evening lights.

3 Attend A Live Concert At The Old Opera House

Catching a concert is one of the best activities for a family fun day in Frankfurt . The Old Opera House in Innenstadt is a stunning performance hall among the country’s most storied venues. It was built in 1880 but suffered severe destruction during World War II. The venue was later restored and opened to the public in 1981.

Today it hosts almost 50 events yearly, ranging from classical music and rock to jazz and blues shows. There are two concert halls, with the Large Hall seating 2500 people and the Mozart Hall 700.

• Hours : Monday to Wednesday (11 am – 11 pm), Thursday & Saturday (11 am – 12 am), Friday (11 am – 9:30 pm), Sunday (11:30 am – 5 pm)

Visit the Old Opera House website to check the scheduled events and book a ticket.

4 Chill Out At The Palmengarten

The Palmengarten is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city and one of the best spots to hang out in Frankfurt. It features a stunning glass-domed botanical garden housing an exotic collection of flora and fauna from across the globe. The garden, which covers about 54 acres, was opened in 1871 on a piece of property next to Goethe University.

There are thousands of tree and plant species to explore, while the fresh air and chill atmosphere offers the ideal setting to unwind after a long day of activity. The venue also provides a playground for kids to play on with a sandpit, swing, climb, and paddle in the tiny water garden.

5 Check Out The Frankfurt Cathedral

Also known as the Frankfurter Dom, the Frankfurt Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece from medieval times and an important historical landmark. The Gothic-style church was initially built out of red stone in the 1300s and 1400s but was restored twice after being razed down by a fire in 1867 and after the war in the 1950s.

Historically, the church has hosted ten coronation ceremonies for past Roman kings between 1562 and 1792. Today, it stands out in the city's heart thanks to its intricate architectural features, including a 95-meter tower, a Baroque Assumption Altar, and a 15th-century fresco.

• Admission : Free
• Hours : Open daily, 9 am – 8 pm

Take the 328 flight of stairs to the observation platform to sneak in some exercise and get rewarded with incredible city views.

6 Delve Into The Natural World At The Senckenberg Natural History Museum

Tourists with a fascination for the natural world can head to this magnificent facility for an exciting lesson on the earth’s beginnings. The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is the country's second-largest such establishment. It houses a vast collection of fossils, including skeletons of a tyrannosaurus rex, diplodocus, and triceratops.

Inside, guests can explore an endless catalog of animal specimens, such as an extinct zebra species from the 1880s and a quagga. The three-millennia-old skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis promises to leave them in awe.

• Admission : Adults $13.07, Kids (6-17) $6.54, 5 and below free
• Hours : Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm (8 pm on Wednesday); Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm

The life-sized dinosaur models at the museum entrance offer an excellent photo opportunity, allowing visitors to capture a highlight of their Frankfurt vacation.

7 Make A Furry Friend At The Frankfurt Zoo

Dating back to 1858, Frankfurt Zoo is Germany’s second-oldest zoo and a top venue for animal lovers. This 27-acre refuge in Innenstadt is home to over 4500 animals representing at least 500 species from around the globe. These include exotic creatures like meerkats, penguins, crocodiles, piranhas, big cats, and great apes.

Kids will have fun interacting with animals at the petting zoo and be awed by the special nocturnal house. Animal encounters aside, there is a children’s playground, snack bar, and picnic tables for guests to relax.

• Admission : Adults $13.07, Kids (6-17) $6.54, Family $31.59
• Hours : Open daily, 9 am – 7 pm

Vacationers should try to schedule their visit around feeding times to witness the animals' most active periods.

8 Walk Across The Iron Footbridge

Eiserner Steg is a famous photo spot in Frankfurt where tourists gather to document their best moments in the city. The iron and concrete footbridge connects the old town and Sachsenhausen across the River Main. It was first built in 1868 and later reconstructed after damage from World War II.

Besides offering exquisite views of Frankfurt’s skyline, the iron footbridge is an iconic romantic spot. Popularly referred to as the “Love Lock Bridge,” Eiserner Steg features hundreds of padlocks fixed by lovers who cast away the key as a symbol of their everlasting love.

A stroll on the iron footbridge is among the best free things vacationers can make the most of in Germany .

Related: The Story Behind Devil's Bridge of Germany & How To Get There

9 Explore The Historic Romerberg Square

Romerberg is Frankfurt’s historical square in the old town, which houses several historic landmarks. Various medieval houses, old administrative buildings, and a church give the square a quaint vibe worth exploring.

Most of these buildings were renovated after damage from the Second World War, with the highlight being the Romer building complex, which houses the Frankfurt city administration.

Other notable buildings include the 15th-century Old St Nicholas Church, Historical Museum, and St. Paul’s Church. Tourists can also stop by the several bars, cafes, and restaurants in the square for a pretzel.

Romerberg Square is famous for its fabulous Christmas Market and coronations. A walking tour along the quaint Coronation Route allows visitors to experience the vibrant old town fully.

10 Admire Contemporary Art Pieces At The Museum Of Modern Art

Art enthusiasts will feel at home exploring the exquisite collection of modern art displayed at the Museum fur Moderne Kunst. The impressive establishment exhibits over 5000 artworks from the 1900s to date.

Since its establishment in 1991, it has become an iconic cultural institution showcasing color pop art and modern minimalism pieces.

Some contemporary artists featured include Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol, although Karl Stroher, the renowned German art collector, initially curated the collection.

• Admission : Adults $10.89, Kids $5.45, families $34.86
• Hours : Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm

11 Best Time To Visit Frankfurt

The best time to visit Frankfurt is late spring or early fall. Summers can be hot and uncomfortable, while winters are frigid; hence spring and fall offer mild conditions perfect for exploring the city.

Spring is an excellent time to visit. The blooming gardens and mild temperatures create an ideal setting to get out and discover the city’s attractions.

From late March to mid-May, Frankfurt hosts the Frankfurter Sausage Festival, the most prominent folk fair in the Rhine-Main region. This draws multitudes of fans to the city, making it the highlight of spring.

Despite the hot summer temperatures (reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit), this is a popular time for tourists in Frankfurt. There is a long list of outdoor festivals and events that draw newcomers and locals alike, including movie screenings, live music concerts, and beach bars on the banks of River Main.

While summers are hot, evenings are relatively cool, and it rains in August, so tourists will want to pack an umbrella and light jacket.

Fall in Frankfurt does not disappoint; the golden foliage transforms the city into a spectacular sight for outdoor explorers. Temperatures are delightfully mild, and the harvest season is a godsend for apple wine lovers.

Two main events take center stage in the city and fall in October. The Frankfurt Book Fair is a must-have experience, while Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the country.

Not many will enjoy the icy veil that hovers over Frankfurt during winter, especially with temperatures just above freezing point. However, there is a silver lining in the Frankfurt Christmas market, allowing guests to experience one of Germany’s most exciting Christmas markets .

12 Best Ways To Get Around Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s reputation as a regional transport hub can be seen in its extensive and modern public transport network, which features trams, metros, buses, and trains ferrying passengers to all city corners. This reliability makes public transportation the best bet to get around when exploring the city.

Public Transportation

Frankfurt’s developed public transport network is run by the Rhine/Main Regional Transport Association, which is the country’s largest.

The U-Bahn, or underground metro, partly runs below ground and works in conjunction with the tram system. 9 U-Bahn lines operate across 90 metro stations, with stops at various points of interest.

• Hours : 4 am – 2 am, running every 2 to 5 minutes in the city center.

Buses in Frankfurt are vital in filling up the gaps left by U-Bahns and trams in the city’s public transportation network. They come in handy between 1 am and 4 am when services from the metro system slow down. Riding them is also an excellent way for tourists to acclimatize to the city, as stops are much closer together.

• Hours : 4 am to 1 am, with night buses running between 1 am and 5 am

Commuter rail

Frankfurt’s commuter rail system, the S-Bahn, is an excellent option for those exploring the city’s outskirts. It uses a similar ticket system to other public transport modes and runs above ground.

Hours : 4:30 am – 1:30 am

The metro, bus, tram, and rail networks use the same ticket system that charges $2.61 for a single ticket, although journeys under 2 km cost $1.63.

Car rentals

While commuting around the city doesn’t necessitate a car hire, these will be convenient for those planning to explore the rest of the country. Frankfurt’s central position in the country is the perfect launch pad when sampling Germany’s small towns .

Taxis can be found throughout the city thanks to multiple operators outside major points of interest. Although they are generally unnecessary, they can be helpful for tourists unsure where to go.

Guests should use taxis only when necessary to keep their budgets in check; they don’t come cheap.

Walking and biking

Frankfurt is a pedestrian and bike-friendly city with marked lanes to protect users from motorists. Several parks and open spaces make for a laid-back stroll for those who want to explore the city at their own pace.

While jaywalking is prohibited in many parts of the world, Germany, particularly Frankfurt, takes it very seriously. Visitors are advised to follow the rules lest they get fined.

Those looking to hire a pair of wheels can access one from Deutsche Bahn call-a-bike service in Frankfurt. Rates range from $0.087 per minute and $16.32 per day to $65.29 per week.

Related: Hameln, Germany Is The Perfect Storybook Town And Also The Birthplace Of The Pied Piper

13 Where To Stay In Frankfurt

Germany’s capital is divided into multiple neighborhoods with various attractions. Each comes with a unique vibe to offer visitors a new experience. Whether looking for a luxury hotel suite or an affordable cabin rental, there are enough options for all budgets. Here are the top areas to stay and hotels to book:

Altstadt (Old Town)

The Old Town district is the ideal place to stay for first-timers in Frankfurt. The area is full of medieval buildings housing museums, galleries, and restaurants, with highlights like the Historic Museum of Frankfurt. Its quaint streets offer a laid-back feel and are best explored on foot.

Luxury option:

Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof

• Address : Am Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night: Start at $238 for 2
• Amenities : Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Valet parking, Business center

Mid-range option:

Motel One Frankfurt-Römer

• Address : Berliner Strasse 55, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night: $$
• Amenities : Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Internet, Parking, Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Budget option:

Moxy Frankfurt City Center

• Address : Thurn-Und-Taxis-Platz 8, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night: Start at $135 for 2
• Amenities : Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Internet, Parking

Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen is a peaceful neighborhood that takes tourists away from the urban jungle of Frankfurt. Instead of the towering skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline, the area offers a more relaxed feel with its narrow cobbled streets and old houses. Its unique pubs and restaurants are also a great way to interact with the locals.

Rocco Forte Villa Kennedy

• Address : Kennedyallee 70, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night : $$
• Amenities : Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee shop, Business center, Meeting/Banquet facilities, Internet, Parking

Star Apart Hotel Sachsenhausen

• Address : Gartenstraße 17, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night: Starts at $124 for 2
• Amenities : Fitness center, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries

Westend is another beautiful district west of the city’s Am Main. Despite being within touching distance of the CBD, it shields vacationers from all the urban hustle and bustle while impressing with a family-friendly vibe. The area’s highlights include the Botanical Garden and Old Opera House.

Frankfurt Marriott Hotel

• Address : Hamburger Allee 2, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night : Starts at $189 for 2
• Amenities : Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Coffee shop, Valet parking, Business center

NH Frankfurt Messe

• Address : Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 38, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night: Starts at $!20 for 2
• Amenities : Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV

Hotel Villa Florentina

• Address : Westendstr. 23, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
• Rates per night :$$
• Amenities : Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Meeting/Banquet facilities

14 Best Areas To Eat In Frankfurt

Frankfurt is among the best destinations for foodies looking to sample German gastronomy . The blend of the new and the old ensures visitors get a rollercoaster culinary experience incorporating traditional German dishes and international cuisines.

These are the top joints to eat and drink in Frankfurt.

Café Buur Frankfurt

• Address : Berger Str. 65, 60316 Frankfurt, Hesse Germany
• Hours : Open daily, 9 am – 6 pm

Lunch and dinner:

• Address : Kleine Rittergasse 43, 60594 Frankfurt, Hesse Germany
• Hours : Saturday to Wednesday (11 am – 2 am), Thursday & Friday (11 am – 5 am)

Dauth-Schneider

• Address : Neuer Wall 5-7, 60594 Frankfurt, Hesse Germany
• Hours : Open daily, 11:30 am – 12 am

Related: 10 Mistakes All Rookies Make Their First Time In Germany

15 Tips To Know When Visiting Frankfurt

Visiting Frankfurt promises to be an amazing experience for all types of tourists. However, it helps to have a checklist for a more fantastic experience once there. Here are a few tips to consider while in Germany’s financial capital .

• Although the primary language spoken in Frankfurt is German, a good chunk of the population speaks English, and tourists shouldn’t worry about a language barrier. However, learning some basic German words and phrases for better interactions with the locals won't hurt.
• Bring enough cash if planning to shop for souvenirs when exploring the city. Chances are, some vendors only accept cash.
• Hitler and Nazi banter is a no-no in Germany. Referencing them during informal conversations will be deemed insensitive and frowned upon.
• For those traveling with kids, take advantage of free museum days for the young ones when exploring the numerous museums in the city. Every last Saturday of the month (except August and December) is “SaTOURday”-and offers free admissions to under-18s.

Related: Berlin, Germany: Your Essential Weekend Itinerary

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Frankfurt

Start the day by exploring the historic Romerberg Square in the Old Town. It is full of historical charm, and visitors will be intrigued by how the area was rebuilt after being almost entirely destroyed during World War II.

Stroll along the cozy cobbled streets while scoping out the entire Altstadt region and admire iconic landmarks like the Historical Museum and St. Paul’s Church.

Head to the iron footbridge at Eiserner Steg and walk across it to the Sachsenhausen side while enjoying scenic views of the River Main below and snapping memorable photos of the landmark.

After lunch, head to Museumsufer to inspect as many museums as possible before taking to the water for a thrilling boat tour on the River Main.

Later, visit the Frankfurt Zoo for unique encounters with the different animals in the facility and wind up the day’s itinerary by attending a live show at the Old Opera House.

Q: What is Frankfurt known for?

Frankfurt is famous for being the nation’s financial and regional transport hub, connecting Germany to other European countries. However, it boasts enough attractions to be included in the ideal German itinerary , including Museumsufer and the Main Tower.

Q: Is Frankfurt worth visiting?

Frankfurt boasts a variety of attractions that visitors will enjoy partaking in. The city's numerous museums, galleries, and historical landmarks in the Old Town leave many first-timers in awe. Frankfurt is also home to unique German cuisine , including foods like spaetzle.

Q: Are two days enough in Frankfurt?

Two days may not be enough to explore the city's many points of interest fully. However, there is a lot that tourists can fit into a weekend itinerary in Frankfurt and still have fun.

• Things To Do & Travel Guides

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! TheTravel has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

24 hours in Frankfurt: How to Spend one day in Frankfurt

You have 24 hours in frankfurt and ask yourself: what do you do in one day.

We’ve got you covered!

The airport in Frankfurt is one of the biggest airports in Germany. Therefore, many visitors arrive in Frankfurt and have a layover of 24 hours.

So, what can you do in Frankfurt in one day? Where should you go, and what can you see in Frankfurt?

Anna , who worked in Frankfurt for a couple of months, had the opportunity to delve into both the touristy and local experiences, uncovering the unique charm of the city.

Frankfurt isn’t on our list of top destinations in Germany . For instance, the central train station in Frankfurt isn’t a pleasant spot to spend your time.

However, there are a few spots in Frankfurt that are definitely worth a visit. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the essential details to ensure you make the most of your 24 hours in Frankfurt.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.

24 Hours in Frankfurt – what do to?

We’ve put together a walking tour itinerary for you.

This map includes all of our favorite cafés and restaurants, which you won’t want to miss! Zoom in to see the walking tour!

1. Explore the Old Town in Frankfurt

• Subway Station: Römer (U4)

Start your day by visiting the Römerberg , a historic square in the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town.

The Römerberg is home to the Frankfurt City Hall, a beautiful building with a rich history. Admire the architecture and stroll around the square, where you’ll find many cafes and shops.

2. Go to the Iron Bridge (Eisener Steg)

The Iron Bridge ( Eisener Steg ) in Frankfurt is one of the city’s landmarks.

This charming pedestrian bridge, built in 1868, has been a part of Frankfurt for over 140 years. It is widely regarded as a symbol of peace and unity between the city and its citizens, connecting them.

From the Iron Bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Main River and the iconic Frankfurt skyline, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing.

If you are traveling with your loved one, consider bringing a lock and „lock“ you love here as many other lovers from around the world.

🚢 If strolling around isn’t your preference, why not opt for a relaxing 1-hour boat tour on the Main River? *

3. Visit the Alte Nikolaikirche

After strolling over the Eiserner Steg, explore the Alte Nikolaikirche, an ancient church with exquisite stained glass windows and a serene ambiance. Constructed in the 13th century, this church has withstood numerous wars and natural calamities.

4. Stroll around the Neue Altstadt ( = New Old Town )

After that, take time to discover the Neue Altstadt , a reconstructed section of the Old Town in Frankfurt showcasing delightful buildings and shops. This area was devastated during World War II but has been restored .

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets, marvel at the architecture, or pause at one of the numerous diverse shops and cafes for a good coffee.

5. Take the stairs to the top of the Kaiserdom

• 3 Euro entrance fee to hike up to the view point
• Tight staircase

Finally, hike up the stairs to the top of the Kaiserdom , Frankfurt’s famous cathedral, for a stunning city view.

The Kaiserdom is one of the most important churches in Germany and has been the site of many coronations and significant events throughout history.

The climb to the top can be steep , but the view is well worth it. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city and take some time to appreciate the beauty of Frankfurt’s Old Town.

6. Try Local Food at the Kaisermarkthalle

Isn’t it time to enjoy some good food now? Head to the Kaisermarkthalle , located in the heart of Frankfurt, to blend in with the locals and enjoy some fresh food.

7. Visit the Kaisermarkthalle

The Kaisermarkthalle is a bustling indoor market popular for locals and tourists. It offers a variety of local and international food options, vegetarian dishes, fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and much more.

Take some time to wander around and explore the different stalls before deciding on what to eat. Whatever you choose, you will find something delicious at this bustling market.

Don’t miss the chance to savor local delights such as Frankfurt’s renowned green sauce or traditional German sausages . The green sauce, a blend of seven herbs, is typically served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, offering a refreshing and flavorful mid-day meal.

And if you’re a fan of sausages, be sure to try the traditional German bratwurst or currywurst, both popular options in Frankfurt.

A typical alcoholic beverage in Frankfurt is Applewoi. If you are visiting for the first time, try it. It is not our taste, so consider asking for a tasting glass or just ordering one if you are unsure.

If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to complement your meal, consider a German lemon beer as a delightful alternative.

For dessert, it’s best to hold off here! We’ll guide you to another fantastic spot for coffee and dessert with a stunning view.

8. Enjoy the panoramic view at the Galeria Skylounge

It is a self-serve restaurant (a very nice one!). First, you order your food and drinks and pay the bill in cash or with your credit card when you leave.

9. Walk to the the Financial District in Frankfurt

After lunch, it’s time to delve into the unique aspects of Frankfurt’s modern financial district, which is home to impressive skyscrapers and banks. It’s a part of the city that’s sure to intrigue and excite you.

This district sharply contrasts the historic Old Town and offers a glimpse into Frankfurt’s diverse facets.

A standout feature of the financial district is the Main Tower, an observation deck providing breathtaking views of Frankfurt’s skyline.

Once you’ve soaked in the views from the Main Tower, venture to Zeil, a hub of upscale fashion and designer boutiques.

10. Go Shopping

Zeil is Frankfurt’s primary shopping avenue, with renowned brands alongside charming local boutiques. Dedicate to perusing the stores and collecting souvenirs or thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

If you’re looking for a break from shopping, head to one of the nearby cafes or restaurants for a coffee or a bite to eat. The financial district has many dining and drinking options, from trendy bars to upscale restaurants.

Have fun and immerse yourself in the vibrant, modern atmosphere of this bustling part of Frankfurt.

11. Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at the Opernplatz

End the walking tour at the Opernplatz with a delicious dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Opernplatz is a beautiful square in the heart of the city. Here, various restaurants serve everything from local specialties to international cuisine.

After dinner, why not savor a drink at one of Frankfurt’s diverse bars or pubs? For a vibrant and bustling scene, Sachsenhausen is the place to be. This neighborhood is renowned for its eclectic mix of bars and diverse nightlife options, making it a must-visit for those seeking an energetic evening.

If you want a more upscale experience, head to a rooftop lounge for a stunning city view at night. Many of Frankfurt’s high-end hotels have rooftop bars and nightclubs that offer panoramic views of the city skyline.

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

The best time to visit Frankfurt is undoubtedly during the summer months between May and September .

The city offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities, as well as festivals and cultural events during the summer months.

The Frankfurt Book Fair and Oktoberfest are two major events that bring people from all over the world to Frankfurt.

With temperatures ranging from pleasant to perfect, the months of May to August are ideal for outdoor activities. Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the Main River or exploring the historic Römerberg, Frankfurt’s natural beauty is best experienced during these months.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt?

1. NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower * : If you are looking for a hotel in Frankfurt that combines comfort and convenience, then NH Collection Frankfurt City is the right choice for you. The hotel stands out with its bright and clean rooms, equipped with modern design and comfort. Guests value the The stunning view of the city. The friendly staff ensures that you feel completely comfortable during your stay. Another advantage is the uncomplicated luggage storage, which makes your stay even more pleasant. This hotel is very close to the Frankfurt Trade Fair, which makes it the perfect choice for business travelers.

2. The Westin Grand Frankfurt* : Located in the heart of downtown Frankfurt, The Westin Grand Frankfurt is an excellent choice for first-time visitors. This luxurious hotel offers a modern and elegant atmosphere with comfortable amenities and easy access to restaurants and public transportation. The best part: You can relax in the sauna and the pool once you are done with exploring Frankfurt.

3. Sofitel Frankfurt Opera* : Situated in the heart of Frankfurt, the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera exemplifies luxury and sophistication. This 5-star hotel, with its spacious rooms and elegant interiors, serves as a perfect retreat from the city life. Each room comes equipped with a complimentary minibar. The hotel boasts an indoor pool inviting you to go for a couple of lap. The staff is committed to going the extra mile for every guest.

Getting Around Frankfurt

Frankfurt benefits from an efficient public transportation system , making navigating the city’s top attractions incredibly convenient. Exploring all the key sites is as simple as hopping onto a bus or train.

You can purchase tickets at one of the many ticket machines in the city or online.

Bicycles are also a good option for getting around, as Frankfurt has bike lanes.

FAQs: 24 hours in Frankfurt

How many days in frankfurt.

If you’re tight on time, one day is enough to enjoy Frankfurt’s highlights. This timeframe lets you explore modern and historic areas and savor local delights for a comprehensive experience.

How much money do I need for 1 day in Frankfurt? 

The average amount of money you need for 1 day in Frankfurt varies based on preferences. Budget travelers can manage with around €50-€100, mid-range travelers might spend €100-€200, and luxury travelers could require €200 or more for a comprehensive experience including meals, transportation, and attractions.

What means of transportation are available to get around in Frankfurt?

In Frankfurt, you have various transportation options for getting around. The city boasts an efficient public transportation network, including trams, buses, and trains. Additionally, taxis, bike rentals, and walking are convenient ways to explore the city and reach its attractions.

Are there free activities to do in Frankfurt?

There are many free activities to do while visiting Frankfurt, such as taking a tour of some of the city’s churches and cathedrals, exploring parks like Günthersburgpark, taking a stroll along the Main riverbank, or simply people-watching in one of the bustling squares.

Final Thoughts: one day in Frankfurt

One day is enough to explore the Old Town, the financial district, and some old churches in Frankfurt. If you are tired from walking, jump on a boat and enjoy the Main River.

As the sun sets, you can savor a delightful dinner and drinks against the city’s stunning skyline. But remember that Frankfurt is just one city in Germany worth visiting.

Frankfurt is not just a destination, but a gateway to a myriad of experiences. Consider day trips to the historic charm of Heidelberg, the fairy-tale streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the rich history of Nuremberg, or the cultural allure of Würzburg.

• Best hotels near US embassy in Frankfurt
• Can you visit Neuschwanstein without a ticket?
• 10 day itinerary for visiting Germany by train
• 27 best things to do in Göttingen

Anna and Anne are the founders of Germany Things To Do. They grew up in Germany and have traveled all 16 regions in Germany from North to South and East to West.

They share their local tips with you to explore the authentic and beautiful parts in Germany.

The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

• Facebook 49
• Pinterest 405

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

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun Things to do in Frankfurt

1. enjoy the view from main tower.

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. 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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

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.

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 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.

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

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. 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.

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

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. 

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

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. 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.

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

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. 

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?

Planning a trip to Germany? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related Posts

The 14 Best Hotels to See the Northern Lights

The 10 Cool Boutique Hotels in Corsica, France

15 Fun Things to do in Turin, Italy

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Adventures of Alice

16 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany

Sharing is caring!

If you love exploring beautiful cities, then you shouldn’t be disappointed by Frankfurt. Nestled along the mighty Main River, Frankfurt is a harmonious blend of history and modern life. You’ll find historic old buildings perched next to sparkly new skyscrapers. And there’s so much to do in Frankfurt! There are wonderful museums, incredible buildings, peaceful parkland, and much more.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or an art lover, this dynamic city has something to suit everyone. So, let’s explore the best things to do in Frankfurt, from historic landmarks to culinary delights. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems and iconic attractions that make this city such an authentic German experience.

How long do you need in Frankfurt?

We explored Frankfurt in 2 days as part of a road trip around part of Germany. And, if I’m totally honest, how long you need in this city really depends on how many museums you want to visit! We just explored the Natural History Museum and Liebieghaus. This meant we were able to see everything we wanted to (and stuff our faces with wonderful Christmas market food since we visited in December ) in just 2 days. But, if you wanted a deeper dive into the city, you might need around 4 days.

The best things to do in Frankfurt

Now then, without further ado, here are the best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany. I’ve also included a budget breakdown of what each activity will cost, so you know exactly what you’ll need to spend to visit Frankfurt.

1. Climb Main Tower

Cost: €9 per adult

So, you know how I love a cityscape ? Well, this was a pretty good one! As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Main Tower promises breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s financial district, the Main Tower is 200 meters (656 feet) tall and the fourth tallest skyscraper in the city. However, it’s the only skyscraper with a public observation deck, providing you with a panoramic view of Frankfurt’s impressive skyline.

The observation deck is on the 56th floor and offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. You can see Romerberg, the Main River, and even aeroplanes coming in to land at the airport. You can also see further than the city to the gorgeous green spaces beyond the buildings. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Frankfurt.

2. Explore Römerberg 

This is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s historic Altstadt (Old Town), is a captivating square that exudes charm and nostalgia. Stepping onto Römerberg feels like stepping back in time. The square is surrounded by meticulously restored half-timbered houses that showcase the city’s rich architectural heritage. 

The centrepiece of Römerberg is the Römer, a magnificent medieval building complex that has served as Frankfurt’s city hall for over six centuries. It’s a striking building with ornate gables and intricate carvings and one of the best things to see in Frankfurt. Römerberg is also home to the Fountain of Justice, a gorgeous fountain with beautiful Renaissance-style sculptures. 

This historic square is not only a feast for the eyes but also a lively hub for festivals, markets, and events that celebrate Frankfurt’s cultural traditions. This was where the main Christmas Markets were held.

3. Visit Frankfurt Cathedral

Cost: Free but the cathedral museum has an entrance fee of €2

This architectural masterpiece holds immense historical and cultural significance in the city of Frankfurt. 

Located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), the cathedral’s towering spires and intricate Gothic design make it an impressive landmark on the Frankfurt skyline. The interior boasts stunning stained glass windows, ornate chapels, and a magnificent organ, all contributing to its sacred and serene atmosphere. 

As one of the oldest buildings in Frankfurt, the cathedral has witnessed centuries of history, including imperial coronations and religious ceremonies. You can also climb the 95-meter-high tower for panoramic views of the city and the Main River.

4. Walk Across Eiserner Stag Bridge

Connecting the city’s historic centre with the Sachsenhausen district, the Eiserner Stag Bridge spans across the Main River. This iconic iron footbridge holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Walking across the bridge, you can see breathtaking views of the river and the picturesque Frankfurt skyline. You can also see the distinctive gap between the old and new areas of the city, which, if I’m honest, is pretty cool!

The bridge is adorned with countless love locks, symbolizing the everlasting bonds and romantic connections made in this vibrant city. From the bridge, you can also catch a glimpse of the river cruise boats gliding along the Main.

5. See St Paul’s Church

In every European city, there’s an abundance of gorgeous churches and Frankfurt is no different. St. Paul’s Church holds a significant place in German history as a symbol of democracy and freedom. 

Located in the heart of Frankfurt, this iconic church played a pivotal role in the country’s political and social development. Constructed in the early 19th century, the neoclassical architecture, with its prominent dome and terracotta-coloured walls stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the German people.

6. Visit Senckenburg Natural History Museum

I loved this museum and it’s possibly one of the most interesting Natural History Museums I’ve visited. Located in a majestic building, the museum is known for its extensive collection of exhibits that span millions of years of Earth’s history. Step inside, and you’ll encounter a captivating array of fossils, minerals, and, my personal favourite, giant dinosaur skeletons!

In fact, the highlight of the Senckenburg Natural History Museum is the awe-inspiring dinosaur hall. You’ll come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaur replicas and be able to learn about the prehistoric world they once roamed.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about the natural world, a visit here is certainly one of the best things to do in Frankfurt.

7. Explore Old Sachsenhausen

Of course, in a city like Frankfurt, you have to see the old as well as the new. You’ve already climbed one of their newest skyscrapers, now it’s time to visit the old districts. 

Old Sachsenhausen is a vibrant and charming district situated on the south side of the Main River. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter quaint half-timbered houses, inviting beer gardens, and cosy restaurants. 

Old Sachsenhausen is also a great nightlife hotspot, with live music venues, jazz clubs, and theatres that entertain late into the night. I wandered past plenty of old pubs and buildings where you could definitely get a drink (or 5!) and I suspect the atmosphere would be amazing in summer,

8. Explore Hauptwache

Hauptwache is a prominent square in the heart of Frankfurt. It serves as a central meeting point and a bustling hub of activity. Named after the former Baroque building, Hauptwache is a dynamic and vibrant location that seamlessly blends history with modernity. 

The square is adorned with architectural gems, including the iconic Hauptwache building itself, which now functions as a café and a police station. Surrounded by bustling streets and bustling shops, Hauptwache offers a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and enticing eateries. 

The square also serves as a transportation hub. There are lots of different metro lines here, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.

9. See Eschenheimer Turn

Cost: Free (now contains a cafe).

Eschenheimer Turm is a striking medieval tower that stands as a testament to Frankfurt’s rich history. 

Located in the city centre, this well-preserved tower dates back to the 15th century and is one of the few remaining remnants of the ancient city fortifications. With its distinctive octagonal shape and towering height, Eschenheimer Turm stands as a proud landmark and offers a glimpse into Frankfurt’s medieval past. It’a also one of the largest late-Gothic gate towers in the country.

10. Visit Liebieghaus

Cost: €12 per adult.

Liebieghaus is a hidden gem nestled within the heart of Frankfurt. It’s renowned for its exquisite collection of sculptures spanning over five millennia. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical villa, this museum transports visitors on a captivating journey through art history. 

From ancient Egyptian and Greek sculptures to medieval masterpieces and Renaissance works, Liebieghaus showcases the evolution of sculptural art. As you wander through the museum’s elegant galleries, you’ll encounter iconic pieces each with their own unique story to tell.

11. Explore the Museums

Cost: Depends on the museum (see below)

Aside from the Natural History Museum and Leibieghaus, there are lots of other museums in Frankfurt. If you have plenty of time in the city, it’s well worth checking out some of their other museums: 

• The Städel Museum , one of Germany’s most prestigious art museums, houses a vast collection of European masterpieces, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. €12 entrance fee.
• The Museum of Modern Art (MMK ) showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in a striking architectural setting. €16 for a full combination ticket. Free on the last Saturday of every month.
• The Jewish Museum delves into the rich Jewish heritage and history of the city. €12 entrance fee.
• The Goethe House and Museum invites visitors to delve into the life and works of the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. €10 entrance fee.

Whether your interests lie in art, history, science, or literature, Frankfurt’s diverse collection of museums ensures there is something for everyone.

12. Take a Cruise on the Main River

Cost: 

Is there really any doubt that exploring a new city on a river cruise is one of the best ways to see it? I mean, it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Frankfurt!

Gliding along the Main River on a cruise like this one , you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Frankfurt’s skyline, showcasing a harmonious blend of historic landmarks and modern architecture. Admire the towering skyscrapers of the financial district, the charming bridges that span the river, and the lush greenery that lines its banks.

13. See the Opera House

Cost: Performances start from €15

If you love old and historic buildings, you’ll love the Frankfurt Opera House. Located in the vibrant Opernplatz square, this architectural masterpiece is home to the Frankfurt Opera and the Frankfurt Ballet. The Opera Building’s grand façade and neoclassical design are super elegant and sophisticated, and the building itself is beautiful.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of music, theatre, and dance. The opera house hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, ballet, and classical concerts, featuring renowned artists from around the world. The opulent interior, with its lavish chandeliers and plush seating, creates an atmosphere of elegance – ideal for watching a performance!

14. Visit Frankfurt Zoo

Cost: €13 per adult

I don’t usually include a zoo on my to-do list when visiting a new city. But if you’re visiting Frankfurt with children, this is definitely a great place to go. Spanning over 11 hectares, this historic zoo is home to a diverse array of animal species from around the world. 

You’ll have the opportunity to encounter majestic big cats, playful primates, fascinating reptiles, and a multitude of other creatures. The zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation is evident, with spacious enclosures that aim to replicate natural habitats and provide a comfortable environment for the animals.

15. Relax in Grüneburgpark

If you fancy a break from the bustling city centre, this beautiful green space is a great place to find it. It spans over 29 hectares, with beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and trees that create the perfect environment for some relaxation.

You could go for a stroll, (or go for a run if you are the active type), relax under the shade of a tree with a tasty picnic, or go exploring on the paths range of winding footpaths. You might come across the charming rose garden, tranquil pond, or one of the many sculptures scattered amongst the trees.

16. Wander the Christmas Markets

Cost: Free (but you will 100% buy things)

Last but not least, I know this is completely seasonal, but I just couldn’t write a blog about the best things to do in Frankfurt without mentioning the Christmas Markets . They are some of the best in Germany and easily one of the most wonderful things to do in this city.

The markets transform some of Frankfurt’s most popular spots (I’m looking at you, Romerberg), into a festive winter paradise. You’ll find log cabin stalls full of delightful German cuisine, steaming mugs of gluhwein, hot cider, hot chocolate, hundreds of sweet pretzels, heart-shaped gingerbread cookies on sticks, and so much more.

It’s a great place to immerse yourself in a world of twinkling lights and fragrant aromas. I highly recommend visiting the Christmas Markets in Frankfurt if you’re visiting the city in winter. Although, you may not be able to miss them if you want to see all of the other things on this list!

Planning a trip to Germany? Also check out the best things to do in Heidelberg , Baden-Baden , and Cologne .

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

Similar Posts

3 Days in Paris: A Perfect Paris Itinerary for Any Budget

For the perfect Paris 3 day itinerary, here’s the ultimate guide to seeing the best of Paris, one of the most gorgeous cities in the world.

One Day in Dresden: The Perfect Dresden Itinerary

If you love history and beautiful architecture, you’ll love this city in Saxony. Here’s the perfect itinerary for one day in Dresden, Germany.

12 Very Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

A quaint little city, Ghent is a beautiful and often overlooked place to visit in Belgium. These are the 12 best things to do in Ghent!

10 Best Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia

Often overlooked in favour of Croatia’s beautiful seaside destinations, the city of Zagreb is vibrant, bustling, and has a…

48 Hours in Oslo: The Perfect 2-Day Oslo Itinerary

Oslo is a gorgeous European city with a rich Viking past. Even if you’re just spending 2 days in Oslo, here’s how to make it perfect.

3 Days in Lisbon: The Perfect Lisbon Itinerary

From bustling Alfama to historic Belem, if you’re dreaming of the perfect Lisbon itinerary, here’s the best way to spend 3 days in Lisbon.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Frankfurt Airport Guide
• Neighborhoods to Know
• Public Transportation
• Best Hotels
• 48 Hours in Frankfurt
• Day Trips From Frankfurt
• Top Things to Do
• Free Things to Do
• Things to Do with Kids
• Frankfurt's Best Museums
• The Best Restaurants in Frankfurt
• Nightlife in Frankfurt
• Where to Try Apfelwein in Frankfurt
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations

Best Things to See and Do for Free in Frankfurt

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Frankfurt is the financial hub of Europe, home to the German Stock Exchange, the European Central Bank and gleaming skyscrapers. But that doesn’t mean that a trip to Frankfurt will break the bank. Here are interesting sights and attractions in Frankfurt that won’t cost you a dime

Frankfurt Stock Exchange

Set in a historic building from the 19th century (with the iconic Bear and Bull statues in front), the 400-year old Deutsche Börse welcomes visitors to the daily business of money. Take part in guided tours and then watch the bustling trading floor of the third largest trading exchange in the world.

Don’t forget to make reservations (at least one day in advance) and bring your ID.

The Römerberg ("Roman Mountain") is the historic heart of Frankfurt. It is home to the City Hall (called Römer), which dates back to 1405. Flanked by half-timbered houses, this historic square used to be the place for Frankfurt's first trade fairs in the 13th century.

Although most of the Römerberg was destroyed in the Second World War, the historical buildings in this square were reconstructed to their original splendor.

While there, take a peek into the adjacent street, Saalgasse   (across from the Historical Museum ). The postmodern colorful houses create an interesting contrast to the reconstructed historical center.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt's Gothic Dom St. Bartholomaus was erected in the 14th and 15th century and is one of the oldest and most important churches in Frankfurt. German kings have been elected here since 1356.

You can visit a museum, set in the medieval cloister, that shows exhibits from the cathedral’s treasury. If you are up for it, climb 324 stairs to the top of the church tower where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Frankfurt (note that the church tower only open in summer).

Old Town of Höchst

Take a walk through Frankfurt’s Höchst neighborhood, located in the west of the city. It is set on the banks of the river Main where you’ll find the beautiful old town filled with half timbered houses, city gates, towers, and winding medieval streets.

Highlights of the Höchst district are the  Höchster Schloß (Höchst Castle), which was the former residence of the archbishop of Mainz, and the Baroque Bolongaro Palace with its royal park. If you are here in June and July, come for the annual  Höchster Schlossfest with music and special events.

Free Museums

Every last Saturday of the month, admission to many of Frankfurt’s museums is free. During “Satourday”, museums and galleries offer guided tours, special events, and workshops for kids and families.

Find participating museums that offer free admission at Satourday Family Program .

River Main and Museums Embankment

Take a walk along the river Main which runs through Frankfurt's city center and is lined on both sides by some of best museums in the country. Among them, the superb German Film Museum and the fine art Städel Museum, which focuses on the old masters. This area is called Museumsufer (Museum embankment) and on Saturday mornings, you can hunt here for treasures at Frankfurt's largest flea market (until noon).

Waldspielpark

The Waldspielpark   is a great destination for the whole family. It is a large adventure playground set in a wonderful park, complete with a shallow pool and a nature maze for young kids. Bring a grill to cook, or play beach volleyball in the sand.

Adults can climb the nearby Goetheturm , which was built in 1931 and is one of the highest wooden viewing towers in Germany. The view of the Frankfurt skyline is fantastic from up there.

Paulskirche

Paulskirche or St. Pauls' Church, built between 1789 and 1833, 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 houses an exhibition dedicated to the history of democracy in Germany and is used for special events.

Spring Fair

Von Sebastian Kasten/CC BY-SA 3.0/Creative Commons

Every spring, Frankfurt celebrates its annual spring fair, Dippemess . It is one of the largest spring folk festivals in the Rhine region.

The fair dates back to the 14th century, when it was a medieval market for pottery, especially ceramic bowls and pots (called "Dibbes" in the Frankfurt dialect).

Today, the spring fair is well known for rides, roller coasters, and fireworks and is a great event for young and old.

Related Articles

More related articles.

One Day in Frankfurt Itinerary – What to do in Frankfurt, Germany (VIDEO)

Frankfurt is an ancient city on the Main in Germany. It is ideally located and considered to be the gateway to other important German cities in the east, Southern Europe, France in the west, and Scandinavia in the north. With such importance, it’s no wonder that Frankfurt has become one of the biggest financial centers on the continent. However, this city is not only known for its financial and strategic influence and power. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. From historical landmarks to scenic parks, high-rise skyscrapers, museums, and business centers, Frankfurt is truly a vivid and cultural place to see. Spending one day here is therefore going to be quite a treat!

GUEST POST BY YOUGESHWAR HARI

Frankfurt has always enjoyed an important status as a great tourist destination in Europe. It has some of the finest museums in the world that showcase its history, art, architecture, culture, and the tradition of people who have lived here from the very beginning.

This city is also rich in bars, pubs, DJ clubs, restaurants, and everything else you need for a great night out. So if you want to get a complete package when it comes to entertainment, Frankfurt am Main is the place to visit. And with the help of a good itinerary, you can see the best of it in just a single day. For this reason, tourism in Frankfurt is at an all-time high. There’s always something going on and there is always plenty to experience.

Frankfurt Itinerary Video Preview

What’s the best time to visit Frankfurt?

The best time to visit Frankfurt am Main is from spring to late autumn . The weather is best during this part of the year, and you can enjoy the different colors of this enchanting city. However, summers and the early autumn season are also periods of huge crowds.

Therefore, if you want to avoid tourists, see everything closely, and save some time and energy, visit Frankfurt in early spring or late autumn. The crowds will be minimal, and you will be able to have a great time in the city. The weather will also be mild, so you won’t feel excess cold, wind, or heat.

Spring is the best season, and we recommend you go there at this time as the gardens are all coming alive. Although you may get some rain, it won’t trouble you much. But visiting in the autumn season is a great choice, too. These two kinds of weather are ideal for a visit, and everything seems tailor-made for you. Prices of hotels, transportation, and accommodation are all very reasonable compared to the peak season of late spring and summer.

Frankfurt also hosts some of the best cultural festivals and fairs , including:

• Berger Strassenfest
• BruckenWall Fest
• Dippemess (autumn)
• Dippemess (spring)
• Rotlintstrassenfest
• Museumsuferfest
• Jazz zum Dritten
• Shisha Messe Fair
• Marathon Mall
• Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival

One Day in Frankfurt Itinerary

Spending one day in this city of wonder will require some planning. Thankfully, with some thorough research and planning, we are able to share a great one-day trip itinerary for Frankfurt. So, follow it and we guarantee you will get a great taste of this city and want to make another trip soon. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Frankfurt.

Visit Romerberg and the iconic Town Hall

Romerberg is a historical market square in Frankfurt and a great place to start your day. Translated from German, Romerberg stands for “Roman Mountain”.

This place has great historical importance because it is surrounded by administrative buildings, medieval houses, and landmarks such as Frankfurt’s Town Hall from 1405, the Renaissance Fountain of Justice from 1543, and on the opposite side of the square is the old St Nicholas Church dating back to the 15th century.

Visit the Goethe House and a Museum

The Goethe House is considered to be the birthplace of the German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who lived here until moving away permanently in 1775. It was in this house that he wrote his masterpiece – The Sorrows of Young Werther. Right next to the house, lies the Museum of German Romanticism  where you can learn more about the history of literature.

Visit different museums on Museumsufer

This Museum Embankment, known as the  Museumsufer, is a cluster of 12 museums on the banks of the river Main. Be sure to get yourself a Frankfurt card – it provides discounts for the museums AND public transport.

The Museum of World Cultures is one of Europe’s top ethnological museums with more than 65,000 artifacts. Another important museum, the  Museum of Ancient Sculpture,  is home to a large collection of Asian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures. 

The  Icon Museum  houses more than a thousand Christian Orthodox images.  German Architectural Museum  focuses on architectural design,  German   Film Museum  on the history of cinema and the Lumière brothers , and the  Museum of Applied Art  displays more than 30,000 objects of European and Asian decorative art.

Furthermore, the Städel Art Museum houses a remarkable   collection of paintings from the 14th century. These include works by old masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Goya, but also modern painters like Monet, Degas, Beckman, and Picasso.

Pick your favorite museum or just stroll around and enjoy this lovely area.

Look at the horizon from the observation deck of the Main Tower

The 200-meters high  Main Tower is one of the highest skyscrapers in Germany and the only one in the city with a viewing platform. Enjoy the spectacular view with all the high-rise towers, the Main River, and the horizon from its observation deck. It really is quite a sight to behold and a must for your Frankfurt itinerary.

Pro tip – come here in the evening if you can and marvel at the city lights from above!

Make a stop at St. Paul’s Church

Once you’re done admiring the view, make a stop at St. Paul’s Church , an 18th-century church of great significance for the Germans. The church began as a Lutheran church with a circular plan that made a perfect space for the first democratically elected parliament in Germany in 1848. Even though the building has since returned to its original function, it still represents the birthplace of German democracy.

Taste the local flavors at Kleinmarkthalle

Kleinmarkthalle is a 1,500 square meters indoor market located in the hangar-like hall that dates from 1954. It is also the perfect place to stop for lunch.

Nearly 160 market stalls sell everything from freshly prepared food and local products to flowers every day of the week except Sunday. In addition to gourmet treats from around the globe, you can easily find traditional regional specialties such as sausages, cheeses, pastries, and the famous Frankfurt “Green Sauce”.

Be enchanted by the Frankfurt Cathedral

St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is one of the most magnificent structures in Germany built in Gothic style between the 13th and 15th centuries. During the Holy Roman Empire, it hosted the coronation of emperors that took place in the Election Chapel.

If you decide to enter the Cathedral, don’t miss the magnificent  Crucifixion by Hans Backoffen from the beginning of the 16th century, many numerous carved side altars dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, and the most important relic – pieces of Saint Bartholomew’s skull!

Wander through Palmengarten

Wander through the beautiful  Palmengarten , the 54-acre botanic garden first opened in 1871. You can find plant species from all parts of the globe, including subtropical and tropical plant species inside the greenhouses. It’s a great place to stop for a bit, enjoy the lush nature or relax in the sun.

Take a few snaps of Europaturm

Europaturm is one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world, only a short walk from Palmengarten. Although the deck is closed, it is still a great landmark to visit and take a few pictures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful evening

After a long day of sightseeing, your one day in Frankfurt should end with a nice dinner. And maybe a drink or two after that. This is indeed a multicultural city, so you will find all types of cuisines, especially in the city centre.

El Dorado , for example, is an excellent Mexican restaurant, whereas Bidlabu is a cozy little place with good wines and beautifully styled food. But the offer goes way beyond that! Im Herzen Afrikas will provide you with Eritrean dishes, while Medici focuses on fine dining. There’s also Ariston , an excellent Greek restaurant.

When it comes to bars, rest assured there’s plenty of options in that respect, too. After all, Germans really love their beer. Helium , for example, is extremely popular, and Embury offers great cocktails at a reasonable price. You can also go on  a pub crawl (on Fridays and Saturdays) and make the most of your night.

As for nightclubs, Tanzhaus West is a good choice in the wider city centre, as are Freud and The Cave . Therefore, when it comes to evenings in Frankfurt, you will have plenty to choose from.

Where to stay in Frankfurt?

Sofitel Frankfurt Opera

Opernplatz 16, Frankfurt City Centre (Old Town), 60313 Frankfurt, Germany

For the ultimate luxury stay in Frankfurt, choose Sofitel Frankfurt Opera ! The location is superb, close to Goethestrasse, which is full of excellent shops. Furthermore, the hotel has a pool, a fitness centre, incredible view and a fantastic bar and restaurant. To top everything off, the rooms will welcome you with luxury toiletries and an expresso machine, among other things. If you really want to live it up in Frankfurt, this is the hotel you have to book.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

NH Collection Frankfurt City

Vilbeler Strasse 2, Frankfurt City Center (Old Town), 60313 Frankfurt

NH Collection Frankfurt City offers a  superior modern stay in the heart of Frankfurt. The hotel features a spa area with sauna, hammam and a gym. The bright and spacious nonsmoking rooms feature modern décor. The hotel is a great pick for both business travelers and leisure visitors.

Hampton by Hilton, Frankfurt City Centre East

Grusonstrasse 4, Ostend, 60314 Frankfurt, Germany

Hampton by Hilton is conveniently located in the vicinity of most Frankfurt attractions, but not too close, so you can get plenty of rest and enjoy some peace and quiet. However, that’s not everything it has to offer. Excellent breakfast, comfortable rooms, and a great fitness centre all provide excellent value for your money. And there’s also a nice bar on the premises, too. This is a hotel you’ll be happy to return to time and time again. It’s a Hilton, and it certainly lives up to that name.

Jugendherberge Frankfurt – Haus der Jugend

Deutschherrnufer 12, Sachsenhausen, 60594 Frankfurt, Germany

If you’re looking for a hostel in Frankfurt, Jugendherberge Frankfurt is an excellent choice. The unique thing about this place is its exquisite view of the city’s skyline. It is also located right next to the mighty Main. The hostel’s lovely cafe is a great place to meet new people, and three buffet meals are served every day. To top everything off, you are just a short walk away from the city centre! As you can see, this place has a lot going for it, and finding a better accommodation of this kind will be quite a task.

Day trips from Frankfurt

Thanks to its unique position in the heart of Europe, Frankfurt is ideal if you would like to enjoy some wonderful day trips. So, provided that you’re spending more than one day here, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Don’t know which way to turn? Here are a few choice you definitely won’t regret making.

Rhine Valley

Visiting the Rhine Valley is probably the most beautiful and relaxing day trip you can make from Frankfurt. The place is under the protection of UNESCO because of the numerous castles in the area, and there are plenty of stunningly beautiful villages around where you can relax and rejuvenate. The trip is especially beautiful if you hop on a boat and just cruise the river and enjoy the scenery. Whatever the case, you will love every second and the memories will last you a lifetime.

Thanks to Germany’s excellent infrastructure, it’s easy to get around from one city to another. Ideal if you want to explore the country a bit. So, why not spend one day in Cologne if you have the time? This remarkable city is full of fascinating churches, chief among them being the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. It is also the place where the largest carnival in the country is held! Walk around, do some sightseeing, and sit down for a glass of the famous Kölsch beer!

If you don’t want to travel too far to get to another city, why not choose Mainz? Just 45 minutes away, this beautiful city also has plenty of historical heritage you can explore and also an incredibly impressive cathedral. There are also many great museums you can visit, or just enjoy a nice walk along the Rhine. And if you don’t have a car, the train from Frankfurt is quick and affordable. A nice, simple day trip that will surely enrich your time in Germany.

Oh yes, you can take a day trip to France from Frankfurt, too! Just two and a half hours away is the city of Strasbourg where the European Parliament is located. But that’s just one of the things to see – the city centre is incredibly beautiful and under UNESCO’s protection, and you’ll see why as soon as you get there. It’s very much like a fairytale! Add to that the city’s canals which can be toured on a boat and you get a wonderful day trip to another country.

A Few Facts about Frankfurt

Frankfurt is an ancient city that was founded even before it became an important Roman settlement . But due to the destruction in World War II, much of the city has developed with new buildings and structures all around. So, it is a mixture of old and new architecture and heritage. This leads to some very interesting facts about the city.

• Frankfurt enjoys a huge stock market.
• Buchmesse is the largest book fair in the world.
• The city’s  Opera House was a ruin before being fully restored to its glory.

Due to tall skyscrapers, it is also known as Manhattan. As an economic hub of Europe, Frankfurt is also known as Bankfurt. Frankfurt am Main means fort of the Franks beside the River Main. Due to its matchless strategic location, Frankfurt has become an emerging transportation hub. The first Wikimania was held in Frankfurt. Frankfurt has the largest inner-city forest in Germany. Frankfurt was one of the biggest cities in ancient Europe and was used as a coronation place for emperors and kings.

Extra tips for visiting Frankfurt

– You can start your one day in Frankfurt by taking a ride on the sightseeing bus . This way, you can cover a lot of sights and buildings in a single ride. After the tour, you can make a lunch stop at one of the many top restaurants or Kleinmarkthalle and spend your afternoon wandering the Palmengarten or any other city park.

– When in restaurants, you don’t have wait to be seated – just go ahead and sit wherever you see a free table.

– There are several options for you if you want to save on museums other sights: Frankfurt Card and MuseumsuferTicket are probably the most comprehensive ones.

– Most shops around here will be closed on Sundays.

– While this destination can really be considered very safe if you want to plan for any and all eventualities you should check the offer of World Nomads . With them, you can get your travel insurance without the slightest problem, and the whole process will be completed in a matter of minutes. They will help you protect your stuff, resolve the problems that arise in case of any delays and even help you with a toothache among other medical issues. So, getting insured by them means being able to fully focus on your trip. Don’t let anything get in the way of you having a great time!

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Frankfurt itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Yougeshwar Hari

A blogger by passion and working as a search analyst in one of the leading digital marketing agency. Also, loves music, traveling, adventure, family and friends.

One comment

We spent just a day in the city too and it is always nice to read someone else experience. I just hope we will soon be able to travel again in these crazy times and let’s hope for a layover in the city to explore some more next time. 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Check out these 13 spooky things to do or places to visit in Greater Akron

Happy Friday the 13th.

Many consider it to be a particularly unlucky day — especially if you find yourself camping at Camp Crystal Lake.

But this go-around it is also the unofficial start of the spooky season with many haunted houses in Greater Akron opening up .

It is also a perfectly fiendish opportunity to conjure up 13 things to do in the days leading up to Halloween.

So here are the picks of the Beacon Journal's Features Team of the best things to do or places to visit if you are feeling lucky.

Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!

You could head over to the Linda Theatre and the Highland Theatre in Akron and take in the latest incarnation of " Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ."

The movie that proved to be a hit among fans has also spawned some other fun things like Fanta's Beetlejuice sodas.

And even local ice cream purveyor Skoops with locations in Seville and Barberton has concocted a special Beetlejuice-inspired milkshake that is simply to die for.

— Craig Webb

Black Cat Books & Oddities 

Books shouldn't be scary.

A bookstore just south of Medina's historic square is making finding and buying a book fun and even a bit scary.

Tucked in a couple historic homes, Black Cat Books & Oddities is a bookstore that carries a wide variety of new books with familiar and not-so-familiar titles.

There's a life size Edgar Allan Poe in one room, along with a skeleton and a creepy-looking monster Nosferatu in another and another room that looks like you've walked into the study of Sherlock Holmes.

And on a recent visit, the bookstore even had autographed copies of a book by Ohio's resident creepster R.L. Stine.

Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick

Northeast Ohio is home to its very own witchcraft museum.

The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick is in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood.

This eclectic collection of oddities that includes some fur of Lil Bub, a magical cat from outer space, and a devil trapped in a box was either curated or created by the late Raymond Buckland, aka Robat, a writer and historian of Wicca and the occult, and a high priest in the Gardnerian and Seax-Wica beliefs.

The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick is located at 2155 Broadview Road and is open Thursdays to Mondays in September with expanded hours in October.

Admission is $8 adults if purchased in advance or $10 at the door. Visit bucklandmuseum.org online.

And there's even a nifty giftshop to purchase a T-shirt or a magical stone or two.

Akron Zoo's creepy critters and creatures

The Akron Zoo is home to its fair share of spooky critters and creatures.

Tucked inside of its Komodo Kingdom, where the namesake prehistoric-looking creatures lurk, is its Curious Creatures exhibit.

There's plenty inside to get squeamish about, from thousands of leafcutter ants to snakes and octopus.

And if you are brave, the zoo even has a nifty bat display where it is dark during the day so these flying creatures are alert and ready to dart about.

During select weekend days in October, there's also the Boo at the Zoo , where kids and adults can wear costumes and check out the animals and activities.

World of Wonders

What in the world?

Ceramic artist Clayton Bailey’s robots, mechanical wonders and bizarre experiments are waiting for you at “World of Wonders,” a free exhibit in the Polsky Building at 225 S. Main St. in downtown Akron.

Curated Storefront presents the strange museum, which includes Bigfoot’s bones, bubbling brains, a mutant blob and other oddities.

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in September, but that changes to Saturdays only in October and November. It will be a candy stop for trick-or-treaters during the Downtown Fall Fest on Oct. 19.

In the offseason, Curated Storefront offers free tours of the museum to organizations. Visit claytonbailey.org or call 330-800-0342.

Let’s keep Akron weird.

— Mark J. Price

Glendale Cemetery

Want to visit a city of the dead? Glendale Cemetery in Akron has tens of thousands of graves.

Many of the town’s most prominent citizens are buried at the 88-acre cemetery, established in 1839, or they rest in family mausoleums along Cypress Avenue. Rolling hills, towering trees and stunning monuments, many from the Victorian era, lend tranquil beauty. 

Glendale is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 150 Glendale Ave. Don’t let those cemetery gates close behind you.

If you’d like to stay longer, burial plots are available. Visit https://www.glendaleakron.com/ or call 330-253-2317.

Massillon Zombie Walk

Run for your lives! Zombies are lurching toward us.

The Massillon Zombie Walk will be 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at Duncan Plaza at 121 Lincoln Way Ave. E. Participants can come in costume or simply gawk at the undead mayhem at Massillon Amphitheater.

Crafters, creators and artists can reserve a space for the evening. For more information, email [email protected] or call 330-737-1010.

Food trucks will be set up, but we don’t think anyone will be serving brains.

The Haunted Mansion, a Macabre Gala

Did you know that Greystone Hall is haunted? As far as Ohio Shakespeare Festival is concerned, it will be Oct. 12 as the theater company hosts its Haunted Mansion fundraiser at 103 S. High St. in Akron.

Billed a macabre gala, the evening will be full of ghostly terrors, including a special performance of the gothic ghost play "The Woman in Black." Watch out who you look at in the face during this chilling play, or the consequences may be dire.

Guests are invited to come at 6 p.m. in their gothic finest to enjoy food, drink, a photo booth, tarot readings and a silent auction before the live performance. During intermission, dessert and champagne will be served and costume contest winners be announced.

After the play ends, guests, cast and crew will enjoy dancing and drinks on the stage plus open-mic ghost stories. Last year's Halloween gala sold out, so reserve tickets for $100 at ohioshakespearefestival.com/haunted .

— Kerry Clawson

The Vampire Circus

Circuses can take on a dark, mysterious edge, so why not a Vampire Circus?

This show, coming to the Akron Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19, is described as a mix of circus cabaret and theater that's like a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque du Soleil. In fact, it's created by Cirque du Soleil alum Francisco Santos.

Expect "horrific feats of cirque acrobatics," contortionists, jugglers, and even a Mad Graveyard Clown with international performers in a hypnotic, 90-minute show that immerses the audience in the underworld. In this 19th century story set in Bohemia, Count Dracula, who's on a quest for global dominance, decides to carry out his evil ploy by opening a traveling circus with his gypsy bodyguards.

Cost is $38-$63. See akroncivic.com .

Make a 'creeped out kitty'

We appreciate a sense of humor, especially when it comes to Halloween arts and crafts.

Check out the Creeped Out Kitty guided paint night and afternoon offered by Street Craftery downtown in October. Attendees of all skill levels will be guided step by step in creating their own "creeptastic" masterpieces to celebrate the season.

Two-hour sessions will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Street Craftery studio, 356 S. Main St., Akron. Cost is $44. See streetcraftery.com or call 234-334-6448.

A Swamp-tastic Halloween Festival

Halloween parties are like onions! End of story!

Green Dragon Inn , a medieval tavern known for attracting board game enthusiasts, is hosting Ogres & Onions: A Swamp-tastic Halloween Festival.

Dress in your best Shrek or fairytale costume for their cosplay contest, hosted by Rubber City Cosplay. The more ogre-like, the better.

The event will take place at the downtown Akron business from noon to 2 a.m. on Oct. 26. The entry fee is $5 at the door.

— Tawney Beans

Halloweek at the Nightlight

A weeklong marathon of killer movies will be shown at the Nightlight Cinema in downtown Akron.

The event will kick off with a Friday Night Fright Fest Oct. 25, which will include costumes, contests and giveaways.

Moviegoers can look forward to films including "House" (1977), "Psycho" (1960), "The Babadook" (2014), "Midsommar" (2019) and "Hereditary" (2018) .

"The Nightlight takes spooky season very seriously," said Jenn Kidd, the cinema's executive director.

Tickets are $10 a person. Discounts for members, seniors and students are available.

Halloween desserts from Linda's Kitchen

Something wicked (and sweet) this way comes, and it's likely the product of Linda's Kitchen.

The small pastry shop at 141 Northwest Ave. in Tallmadge is selling skull suckers, mummy pops and cut-out cookies made to look like ghosts, bats and pumpkins.

Speaking of fall's favorite orange gourd, a variety of pumpkin-flavored items, such as pumpkin maple cookies, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bars and pumpkin bread, are also available for purchase.

For more information about what Linda's Kitchen has stocked for spooky season, call 330-630-8117.

Advertisement

Jets at titans: 7 things to watch for in week 2, share this article.

The New York Jets continue their regular season journey with a matchup at on the road against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of this battle between two AFC foes.In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.

And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.

With that, here are seven things to watch for during the Jets’ (0-1) Week 2 matchup with the Titans (0-1):

Getting (and keeping) momentum

The Jets offense started the 2024 season in splendid form. Against a top-tier San Francisco 49ers defense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers led New York down the field for a score. The drive was capped by a touchdown run from Breece Hall.

Then what happened? Not much.

A fast start can be key in the NFL. However, if that momentum is not sustained, it’s useless. Can Gang Green do both against the Titans?

Rodgers and Lazard

Allen Lazard’s stat line looked pretty solid in Week 1. Despite the loss, he led the Jets with 89 yards and two touchdowns on six catches. The wide receiver’s chemistry with Rodgers looked promising. Can the former Green Bay Packers duo continue that?

Mike Williams snap count

According to New York head coach Robert Saleh, wide receiver Mike Williams was on a snap count in Week 1. He was limited to 15 snaps in the season opener. Saleh has already said that Williams will see more than that in Tennessee. So how many?

Plugging the holes

No Christian McCaffrey, no problem? Not so much. The 49ers ran all over the Jets defense despite their All-Pro missing the season opener. Jordan Mason racked up almost 150 yards on the ground with a touchdown.

Former Dallas Cowboys rusher Tony Pollard is now with the Titans. He had 82 yards rushing in Tennessee’s season opener.

The Jets need to fix their Week 1 issues against the run. Saleh already said that will happen, calling it “not a problem.”

We shall see.

Jamal Adams

It will be Jamal Adams’ first game for the Titans in Week 2… and another against his former team. The 28-year-old, who has only played in 10 games since 2021, missed the Titans’ season opener due to a hip injury.

Despite leaving New York four years ago, he would probably enjoy getting a win against the Jets (again). His more-recent former team, the Seattle Seahawks, beat down Gang Green 40-3 in 2020.

Pass-rush bounce back?

The Titans sport an offense with some talented playmakers such as DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd, and Calvin Ridley. However, Tennessee’s starting quarterback Will Levis could provide an opportunity for the Jets defense.

After a brutal outing in the pass-rush department for the defensive front last week, New York’s pass rush should fare better in Week 2. Levis and the Titans is not the quick-strike, well-oiled machine that the 49ers are. He’ll hold onto the ball longer and the Jets must get to him.

Play it cool

It’s early days, but going down 0-2 in New York is not going to be ideal for the Jets and Saleh. Such teams see their playoff odds drop to approximately 11 percent. This team needs to focus at the task ahead of them and not panic despite the questions they’ll get throughout the week.

Read all the best Jets coverage at NorthJersey.com and Jets Wire .

Want the latest news and insights on your favorite team?

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates to your inbox, and also receive offers from us, our affiliates and partners. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Jets Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Most Popular

Pff: lowest-graded jets players on offense vs. the 49ers, pff: highest-graded jets players on defense vs. the 49ers, jets at titans: 6 storylines to watch for in week 2, pff: lowest-graded jets players on defense vs. the 49ers, power rankings: where the jets rank heading into week 2, stock up, stock down following the jets' loss to the 49ers.

Please enter an email address.

Thanks for signing up.

Please check your email for a confirmation.

Something went wrong.