Frankfurt, often overshadowed by cities like Berlin and Munich, is a vibrant and dynamic destination that deserves more attention. Known primarily for being one of Europe’s major financial centers, this city offers much more than just skyscrapers and banks. From its rich history and cultural heritage to its diverse culinary scene and impressive green spaces, Frankfurt is a city that offers something for every type of traveler.

If you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, Frankfurt combines modernity with tradition, making it an exciting and multifaceted destination. Let’s explore the best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany!

Things to Do in Frankfurt

1. Discover the Historic Altstadt (Old Town)

No visit to Frankfurt would be complete without exploring the Altstadt, the charming medieval heart of the city. Though much of it was destroyed during World War II, the Old Town has been lovingly restored and remains a wonderful place to explore on foot.

• Römerberg Square: The centerpiece of the Altstadt, Römerberg is a picturesque square lined with half-timbered houses and home to the iconic Römer, Frankfurt’s town hall, dating back to the 14th century. You’ll also find the beautiful Church of St. Nicholas and the Historical Museum in this area.

• St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom): One of the most striking landmarks in the city, this Gothic cathedral is the tallest church in Frankfurt. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the River Main.

• Eiserner Steg: This iconic iron bridge connects the Altstadt with the Sachsenhausen district. It’s a favorite spot for scenic views of the city and is especially beautiful at sunset.

2. Explore Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)

Frankfurt is home to an impressive array of museums, many of which are located along the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) that stretches along the southern bank of the River Main. This area boasts a rich cultural landscape, with museums ranging from fine art to history, design, and architecture.

• Städel Museum: One of Germany’s leading art museums, the Städel Museum is a must-see for art lovers. Its collection spans over 700 years of art history, featuring works by masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, and Picasso.

• German Film Museum: For cinema enthusiasts, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of German cinema, as well as its impact on global film culture.

• Museum of World Cultures: If you’re interested in cultural history, this museum provides an excellent collection of artifacts from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

• German Architecture Museum: For those with an interest in design and urban planning, this museum showcases the evolution of architecture, with exhibits covering both historical and contemporary designs.

3. Stroll Through Palmengarten (Palm Garden)

If you’re looking to take a break from the urban hustle and bustle, head to Palmengarten, one of Frankfurt’s largest and most beautiful botanical gardens. This 54-acre garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll and is home to a wide variety of plants from tropical and subtropical climates.

• Tropical House: One of the main highlights is the Tropical House, which houses exotic plants like orchids and palm trees from all around the world.

• Palmengarten Lake: You can rent a rowboat and paddle across the picturesque lake, which offers a serene and peaceful escape from the city.

• Flower Gardens: In spring and summer, the flower beds are bursting with color, and you can enjoy themed gardens, including a rose garden and a Mediterranean garden.

4. Visit the Frankfurt Stock Exchange

As one of the world’s busiest financial centers, Frankfurt’s Stock Exchange is a symbol of the city’s economic significance. For those interested in finance, it’s fascinating to visit the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse), which is one of the largest and oldest stock exchanges in the world.

• Trading Hall: While the trading floor is not open to the public, you can still admire the stunning architecture of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange building, designed by Martin Elsaesser.

• The Bull and Bear: Just outside the building, you’ll find the Bull and Bear sculptures, iconic symbols of the financial markets, representing the opposing forces of market speculation.

5. Take a Cruise on the River Main

The River Main winds through the heart of Frankfurt, and a boat cruise is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises along the river, providing you with stunning views of both the modern skyline and the historic old town.

• Frankfurt River Cruises: A relaxing 1- to 2-hour cruise will give you an excellent opportunity to take in landmarks like Eiserner Steg bridge, Römer, and the sleek skyscrapers that dominate the financial district.

• Night Cruises: For a special experience, consider a night cruise to see the city illuminated after dark. The view of the city’s skyline reflecting on the water is truly magical.

6. Enjoy Frankfurt’s Culinary Delights

Frankfurt has a diverse culinary scene that offers both traditional German cuisine and international flavors. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the city’s famous dishes.

• Apfelwein: Frankfurt is known for its Apfelwein (apple wine), a local specialty. You can try it in one of the city’s many apple wine taverns (Apfelweinwirtschaften) in the charming Sachsenhausen district. Ebbelwoi is a great option for a traditional Apfelwein experience.

• Frankfurter Rippchen: A local dish of pork ribs, often served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

• Handkäse mit Musik: A traditional Frankfurt cheese served with onions, vinegar, and caraway seeds, often accompanied by Apfelwein.

For a modern twist, the city also offers a wide variety of international cuisine, from Italian and Turkish to Indian and Asian. Check out the Kleinmarkthalle, a bustling market hall that features fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods from around the world.

7. Shop on Zeil Street

For those looking to shop, Zeil Street is Frankfurt’s main shopping street and one of the busiest in Germany. Lined with department stores, high-end boutiques, and international brands, Zeil is a shopper’s paradise.

• MyZeil Mall: This ultra-modern shopping center features a glass façade and offers a variety of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stores. The building itself is an architectural wonder with its striking, spiral-shaped design.

• Goethestraße: For luxury shopping, head to Goethestraße, which is home to high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel.

8. Explore the Sachsenhausen District

The Sachsenhausen district is one of the oldest and most charming parts of Frankfurt, famous for its cobblestone streets, traditional taverns, and local apple wine. Spend a few hours wandering the area to experience its historic vibe and enjoy its cozy cafes and pubs.

• St. Nicholas Church: The Kleinmarkthalle market is a great spot to shop for local products, but the neighborhood is also home to the beautiful St. Nicholas Church, where you can admire its medieval architecture.

• Sachsenhausen Museums: If you enjoy history, check out the German Leather Museum and the Museumsufer located nearby.

9. Attend an Event or Festival

Frankfurt hosts a number of exciting events and festivals throughout the year, which are worth planning your trip around.

• Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse): Held in October, this is the world’s largest book fair, attracting authors, publishers, and book lovers from across the globe.

• Frankfurt Christmas Market: During the holiday season, Frankfurt’s Christmas market transforms the city center into a winter wonderland, with Christmas lights, festive decorations, and a variety of holiday treats and gifts.

10. Take a Day Trip to the Rhine Valley

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip from Frankfurt to explore the Rhine Valley, just an hour’s train ride away. Known for its dramatic castles, vineyards, and quaint towns, the region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most picturesque parts of Germany.

• Bacharach: A charming town on the banks of the Rhine, known for its medieval architecture and vineyards.

• Rüdesheim: Famous for its wine, Rüdesheim is a great place to take a boat cruise, explore its historic streets, and sample local wines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frankfurt

1. What is Frankfurt known for?

Frankfurt is primarily known for its role as one of Europe’s financial hubs, home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, one of the largest in the world. However, the city is also renowned for its rich history, art scene, and vibrant cultural life. It is famous for its modern skyline, which contrasts with its charming Old Town (Altstadt), as well as landmarks like the Frankfurter Dom (Cathedral of St. Bartholomew) and the Städel Museum. Additionally, Frankfurt is known for its traditional Apfelwein (apple wine) and the Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book fair in the world.

2. What is the best time to visit Frankfurt?

The best time to visit Frankfurt depends on your preferences:

• Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, and the city’s parks and gardens come to life with flowers.

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season when the city is buzzing with events and festivals. Expect warmer temperatures (ranging from 70°F to 85°F / 21°C to 29°C), perfect for outdoor activities and boat rides along the River Main.

• Autumn (September to November): With fewer tourists and cooler weather, autumn is an excellent time to explore museums and enjoy seasonal events like Apple Wine Festivals.

• Winter (December to February): Winter brings cozy holiday markets, particularly the Frankfurt Christmas Market in December, which is one of the oldest and most festive in Germany.

3. How do I get around Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has an efficient public transport system that includes buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway). The city is very well-connected, and you can easily reach major attractions without a car.

• Public Transport: The Frankfurt Public Transport System (RMV) offers tickets for buses, trams, and trains, which you can use to travel around the city. You can also use Bike-Sharing and Car-Sharing services to get around.

• Walking: The city center, particularly the Altstadt, is very walkable and easily navigable on foot.

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available, and services like Uber are also in operation in the city.

4. What are the must-see attractions in Frankfurt?

Some of the must-see attractions in Frankfurt include:

• Römerberg Square: The historic heart of the city, home to the Römer (City Hall), medieval buildings, and the Frankfurt Historical Museum.

• Städel Museum: One of Germany’s leading art museums, showcasing works from the Renaissance to contemporary art.

• Frankfurter Dom (St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral): A stunning Gothic cathedral with a rich history.

• Palmengarten: A beautiful botanical garden featuring tropical plants and serene landscapes.

• Museumsufer: A collection of world-class museums along the banks of the River Main, including the German Film Museum and Museum of Modern Art.

• Eiserner Steg: The iconic pedestrian bridge with stunning views of the city skyline.

5. Is Frankfurt a good destination for families?

Yes, Frankfurt is a family-friendly city with numerous attractions for children. Some popular options include:

• Frankfurt Zoo: A large zoo with over 4,500 animals from around the world.

• Senckenberg Natural History Museum: A fascinating museum with dinosaur exhibits, fossils, and interactive displays.

• Palmengarten: A great place for kids to run around and enjoy nature in an educational setting.

• Experiminta Science Center: An interactive museum with fun and educational exhibits for kids of all ages.

6. What is the food scene like in Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a vibrant and diverse food scene, offering everything from traditional German cuisine to international flavors. Some must-try dishes include:

• Apfelwein (apple wine), typically enjoyed with Handkäse mit Musik (a traditional cheese dish).

• Frankfurter Rippchen (pork ribs), often served with sauerkraut.

• Grüne Soße (green sauce), a regional specialty made from a mix of herbs, usually served with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes.

• Frankfurt sausages (Frankfurter Würstchen), a local favorite. Additionally, Frankfurt is home to a wide variety of international restaurants, ranging from Italian to Asian, reflecting its diverse population.

Conclusion

Frankfurt may be known as a financial powerhouse, but the city offers so much more to explore. From its rich historical landmarks and world-class museums to its stunning green spaces and vibrant food scene, Frankfurt is a destination that seamlessly blends the old and the new.