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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

The 15 Best Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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15 Fun Things to do in Frankfurt

1. enjoy the view from main tower.

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

About the Author:

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

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The 10 best attractions in Frankfurt

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

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

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

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

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Best Frankfurt attractions

1.  Städel Museum

• Art and design
• price 2 of 4

Frankfurt has some 60 museums of varying sizes, and 13 of them are by the Main river in what’s known as Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment. Here you’ll find the Städel, with its  vast art collection housed in a striking building and new extension. This is Germany’s oldest museum foundation, boasting a collection spanning roughly 700 years of European art. Works date from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque periods to the present. The contemporary works are housed in the spacious underground extension (which cost €52 million) beneath the gardens, where you can check out Andy Warhol’s 1982 silkscreen of German literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was born in Frankfurt. Consider downloading the free app, which has information on roughly 100 artworks. After your art tour, stop for a bite at the museum’s acclaimed restaurant, Holbein’s.

2.  Historisches Museum

• price 1 of 4

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

3.  Kleinmarkthalle

• Markets and fairs

Nothing in Frankfurt is quite as vibrant as this two-storey produce market. Sure, it can pack out on Saturdays, but it’s well worth braving the crowds. As with much of the city, bombs destroyed the original neo-Renaissance hall in 1944; the building you see now was finished in 1954. It’s long been an institution beloved by locals for its bounty of fresh meat, cheese, dried fruits, flowers and other produce. Stand after stand overflows with local specialities like Handkäse , a plethora of Wurst types and wholegrain German bread. On the first floor, the Marktstubb café serves hearty regional dishes. You can take food to go or eat in, though a seat is not always easy to find.

4.  Frankfurt Stock Exchange

• Parliament and civic buildings

After the Nazi regime’s collapse, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange closed for six months, before reopening in September 1945. Today it’s one of the biggest in the world. You can see the trading floor on tours running from Monday to Friday; included is a view from the visitors’ gallery onto the trading floor below. For €125, you’ll get a presentation that includes the history of the stock exchange – be sure to request English if you need it. Outside the beautiful collonaded building, check out the two bronze figures, the Bull and Bear by Reinhard Dachlauer, which represent the ups and downs of the world’s stock markets.

5.  Old Jewish Cemeteries

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

6.  Main Tower

• Towers and viewpoints

Frankfurt takes pride in ranking high on lists of the world’s most sustainable cities, and you can find an example of its energy efficiency at the Main Tower. Standing 200 metres tall, the building has 2,550 windows that can open outwards to circulate air and avoid the need for a full air-conditioning system. In 2011 the building received a LEED Gold certification for sustainability, the first German high-rise to receive the award. Other attractions include a restaurant, lounge and Europe’s highest fitness club. In less than a minute, a lift takes visitors up to the 56th-floor observation deck – or, if you really fancy it, you can walk up the 1,100 steps.

7.  Portikus

• Exhibitions

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

8.  IG Farben Building

• Historic buildings and sites

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

9.  Römerberg

• Walks and tours

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

10.  Old Opera House

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

Still after tip-top recommendations?

The 14 best things to do in Frankfurt

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

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Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

Frankfurt has a long history dating back to the early days of the Holy Roman Empire. During World War II the financial center of the country was thoroughly destroyed. Unlike Dresden and many other German cities , Frankfurt shrugged off its elegant historic architecture and emerged anew as "Mainhattan" (named for the Main River winding through the city and the skyscrapers reminiscent of Manhattan).

This sleek German hub is an international destination for business, its major international airport , and its exciting event and dining scene. The largest city in the state of Hesse and fifth-largest in Germany, Frankfurt is a world-class city with an impressive skyline of skyscrapers and a vibrant community of university students, internationals, convention-goers, and cultured locals

Use this guide to plan your trip to the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt , including when to visit, where to stay, eat, party, and more.

Planning Your Trip to Frankfurt

• Best Time to Visit: Events take place throughout the year in Frankfurt, so you might have a hard time choosing what time of year to visit. The weather is best in spring and fall. The very best time to visit Frankfurt may be in October, the month of the Frankfurt Book Fair .
• Language: German, but English is widely spoken.
• Currency: Euro.
• Getting Around : Frankfurt is a common entry point in Germany because of its major international airport. From there, visitors can easily travel to and through the city via its extensive public transportation network, which includes U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and buses. Taxis are also accessible, though Uber and other ride-shares have yet to find a firm foothold. Much of Frankfurt has been an "environmental zone" since 2008,   so if you're driving ensure that your vehicle has an emissions sticker.
• Travel Tip: The city can accommodate large groups for the many conventions that take place in Frankfurt, but visiting during a large conference can result in higher prices for hotels and restaurants requiring reservations. Consult Frankfurt's tourism calendar for dates of significant events.

Things to Do in Frankfurt

If you are in town for business or a short trip , there are still plenty of operas or museums or jazz concerts you can fit into your itinerary. On top of that, Frankfurt has top attractions like the Main Tower to entertain the whole family .

• Even though Frankfurt is famous for its futuristic skyline, it also has a reconstructed and romantic Altstadt (old city) worth visiting. Walk the cobblestone streets and admire the half-timbered houses of the Römerberg.
• Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832) is one of Germany's most famous writers and a son of Frankfurt. He is revered at the rebuilt Goethe House and Museum .
• Step away from civilization at the tranquil Palmengarten , a botanical garden founded in 1868. It includes 50 acres and more than 6,000 different botanical species from all around the world.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top attractions in Frankfurt and the best things to do in Frankfurt with kids .

What to Eat and Drink in Frankfurt

Frankfurt's dining scene can be refreshingly international with options from Japanese to SoCal. But those are merely a welcome distraction from Frankfurt's traditional cuisine. The city has several restaurants that are more than 100 years old and an endless supply of sausage . Try classics like the fragrant, poetically named handkäse mit musik (cheese with music), or order hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes with Frankfurter grüne sosse (Frankfurt green sauce).

Frankfurt also has hip and modern bars in places like the Bahnhofsviertel , a formerly seedy area surrounding the central train station. But if you want to get to the heart of the city, you have to visit an apfelweinlokal (traditional apple wine bar). Known as ebbelwoi in the local dialect, this tart, slightly sour fruit wine, is a must-try when in Frankfurt. The charming bembel the drink is served in also makes for a great souvenir if you find one at the city's many flea markets.

Explore our articles on Frankfurt's apfelwein , the top restaurants in Frankfurt , and Frankfurt's nightlife .

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is composed of 46 distinct neighborhoods, each with its positives and negatives. Some areas nod to the city's historical past while others embrace its forward-thinking style. Innenstadt is the center of the city with both modern and reconstructed historic hotels. For easy travel in and out of the city, the Bahnhofsviertel area around the train station has the highest concentration of hotels, many at affordable prices.

No matter where you stay, the center of the city is compact and walkable. Excellent public transport links mean it is easy to get anywhere.

Explore the different areas of the city in our article on the best neighborhoods in Frankfurt .

Getting to Frankfurt

The Frankfurt-Flughafen am Main (FRA) is the main entry point for most visitors and with 70 million passengers in 2019, it's the busiest airport in Germany.   It is the hub for Lufthansa, as well as Condor, and a major transfer point for domestic and international travel. The airport has two passenger terminals, four runways, and extensive services for travelers.

From the airport, visitors can easily reach the city via public transportation or by private transport. The S8 and S9 (direction Offenbach or Hanau) reach Frankfurt's Hauptbahnhof (central railway station) in about 10 minutes for just 4.65 euros. Taxis are also readily available.

Within the city, the network of public transportation includes U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (local trains), and buses that run throughout the night.

Culture and Customs in Frankfurt

• Customer service in Germany is infamous for its low standards, but because of Frankfurt's international populace, service is often better here than in the rest of the country.
• When eating out in Germany, know that you should seat yourself and will need to ask for the bill at the end of the meal. Say " Die Rechnung, bitte " (the check, please) and tip by rounding up to the nearest euro, or no more than 10 percent.
• Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel used to be a dangerous area to hang around, but today it is downright trendy. There is still some drug use and prostitution , but the latter is legal.
• Since 2018, Frankfurt has a tourism fee for overnight stays of two euros per person per night.  

Money-Saving Tips for Frankfurt

• Make use of walking and public transport in Frankfurt as it is inexpensive and the best way to see the city. Regular tickets ( einzelfahrt ) costs 2.75 euros and allows for travel on all forms of transport in one direction for two hours. Zone 50 includes most of Frankfurt, excluding the airport. If you are going to be using transport all day, buy a Tageskarte (day ticket) for 5.35 euros.
• Many hotels are geared toward business travel, so prices stay low (think under 100 euros a night). However, the decor can be very basic.
• If you have flexibility on your travel dates, check the Messe (convention center) calendar for major trade fairs that will drive up prices. It is best to avoid those days.
• Looking for souvenirs? Frankfurt’s largest flea market is held every other Saturday. It's a bargain-hunters' dream.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun in the city with our article on the best things to see and do for free in Frankfurt .

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Frankfurt am Main

Glinting with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. The focal point of a conurbation of 5.5 million inhabitants, ‘Mainhattan’ is a high-powered finance and business hub, home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and the gleaming headquarters of the European Central Bank, and famously hosts some of the world's most important trade fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Städel Museum

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

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

Senckenberg Museum

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

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

Museum für Moderne Kunst

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

Museum Judengasse

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

IG-Farbenhaus

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

Goethe-Haus

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

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Frankfurt Itinerary

Last Updated on February 8, 2024

by Paola Drexler

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As the fifth-largest German city, Frankfurt is the perfect place to get the right dose of history, culture, beauty and lots of delicious food. If you’re looking to plan a 2 to 3 days in Frankfurt itinerary, we’ve got an excellent resource for you.

So let’s eat some high-quality frankfurters while we explore the “Mainhattan” of Germany along the Main River and experience all that Frankfurt has to offer. Let’s dive into your next adventure in Germany.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Frankfurt?

As one of the biggest financial and flight hubs, you may have had a layover or transfer in Frankfurt before. However, the city has so much to offer that it deserves its own trip to explore the city properly. But you might be wondering how many days to spend in Frankfurt to do the city justice.

There is so much to see and you probably don’t have a lot of time to spare, but luckily most attractions are within walking distance from each other.

2 days in Frankfurt is the perfect amount of time to see all the main highlights with some additional adventures that will leave you feeling like you got the full city experience.

However, with 3 days, you can explore some parts of the town that the locals enjoy as well, for example, a visit to the city forest or down the scenic Berger Straße. Alternatively, enjoy additional world-class museums and finish the day with a visit to the English Theatre.

Getting To & Around Frankfurt

No matter your preferred mode of transportation, Frankfurt is easily accessible whether you’re flying, driving or catching a ride some other way.

You can reach Frankfurt from many European cities like Copenhagen , Hamburg , Berlin or Munich by train. Frankfurt Train Station is located in the centre of the city and you can walk to many points of interest from there. You can view train schedules here .

For those flying in, Frankfurt Airport is the closest airport. Of course, other alternatives include airports in Hahn (which is usually the Frankfurt airport of choice for budget airlines), Cologne , Stuttgart and Dortmund, although the latter airports are over 2 hours away.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can decide on riding a train, bus, renting a car or a private transfer to get you to the city centre. It is a roughly 20-minute ride to get there.

If you are planning to use public transportation, it is straightforward and easy to navigate in Germany. You’ll have to get either a single-ride ticket or a Frankfurt Card at the train or bus station.

The Frankfurt Card has the added bonus in addition to the unlimited public transportation, that you’ll receive free entry or discounted prices at main attractions and restaurants in Frankfurt.

2 to 3-Day Frankfurt Itinerary

With the highest population in the state of Hesse, Frankfurt has seen countless visitors from every corner of the world. The city has endured so many centuries of historical events, war after war it has been rebuilt to bring together the old and new parts of the city to become what you’ll see today.

If you want to see some of the below sites with a guide, you can book a guided walking tour here.

Day 1 – Innenstadt, Old Town & New Old Town

In a city filled with old and new stories, you can find numerous things to do. For those interested in finance, Frankfurt can feel like a scavenger hunt as you look for significant landmarks, like the Euro sculpture or the famous Bull and Bear in front of the city’s stock exchange.

Your journey will begin at the Euro-Skulptur on Willy-Brandt-Platz and after having a look at the sculpture you’ll head up to the Alte Oper.

Starting in the Innenstadt, or inner city, you’ll begin the first day of your Frankfurt itinerary with the impressive concert hall known as the Alte Oper.

The Old Opera House was originally built in 1880 but after getting bombed and destroyed in 1944, it had to be rebuilt. The new larger hall opened its doors again in 1981.

Right in front of the opera house, you’ll find the Opernplatz (Opera Square), where you have a great view of the Alte Oper and tall buildings in the Bankenviertel (Banking District). The classical opera building contrasts sharply with the metal and glass of the downtown skyscrapers, making this a very unique square.

As you make your way deeper into the inner city towards the Hauptwache, you’ll walk passed numerous restaurants and luxury shopping stores.

If you take a little detour you’ll come across the Eschenheimer Turm, the late Gothic tower that used to serve as the city gate and is now a landmark. Our next stop is the Hauptwache.

You’ll know when you reach the Hauptwache not only because you’ll spot St. Catherine’s Church and the magnificent skyline but seeing one of the most famous plazas in all its glory can stop you in your tracks.

The Hauptwache building used to be a prison that was later turned into a police station and is now a restaurant that serves traditional German dishes.

In the plaza, you’ll see the big Galeria Kaufhof, the largest department store in the city, that houses many well-known brands, shops and more.

You can take a lift or stairs up to the roof terrace in the building to get a stunning view of Frankfurt. While worth a quick peak, don’t spend too much time here admiring the view – you’ll get an even better bird’s eye perspective later on in the day.

For now, enjoy walking down the famous and fabulous Zeil Street that’s lined with shops of all sorts. If you’re looking to do some shopping, for yourself or for souvenirs, here is your chance.

Kleinmarkthalle

When you’re done with your shopping, you’ll walk back towards the Hauptwache to the cute and historic Kleinmarkthalle.

Named for being a small market hall, the market is open every day except for Sundays. You’ll find all kinds of fresh food and flowers, as well as specialities from the area and even international delicacies. The market has been around since 1954 and has welcomed visitors and Frankfurters alike.

For the larger Erzeugermarkt Konstablerwache, located a few minutes away, you will have to double-check open times but you should be able to stroll through it on Thursdays and Saturdays.

As one of the most iconic German attractions, the Römerberg or Roman Mountain has seen its fair share of coronations, Christmas markets and tourists from all around the globe. Don’t worry though, the name is a bit misleading since the Römerberg is not really a mountain.

Located in the heart of Frankfurt’s Altstadt (the old town of the city), The Römer has been the city hall of Frankfurt since the 15th century and although receiving much damage during World World II, luckily the beautiful buildings were restored for people to enjoy today.

The half-timbered houses showcase beautiful German craftsmanship and are an iconic scene in Frankfurt.

DomRömer Quarter

Just a few steps away, you’ll come across a slight contrast to the historic old town in the “new old town” known as the DomRömer Quarter.

At first glance, the quarter looks very similar to the Römerberg, with a statue in front of the unique buildings. But then you see the contrast in colour and the modern build of the stunning buildings and realise you’re not in the same quarter anymore.

Since the war destroyed a large part of the old town, the reconstruction of the DomRömer Quarter, which was completed in 2018, was meant to modernise and liven Frankfurt up a bit.

St Paul’s Church

As you make your way from the Altstadt towards the Innenstadt, you’ll spot the round, architectural beauty of St Paul’s Church.

Having been the gathering place of the first freely elected German Parliament in 1848, the church is a unique spot with great historical significance for Germany.

Today you can tour the building, walk the circular lower floor, read about Germany’s history, and admire the beautiful art on the walls.

Goethe House and Museum

Just a short 5-minute walk from St Paul’s Church, you’ll see the marvellous Goethe House. This is the birthplace and former home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Germany’s most famous writers who had a major impact on the German language – similar to what Shakespeare did for the English language.

The house became a museum in 1863 after being restored by the new owner to the way it was when Goethe was living there. Although it was destroyed during World War II, the house was reconstructed to its original form afterwards.

When you walk through the rooms where Goethe wrote some of his most famous pieces, you’ll walk along furniture from that period and can imagine what it was like living in the 18th century. In the museum, adjacent to the house, you’ll find a display of paintings that show Goethe’s life while in his family home.

To end your first day in Frankfurt, we’re going to end on a literal high note at the highest public viewing platform in the city – the Main Tower.

Even from ground level the 56-story blue glass skyscraper is extraordinary – it is the fourth tallest building in the city. For 9 euros per adult, visitors can take a lift up the 190 meters (623 feet) of the building to the observation deck but will have to walk up the last 10 meters of the way.

The last bit of walking is totally worth it when you reach the platform and have a breathtaking panoramic view of Frankfurt. If you time it out nicely, you can savour an amazing sunset.

Day 2 – Sachsenhausen & Plamengarten

On the second day, you’ll begin south of the Main river and across the Eiserner Steg (Iron Footbridge), on the other side of the city in old Sachsenhausen.

Straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale book with its medieval-looking houses, gas lamps and cobbled stone streets, this part of Frankfurt feels like an untouched, traditional German town. As you leisurely roam through the town, keep an eye out for brass-coloured apples within the cobblestones.

The state of Hesse prides itself on its Apfelwein production and history, so much so that apple wine – or cider – is considered the state beverage.

You’ll find some popular restaurants and taverns that serve it in Sachsenhausen, so if you’re feeling thirsty you can indulge in a glass or two of the local beverage of choice of over 250 years.

Museumsufer

If you’re a museum fanatic, look no further because you’ll find a nice lineup of museums right by the Main river in the area called Museumsufer or Museum Embankment.

The idea of building museums close to each other came from a cultural politician in 1977 named Hilmar Hoffmann.

On the South Bank of the river, you’ll find The Städel at the centre, which displays 700 years of European art and is one of the oldest museums in Germany. On the North Bank, museums include the Jewish Museum Frankfurt, the Historical Museum and other art museums.

Now we’ll cross the Alte Brücke once again, from the south bank to the north to walk along the Mainkai, the promenade alongside the river, and stop to take in the incredible view of the city’s skyline, river, Eiserner Steg and all of Frankfurt’s beauty.

Frankfurt Cathedral

As you make your way east on the Mainkai, then up Zum Pfarrturm, on the right pass the Dommuseum, you’ll reach the magnificent red gothic Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, most commonly referred to as Frankfurt Cathedral or Dom.

Although it was never used as an actual cathedral, it was significant for holding former coronations and elections during the Roman Empire times.

Today, visitors can climb 328 steps to the viewing platform to get a different view from the city, closer to the river and old town. Inside, you can roam through the historical treasures and stories of its history.

Frankfurter Judengasse

After the cathedral, you’ll head up towards Domstraße and continue on Braubachstraße then Battonnstraße to reach the Museum Judengasse.

Frankfurt has two interesting and popular museums dedicated to Jewish history. The Jewish Museum is one of the oldest in Germany and is located down the Mainkai in the North Bank.

But today, you’ll take a closer look at the Judengasse, which was the location of the Jewish ghetto around 1462 to 1811. After enduring damage during the war, it was later demolished and rebuilt around 1987.

The museum opened in 1992 and you can still see a section of the original foundations. You’ll learn more about life during that time, Jewish history in the country and get to see historical art pieces while touring the museum.

Palmengarten

For an afternoon treat, you will either walk 35 minutes from the Judengasse or take a direct bus from Börneplatz to the enchanting Palmengarten.

The Palm Garden is a beloved attraction for everyone, not just tourists. Frankfurt loves its botanical gardens so much that it has three palm gardens in the city.

Close to the entrance of the garden, you will walk through a gorgeous rose garden, where you can stop and smell the luscious rosy fragrance in the air. Next, the garden houses a stunning palm house with tall palm trees, cacti, and other subtropical wonders.

With so much to look at, you can get lost for hours discovering new plants all over the grounds of the garden.

Day 3 – Stadtwald, Modern Art Museum, Berger Straße & the English Theatre

By now you’ve seen the main highlights in the city but there is so much more to do and see. Keep on reading for fun activities to do on your third day in Frankfurt.

If you prefer to head out of the city, you can take a day trip to Heidelberg instead.

As a day trip or if you’re headed back towards the airport, around the halfway point you can spend a few hours strolling around the Stadtwald (Frankfurt City Forest), which is around a 30-minute train ride outside of the city.

You’ll get to experience Frankfurt’s wildlife while walking by ponds and other bodies of water in the serene forest. To end your trip, you can go up the Goethe Tower in the northern part of the forest to have one last look at the breathtaking Frankfurt skyline from a distance.

Museum für Moderne Kunst

By now you’ve seen the main highlights in the city so you can sit back and relax – for example on a river cruise down the Main river – you can book one here .

While you’re near the river, you can go for a second round of museum exploration and visit one or two of the other museums on the Museumsufer that you’re interested in.

For example, the Museum of Modern Art displays unique pieces of art from the 1960s to the present date. You can find collections and individual artwork of artists from around the world, including Germany. If modern art is not for you, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Berger Straße

If you’re looking to explore the city more, you can walk down Berger Straße, your start point will begin at the cute clock tower, also known as the Uhr Turmchen.

Here you will find traditional German restaurants and special desserts like spaghettieis (don’t worry, it tastes better than it sounds and it contains zero tomato sauce or pasta).

On the Upper Berger Straße, you’ll also find more traditional apple wine gardens in dark wood buildings where you can get a glass of wine directly from the cellars where it’s made.

English Theatre

For an evening out you can enjoy whatever show is currently being held at the English Theatre in Frankfurt.

The theatre opened in 1979 and is well-known for ranking as the largest English-speaking theatre in Europe. When they aren’t performing musicals, they are performing anything from comedies and classics to thrillers.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Motel One Frankfurt-Römer – This hotel is an excellent option for mid-range travellers looking for a comfortable and hip place to stay in Frankfurt. Located in the Old Town of the city, there are several modern rooms on offer along with a bar and breakfast each morning.

Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer – Those after a luxury option in Frankfurt are sure to love this plush hotel. Centrally located near all the city has to offer, there are plenty of large rooms, they’re pet-friendly, offer a fab breakfast each morning and some rooms provide kitchenettes.

Aparthotel Adagio Frankfurt City Messe – This aparthotel located in central Frankfurt is a great choice for those after their own fully-equipped apartment. They have a range of flats on offer and there’s even breakfast available in the mornings.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Frankfurt hotels!

While it can be so easy to get lost in the city, spending 2 to 3 days in Frankfurt is the perfect amount of time to make you fall for the city. From its history to its beauty and charm, your adventures in Frankfurt will stay with you forever.

Are you planning to visit Frankfurt? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 3-Day Black Forest Itinerary

Munich or Frankfurt: Which German City to Visit?

Is Berlin Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Berlin

About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

Great article for Frankfurt. We are going to the city in the end of April 2023.

Thank you for this Paola.

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Home » Europe » Germany » Frankfurt

10 BEST Places to Visit in Frankfurt (2024)

Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt on the Main River) is filled with glassy skyscrapers and glittering lights, and as soon as you catch your first glimpse of that skyline, you’ll understand why the locals call it Manhattan!

That’s not the only great thing about German’s banking and economical capital though. The stunning Old Town transports you right into the past with the 15 th  century buildings of Römerberg. If you’re lucky enough to travel here at Christmas, you’ll be able to experience one of Germany’s most magical Christmas markets.

Frankfurt is a truly international city, and the population of 5.5 million give Frankfurt a vibe and atmosphere unlike nowhere else in Germany. There’s plenty to do here both day and night, and with our list, you can feel like a local during your visit to Frankfurt.

With our carefully researched list of places to visit in Frankfurt, you can explore everything that this happening city has to offer. Wander through the historic Old Town, learn something new in a museum, or rub shoulders with high flying executives and CEOs in one of the city’s top restaurants. No matter what you’re in Frankfurt for, you’ll have a fantastic time!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Frankfurt:

These are the best places to visit in frankfurt, faq on the best places to visit in frankfurt, final thoughts.

Zentrum-Altstadt

If you’re visiting Frankfurt for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Zentrum-Altstadt. Set at the centre of the city, this neighbourhood is where you’ll find many of Frankfurt’s (rebuilt) medieval buildings, its historic landmarks and its main town square.

• Admire the architecture of St Paul’s Church.
• Marvel at The Kaiserdom, a red sandstone cathedral with a 95-meter tall Gothic tower.
• Visit the Old Nicholas Church.

Before scrolling down any further, make sure you know  where you want to stay in Frankfurt . The bustling city is full of neighbourhoods that all offer a different vibe and a tiny pocket of culture within the larger matrix. Plus, you’ll need a base to kick off your adventures from!

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#1 – Römerberg – A great place to see in Frankfurt if you love architecture

• Central square of Frankfurt’s Old Town
• Ornate timber buildings re-constructed after WWII
• Especially wonderful during the winter months
• Check out the Christmas markets – they’re great!

Why it’s awesome: Römerberg is a great place to kick off your trip to Frankfurt. As the centre of the Old Town, it’s the perfect spot to get an idea of how Frankfurt looked before all the skyscrapers started shooting up. The reconstructed timber buildings on the edges of the square will take you back to medieval times! The beautiful Fountain of Justice sits in the centre of the square, and there are often markets around it. One of the biggest and best Christmas markets in Germany takes place here during the winter months!

What to do there: If you’re visiting for one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, you can’t miss trying hot apple wine and marzipan cookies. However, throughout the year Römerberg is the perfect place to sit and sample some tasty traditional food! Check out the Römer buildings, the equivalent of the city hall since the 15 th century. On the other side of the square, you’ll find the Ostzeile buildings too. Römerberg is a great place to spend some time relaxing or just soaking up the atmosphere of Frankfurt’s Altstadt!

With a Frankfurt City Pass , you can experience the best of Frankfurt at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#2 – Museumsufer – One of the most incredible places to go in Frankfurt for free!

• Unique boulevard home to some of Frankfurt’s most fascinating museums
• On both sides of the Main River
• Learn about Germany’s rich cultural heritage
• Check out the Städel Museum – it’s incredible

Why it’s awesome: Along both sides of the River Main, you’ll find this assortment of fantastic museums, centred around the Städel Museum. Frankfurt’s museum embankment is not only one of the most important groups of museums in Germany, but the whole of Europe! You can enter for free too so it’s a great place to check out if you’re travelling on a budget. Museumsufer consists of architecture, film, and Jewish history museums to name just a few, and many of the buildings were designed by renowned architects. So, they look impressive both inside and out!

What to do there: The first item on many people’s itineraries when visiting Museumsufer is the Städel Museum which houses over 700 years of European art in Germany’s oldest art foundation. There are works from the likes of Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt here. The museum has expanded into the digital realm after it’s 200 th anniversary and has some cool interactive exhibits too. Other cool museums include the Museum of Communication and the Jewish Museum of Frankfurt. After seeing everything, check out the Nizza Garden for a slice of the Côte d’Azur. Museumsufer is the perfect spot for culture vultures!

#3 – Palmengarten

• Largest botanical garden in Frankfurt
• See a range of flowers and plants from around the world
• Escape from the hustle and bustle
• Extensive events calendar with lots happening throughout the year

Why it’s awesome: Being in a big city like Frankfurt is great, but after a couple of days you might start to get cabin fever and feel the need for some nature and fresh air. Well, Palmengarten gives you that without having to even leave the city limits! The 22 hectare botanical garden is the biggest of three in Frankfurt (the others are Botanischer Garten and Tropicarium) and it’s the best place to see trees, plants, and flowers from a variety of climate zones. Even if you’re not that into horticulture, it’s the perfect place to chill for a couple of hours.

What to do there: Wander through the greenhouses and experience tropical climates right in the middle of Frankfurt! Do check out the garden’s events calendar too – as there is stuff going on all throughout the year. That will give you the chance to get involved in something really fun and memorable during your break in Frankfurt. Palmengarten is a great day out for tourists of all ages and will provide you from the escape from the hustle and bustle that you’re looking for.

#4 – Main Tower

• Frankfurt’s 3 rd  tallest skyscraper
• Enjoy the views from the observation deck
• Go before midday to avoid the crowds!

Why it’s awesome: The Main (pronounced mine) Tower is Frankfurt’s 3 rd tallest skyscraper and offers fantastic views of the city and its skyline. You can ascend the 200m 56 storey tower in just a few seconds before enjoying a walk around the top. If you want to get some great pictures without having to fight through a crowd, visit between 10am and 12pm when the tower is at its quietest. Obviously, visiting at sunset will provide you with some gorgeous views and even better pictures. However, you won’t be the only one in town with that idea!

What to do there: See if you can spot the hostel you are staying in from the top! Other than enjoying the views of Frankfurt from this skyscraper, there are a couple of other things you can try out here to beef up your itinerary. There’s a restaurant and a lounge where you can enjoy food and drink along with the spectacular view. Fitness fanatics are in luck too as the Main Tower is home to Europe’s highest fitness club! Although we thoroughly recommend the Main Tower, it might not be the best idea to come to this symbol of the city if you’re scared of heights!

#5 – Frankfurt Cathedral – One of the most important religious places to see in Frankfurt

• Explore the largest religious building in the city
• Admire the stunning renaissance frescoes
• Enjoy the views from the top of the tower
• Check out the gorgeous Gothic architecture!

Why it’s awesome: The Gothic Frankfurt Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and it’s certainly worth setting aside a little time to visit. It’s also known as the Kaiserdom and was the tallest building in the city until the 1950s, when the skyscrapers from like the Main Tower and Commerzbank Tower (the 7 th tallest building in Europe) overtook it. This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew and it was one of the most important buildings to the Holy Roman Empire, as it was dedicated to the empire’s elections and coronations.

What to do there: Learn about the building’s past as a sign of 19 th century national unity. As the former tallest building in Frankfurt, climbing to the top of the tower is a great way to get views of Frankfurt’s evocative skyline. If heights aren’t your thing and you’d rather keep your vow to stay safe while travelling with your feet firmly on the ground, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the cathedral itself. Take a guided tour to learn about why the building was so important to the Holy Roman Empire and see the reconstructed interior after it was damaged by fire in 1867 and bombings in World War II.

#6 – Eiserner Steg – One of the most romantic places to visit in Frankfurt!

• The most famous bridge over the Main River
• Enjoy the views of Museumsufer and the Frankfurt skyline
• Check out the lovers’ locks – they’re beautiful!

Why it’s awesome: This historic iron bridge connects Frankfurt City Centre with the neighbourhood of Sachsenhausen. It has been a Frankfurt must-see since 1868 when it was constructed. Even though there are a number of bridges over the Main River, this is the only one that’s dedicated solely for pedestrains. The fact that thousands of lovers’ locks have been attached to the bridge only makes it a quirkier and more romantic setting. Because Frankfurt is such an easy city to walk around, you’ll find tourists and locals in equal measure crossing Eiserner Steg!

What to do there: Well, if you’re there with a loved one, wouldn’t it be lovely to add to the lovers’ locks that are already there with your own? It will create a special memory during your trip! It’s not just a great spot for couples though. Take a walk over the bridge and relax as the Main River flows below you, taking in the beautiful views of the city and the museums. It makes sense to combine a visit to Eiserner Steg with a visit to Museumsufer. If you do that, you can take in two famous places in Frankfurt in one day!

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#7 – Alte Oper

• Over 450 music and entertainment events every year
• One of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses
• Programmes for children, families, and young people
• Enjoy a cultural night at the opera

Why it’s awesome: No music lover can come to Frankfurt and leave out a visit to the incredible Alte Oper, one of the most prestigious music halls not only in Germany but the whole of Europe. The concert hall dates back to 1880, but like much of Frankfurt, it was destroyed by bombings in the Second World War. It was rebuilt in the 1970s before being reopening once again in 1981. Now, it hosts multiple events every year from jazz to opera to glamorous balls and international conferences.

What to do there: If you have the budget and the time, we definitely recommend seeing a concert during your trip to Frankfurt. It may be a bit on the pricey side, but wouldn’t it be something to say that you’ve enjoyed world-famous jazz or opera at one of the finest concert halls in the world?! If you just want to see the opulent interiors where the events take place, then you can take a guided tour of Alte Oper. This tour will also show you places that are usually closed off to concert goers!

#8 – Goethe House – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Frankfurt!

• Explore the house of the writer of Goethe
• Enjoy the 18 th  century paintings and furniture in the house
• Learn about Germany’s most famous author and poet
• One of the most important landmarks in Frankfurt

Why it’s awesome: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is probably the most famous German writer of all time. He was also a politician and wrote essays on horticulture and anatomy, so he was a pretty busy guy! See the house where he grew up with his sister Cornelia, which has been lovingly preserved with period furniture and artwork from the Goethe area, exploring Goethe’s relationship with art of the time. On the third floor, you can visit an exhibition dedicated not only to the house’s most famous resident, but all those who have lived there since.

What to do there: A guided tour is probably the best way to see Goethe’s 18 th century bourgeois style house, as you can learn about all of the artwork and furniture that you’ll see in there – not to mention finding out more about this iconic writer’s life. It’s in the Innerstadt district, so it’s within easy walking distance of other parts of the city centre – including Römerberg and Museumsufer. Goethe’s house is the ideal day out for anyone who has an interest in German literature, or politics!

#9 – Kleinmarkthalle

• Try fresh food from over 150+ stalls
• Sample some delicious German delicacies and specialities
• Taste the delicious local ‘green sauce’
• Find Frankfurt’s foodie heaven!

Why it’s awesome: What’s not to like about a market with over 150 stalls, each selling something as delicious or even more so than the last? Kleinmarkthalle is loved in Frankfurt by locals and tourists alike, and it’s safe to say you’ll end up trying more than just frankfurters here. Not only is it a great place to stop for lunch or dinner, but it’s an ideal opportunity to pick up some tasty souvenirs for loved ones back home, and also to save money over a meal at an expensive and fancy restaurant!

What to do there: A market is the best place to get acquainted with local dishes, so we’d definitely recommend enjoying the famous sausage that bears the city’s name – the humble frankfurter. Local green sauce also has to be right at the top of your menu! You can find delicacies from all over the world too, so if you’ve been curious about food from a far-flung corner of Africa, Asia, or Latin America, maybe this is your best chance to sample it. Foodies definitely shouldn’t miss out on Kleinmarkthalle – it’s easy to lose track of time and spend the whole day here.

#10 – Zeil – A great place in Frankfurt if you love to shop!

• Window shop for designer goods
• Enjoy retail therapy at one of the largest shopping and leisure complexes in Germany
• Ride Europe’s longest unsupported indoor escalator
• Enjoy the light and airy interior of MyZeil

Why it’s awesome: The name Zeil originally referred to a row of houses and dates back to 14 th century Frankfurt, not that you’d realise now! Some of Frankfurt’s most impressive architecture can be found in this area, completing MyZeil. It’s one of the largest shopping and leisure complexes in the entire country and one of the hotspots in Frankfurt . You’ll find a number of designer shops, as well as several more affordable options like H and M and Primark. Especially useful if you’ve forgotten anything for your holiday wardrobe!

What to do there: Of course, you can go shopping at Zeil. However, that’s not all there is to do here. Zeil is home to some of the best places to eat in Frankfurt, with global cuisines ranging from sushi to tapas! Before filling your stomach, head to the workout studio so you can keep up to speed with your fitness routine. MyZeil also hosts a branch of the luxury Emirati hotel chain Jumeirah, so if you stay there you can spend your whole holiday under one roof!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Frankfurt

What is Frankfurt famous for?

Frankfurt is a huge city known for its finance businesses. It also has museums, historic buildings and quaint shops.

Is Frankfurt worth visiting?

If you only have a short time in Germany, it’s not the first place I would recommend visiting. However, if you have time to spare you should definitely add it to your Germany itinerary .

What are some must-see places to visit in Frankfurt?

If you only have a limited time in Frankfurt, make sure you don’t miss Römerberg for its unique architecture.

What can I do in Frankfurt for a day?

For a day visit to Frankfurt, make sure you see the Frankfurt Cathedral, Eiserner Steg and Römerberg.

So, that completes our list of the best things to do in Frankfurt. We hope this has been a useful and helpful overview of some of the top things that you can fill your time with while visiting Germany’s banking and finance capital – and also that you can clearly see there’s more to the city than just that!

If you’re interested in art, history, and architecture there’s plenty for you to explore, notably the city’s skyscrapers and stunning museum quarter. Even a shopping centre has won architecture awards here! A walk along the Main River or a visit to the botanical gardens should keep nature lovers happy too!

Most importantly, we hope you have the opportunity to immerse yourself into the local culture of Frankfurt. If you’re passionate about travel, eager to learn about the city’s history and culture, and brave enough to try the unusual delicacies at Kleinmarkthalle, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have an incredible break in Frankfurt!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Frankfurt Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Frankfurt is a city ripe with culture, restaurants, and history. It’s also the center of banking and business in Europe . While Frankfurt lacks the charm of Munich or Berlin , it’s more than just a stopover destination (Frankfurt’s airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports so a lot of people have short stopovers here).

For more than five centuries, Frankfurt was known as the Free City of Frankfurt, an important city-state in the Roman Empire. Today, the city is incredibly diverse; half of the population has a foreign background, and a quarter of the population are foreign nationals.

While most people who stop here never leave the airport, Frankfurt is actually worth exploring for a few days. Eat dinner at one of the city’s famous cider houses, relax at a beer garden, spend the afternoon at one of the free parks, or soak up the city’s history in a museum.

This travel guide to Frankfurt can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this overlooked gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Frankfurt

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. See the Dom

Frankfurt’s main attraction, this reddish sandstone cathedral dates back to the 14th century when it was used to crown the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It boasts a 95-meter-tall (311 feet) Gothic tower, which you can climb via 328 steps. Admission is free, but the tower is 3 EUR.

2. Visit the Städel-Museum

The Städel Museum has an impressive collection of art, with a heavy focus on German and Renaissance art. There are over 3,000 paintings, 4,000 photographs, 600 sculptures, and 10,000 drawings from the likes of Monet, Picasso, Bacon, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and others. Admission is 16 EUR.

3. Explore Römerberg

The historical center of Frankfurt is home to colorful half-timbered buildings and several medieval buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Most buildings were destroyed during World War II, but many have been restored to reflect what they used to look like. It’s a picturesque spot to stroll and take in the local pace of life.

4. Relax in Frankfurt City Forest

The city forest is the largest forest contained within any city limits in Germany. The six playgrounds and nine ponds make the forest a popular place for people looking to relax in nature. There is also a 450-kilometer-long (279 miles) network of trails for hikers, walkers, cyclists, and runners!

5. Visit Offenbach

Offenbach is a small neighboring city with tons of little shops, a flea market, a farmer’s market, an old baroque castle, and the stunning Neo-baroque Büsing Palace. Offenbach is the perfect place to escape the hectic city for a day and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Other Things to See and Do in Frankfurt

1. cross the eiserner steg.

Otherwise known as the Iron Bridge, this Neo-Gothic pedestrian bridge connects the downtown core to the Sachsenhausen district. Built in 1869, the bridge provides unique views of the city from over the Main River from which the city takes its full name, Frankfurt am Main (Frankfurt on the Main). Over 10,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily!

2. Eat and drink in Sachsenhausen

South of the Main River, Sachsenhausen has many of the best cider taverns and pubs in the city. After visiting some pubs, take a stroll along the Main River and enjoy the view. Sachsenhausen is also known for Museumsufer, a row of 38 museums along the river with themes exploring the arts, architecture, and Jewish history. With the two-day Museumsufer Pass, you can visit all the museums for just 21 EUR.

3. Spend the day at the Palmengarten

Spanning 54 acres, Frankfurt’s botanical garden is the largest of its kind in Germany. Opened to the public in 1871, the garden was actually visited by the famous cowboy Buffalo Bill in 1890. Don’t miss the Palm Garden and its enormous collection of native, tropical, and subtropical plant life. Moreover, the gardens also offer lots of activities year-round, including concerts and guided tours. It’s 7 EUR to visit.

4. Walk around the Bornheim

The Bornheim neighborhood has some wonderful medieval-style houses that survived World War II. Since so much of the city was destroyed in the war, this is your only chance to see what the city looked like before everything was destroyed. The city’s longest street, Berger Strasse, is Bornheim’s commercial hub, and it’s chock full of restaurants, wine bars, boutique shops, and bars.

5. Stroll through the Frankfurt Book Fair

Held in the middle of October for nearly 500 years, this fair is considered the largest event in the publishing industry. Publishers, writers, and creative professionals from all over the world come to hold discussions, network, and celebrate the written word. It’s a week-long affair, but it’s only open to the public during the last two days. A day pass is 25 EUR.

6. Climb the Main Tower

The most rewarding views over Frankfurt are from the top of the 56-story Main Tower, the only high-rise that’s open to the public. Named for the Main River, from here you can take the elevator up to a viewing platform overlooking Frankfurt’s skyline. Tickets to the observation deck are 9 EUR.

7. Visit Goethe House

Born in Frankfurt in 1749, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is considered Germany’s most important writer. Born in 1749, he was a poet, playwright, novelist, and theater director. Destroyed during World War II, the Goethe House was restored with its original furniture, paintings, and books that belonged to the family. You can also see his writing desk, where he wrote his most famous work, The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774. Admission is 10 EUR and combination tickets that include special exhibitions are 13 EUR.

8. Visit Senckenberg Museum

The Senckenberg Museum is a treasure trove of natural history artifacts, with everything from fossils to Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. It’s the second-largest natural museum in the country, home to some 17,000 skeletons. One of the most amazing pieces here is a fossil with a bit of preserved scaly skin attached to it. Admission is 12 EUR.

9. Check out the DialogMuseum

The DialogMuseum is easily one of the most unique museums in Germany. Rather than visiting a museum to view exhibits, this museum invites you to navigate the world as a blind or visually impaired person. On a one-hour tour through four completely pitch-black rooms, visitors experience what it’s like to live without any visual cues, relying on other senses to get them through. Admission is 16 EUR.

10. Explore the Deutsches Filmmuseum

This is another unique museum in Frankfurt, focused on film in Germany. There are exhibits on the history of film, behind-the-scenes insights into filmmaking, interactive displays, film artifacts like sketches, and more. A combined ticket to both the permanent and temporary exhibits is 12 EUR. You can also see a film at the museum’s theater for 8 EUR.

11. Check out the Kleinmarkthalle

If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, head over to the Kleinmarkthalle for a huge assortment of high-quality fresh produce, delicatessen items and wine, handmade German regional products, and also international favorites. There are various small eateries with seafood, Italian specialties, and much more. It’s a great place to wander around, especially on a rainy day.

  For more information on other cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Frankfurt Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 31-38 EUR per night while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs 22-25 EUR per night. A basic double private room costs about 160 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some charge a supplemental one-time fee of 3-4 EUR for linens. None of the hostels in Frankfurt offer free breakfast, though a couple offer robust breakfast buffets for 6-8 EUR. Most hostels also have a bar/café on site.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity costs 15 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 50-65 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi, TVs, and private bathrooms are all standard. Free breakfast is rare, though most hotels offer a breakfast buffet for an additional 8-10 EUR.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Frankfurt. Private rooms start around 35-55 EUR per night while a full apartment starts at 80-125 EUR per night. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

Frankfurt has tons of cheap food options. Currywurst and frankfurters are everywhere for less than 4 EUR, while a hearty plate of fries is less than 6 EUR. A traditional meal of chicken at a cider house costs 9-11 EUR, while a glass of cider to go with it is about 2 EUR.

A beer costs about 4 EUR while a glass of wine is 4.50-6 EUR.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 8.50 EUR while a pizza is around 9-11 EUR. At a mid-range restaurant, a sandwich or German savory pancakes cost between 7.50-10. A big bowl of salad is 8.50-11.50.

If you want to splash out, a set six-course menu at a gourmet restaurant starts at 100 EUR, including traditional German food like schnitzel. A single entree may cost as much as 35 EUR for a duck breast.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, bread, produce, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto, which are pretty cheap and even have organic products for a fair price.

Backpacking Frankfurt Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Frankfurt, my suggested budget is 60 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, using public transportation to get around, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours.

A mid-range budget of 135 EUR covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for some of your meals, renting a bike or taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like visiting museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Frankfurt is one of the more expensive cities in Germany. However, you can turn Frankfurt into a more affordable destination with just a few simple tricks. Here is how to save money in Frankfurt:

• Purchase a Museumsufer ticket – For those of you that love visiting museums, this two-day pass saves you tons of money. Costing 21 EUR, this card provides access to 34 museums in and around Frankfurt.
• Get the Frankfurt Card – An alternative to the Museumsufer Card is the Frankfurt Card, which provides free travel on all public transport (including to the airport) as well as up to 50% discounts on tours, museums, and other attractions. You can get a one-day card for 11.50 EUR, or a two-day card for 17 EUR.
• Take a free walking tour – Frankfurt Free Tour provides an overview of the historic center and all its highlights. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land on a budget. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money on accommodation while getting some insight from the locals, try Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to meet people in the city and discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations while also getting free accommodation.
• Take advantage of SaTOURday – Many of the main museums in Frankfurt offer free entry on the last Saturday of every month.
• Get a transportation day pass – If you don’t want to get the Frankfurt Card (which includes unlimited public transport), you can get a regular transportation day pass. It costs 5.50 EUR, which is much cheaper than paying per ride.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Frankfurt

Frankfurt only has a few hostels in the city. Here are my suggested places to stay in Frankfurt:

• Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt
• Meininger Frankfurt/Main Airport

How to Get Around Frankfurt

Public transportation – Like other German cities, Frankfurt is well connected by its subway (the U-Bahn) and its above-ground rail system (the S-Bahn). A single ticket is 2.75 EUR and is good for up to 60 minutes, or you can get a short-distance ticket (for journeys less than 2 kilometers) for 1.50 EUR. You can purchase tickets at the station or with the RMV-App. Always keep your ticket on you as random checks on the train are very common.

A day ticket with unlimited travel costs 5.50 EUR. If you’re in a group, take advantage of the all-day group ticket for up to five people for 11.50 EUR (or 16.95 EUR if including the airport). A weekly pass costs 26.80 EUR, including the airport.

You can use your tickets across the train, tram, and bus network.

Ticket prices for trams are the same for the train and bus system. You can buy them onboard the tram, at kiosks next to specific tram stops, or in the app.

Buses take you anywhere you need to go, especially where the trains and trams don’t go. Ticket prices are the same as the trains and trams and can be used interchangeably. You can buy tickets at kiosks next to the bus stop, from bus drivers, or in the app.

Bicycle – Bicycle rentals are plentiful in Frankfurt, with daily rates starting at about 9-15 EUR per day. Try a company like Call a Bike or nextbike, which both have docking stations all over the city. Prices are cheaper if you rent the bike for a week versus half or full days.

Taxi – A base fare for a taxi in Frankfurt is 3.50 EUR, with each additional kilometer costing 2 EUR per kilometer for the first 15 kilometers. After that, it’s 1.75 EUR for every subsequent kilometer. In short, taxis add up fast so skip them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Frankfurt, though since the public transportation here is comprehensive you likely won’t need it.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental, however, you won’t need one to get around the city. Drivers need to be at least 21 years of age.

When to Go to Frankfurt

Summer is the peak tourist season, specifically July and August. The average daily temperatures are in the upper 20s°C (high 70s°F) and days are sunny and bright. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with lots of other tourists, but there are always fun festivals and events happening during this time.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) are both shoulder seasons that bring cooler temperatures, sunny days, and fewer crowds. If you want to take advantage of lower room rates and a more laid-back vibe, this is the best time to visit Frankfurt!

Like the rest of Germany, Frankfurt’s winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping below 1°C (34°F). The city experiences some snowfall, but the Christmas markets throughout November and December are magical. It makes for a good weekend getaway destination in the winter if you plan to hit the holiday markets.

How to Stay Safe in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a safe city to visit. Violent crime is rare. However, like all big cities, you should stay alert for pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

At night, it’s best to avoid the areas around the Hauptbahnhof, Konstablerwache, and Hauptwache just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

And be sure to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Frankfurt Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Frankfurt Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

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• Booking Resources
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14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Frankfurt

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Located almost in the middle of Germany, historic Frankfurt — the country's fifth-largest city — makes an excellent jumping-off point to explore such places as the beautiful Rhine Valley and the Black Forest , each just a couple of hours away by car or rail.

Closer to Frankfurt, you'll be rewarded with many wonderful day trip possibilities and exciting things to do, including a cruise up (or down) the River Main, a delight to see via tour boat.

There are also numerous old towns and cities to explore, including Hanau and Mainz, along with many well-preserved castles, cathedrals, and ancient fortifications dating back as far as Roman times.

Plan your sightseeing around this diverse German city with our list of the top day trips from Frankfurt.

1. Baden-Baden

2. romantic heidelberg, 3. medieval rothenburg, 4. the black forest, 5. strasbourg, france, 6. historic hanau: not so grimm, 7. mainz cathedral, 8. the rhine valley, 9. büdingen, 10. the artistic heritage of darmstadt, 11. wiesbaden's spas and thermal springs, 12. koblenz, 13. take a shopping trip to wertheim village, 14. cologne.

Highlights : Historic Bavarian spa town in the Black Forest with many thermal springs

A scenic 90-minute drive south from Frankfurt along the Rhine is the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden . One of the best places to visit in the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is pedestrian friendly and fun to explore on foot.

It has also been popular among spa-goers since Roman times, thanks to its famous therapeutic waters. In fact, it seems everywhere you turn there's somewhere to sample the town's thermal springs, including many reasonably priced public baths. For a little luxury and pampering, head to the elegant Friedrichsbad with its Roman-style setting.

Suitably refreshed, continue your walking tour in the Kurgarten, with its many fine boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés, as well as the impressive chateau-style, 19th-century Kurhaus.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Baden-Baden

Highlights : Romantic historic city with mild weather, walkable streets, and a stunning castle

An easy one-hour drive south of Frankfurt, the splendid old city of Heidelberg is a perfect day trip. One of Europe's most romantic cities, the unspoiled medieval and Renaissance architecture of its old city center were spared the bombing that destroyed many other cities in World War II.

Heidelberg is also popular for its warm and pleasant climate, making dining al fresco a distinct possibility almost year-round. It's easy to traverse on foot, thanks to its many pedestrianized downtown streets.

A good place to begin your walking tour is the Hauptstrasse, Heidelberg's narrow main street. From here, numerous even narrower streets lead to some of the best examples of the city's architecture, many of the buildings now serving as shops, galleries, and cafés.

Stop to see one of the best examples of the city's fine churches, the 15th-century Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) and take the funicular or climb to Heidelberg Castle . Built in the 16th century and standing nearly 200 meters above the old town, it's one of the most picturesque castle ruins in Germany and offers great views over the surrounding countryside.

You won't miss any of these highlights if you opt for a Heidelberg Half-Day Trip from Frankfurt . Led by a professional guide well-versed in local history and architecture, you'll walk through the old town, visit the university, and tour the castle before the short ride back to Frankfurt.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things To Do in Heidelberg

Highlights : Fairytale medieval town with original buildings, fortress, and old city walls

A pleasant two-hour drive southeast of Frankfurt brings you to one of the most visited and photographed towns in all of Germany: Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Perched high atop the steep banks of the River Tauber, this well-preserved medieval town was once the capital of Bavaria and boasts numerous architecturally important buildings. Some of them, such as the impressive old Town Hall (Rathaus), date as far back as the 13th century.

A highlight of a visit is to walk along the town's old walls and battlements, untouched since 1618, when they withstood assault during the Thirty Years War. Other structures of note include the 15th-century Council Tavern (Ratstrinkstube), the Imperial City Museum, and the early 17th-century St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain.

Just when you thought this town couldn't get any prettier, head over to Little Square (Plönlein). Like something out of a fairy tale, this tiny square consists of a tall, narrow half-timbered building separating two streets, one leading up to Siebers Tower, the other down to Kobolzeller Tower. Both were built in the early 13th century. English-language guided tours are available from the town's visitor center.

You can also combine Rothenburg with another of Germany's most popular attractions on a fun guided Rothenburg Day Trip from Frankfurt . This full-day excursion includes round-trip transportation from Frankfurt accompanied by an expert guide and skip-the-line entry to popular attractions, including St. Jacob's Church.

The route here is part of the fun, as you'll travel along the scenic Castle Road with its stunning old fortresses. If you're traveling in November or December, you'll also have a chance to visit the town's famous Christmas Market, widely regarded as one of the best festive events in the country .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rothenburg

Highlights : Scenic area with hiking trails, driving routes, pretty villages, and castles

The Black Forest, a beautiful, hilly, and forested area dotted with postcard-perfect towns of half-timbered medieval houses, is easy to get to from Baden-Baden. Considered by most as the gateway to this area of outstanding natural beauty, Baden Baden is worth spending a day or more exploring, especially if spas are of interest; this charming city has in fact been one of the top places to visit in Europe for centuries thanks to its thermal springs.

Another Black Forest city to visit includes Esslingen. Situated not far from Baden-Württemberg's capital of Stuttgart, Esslingen has the largest intact collection of original medieval half-timbered buildings in all of Germany .

Baiersbronn has an impressive collection of its own, but it's better known as the fine-dining capital of Germany, with seven Michelin stars between its three restaurants. Stop in Triberg to climb alongside Germany's highest waterfall or to tour the Black Forest on the Black Forest Railway. The Black Forest is the home of cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cherry cake.

A great way to see the best parts of the Black Forest is to join an organized tour. One of the best options is a Black Forest and Strasbourg Day Trip from Frankfurt . This fun 10-hour tour includes stops in Baden-Baden and a guided tour of the top points of interest, before heading to the French city of Strasbourg.

Here, you'll explore the historic Old Town at your own pace, as well as enjoying a tour of the city's canals (by water, of course). The journey also includes stops at lake Mummelsee, a remnant of the last ice age.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest

Highlights : Historic French city with picturesque Old Town, pretty canals, and cobbled streets

Opposite the Black Forest on the French side of the Rhine River, Strasbourg is an elegant and cosmopolitan city. Capital city of the Alsace region , it is also the headquarters of the European Parliament. Its Gothic cathedral is one of the finest in Europe, surrounded by an old quarter of narrow streets and half-timbered buildings.

Known as La Petite France, Strasbourg's historical town center is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strasbourg is also known for its outstanding cuisine, and offers plenty of options if you enjoy dining al fresco.

Narrow, flower-draped canals wind through the city, and a boat ride through these is a delightful way to tour. Many of the best day-trip tours from Frankfurt, in fact, include this option in their itineraries. You can also combine a guided tour of Strasbourg with a drive through Germany's beautiful Black Forest region on the 10-hour Black Forest and Strasbourg Day Trip from Frankfurt , which also includes a walking tour of Baden-Baden.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Strasbourg

Highlights : Hometown of the Brothers Grimm with museums and cultural attractions

The historic old town of Hanau, situated at the junction of the Kinzig and the Main rivers, is just 20 kilometers east of Frankfurt and makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip.

In the town's old Marktplatz stands the New Town Hall (Neustädtisches Rathaus), built in 1733 and notable for its charming carillon and monument to Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the famous Brothers Grimm , who were born here. It's a connection celebrated each year with the popular Brothers Grimm Festival.

Another town highlight is the Goldsmiths' House (Goldschmiedehaus), home to an exhibition of jewelry and a reproduction of a traditional goldsmith's workshop.

Also of note, and just four kilometers northwest of Hanau's old town center, is Schloss Philippsruhe . This fine Baroque palace now houses the Hanau Historical Museum with its collections of ceramics, silver, and paintings, as well as numerous artifacts relating to the Brothers Grimm, plus a fine sculpture garden.

Highlights : Spectacular cathedral with museums set on the Rhine River

Just 44 kilometers west of Frankfurt on the west bank of the mighty Rhine River, the magnificent old cathedral city of Mainz is home to a number of things to do that together add up to a perfect day trip.

Thanks to its many fine museums, the city's rich history has been well documented and preserved. The best places to visit to learn more about Mainz's history are the Museum of Ancient Navigation (check out its full-scale replicas of Roman vessels) and the Roman-Germanic Central Museum.

Also worth visiting is the Gutenberg Museum, which celebrates the life of Johannes Gutenberg, the creator of the world's first movable type printing technique, who was born here in 1398.

The city's main tourist attraction, however, is the magnificent Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom). Although construction of this lovely, six-towered edifice started in 975 CE, much of the present structure dates from the 11th century, when many of its tombs were added.

Be sure to also visit the Cathedral Museum with its many displays relating to the building's long history.

Address: Domstraße 3, 55116 Mainz

Highlights : Scenic river area with boat cruises, spectacular castles, and romantic villages

Stretching all the way from Switzerland to the Netherlands — a distance of 1,320 kilometers — the Rhine is one of the most impressive sights in Germany. Nowhere is this truer than in the Rhine Valley, a popular tourist area extending from Koblenz in the north all the way south to Mannheim.

Fortunately for those visiting Frankfurt, this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily accessible from the city, either by car, public transit, or riverboat.

A variety of cruise options are in fact available, from day trips taking in one or two key settlements and castles to longer overnight stays that allow greater opportunities to explore. One of the top places to visit along the Rhine is Worms, one of the country's oldest cities and famous for its 11th-century cathedral.

Mannheim is perhaps the easiest city to access from Frankfurt and is perfect for those wanting to catch just a glimpse of the Rhine. The best way to explore Mannheim is on foot, starting at the historic Marktplatz, with its Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), before heading over to Planken and the Kurpfalzstrasse for some shopping.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Rhine Valley

Highlights : Pretty day trip, driving from Frankfurt taking in historic towns and villages

Some 50 kilometers northeast of Frankfurt, on the southern fringe of the Vogelsberg, is the quaint little town of Büdingen. This fun day trip includes pleasant strolls along stretches of the old town's 15th-century walls and their round towers, as well as through the Marktplatz.

Here, you'll find the Late Gothic Old Town Hall, with its museum exhibits outlining the history and folk traditions of the region, its many old half-timbered buildings, and the 15th-century St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche).

Also of interest is the nearby village of Grossendorf , home to the Remigius-Kirche, one of the oldest churches in Germany, and the formidable Büdingen Castle (Schloss Büdingen). Now a charming hotel, this 13th-century fortress also boasts a number of handsome state apartments that have been preserved as a museum and can be visited, along with the castle's attractive Gothic chapel.

Highlights : Art Nouveau architecture housing museums, art galleries, and historic displays

Just 35 kilometers from Frankfurt, Darmstadt lies at the end of the Upper Rhine plain amid the foothills of the Odenwald and is the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Hesse. One of the top things to do here is to visit the Mathildenhöhe , where Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig established an artists' colony in 1899.

During your visit, you can admire the many Art Nouveau houses, browse art exhibitions, or climb the 48-meter-high Hochzeitsturm (Wedding Tower) for views over the town and its many pleasant gardens. Adjoining are the gilded towers of the Russian Chapel and, a short distance away, the Ernst-Ludwig-Haus, home to the German Academy of Language and Literature, as well as the Art Nouveau Museum.

Other Darmstadt highlights include the excellent Palace-Museum Darmstadt ( Schlossmuseum Darmstadt) with its fine collections of portraits, period furniture, and handicrafts. For more Darmstadt history, visit the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt with its artifacts, art galleries, and natural history exhibits.

Highlights : Curative thermal springs and baths, historic market square, Baroque palaces

Wiesbaden is another historic city that lies within easy reach. Just 35 minutes' drive due west of Frankfurt, the capital of the Land of Hesse is famous the world over for its excellent thermal springs, a big draw, particularly among Germans, for their curative nature and many health benefits.

A good place to begin exploring this historic city is the wide Marktplatz. From here, you can venture off in search of the many easy-to-find spas. Perhaps the best known is the beautiful Fountain Colonnade in Kurbezirk, near the imposing Kurhaus. Built in 1907, it's famous for its massive portico.

Next up is the Aukammtal spa district. Here, you'll find a number thermal baths and saunas, most open to the public and all worthy of a visit for their relaxing qualities. Also notable is the Kochbrunnen, with its 15 hot springs, and the Kaiser Friedrich Baths dating from 1913. Be sure to also climb up the 245-meter-tall Neroberg hill, notable for its Opel Baths.

And when you're done with all that pampering, head over to the nearby Biebrich Schloss. This superb Baroque palace was built in 1698.

Highlights : Spectacular scenic river setting where the Rhine and Moselle meet

The city of Koblenz, just 90-minutes' drive northwest of Frankfurt, offers much for the day tripper to enjoy. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame is the fact that it lies at the junction of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, a point nicknamed the German Corner , or Deutsches Eck.

Here, you can stand and watch these two mighty rivers converge, and enjoy an up-close view of the 37-meter-tall Monument to Emperor Wilhelm I. The city, in fact, straddles both banks of these two rivers, and a great way to see the area is via a fun river cruise.

Other highlights include the massive Ehrenbreitstein fortress dominating the right bank of the Rhine and accessible by cable car. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the fort's battlements, as well as its museums.

Of particular interest here is the State Museum of Koblenz, home to many interesting displays and historic collections. They also offer unique Baroque-style dining package, as well as music and theatrical productions.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Koblenz

Highlights : Shopping experiences in German-themed mall with restaurants and entertainment

For those wanting to get some exercise while satiating their urge to get in some quality shopping, a visit to Wertheim Village may be just the ticket. An easy hour's drive east of Frankfurt, this popular outdoor outlet mall was designed in the style of a classic German medieval town and features some of the world's leading fashion and retail brands, often at greatly discounted prices.

All told, Wertheim Village features over 110 stores, ensuring even diehard shoppers and bargain hunters will find something worth taking home. You can easily spend a half-day here — longer if you stop for lunch or dinner. In addition to full-service restaurants, there are a number of great coffee shops on-site, including our favorite, the Lindt Café (yes, it's owned by the chocolate makers).

Address: Almosenberg, 97877 Wertheim, Germany

Highlights : Full-day guided tour, historic cathedral tour, shopping

The beautiful cathedral city of Cologne (Köln) makes for an excellent day trip destination.

There's a lot to see here, so a great way to cram in as much as you can while still having a fun time is to join an organized Cologne day trip from Frankfurt tour. These full-day excursions include the services of a professional guide as well as comfortable transportation aboard a deluxe double-decker tour bus.

Along the way, you'll tour the city's famous cathedral and spend time exploring the old market square and historic Cologne City Hall. On the return journey, you'll also stop in the town of Limburg for some additional sightseeing and shopping.

Pick-up and drop-off are at the entrance of the Le Meridien Hotel, a centrally located property that also serves as a great base from which to explore Frankfurt.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Cologne

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Best of Bavaria : While planning your Germany travel itinerary, you may want to consider visiting other popular destinations in Bavaria besides Frankfurt. The state capital of Bavaria, Munich should definitely be on your list of top places to visit in Bavaria, and includes popular attractions such as its cathedral; the Frauenkirche; and its old palace, the Residenz. The city of Nuremberg is also worth including, in particular for its old town area with its remarkable medieval-era walls.

Germany's Great Outdoors : Some of Germany's most dramatic scenery — and it's top outdoor adventures — can be enjoyed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen , a mountainous area of the Bavarian Alps that's popular with skiers and hikers alike. Pretty Lake Constance is another area of outstanding natural beauty and can be circumnavigated on foot thanks to its first-rate trail network. Also worth visiting is the stunning scenery along the Mosel Valley , which in places matches the beauty of the Rhine Valley.

Germany Travel Ideas : Travelers to the German capital of Berlin could easily expect to spend at least a few days exploring its many tourist attractions , including such iconic structures as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. The port of Hamburg is another must-visit, especially if you're traveling with kids; they'll want to spend hours at the fascinating Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest train set. Cologne (or Köln) is another big city to explore, boasting a spectacular cathedral and a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly market square.

More on Germany

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• 8 Tranquil Places To Visit Near Frankfurt For A Sweet Weekend Getaway In 2024

11 Nov 2021

Pretty much anywhere you travel in Europe, the drive will always be a scenic one. It is because the continent is a cluster of such good places that make the traveler in you just wee over it. But if one wants to traverse the road not taken then also they can land in such amazing places that are hard to forget. Frankfurt is situated at the core of Germany and proves to be an excellent jump-off point to discover new locales. Whether you hitchhike or rent a cab, the never-ending list of places to visit near Frankfurt makes it brings many possibilities.

8 Best Places To Visit Near Frankfurt, Germany

The colorful metropolis is home to many such wonderful places but what steals the show are the nearby areas. So are you ready to hit the road? Here’s our list that comprises of amazing places to visit around Frankfurt.

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We all have been a fan of fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers. Indeed there is not a single kid in the entire world who must not have heard about them. The town of Hanau is situated at the confluence of Kingzig and the Main Rivers, just 20 km east of Frankfurt. The town is the birthplace of the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm who later composed the famous fairy tales. The town celebrates the Brothers Grimm festival every year, quite popular with the locales. It is an extravagantly beautiful adventure to rediscover one’s childhood.

Best time to visit: July-August, December-January Must-visit places in Hanau: Hanau Historical Museum, Goldsmith House How to reach Hanau: The place is well connected by the Frankfurt airport and Eurail.

Must Read: 7 Villas In Germany For A Luxurious Holiday In Europe You’ve Always Dreamed Of

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2. BurgEltz

While talking about fairy tales, here is another of the prime locations near Frankfurt which has strokes of literary beauty to it. The medieval castle of BurgEltz looks like it has been picked out of a story. Sequestered between hills that give a vibrant touch of green and the Eltz valley, the castle takes you back to the 12th Century. Some of the rooms in the castle are opened to the public where one can see the furnishing and frescoes. One of the places to visit near Frankfurt, one can dive into the charm of this romantic castle.

Best time to visit: May-October Must-visit places in BurgEltz: Trutzeltz castle ruins, Eltz forest, Eltzbach valley How to reach BurgEltz: The place is well connected by buses and taxis from Frankfurt.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Berlin Churches To Get Closer To Your Inner Self In The Enchanting Capital Of Germany

Just about 2 hours away to the west of Frankfurt lies the picturesque town of Cochem. The town is postcard-perfect with the view of half-timbered houses that give a vibe of authenticity. Located in the Mosel-River valley, there is more to this hamlet than meets the eye. For thrill-seekers, the most adequate location is the Pinnerkreuz Mountain where one can indulge in a little bit of trekking.

Best time to visit: Late June to late August Must-visit places in Cochem: Schloss Reichsburg castle, Pinnerkreuz Mountain How to reach Cochem: The place is connected by trains and taxis and with Frankfurt airport.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Hamburg For A Glimpse Of Germany’s Historic Charm

4. MichelStadt

For everyone who loves to experience the old charm of Germany, this place is a one-stop destination. Michelstadt is a picturesque medieval town situated in the southern part of Hesse. Also, consider a treasure chest filled with gems the town is much more prettier in December as it hosts the magical Christmas Market. Another most significant location in the town is the timber-framed townhall that stands intact till today.

Best time to visit: December Must-visit places in Michelstadt: Kellerei castle complex, Synagogue, and Jewish museum. How to reach the Michelstadt: The place is well connected by the airport through bus, taxi, train and town car.

Suggested Read: 5 Waterfalls In Germany To Witness The Charismatic Beauty Of Nature

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5. Strasbourg

The beauty of driving through Germany is that one can gawk at the splendid locations on the way. Just by a drive of 2 hours, one can straightaway cross the border of France to unveil a new destination, Strasbourg. As already mentioned the town is tucked away on an international border and thus presents a blend of culture. It is definitely one of the places to visit near Frankfurt to get a taste of both German and French hospitality.

Best time to visit: June-August, September-November Must-visit places in Strasbourg: Cathedral-Notre-Dame How to reach the Strasbourg: The place is well connected by the airport through bus, taxi, train and town car.

Suggested Read: Germany Nightlife: An Ultimate Guide To Experience A Kaleidoscope Of Drinks And Music

6. Baden-Baden

This beautiful escapade lies opposite to the location of Strasbourg. It is a 90 min drive from Frankfurt. Baden-Baden is famous for its therapeutic waters, hot thermal springs and Roman baths are favorite among the travelers for a quick rejuvenation. Baden-Baden also forms a gateway to the black forest which has numerous stories and legends attached to it. The forest is laden with hiking paths, winter sports activities which will keep you engaged. Get refreshed with one of these ideal places to visit near Frankfurt.

Best time to visit: June-August Must-visit places: The surrounding Black Forest How to reach Baden-Baden: The place is well connected by Frankfurt Airport, from where one can easily get a train, taxi, or bus.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Museums In Germany That’ll Give You A True Glimpse Of The Country’s Historic Past

An easy and accessible spot for exploring in a single day, the city of Mainz is located 45 mins away from Frankfurt. A rewarding trip for visitors as the city holds a legacy of 2,000 years. Best hotspot for History buffs, the city is one of the best places to visit near Frankfurt. It’s ideal for families with kids as well as youngsters who want to explore this town and its nightlife. It can be covered in a one day trip.

Best time to visit: August-November Must-visit places in Heidelberg: Gutenberg Museum, Fachwerkhäuser How to reach Heidelberg: The place is well connected through Frankfurt airport and can be reached by bus, cab, and train.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Germany: A Look At The 10 Best Shopping Boulevards, Flea Markets & More

8. Heidelberg

A romantic getaway which is one hour drive from Frankfurt. The city is famous for its unspoiled medieval charm and pleasant climate. The pedestrian downed streets make it easy to explore on foot. If you are looking for a secluded and offbeat destination in Germany for a romantic getaway or even a honeymoon, you should consider heading to the charming natural surroundings of Heidelberg, one of the best places to visit near Frankfurt.

Best time to visit: April-May, August-September Must-visit places in Heidelberg: Universitat Platz, Heiliggeistkirche church, Bibliotheca Palatina Library How to reach Heidelberg: The place is well connected by Frankfurt trains and public transport.

Further Read: 10 Top Adventure Places In Germany That’ll Leave You Spoilt For Choice

The wonderful aura that surrounds these locales is well worth a trip. Germany is full of such diverse and rich destinations which are hard to miss. Immerse yourself in one of these places to visit near Frankfurt where you can weave memories with your loved ones to stay with you for a lifetime!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Frankfurt

What are the other places to visit in Frankfurt?

Apart from the above-mentioned locales, there are a handful of places that can be explored in Frankfurt like Rhine Valley, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Cologne, Dortmund, and Wuppertal.

How many days are needed to cover these places near Frankfurt?

While Frankfurt itself needs 5-6 days, you can cover each of these charming places neary in a day’s trip (individually).

Do they speak in English in Frankfurt?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Frankfurt as well as all the above mentioned places near it.

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Discovering Deutschland: The Best Places to Visit in Germany

I f you've ever dreamed of exploring grand castles, basking in rich culture and history, or indulging in some of the world's best beer, Germany is the place to be . With a myriad of breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and quaint towns, it's a place where old-world charm meets modern elegance.

• Germany, Europe's second most visited country, has a unique blend of historical wonders and modern innovation.
• The country is renowned for iconic sites such as Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• From the lively atmosphere of Berlin to the romantic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, Germany offers a varied travel experience.

Beholding the Magnificence of Berlin

Berlin, the country's capital, is a city of rich history and vibrant life. Don't miss the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall's remnants, a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Meanwhile, the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing five world-renowned museums. It's truly a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.

Bavaria: Castles, Beer, and Beautiful Landscapes

Bavaria is Germany's picture-perfect region. Here, you'll find the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a rugged hill, overlooking the serene Hohenschwangau valley. Bavaria is also home to Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. A journey along the Romantic Road is a must-do, showcasing medieval towns and pristine countryside.

The Romantic Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley, with its steep vineyards, ancient castles, and charming towns, is postcard-perfect. A river cruise on the Rhine is the best way to soak in the beauty of this region. Don't forget to sample the local Riesling wine!

Heidelberg: A Blend of Romance and Academia

Heidelberg is a quintessential university town, renowned for its baroque architecture and romantic setting. The Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Old Town and the Neckar River, is a sight to behold. Wander around the Old Town, with its narrow lanes and historic buildings, for a leisurely day.

Maritime Charm of Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's gateway to the world, is a city of canals, bridges, and elaborate buildings. The Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall, and the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district are among the must-see sites in the city.

Germany, with its mesmerizing blend of old and new, is sure to leave you enchanted. As American travel writer Rick Steves says, ""Germany is a beautiful combination of deep history and modern innovation, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient castles, picturesque villages , and bustling cities."" Pack your bags, and let Germany weave its magic on you!

Black Forest: Germany's Enchanted Woodland

For nature enthusiasts, the Black Forest is a paradise. The region offers some of the best hiking trails in Germany, winding through dark fir forests, serene lakes, and charming villages. Don't miss the chance to visit the Triberg Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany, or the quaint town of Baden-Baden, famous for its thermal spas.

Leipzig: City of Music and Art

Leipzig, often known as 'the new Berlin', is a buzzing city with a thriving arts scene. It's famed for its musical heritage - as the city where Johann Sebastian Bach spent a large part of his life and where Felix Mendelssohn established Germany's first musical conservatoire. The city is also home to Spinnerei, a former cotton mill turned art hub, where artists create, exhibit, and sell their works.

Nuremberg: Stepping Back in Time

Nuremberg, a city steeped in history, offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany's past. Visit the Nuremberg Castle, a symbol of the city, and explore the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and gothic churches. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a museum on the site of former Nazi party rallies, provides insight into one of the darkest times in human history.

Frankfurt: The Manhattan of Germany

Frankfurt, known for its impressive skyline, is a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer. The city is the financial heart of Germany, hosting the European Central Bank. Don't miss the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden, or the Städel Museum, one of Germany's preeminent art institutions. And for a taste of traditional Frankfurt, visit the cider taverns in the Sachsenhausen district.

German Cuisine: Beyond Bratwurst and Beer

German cuisine is hearty and diverse, with each region having its specialties. Try bratwurst, a type of German sausage, or pretzels in Bavaria, Sauerbraten (pot roast) in Rhineland, and fresh seafood dishes in the northern regions. Don't forget to taste German beer and wine - with over 1,300 breweries and vineyards along the Mosel and Rhine river, there's plenty to sample!

Kevin Erickson, your experienced travel guide, hopes that this journey through the captivating landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique culture of Germany inspires you to pack your bags and explore the country yourself. Remember, the best travel experiences often come from veering off the beaten path and making your unique journey.

What is the best time to visit Germany?

Germany can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your activities. For sightseeing and city tours, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, while winter is perfect for Christmas markets and skiing.

What are some must-try foods in Germany?

Bratwurst, pretzels, Sauerbraten, and currywurst are must-try dishes. Don't miss the local beers and wines, and try a piece of Black Forest Gateau in its place of origin!

Is Germany expensive to visit?

Germany is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Costs can vary depending on the region and the type of travel experience you prefer.

Do I need to know German to travel in Germany?

While it's always helpful to know a few phrases in the local language, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Germany.

What are some local customs I should be aware of?

Germans value punctuality, so be on time for any appointments. When eating, it's polite to say 'Guten Appetit' before starting. Always use formal addresses ('Sie' in German) unless invited to use the informal 'du'.

• German National Tourist Board
• Rick Steves' Europe
• Official Website of Neuschwanstein Castle

UEFA EURO 2024 Trophy Tour continues through Germany

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Article summary

The Henri Delaunay Cup is making its way through Germany ahead of UEFA EURO 2024, and fans in the host cities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen have now seen the iconic trophy up close.

Article top media content

Article body

We’re just seven weeks away from the start of UEFA EURO 2024, and the festivities have already started in Germany as the Trophy Tour has been continuing to make its way through the ten host cities.

The event kicked off in Stuttgart on 22 March and has since been to Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, with fans across western Germany getting the chance to see the iconic Henri Delaunay trophy and meet some special guests.

Excitement builds across the country

The second stop on the Trophy Tour was Frankfurt, where the silverware embarked on a photo tour through the city, including Frankfurt Arena, which will host five matches at UEFA EURO 2024.

The trophy was then put on display at the MyZeil shopping centre, where tournament ambassador Célia Šašić was in attendance alongside Host City ambassador and former Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Alexander Meier, who signed autographs for fans before taking part in a Q&A session with other local guests. Meanwhile, 11-time table football world champion Chris Marks showed off his skills, with two more tables available for fans to use.

The Tour then moved onto Cologne, which will also host five EURO 2024 matches. Tournament director Philipp Lahm accompanied the trophy on a photo tour ending at the German Sports & Olympic Museum, where fans were able to take pictures with the cup. Lahm then took part in a talk with Mayor Henriette Reker and Host City ambassador Toni Schumacher, who won the 1980 UEFA European Championship with West Germany.

In Düsseldorf, Lahm met Host City ambassadors Sandra Mikolaschek, a two-time Paralympian in para table tennis, and Selin Oruz, Olympic bronze medallist in hockey, following a photo tour taking in the sights of the city and inviting local football clubs to join in the fun. The Merkur-Spiel Arena will stage five EURO 2024 games, including the third quarter-final on Saturday 6 July.

The next stop was Dortmund, where fans were treated to an afternoon of fun family-friendly activities at Friedensplatz, including football-themed games and plenty of food and drink options. The trophy was paraded through the city, with stops including the German Football Museum and BVB Stadion, which will host six EURO 2024 matches, culminating in the second semi-final on Wednesday 10 July.

The trophy then made the short trip to Gelsenkirchen and the Arena AufSchalke, where four EURO 2024 matches are scheduled to take place. It was greeted at the stadium by Host City ambassador, 43-cap Germany forward and Schalke 04 legend Gerald Asamoah. Along with former teammate Émile Mpenza, Asamoah took part in a penalty shootout challenge before watching a tournament for local youth teams with mascot Albärt. Schalke players were also in attendance and signed autographs for the children, who could take photos with the trophy.

The Trophy Tour’s final stops

The UEFA EURO 2024 Trophy Tour now heads to the capital Berlin before making its last three stops in Leipzig, Hamburg and Munich, where it ends on 14 May, exactly a month before the tournament kicks off.

Through its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy , UEFA EURO 2024 aims to be a reference point for sustainability in the world of sports, and a driving force for sustainable development in Germany and beyond. The Trophy Tour is playing an important role by bringing the festivities to supporters across Germany, while fostering ties with local organisations and supporting grassroots football.

Keep up to date with all the latest UEFA EURO 2024 news .