The 16 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt: Ultimate Guide to Germany’s Dynamic City
Discover Frankfurt’s cutting-edge skyline, cultural gems, and hidden corners with this essential city guide.
The 16 Best Things to Do in Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main, the metropolis at the center of Germany and Europe’s financial heart, pulses with a unique blend of towering skyscrapers and quaint medieval streets. While known for its business clout and futuristic architecture, Frankfurt surprises travelers with historic neighborhoods, eclectic eateries, lively cultural scenes, and idyllic riverside walks. Whether you’re coming for a layover or planning a dedicated trip, here’s your essential guide to the best things to do in Frankfurt, each revealing a fresh side of the Mainhattan.
1. See Frankfurt from the Highest Vantage Point at the Main Tower
The Main Tower defines the modern skyline and offers an unforgettable view over Frankfurt and the surrounding region. Standing 200m tall with 56 floors, this skyscraper is the only high-rise with a public observation platform, granting panoramic vistas from the heart of the Innenstadt. From here, you can gaze down on the glittering financial district, trace the bends of the River Main, and watch the red rooftops of the Altstadt nestle among glass towers. Whether you go by day for sweeping landscapes or at dusk for a twinkling city below, Main Tower puts the city’s contrasts on full display.
- Location: Neue Mainzer Straße 52-58
- Observation deck open most days, check for weather closures
- Don’t miss the artwork in the lobby!
2. Visit Frankfurter Goethe-Haus: Birthplace of a Literary Giant
A must for lovers of literature and history, the Frankfurter Goethe-Haus is the restored birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s most revered writer. Only the cellar survived WWII bombardments, but the house was meticulously reconstructed, recreating the interiors and furnishings of Goethe’s bourgeois childhood. Interactive exhibits and film projections immerse visitors in the writer’s life, and the adjacent Goethe-Museum features art from his era. Guided tours reveal even deeper stories about the poet and the home that shaped him.
- Address: Großer Hirschgraben 23-25
- Many exhibitions translated in English
- Plan on also visiting the Goethe-Museum next door
3. Dive into the Deutsches Romantik-Museum
A world-first, the striking Deutsches Romantik-Museum dives deep into the art, philosophy, and emotions of German Romanticism. Even if you’re not an art buff, the immersive installations are mesmerizing—especially the “Stairway to Heaven” staircase and audio chambers designed to help you experience the movement’s ideas viscerally. Don’t miss the superb views over Frankfurt from the top floor, or the miniatures gallery and paintings by Caspar David Friedrich. The museum is intentionally built in dialogue with the Frankfurter Goethe-Haus next door—so visit both for the full story of Germany’s creative golden age.
- Allocate half a day; lots of interactive exhibits
- Great for art lovers and anyone curious about the roots of modern creativity
4. Climb Kaiserdom Tower for Unbeatable Old Town Views
The majestic Kaiserdom (Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew) is an imposing red-sandstone landmark at the heart of the Altstadt. Known locally as Frankfurter Dom, it was once the site of imperial coronations. Climb its 328 steps to the viewing platform (66m up) for sweeping vistas over the city’s medieval core, the river, and the contemporary skyline. Inside, marvel at the vast Gothic nave and ornate altars. Nearby, explore the Dommuseum’s treasures or modern art at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt.
- Address: Domplatz 1
- Be prepared for a workout—the stairs are steep!
5. Shop and Snack at Kleinmarkthalle
Kleinmarkthalle is the bustling heart of Frankfurt’s food scene. This indoor market, beloved by locals, overflows with stalls selling artisan bread, spices, cheese, German sausages, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and international delicacies. Sip espresso at the busy coffee bar, enjoy a glass of local wine on the mezzanine terrace, or pick up picnic supplies for a riverside lunch. The buzz intensifies on Saturday mornings as both gourmands and everyday shoppers fill the aisles.
- Address: Hasengasse 5-7
- Don’t miss the upper-level wine bar
- Excellent for unique gifts and authentic Frankfurt flavors
6. Wander the Old Town (Altstadt) and Römerberg
Frankfurt’s Altstadt (Old Town), painstakingly restored after WWII, feels like a leap into the Middle Ages. Timber-framed houses encircle Römerberg, the city’s historic town square and public stage since the 9th century. The Römer, a complex of medieval buildings, serves as Frankfurt’s city hall—its distinctive stepped gables and coats of arms make it highly photogenic. Just steps away are the Old St Nicholas Church and the reconstructed New Old Town, a labyrinth of alleys dotted with boutiques and traditional taverns. Street performers, seasonal markets, and festivals keep this area lively all year.
- Highlights: Römer, St Nicholas, Fountain of Justice
- Ideal area for a walking tour and photos
7. Stroll the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
Frankfurt’s Museumsufer is one of Europe’s finest clusters of museums, stretching along the south bank of the River Main. Highlights include:
- Städel Museum: One of Germany’s top art museums, with masterpieces from old masters to contemporary art.
- German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum): Interactive journey through the history of cinema.
- Liebieghaus: Exquisite sculpture collections from antiquity to the modern era.
The Museum Embankment Festival in August transforms the riverbank into a vibrant avenue of open-air exhibitions and cultural activities.
8. Enjoy Apfelwein in Sachsenhausen’s Traditional Taverns
Frankfurt’s signature drink is Apfelwein (apple wine), best enjoyed in the rustic pubs and cider gardens of Sachsenhausen. This lively neighborhood south of the Main whisks visitors back with its cobbled lanes, timbered facades, and long communal tables. Timber-ceilinged taverns serve hearty Hesse dishes—don’t miss Handkäse mit Musik (cheese in onions and vinegar) or Frankfurter Rippchen (pork with sauerkraut). Sample apfelwein from classic clay “bembel” pitchers and let local musicians serenade you.
- Ask your server for tasting advice!
- Outdoor seating is especially festive in summer
9. Visit Palmengarten: Frankfurt’s Green Oasis
The Palmengarten botanical gardens offer a restful retreat amid palms, tropical flowers, and themed outdoor landscapes. Founded in the 19th century, the gardens are perfect for families, horticulture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking tranquility. Glass pavilions and lush outdoor spaces change with the seasons, from rose gardens in spring to festive lighting in winter. It’s a popular spot for picnics, open-air concerts, and photography.
- Address: Siesmayerstraße 61
- Family-friendly, with playgrounds and boat rides in summer
10. Relax Along the Main Riverbank
Frankfurt’s Mainufer (Main riverbanks) are the city’s recreational pulse. Locals flock to the broad waterfront pathways for cycling, jogging, and sunset strolls, with panoramic views of the skyline and oft-photographed bridges like the Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge). Grassy lawns host picnics and summer events, while pop-up bars and food stalls make riverside hangouts a favorite after-work tradition. Cross one of the pedestrian bridges to take in different perspectives on the city.
- Best spots: Between Holbeinsteg and Eiserner Steg bridges
- Evening and weekend scenes are lively with locals
11. Marvel at Städel Museum’s Art Treasures
The Städel Museum is Frankfurt’s artistic crown jewel. Founded in 1815, its collection spans 700 years—think Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Kirchner, Picasso, and beyond. Contemporary installations stand alongside Renaissance altarpieces and Impressionist canvases. The airy galleries are easy to navigate, and special exhibitions draw global crowds. If you only visit one museum, make it the Städel.
- Address: Schaumainkai 63
- Audio guides and summaries in English
12. Experience Frankfurt’s Multicultural Food Scene
The city’s international diversity is reflected in its food. Start at Kleinmarkthalle for local bites, then venture through neighborhoods like Bahnhofsviertel for Turkish, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Korean specialties. Luxurious bakeries, third-wave coffee shops, and concept restaurants line the central avenues, while weekly markets and food halls introduce new trends and emerging chefs every season.
- Top picks: Handkäse, green sauce, bratwurst, and international street food
13. Find Street Art and Hip Cafés in Bahnhofsviertel
Once a gritty nightlife zone, Bahnhofsviertel now vibrates with creative energy. Graffiti artists, concept bars, trendy boutiques, and African and Asian restaurants make this district between the central station and city center a must-see for anyone wanting to experience “new” Frankfurt. Look for locally owned coffee shops, such as Tumult Café, and colorful murals on nearly every corner. It’s edgy and authentic.
- Daytime: Fantastic for café-hopping and shopping
- Evening: Bars and clubs come to life
14. Take a Walking Tour: Themed Strolls for Every Interest
Frankfurt’s compact size makes it ideal for walking tours. Choose from themed strolls: architectural tours of the financial district, culinary walks through Alt-Sachsenhausen, or literary journeys tracing Goethe’s life. Official guides are available through the Frankfurt Tourist Information, but there are also self-guided routes. Don’t miss highlights like the Eschenheimer Turm medieval tower and the glassy MyZeil shopping arcade.
- Free city walking maps available at tourist offices
- Topics: History, cuisine, architecture, nightlife, and more
15. Unwind in the Stadtwald: Germany’s Largest Urban Forest
Experience nature minutes from the city center in the Frankfurter Stadtwald—Germany’s biggest city forest, covering 48 square kilometers. Shaded trails, peaceful ponds, and adventure playgrounds offer escapes for joggers, families, and cyclists alike. The forest is remarkable for nine lakes, six playgrounds, and a maze of trails. In autumn, the woods sparkle with fall foliage, while spring reveals flowering carpets.
- Easily accessible by tram
- Popular for families and runners
16. Discover the New Old Town: DomRömer Quarter
The recently reconstructed New Old Town or DomRömer Quarter is a triumph of restoration, blending historic facades with modern design. Built on medieval street plans, it’s a wonderland of pastel-hued townhouses, art galleries, boutique hotels, cafés, and small museums. Perfect for slow strolls, shopping, or enjoying a leisurely coffee, this quarter radiates the old-world charm so many visitors seek in European cities.
- Look out for: Goldenes Lämmchen, Rotes Haus, and Schirn Kunsthalle
- Special events and markets throughout the year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frankfurt
Q: What’s the best time to visit Frankfurt?
A: Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather, lively festivals, and fewer crowds, while December is magical for the Christmas markets.
Q: Is Frankfurt a walkable city?
A: Absolutely. The city center, Altstadt, and riverbanks are easy to explore on foot. Many major sights are within a 10-20 minute stroll of each other.
Q: Can you recommend local dishes to try?
A: Don’t miss frankfurter sausages, Handkäse mit Musik, green sauce (Grüne Soße), and apfelwein (apple wine). Kleinmarkthalle is perfect for tasting regional specialties.
Q: Are museums open on Mondays?
A: Most museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your visits for other days of the week to avoid disappointment.
Q: Which neighborhood is best for nightlife?
A: Sachsenhausen’s cider taverns and Bahnhofsviertel’s bars and clubs offer Frankfurt’s most vibrant nightlife scenes.
Insider Tips for Enjoying Frankfurt
- Purchase the Frankfurt Card for unlimited public transport and discounted entry to top attractions.
- For unique photos, climb the Main Tower around sunset or visit Fleming’s Club rooftop for cocktails with a city view.
- Reserve restaurants and guided tours ahead, especially during trade fairs and festival weeks.
- Try a river cruise for a relaxing sightseeing alternative.
