Safety Score
7.9/10
Currency
EUR
Language
German
Timezone
Europe/Madrid
About Frankfurt
Frankfurt, a central German city on the river Main, is a major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank. It's the birthplace of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose former home is now the Goethe House Museum. Like much of the city, it was damaged during World War II and later rebuilt. The reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town) is the site of Römerberg, a square that hosts an annual Christmas market
Best Time to Visit
Shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October), offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
Best Things to See & Do in Frankfurt
Main Tower
Frankfurt's only skyscraper with a public observation deck, offering 360-degree views from 200m up.
2026 visitors call the "wind-in-your-face" terrace exhilarating; reviewers recommend going 30 mins before sunset.
- +Best skyline views
- +Open-air terrace
- +Central location
- -Long security lines
- -Weather dependent
- -Expensive elevator fee
Römerberg
The historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring the Town Hall (Römer) and iconic half-timbered houses.
Reviewers love the 2026 "World Design Capital" light installations; it's the center of the city's Christmas and folk festivals.
- +Iconic architecture
- +Free to explore
- +Very photogenic
- -Extremely crowded
- -Very "touristy" cafes
- -Frequent events block access
Städel Museum
One of Germany’s most important art museums, featuring 700 years of European art history.
The 2026 "Digital Collection" expansion is a hit; visitors call the underground contemporary wing an architectural marvel.
- +World-class collection
- +Beautiful garden
- +Underground wing is cool
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Pricey tickets
- -Closed on Mondays
Palmengarten
A massive 22-hectare botanical garden featuring exotic plant houses and a 19th-century iron Palm House.
A "green oasis" in the city; 2026 visitors love the new "Flower and Butterfly" house and the rowing boats on the pond.
- +Stunning glasshouses
- +Very peaceful
- +Great for families
- -Far from the river
- -Palm House can be humid
- -Separate entry for some shows
Goethe House & Museum
The birthplace and family home of Germany’s most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Reviewers praise the 2026 "Deutsches Romantik-Museum" extension next door; it's an intimate look at 18th-century life.
- +Authentic interiors
- +Excellent audio guide
- +Romantic art museum attached
- -Lots of stairs
- -Timed entry slots
- -Can be quiet/stiff
Kleinmarkthalle
A legendary indoor market hall with 150+ stalls selling fresh food, regional specialties, and international treats.
The "heart of Frankfurt"; 2026 visitors recommend the "Best Worscht in Town" stall and the terrace wine on Saturdays.
- +Incredible food variety
- +Local atmosphere
- +Great for quick lunch
- -Closed on Sundays
- -Extremely busy on Saturdays
- -Hard to find seating
New Old Town (DomRömer)
A 2018-reconstructed quarter that brought the medieval "coronation path" back to life with 35 unique buildings.
Reviewers love the mix of modern and "old" styles; 2026 visitors enjoy the small boutiques and the "Stoltze-Museum."
- +Beautiful craftsmanship
- +Very walkable
- +Great photo ops
- -Can feel a bit "Disney"
- -Always crowded
- -Limited affordable dining
Senckenberg Natural History Museum
One of the largest natural history museums in Germany, famous for its massive dinosaur skeletons.
A "paradise for kids"; 2026 reviewers rave about the updated "Deep Sea" and "Human Evolution" exhibits.
- +Iconic dinosaur hall
- +Highly educational
- +Great for rainy days
- -Very busy on weekends
- -Can be noisy
- -Far from the Altstadt
Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge)
A 19th-century pedestrian footbridge covered in "love locks," connecting the city center to Sachsenhausen.
The best free photo spot in the city; 2026 visitors love the view of the skyscrapers reflecting in the Main River.
- +Iconic skyline views
- +Free and accessible
- +Romantic vibe
- -Can be very windy
- -Always crowded
- -Vandalism/Graffiti on locks
Alt-Sachsenhausen (Cider District)
A historic quarter known for its narrow alleys and traditional "Apfelwein" (cider) taverns.
The 2026 "Cider Culture" revival is in full swing; reviewers suggest "Zum Gemalten Haus" for the most authentic vibe.
- +Authentic local food
- +Great nightlife
- +Cheap cider
- -Can be rowdy/messy at night
- -Very touristy in parts
- -Some "rough" corners
Frankfurt Cathedral (Dom)
A 14th-century Gothic cathedral that served as the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors.
Reviewers recommend the 328-step climb to the top for a unique "middle-height" view of the new and old towns.
- +Deep imperial history
- +Stunning Gothic interior
- +Free to enter (church)
- -Tower climb is tiring
- -Limited hours during mass
- -Steps are narrow
Museum Embankment (Museumsufer)
A collection of 15+ museums lined up along both sides of the Main River.
Reviewers love the 2026 "Museumsufer Card"; the riverwalk between museums is considered the city's best stroll.
- +Concentrated culture
- +Beautiful river setting
- +Great summer festivals
- -Requires a lot of walking
- -Too many to see in one day
- -Can be expensive
Dialog Museum
An experiential museum where blind or visually impaired guides lead you through everyday settings in total darkness.
Reviewers call it "life-changing"; 2026 visitors praise the "Dark Bar" experience at the end of the tour.
- +Profoundly empathy-building
- +Unique sensory experience
- +Great for teens/adults
- -Must book in advance
- -Can be disorienting
- -Limited group sizes
German Film Museum (DFF)
An interactive museum dedicated to the history and technology of cinema, from magic lanterns to CGI.
A 2026 "must" for film buffs; reviewers love the "Green Screen" studio where you can put yourself in a movie.
- +Highly interactive
- +Great for all ages
- +Central location
- -Exhibits can be dark
- -Small cafe
- -Requires timed entry
St. Paul’s Church (Paungskirche)
The site of the first freely elected German parliament in 1848, now a symbol of German democracy.
2026 visitors appreciate the solemn atmosphere; reviewers note it's more of a memorial/museum than a church.
- +Important political history
- +Free entry
- +Central location
- -Very simple interior
- -Text-heavy exhibits
- -Can be dry for kids
Zeil Shopping Promenade
Frankfurt's main shopping street, featuring the futuristic MyZeil mall and its "canyon" glass facade.
A "consumer's heaven"; 2026 visitors love the "Foodtopia" floor in MyZeil for global street food with a view.
- +Huge variety of brands
- +Futuristic architecture
- +Always lively
- -Extremely crowded
- -Lots of chain stores
- -Can be noisy/chaotic
Frankfurt Zoo
Located in the city center, focusing on animal conservation and unique habitats like the nocturnal house.
Visitors love the "Grzimek House" where you can see nocturnal animals; 2026 reviews highlight the new penguin habitat.
- +Very central/accessible
- +Excellent nocturnal house
- +Good for small kids
- -Smaller than major city zoos
- -Construction in parts
- -Can be pricey
Schirn Kunsthalle
A leading exhibition hall for modern and contemporary art, located between the Römer and the Cathedral.
The 2026 "World Design" marquee exhibition is the city's top draw; reviewers love the bold, provocative themes.
- +Cutting-edge art
- +Prime location
- +Unique building design
- -No permanent collection
- -Art can be "weird"
- -Pricey for small size
Alte Oper (Old Opera House)
A grand Renaissance-style concert hall that was once the "most beautiful ruin in Germany."
Reviewers love the "Opernplatz" for coffee; 2026 visitors recommend checking for "Lunch Concerts" for a cheaper peek inside.
- +Stunning exterior
- +Great plaza atmosphere
- +World-class acoustics
- -Guided tours are rare
- -Interior is modern (post-war)
- -Expensive evening tickets
Berger Straße
A 3km long street in Bornheim filled with boutiques, traditional cider houses, and a local weekly market.
The "authentic Frankfurt"; 2026 visitors love the Wednesday/Saturday market and the lack of tourist crowds.
- +Local "village" feel
- +Great independent shops
- +Excellent food scene
- -Away from city center
- -Very long street to walk
- -Shops close early
Historical Museum Frankfurt
The city's "memory," featuring models of the old city and interactive look at Frankfurt’s evolution.
Visitors love the "Staufer" harbor excavations in the basement; 2026 reviews call it the best way to understand the city.
- +Excellent interactive tech
- +Great for kids
- +Stunning modern wing
- -Very large/time-consuming
- -Lots of reading
- -Can be expensive
Nizza Gardens
A micro-climate riverbank garden with Mediterranean plants like palm, lemon, and olive trees.
A "Mediterranean slice of Germany"; 2026 visitors love the "river-view benches" and the mild climate even in autumn.
- +Unique botanical mix
- +Free and beautiful
- +Great river views
- -Small area
- -Busy with joggers
- -Limited seating
Frankfurt City Forest (Stadtwald)
One of the largest inner-city forests in the world, featuring hiking trails and a "Goethe Tower."
The 2026 "Goethe Tower" views are a hit; reviewers love the "Waldspielpark" for kids and the quiet forest trails.
- +Massive/Great for nature
- +Free and green
- +Good for biking
- -Far from the center
- -Easy to get lost
- -Limited food options
Jewish Museum Frankfurt
Located in a former Rothschild palace, it tells the 800-year history of Jews in Frankfurt.
Reviewers call the "Open Space" and the library incredible; 2026 visitors find the modern extension very moving.
- +Profoundly educational
- +Beautiful architecture
- +Great vegan cafe
- -Intense subject matter
- -Security checks take time
- -Text-heavy
Höchst Old Town
A picturesque district with 16th-century timber-framed houses, a castle, and the St. Justin’s Church.
A "fairytale escape"; 2026 visitors recommend the ferry across the river for a perfect view of the castle walls.
- +Real medieval charm
- +Beautiful castle gardens
- +Quiet and romantic
- -15-min train ride away
- -Very quiet on weekdays
- -Few English signs
Things to Do in Frankfurt - Top 25 Attractions
Planning a trip to Frankfurt? Discover the 25 best things to do in Frankfurt, Germany . From iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets and outdoor adventures, our guide covers the top attractions and must-see sights that make Frankfurt one of the most popular destinations in Germany .
Top things to see in Frankfurt include Main Tower, Römerberg, Städel Museum and 2 more incredible sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into what makes Frankfurt special for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
Whether you're visiting Frankfurt for a weekend break or a longer stay, there are things to do for every type of traveller — cultural experiences, historic sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local food markets. Most visitors recommend spending at least 2–3 days to cover the main highlights of Frankfurt.
Browse the full list of Frankfurt attractions below, save your favourites, and build a personalised itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Our free Frankfurt travel guide is updated regularly so you always have the most current recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frankfurt
Frankfurt offers numerous iconic attractions. Our curated list includes top-rated landmarks, museums, and hidden gems. Browse our recommendations above to plan your perfect sightseeing itinerary.
To avoid long queues, visit popular attractions early in the morning or book skip-the-line tickets online. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Yes, Frankfurt has many free attractions including parks, historic neighborhoods, and sometimes free museum days. Check our tips section for money-saving advice.
Explore More of Frankfurt
About Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is known for Culture & Museums, Modern Skyline, Culinary Traditions, Literature & History, Historic Center, making it one of the most visited destinations in Germany . When planning your Frankfurt trip, note that the local language is German, the currency is EUR, the best time to visit is Shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October), offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.. Our free Frankfurt guide covers 25 things to do and must-see attractions, 25 top-rated restaurants, 25 recommended hotels and places to stay, all handpicked to help you travel smarter and make the most of every day.
