Frankfurt

What are the most recommended things to do in Frankfurt?

  • Visit Römerberg Square and the historic old town with its medieval architecture.
  • Explore the Main Tower for panoramic city views.
  • Walk along the River Main promenade and enjoy river cruises.
  • Visit Städel Museum, one of Germany’s most important art museums.
  • Discover the Palmengarten botanical garden.
  • Tour Goethe House, the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
  • Explore the modern financial district and the European Central Bank area.
  • Shop and dine along Zeil Street, Frankfurt’s main shopping street.
  • Visit museums at Museumsufer, a cluster of art and cultural museums by the river.
  • Attend seasonal events such as Christmas Market or Museumsuferfest.

Introducing Frankfurt

Frankfurt, officially known as Frankfurt am Main, is Germany's fifth-largest city and the largest in the state of Hesse. A major industrial, commercial, financial, and transportation center, Frankfurt is also one of the world's most important exhibition cities, with a nearly millennium-long history of hosting exhibitions.

Frankfurt University is one of Germany's top international universities, boasting the second-highest number of elite clusters in the country. According to the 2012 Global Graduate Employability Survey, Frankfurt University graduates ranked tenth in the world and first in Germany for employability. Frankfurt is a major center for industry, commerce, financial services, and transportation in Germany and Europe. The city boasts over 324 banks, hosts 85% of Germany's stock trading, and boasts Europe's largest international auto show. Frankfurt is a city where commerce and culture, tradition and modernity, dynamism and tranquility blend seamlessly.

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate oceanic climate, relatively humid in spring and autumn, hot in summer and cold in winter, with large temperature differences between summer and winter;

The best time to travel to Frankfurt is from late spring to early autumn, when the temperature is comfortable and suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Roman Forum

Built in the Middle Ages, the Römerberg square, located in the heart of Frankfurt's old city, is the only square in Frankfurt that still retains its medieval streetscape. To the south lies the Main River Bridge, to the west stands the City Hall, and 200 meters east stands the city's birthplace, Frankfurt Cathedral. Every Christmas, Römerberg is also the site of the Frankfurt Christmas Market.


Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt Cathedral is famous for being the site of the election of the Holy Roman Emperor, where ten emperors were crowned. Built in the 14th century, the Gothic-style cathedral has endured fires and bombings during World War II, undergoing numerous destruction and reconstruction. The treasury displays the magnificent robes worn by archbishops during their coronation ceremonies, a sight worth exploring.


Rhine River

The Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, is known as Frankfurt's mother river. The city's iconic Iron Bridge spans the river, connecting Frankfurt's old town on the south bank with the newer district on the north bank (also known as the Museum District). Many cruise ships operate on the river, and on a nice day, enjoying the scenery is a delightful experience. The riverside also boasts numerous museums worth visiting, and there are also flea markets on weekends.


It is recommended to visit for about 3 days


Most Popular FAQs for Frankfurt

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Frankfurt, located in central Germany, has been a major trade and financial center since the Middle Ages. It was a key site for imperial coronations and now hosts the European Central Bank, making it a hub of commerce, finance, and culture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Frankfurt is in the state of Hesse, Germany. It is accessible via Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest airport. Within the city, you can use U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (commuter train), trams, buses, taxis, or walk between central attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Museums generally open 10:00–18:00. Shops open 10:00–20:00. Best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May–September) for pleasant weather, or December for the Christmas Market.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Städel Museum: 16–20 EUR, tickets online or at entrance.
  • Palmengarten: 7–14 EUR, tickets available on-site or online.
  • Main Tower observation deck: 7–10 EUR, tickets online or at the tower.
  • Goethe House: 7–10 EUR, tickets on-site or online.
  • River cruises: 12–18 EUR, buy at docks or online.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular attractions like Städel Museum, Main Tower, and river cruises, booking 1–2 weeks ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 days are recommended to see main attractions, museums, and enjoy river walks or short excursions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Römerberg Square and Old Town
  • Main Tower observation deck
  • Städel Museum
  • Palmengarten
  • Goethe House
  • Museumsufer
  • River Main promenade
  • Zeil shopping street

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in German, English, and occasionally French or Spanish at major museums and attractions.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Main Tower observation deck for skyline views
  • Römerberg Square for historic architecture
  • River Main promenades and bridges
  • Skyline from Eiserner Steg pedestrian bridge
  • Palmengarten for botanical photography

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Römerberg Square, walk through Old Town, visit Goethe House, cross to Museumsufer for Städel Museum, take a river cruise, and finish at Main Tower for sunset views.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Evening river cruises with city lights.
  • Main Tower open for night skyline views.
  • Seasonal events like Museumsuferfest and Christmas Markets.
  • Special exhibitions at museums and cultural centers.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak crowds occur in summer and during Christmas Market season. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and early mornings provide quieter visits.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

All major attractions offer toilets, cafes, seating, and souvenir shops. Public areas along the river and shopping streets have accessible facilities.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most attractions and museums are wheelchair accessible. River cruises and parks are family-friendly. Some historic sites may have limited access to upper floors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; cash is optional but sometimes needed in smaller shops or market stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Local cuisine: Apfelwein taverns and Sachsenhausen area restaurants
  • International dining along Zeil Street and Hauptwache
  • Cafes in Old Town and Museumsufer
  • Fine dining: Villa Merton, Seven Swans
  • Food markets and casual eateries in riverfront areas

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, Frankfurt has abundant vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly restaurants throughout the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury: Jumeirah Frankfurt, Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof
  • Mid-range: Motel One Frankfurt-Römer, NH Collection Frankfurt City
  • Budget: MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt/Main Messe, A&O Frankfurt Galluswarte

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Königstein im Taunus and Rhine Valley
  • Heidelberg Castle
  • Wiesbaden and Mainz for day trips
  • Taunus Mountains for hiking

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, typical souvenirs include German chocolates, Apfelwein-related items, miniature Römer building replicas, and local crafts from Museumsufer shops.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Frankfurt has excellent rail connections across Germany and Europe, including ICE trains. Frankfurt Airport provides flights worldwide. Local S-Bahn and buses connect to neighboring cities and towns.

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