Top Free Attractions and Activities in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial hub of Europe, home to the German Stock Exchange, the European Central Bank, and gleaming skyscrapers. However, that doesn’t mean that a trip to Frankfurt will break the bank. Here are interesting sights and attractions in Frankfurt that won’t cost you a dime.

Frankfurt Stock Exchange

Set in a historic building from the 19th century (with the iconic Bear and Bull statues in front), the 400-year-old Deutsche Börse welcomes visitors to the daily business of money. Moreover, you can participate in guided tours and then watch the bustling trading floor of the third largest trading exchange in the world.

Don’t forget to make reservations (at least one day in advance) and bring your ID.

Römerberg

The Römerberg (“Roman Mountain”) is the historic heart of Frankfurt. Therefore, it is home to the City Hall (called Römer), which dates back to 1405. Flanked by half-timbered houses, this historic square used to be the site of Frankfurt’s first trade fairs in the 13th century.

Although most of the Römerberg was destroyed in the Second World War, the historical buildings in this square were reconstructed to their original splendor. While there, take a peek into the adjacent street, Saalgasse (across from the Historical Museum). The postmodern colorful houses create an interesting contrast to the reconstructed historical center.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt’s Gothic Dom St. Bartholomaus was erected in the 14th and 15th centuries and is one of the oldest and most significant churches in Frankfurt. Consequently, German kings have been elected here since 1356.

You can visit a museum, set in the medieval cloister, that shows exhibits from the cathedral’s treasury. If you are up for it, climb 324 stairs to the top of the church tower where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Frankfurt (note that the church tower is only open in summer).

Old Town of Höchst

Take a walk through Frankfurt’s Höchst neighborhood, located in the west of the city. It is set on the banks of the river Main, where you’ll discover the beautiful old town filled with half-timbered houses, city gates, towers, and winding medieval streets.

Highlights of the Höchst district include the Höchster Schloss (Höchst Castle), which was the former residence of the archbishop of Mainz, and the Baroque Bolongaro Palace with its royal park. If you are here in June and July, be sure to visit the annual Höchst Schlossfest with music and special events.

Free Museums

Every last Saturday of the month, admission to many of Frankfurt’s museums is free. During “Satourday,” museums and galleries offer guided tours, special events, and workshops for kids and families.

Find participating museums that offer free admission at the Satourday Family Program.

River Main and Museums Embankment

Take a stroll along the river Main, which runs through Frankfurt’s city center and is lined on both sides by some of the best museums in the country. This region is known as Museumsufer (Museum embankment), and on Saturday mornings, you can hunt here for treasures at Frankfurt’s largest flea market (until noon).

Waldspielpark

The Waldspielpark is an excellent destination for the whole family. It consists of a large adventure playground set in a wonderful park, complete with a shallow pool and a nature maze for young kids. You can even bring a grill to cook or play beach volleyball in the sand.

For adults, climbing the nearby Goetheturm, which was built in 1931, offers one of the highest wooden viewing towers in Germany. The view of the Frankfurt skyline from the top is breathtaking.

Paulskirche

Paulskirche or St. Paul’s Church, built between 1789 and 1833, is known as the cradle of German democracy. The church was a venue for political meetings and became the seat of the first freely elected German parliament in 1848.

Today, Paulskirche houses an exhibition dedicated to the history of democracy in Germany and is used for special events.

Spring Fair

Every spring, Frankfurt celebrates its annual spring fair, Dippemess. This festival is one of the largest spring folk festivals in the Rhine region.

The fair dates back to the 14th century when it was a medieval market for pottery, especially ceramic bowls and pots (known as “Dibbes” in the Frankfurt dialect). Nowadays, the spring fair is well recognized for its rides, roller coasters, and fireworks, making it a fantastic event for both young and old.