Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Frankfurt, Germany

Germany’s prominent financial hub is a city rich in diversity. The central business district, Bankenviertel, commands immediate attention with its impressive array of skyscrapers, housing all ten of the tallest buildings in the nation. In contrast, the opposite side reveals Museumsufer, a neighborhood filled with museums that can captivate and entertain for days.

Frankfurt also boasts a vibrant city center filled with notable landmarks, including the church that once hosted Germany’s inaugural democratic parliament and the childhood residence of the esteemed Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Beneath the silhouettes of skyscrapers lie lively neighborhoods like Sachsenhausen, where taverns serve the traditional Apfelwein, and where the nightlife thrives.

Let’s delve into the best things to do in Frankfurt:

1. Museumsufer

Located along both banks of the River Main, Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) features a collection of 12 museums primarily situated on the left bank (south side). Institutions covering film, art, architecture, communication, and ethnography are present, among others, and further details about several of these will be provided later.

This development dates back to the 1980s and 1990s, during which time some museums relocated into stately patrician houses while others were constructed in stunning architectural designs by renowned architects like O.M. Ungers and Richard Meier.

The Museumsuferfest occurs on the last weekend of August, offering extended hours, multi-passes, outdoor music and dance performances, alongside a two-day dragon boat race on the Main.

2. Städel Museum

Recognized as one of Germany’s premier cultural landmarks, the Städel Museum was honored as the German Museum of the Year following its contemporary art expansion in 2012. Established in 1815 through a donation of an invaluable collection of old masters by banker Johann Friedrich Städel, the museum has since evolved into a significant art institution.

The current structure, designed in a grand Gründerzeit style, opened in 1878 and showcases a magnificent array of paintings from the 1300s to modern times, including works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Hieronymus Bosch, Vermeer, and van Eyck. Additionally, later artistic movements such as Romanticism, Impressionism, and Expressionism feature works by Caspar David Friedrich, Degas, and Kirchner.

3. Main Tower

Among Frankfurt’s growing cluster of skyscrapers, the Main Tower stands out as the sole tower featuring a public viewing platform. Opened in 2000, this 200-meter building ranks as the fourth-tallest in both the city and Germany. The location also offers an unobstructed view over the Altstadt and the Main.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the observation deck remains open later (until 21:00 in winter and 23:00 in summer), allowing visitors to appreciate the city illuminated at night. Designed by Schweger und Meyer, the foyer features modern art installations, including a video piece by Bill Viola and a mosaic by Stephan Huber.

4. Goethe House and Museum

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German polymath, was born in a charming corbelled house at 23 Großer Hirschgraben in 1749. This medieval structure, which underwent a Rococo renovation just before Goethe’s family moved in, served as his home until he was 16. He returned frequently during his studies in Leipzig and Strasbourg.

During his residence, Goethe authored The Sorrows of Young Werther. Following wartime damage, the house has been restored to its original 18th-century appearance, and it is furnished with period artifacts, including an astronomical clock that belonged to a family friend. A museum dedicated to Romantic art is attached to the house, reflecting the themes of Goethe’s “Sturm und Drang” period.

5. Frankfurt Cathedral

Following the unification of Germany in the 19th century, Frankfurt Cathedral gained historical significance owing to its association with the Holy Roman Empire. Its construction began in the 1300s and continued into the 1400s in the Gothic style, with two significant reconstructions following a fire in 1867 and wartime destruction in the 1950s.

This former collegiate church was designated as a “cathedral” in 1562, where it became the site for the coronation of Holy Roman Kings. A total of ten kings were crowned here between 1562 and 1792, and the church also hosted imperial elections as early as 1356. Noteworthy elements include the 14th-century choir stalls, the Baroque Assumption Altar, and a 15th-century fresco depicting the life of Mary located in the southern transept.

6. Römerberg

The picturesque Römerberg square is surrounded by photogenic medieval houses, a church, and historically significant administrative buildings. The iconic Römer, a collection of three gabled buildings, has functioned as Frankfurt’s city hall since 1405. The adjacent “Goldener Schwan” building was incorporated when the council opted for existing structures over new construction.

In front of the Römer stands the Renaissance Fountain of Justice, established in 1543, while the 15th-century Old St Nicholas Church remains remarkably intact after the war. Numerous charming half-timbered houses lining the square offer terraces for bars and restaurants where visitors can savor Apfelwein and pretzels.

7. Palmengarten

Frankfurt’s botanical garden, inaugurated in 1871, spans 22 hectares and showcases plant species from around the globe within greenhouses and outdoor areas. The collections are organized by region, featuring a sub-Arctic pavilion, a tropicarium for rainforest species, and two separate structures for desert flora.

The garden includes historical elements from both the 1980s and older sections dating back to the 19th century, restored after the park returned to municipal management in the 1960s. Events and performances take place in the historic Festsaal, and the Jazz im Palmengarten festival has been celebrated since 1959, making it the world’s oldest outdoor jazz festival.

8. Eiserner Steg

Stretching across the River Main, connecting the city center with the Sachsenhausen district, the Eiserner Steg has a storied history since its completion in 1869. It has undergone two reconstructions, the first in 1912 for improved navigation and the second following its destruction during World War II.

Elegantly designed, the bridge reflects a sophisticated metal framework, and the optimal time for crossing is late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the nearby high-rise buildings in golden light. The Eiserner Steg has also become a canvas for love locks, affixed by couples on its various surfaces.

9. Mainkai

The Mainkai is a picturesque stretch of parkland on both banks of the Main, adorned with lawns, flowerbeds, and pollarded trees. During summer, families gather for picnics, while evenings bring lively crowds seeking relaxation over drinks.

The best photographic opportunities arise from the left bank, just east of Museumsufer, where the skyline is beautifully framed by the illuminated skyscrapers across the river during sunset or at night.

10. St Paul’s Church

Situated in Paulsplatz, St Paul’s Church holds enormous historical significance for both Frankfurt and Germany. Originally constructed as a Lutheran church in 1789, its circular design epitomizes the Protestant ethos of the time, ensuring every member of the congregation could hear the sermon.

In 1848, this layout enabled St Paul’s to serve as the seat for Germany’s first democratically elected parliament. While parliamentary meetings were short-lived, the church’s legacy as a symbol of freedom and the birthplace of German democracy remains intact.

11. Senckenberg Natural History Museum

For those with children enamored by dinosaurs, Germany’s second-largest natural history museum is a must-visit. Visitors are greeted by life-sized models of dinosaurs at the entrance, and the interior houses fossils of notable species such as triceratops, iguanodon, t-rex, diplodocus, parasaurolophus, and psittacosaurus.

Beyond the dinosaur exhibits, the museum also features an extensive catalog of animal specimens, including a quagga, an extinct species of zebra since the 1880s. Additionally, a cast of Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis, a close ancestor of modern humans, is on display.

12. Old Sachsenhausen

The district of Sachsenhausen once functioned as a separate village apart from Frankfurt, benefitting from the protection of the city’s grand ring of walls. Fertile land along the Main was cultivated for agriculture. However, during the Little Ice Age, temperature changes led to the decline of vineyards in favor of apple orchards, giving rise to establishments serving cider (Apfelwein) starting from the 18th century. A stroll across the Eisener Steg for a visit to Sachsenhausen’s cobblestone streets is a quintessential Frankfurt experience.

Stop by a local Apfelweinkneipe for a taste of cider and a plate of green sauce (more on that later!) in a vibrant neighborhood that buzzes with weekend nightlife.

13. Hauptwache

As Frankfurt’s geographical center and a vital transport hub, Hauptwache offers an authentic glimpse into daily life. The plaza, located at the western end of the Zeil shopping street, is filled with prominent retail chains and well-known German department stores like Karstadt.

At the heart of Hauptwache stands the structure that lends its name to the square. The Baroque Hauptwache building, constructed in 1730, originally served as barracks for the Stadtwehr militia at a time when Frankfurt operated as a free city-state. In the years since, its purpose has evolved from a prison and police station to a beloved café.

14. Schirn Kunsthalle

Prior to departing for Frankfurt, it is advisable to check the exhibition schedule at the Schirn Kunsthalle. Established in the 1980s, this venue serves as the primary location for temporary art exhibitions in the city and is recognized for its exceptional quality.

Part of an international network, the Kunsthalle collaborates with esteemed institutions such as the Pompidou Centre, Guggenheim Museum, New York’s MoMa, Moscow’s Hermitage, and Britain’s Tate Gallery. Noteworthy retrospectives have included works by Munch, Giacometti, Frida Kahlo, and Marc Chagall, among others, as well as exhibitions focusing on specific themes such as Matisse’s collages and the artistic landscape of Paris during the Belle Époque.

15. Berger Straße

While the Zeil shopping street focuses on chain stores and malls, Berger Straße has a distinctive character. Beginning at Bethmannpark on the eastern side of the Innenstadt, the street extends northeast for nearly three kilometers into the Bornheim neighborhood.

Closer to Frankfurt’s center, the lower portion of the street features family-owned shops and stylish boutiques, standing in stark contrast to the Bankenviertel. Interspersed between the stores are independent restaurants and unique bars, making this area one of the city’s prime spots for nightlife.

16. Deutsches Filmmuseum

The German Film Museum adopts a multifaceted approach to its subject matter. Exhibitions cover broad topics such as the technological origins and evolution of cinema, from its inception in 1895 through the introduction of sound in the 1930s, and into the 21st century.

For aspiring filmmakers, the museum elucidates how directors narrate stories through the medium of film. Additionally, there are regular in-depth exhibitions dedicated to prominent figures in film history, including Stanley Kubrick, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Romy Schneider. The museum also features a cinema that screens artistically significant films and classics, with silent movies accompanied by live performances on a Wurlitzer pipe organ.

17. Frankfurt Zoo

Established in 1858, Frankfurt Zoo is the second oldest in Germany and remains open year-round. Spanning 11 hectares, it provides a habitat for 4,500 animals from over 500 species. In keeping with the best zoos, the facility is in a constant state of improvement, having recently incorporated “Ukumari-Land,” a new area designed for Andean spectacled bears, characterized by its canyon-like feel.

With preservation as a guiding principle, the zoo actively participates in breeding programs for seven species. Visitors are encouraged to plan their day to coincide with various feeding times, offering opportunities to observe crocodiles, penguins, and seals up close.

18. Liebieghaus

Set along the riverfront within Museumsufer, Liebieghaus stands as a majestic 19th-century villa that features a sculpture museum. Commissioned by textile magnate Baron Von Libieg as a retirement residence in the 1890s, the property was later acquired by the city and transformed into a museum.

The museum houses a remarkable collection acquired by Frankfurt’s Städtische Galerie in the early 20th century, providing a comprehensive overview of over 5,000 years of sculptural art. The exhibits span ancient civilizations from Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, including an ancient Greek discus thrower and Gothic tomb fragments.

19. Grüneburgpark

Grüneburgpark is a beloved location for socializing, relaxation, and recreation, situated between Goethe University and Palmengarten. On pleasant weather days, the expansive lawns are filled with university students and families enjoying outdoor activities.

This 30-hectare English-style park, established in 1877, was originally part of the Rothschild estate. Before this, it was owned by banker Peter Heinrich von Bethmann Metzler, who hosted prominent figures such as Goethe and writer Bettina von Arnim. Look out for the Korean Garden, featuring two pagodas created for the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair.

20. Museum Angewandte Kunst

Frankfurt’s Museum of Applied Arts is housed in a stunning building designed by American architect Richard Meier. Created in the 1980s, the museum features bright, airy exhibition space inspired by Le Corbusier’s International Style, merging with the grounds of the Neoclassical Villa Metzler via a footbridge.

The museum exhibits European textiles, paintings, furniture, and porcelain from the 1100s to the 2000s, as well as exquisite artifacts from the Middle East, China, and Japan. Attention is focused on various historical periods and movements, including Baroque and Art Nouveau, with entire rooms in Villa Metzler designed to reflect specific styles.

21. Eschenheimer Turm

Much of Frankfurt’s monumental medieval wall has not survived into the 21st century; it was primarily dismantled in the early 1800s during modernization efforts. The ten-story Eschenheimer Turm, part of the northern fortifications, was likewise slated for demolition but ultimately preserved as a monument, contrary to the desires of French occupying forces.

Constructed in the early 15th century and designed by Madern Gerthener—who also contributed to the cathedral—it remains the only unaltered historical landmark in Frankfurt. Although visitors cannot enter unless dining at the high-end restaurant located within, the tower merits a visit simply to admire its historical significance.

22. Klassikstadt

A visit to Klassikstadt, an unforgettable classic car destination, necessitates taking an RB or RE train eastward to the industrial area near Frankfurt-Mainkur station. This venue, located within the ambiance of a former clinker brick factory, serves as a restoration workshop for privately owned luxury cars.

Visitors can observe skilled craftsmen and engineers at work as they service engines, repair instruments, and upholster leather fittings. The lineup of vehicles, including brands like Porsche, BMW, Jaguar, and Mercedes, is a genuine delight, with many cars kept in glass cases to ensure optimal humidity conditions. Klassikstadt also features dealerships for Aston Martin, McLaren, and Lamborghini—car enthusiasts might find their day suddenly filled with activity.

23. Green Sauce (Grüne Soße)

Although lacking in elegance, the traditional Hessian specialty known as green sauce should not be overlooked during a visit to Frankfurt, owing to its delightful flavor. This thick condiment, egg-based and tinted green, derives its color from seven fresh herbs: parsley, borage, chervil, chives, burnet, cress, and sorrel.

Green sauce is typically served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs and is reputed to have been Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s favorite dish, ensuring that those who indulge will be in esteemed company.

24. Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)

The ideal complement to green sauce is a glass of tart Apfelwein, which resembles cider despite its name. For over 250 years, Apfelwein has been the preferred beverage in Frankfurt’s taverns (Kneipen). True to traditional customs, it is presented in a Bembel, a stoneware pitcher featuring intricate patterns, and poured into a ribbed glass known as a Gerippte.

In addition, patrons receive a Deckelchen, a small wooden disc designed to shield their drink from insects. Its flavor profile is refreshing and slightly sour, cutting through the creaminess of green sauce. Those who develop an appreciation for Apfelwein may enjoy a tourist train that provides access to the best taverns during the summer months.

25. Kleinmarkthalle

Located adjacent to the Zeil shopping street, Kleinmarkthalle is a spacious indoor marketplace that balances the charm of a traditional fresh produce market with a cosmopolitan food experience. With 156 stalls operating daily except Sunday, it showcases the finest selection of cheese, meat, vegetables, fruits, pastries, and baked goods from the region.

Reflecting Frankfurt’s multicultural essence, the market also features numerous stalls offering Turkish, Spanish, and Italian specialties. A midday visit provides opportunities to indulge in tapas, panini, oysters, bratwurst, and much more from the bars situated above the main hall.