Frankfurt - Do & See

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Frankfurt

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2025-10-08

Frankfurt am Main, the bustling metropolis in the heart of Europe, is known for its unusual contrasts: historical attractions, as the Römerberg with its half-timbered houses, the Emperors' Cathedral or St Paul's Church, are just a stone's throw away from the unique skyline, extraordinary cultural offers, a real shopping eldorado and numerous events throughout the year, which make Frankfurt the perfect destination for an exciting city break.

Alt-Sachsenhausen

Alt-Sachsenhausen

Alt-Sachsenhausen is a historic district in Frankfurt, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. No sojourn in Frankfurt is complete without a quick visit to one of the apple wine taverns (Apfelweinwirtschaften) for a glass of the renowned Frankfurt Ebbelwei.

Goethe House

Goethe House

Goethe House is the birthplace and childhood home of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born in 1749. Step inside to see the poet's study on the third floor, where Goethe wrote early works, including The Sorrows of Young Werther and began Faust.

Alte Oper

Alte Oper

Alte Oper is a historic concert hall in Frankfurt, originally built in 1880 and rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. Explore the restored facade and forecourt, then head up to the third-floor restaurant and bar for a drink or meal on the terrace with views of the city.

Main Tower

Main Tower

Main Tower is a 200-metre skyscraper with a public observation platform. Head up to the rooftop for panoramic views of Frankfurt and the surrounding region, especially beautiful as the sun sets over the city.

Städel Museum

Städel Museum

Städel Museum is one of Germany’s oldest art foundations, with a collection that spans seven centuries. Inside you’ll find works by artists such as Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Van Eyck, and Botticelli. The completion of the Städel's underground extension is one of the most important events in the art institute's long and celebrated history. The groundbreaking architecture of the new hall is a must-see for visitors to Frankfurt.

Round-Trip-Cruises with KD

Round-Trip-Cruises with KD

A round-trip cruise with KD is one of the best ways to take in Frankfurt’s skyline from the water. The one-hour route along the Main River passes landmarks like the Römer, the Museum Embankment and St Paul’s Church, with commentary about the city’s past and present.

Applewine Express (Ebbelwei-Express)

Applewine Express (Ebbelwei-Express)

For a fun way to see Frankfurt, hop on the Ebbelwei-Express, a vintage tram that rattles through the city on weekends and public holidays. On board, passengers are served apple wine (or juice) and a bag of pretzels while local music plays in the background. The hour-long ride takes in many of Frankfurt’s main sights, and tickets are sold by the conductor. You can board at any of the tram stops along the route, but the ticket covers one full loop without hopping off and back on again.

Römerberg

Römerberg

Römerberg is the medieval square at the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town. Destroyed in World War II and later rebuilt, it’s now a popular place to wander among reconstructed houses and historic landmarks. At its centre stands the Fountain of Justice, with a statue of Justitia holding the scales, while the Römer, Frankfurt’s city hall for more than 600 years, remains the square’s most recognisable building. Hopefully, your timing is right and you will get to witness one of the public festivals that are held here.

Saint Paul's Church (Paulskirche)

Saint Paul's Church (Paulskirche)

Saint Paul’s Church (Paulskirche) was consecrated in 1833 and hosted Germany’s first national assembly in 1848, which helped shape the country’s modern constitution. Visitors can see the historic interior and sometimes attend political or cultural events held in the building.

Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo

Frankfurt Zoo is home to around 4,500 animals across 500 species from around the world, including African mammals and the colourful wildlife of Madagascar. Wander through the different habitats, and check the schedule for special exhibits, themed tours, or seasonal events.

Lohrberg

Lohrberg

Lohrberg is a hillside park with wide views over Frankfurt’s skyline. It’s a popular spot for walks, sports, or a summer barbecue. The MainÄppelHaus on the grounds offers a look into local gardening and agriculture, with a focus on the region’s apple-growing tradition.

Eiserner Steg

Eiserner Steg

Eiserner Steg is a pedestrian bridge from 1869 linking central Frankfurt with Sachsenhausen. Pause halfway to take in the views of the river Main and the city skyline, and don’t forget the camera for a classic Frankfurt shot.

The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer)

The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer)

The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) lines the south bank of the Main River with a string of museums covering everything from fine art and film to architecture, Jewish history and ancient sculpture. Highlights include the Städel Museum with its underground gallery, the German Film Museum, the Museum of Communication and the Jewish Museum. Each August, the embankment hosts the Museum Embankment Festival, one of Europe’s biggest cultural events, with late openings, live music and food stalls along the river.

Botanical Garden (Palmengarten)

Botanical Garden (Palmengarten)

Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s botanical garden, covering 20 hectares of parkland with greenhouses that recreate climates from around the world. Alongside the plant collections, the gardens often host exhibitions, concerts and seasonal events.

Dialog Museum

Dialog Museum

For a unique experience in Frankfurt, pay a visit to the Dialog Museum. It runs an exhibition called 'Dialogue in the Dark', where blind guides lead visitors through six rooms in complete darkness. Everyday scenes such as a walk in the park, a boat ride, or a visit to a bar are recreated, offering a powerful perspective on life without sight.

Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt Cathedral

Frankfurt Cathedral, with its 95-metre tower, dominates the city centre's skyline. Dedicated to St Bartholomew in 1239, it became the site of imperial coronations for the Holy Roman Empire, with ten kings crowned here between 1562 and 1792.

DomRömer Quarter

DomRömer Quarter

The DomRömer Quarter is Frankfurt’s “new old town”, rebuilt on the spot where the medieval streets once stood. Finished in 2018, it mixes careful reconstructions with new buildings that echo the originals. Wander between the narrow lanes for cafés, small shops and museums, and get a sense of what the city looked like before the war.

German Film Museum

German Film Museum

The German Film Museum is located on the Museum Embankment and dives into the magic of cinema from its earliest days to today’s digital world. You can try out early film devices, play with light and sound, and see how moving images come to life. Alongside the permanent displays, there are changing exhibitions and a small cinema that screens classics and rare films.

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