This guide to the best things to do in Frankfurt is perfect for those eager to explore Germany’s financial powerhouse.
Known for it's towering skyscrapers, international business presence, and diverse culture, Frankfurt offers much more for curious travelers.
The city is also home to some of Europe’s largest museums, including one that showcases Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Plan a truly unforgettable trip with our list of Frankfurt’s must-see attractions!
1. St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral
Great for: History
St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral is a stunning Gothic stone, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It houses impressive relics and sculptures, including St. Bartholomew’s skullcap, a 16th-century Crucifixion statue by Hans Backoffen, and the gravestone of King Günther von Schwarzburg. The cathedral’s towering 95-meter-high spire offers spectacular views of the city after climbing 324 steps. Please note, there’s an entry fee of around €3 for the tower, and it’s open only between April and October.
2. Goethe House
Great for: History
The Goethe House is the restored residence of Johann Wolfgang Goethe, one of Germany's most celebrated authors. The 17th-century building spans four floors, each showcasing original artifacts, furniture, and family portraits from Goethe's early years. His personal writing studio, where he penned his famous novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, is located on the first floor. Additionally, the museum features 14 rooms displaying busts, paintings, and other works dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
3. Römerberg Square
Great for: History, Photography
Römerberg is a charming, open square in Frankfurt’s Old Town, featuring picturesque buildings and statues that date back to the 15th century. This pedestrian-friendly space is perfect for exploring and capturing stunning photos of historical landmarks. Another highlight is the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen (Fountain of Justice), built in 1543, which stands proudly in the square, depicting the goddess Justitia holding the scales of justice.
4. Berger Straße
Great for: Shopping
Berger Street (Berger Straße) stretches 3 km from Bethmannpark to Bornheim. The lower part of the street, around Merianplatz metro station, is known for it's independent boutiques, unique homeware stores, second-hand shops, and a genuine local vibe. Along the street, you'll also find plenty of cafes, bar, and restaurants, but if you’re in the mood for a lively night out, head toward the Höhenstraße metro station area.
5. Kleinmarkthalle
Great for: Food
Kleinmarkthalle is an indoor market offering fresh produce and a taste of local life. Located on Hasengasse Street, it features over 60 stalls selling local delicacies like sausages, cheeses, and fresh produce. You’ll also find international food items from Europe and Asia. The ground floor houses a spacious dining area where you can enjoy grilled seafood, sandwiches, bratwursts, and currywursts. Be sure to carry cash, as most vendors don’t accept credit cards.
6. Palm Garden (Palmengarten)
Great for: Budget, Couples, Families
The Palm Garden is a vast botanical garden in the heart of Frankfurt, covering 54 acres of winding paths, greenhouses, and colorful gardens. The garden hosts educational talks, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year, with the most popular event being the Rose and Light Festival in June. This magical evening features the garden illuminated by tea lights, candles, and lanterns, live music, dance performances, and a stunning fireworks display.
7. Städel Art Museum
Great for: History
The Städel Art Museum offers an exceptional collection of European art, spanning over 700 years. Founded in 1815, the museum houses 3,100 works, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Picasso, and Goya. From the early 14th century to contemporary art, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
8. Frankfurt Main Tower
Great for: Food, Luxury
The Frankfurt Main Tower, a 56-story skyscraper, offers stunning panoramic views of the city from it's open-air observation deck. Completed in 1999, the tower is home to various offices and businesses, but its observation deck is a popular tourist attraction. If the observation deck is closed due to weather, head to the 53rd floor where you can enjoy a meal with a spectacular view at the Main Tower Restaurant.
9. Senckenberg Natural History Museum
Great for: Families, History
The Senckenberg Natural History Museum is home to Europe's largest collection of dinosaur fossils and replicas. Located in the beautiful Senckenberg Gardens, this three-story museum, founded in 1821, is one of Frankfurt's top attractions, particularly for families with young children. A standout exhibit is the Messel Pit fossil site, Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing fossils of ancient creatures like horses, turtles, and frogs that are over 50 million years old.
10. Alte Oper
Great for: Couples, History, Photography
Alte Oper (Old Opera House) is a stunning architectural gem in Frankfurt’s Innenstadt. Originally built in the 19th century, the opera house was destroyed in 1944 but was beautifully rebuilt and reopened in the 1980s as a concert hall. While it's a popular venue for classical music and opera performances today, the building itself is worth a visit for it's grandeur and historical significance.
TOP 25 Things To Do In Frankfurt 🇩🇪 Travel Guide
The video by Alice & Lucas Travel
