Frankfurt Travel Guide
Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, where a skyline of glass towers earns it the nickname Mainhattan, yet it hides a lovingly rebuilt medieval old town and a string of riverside museums. It is compact, efficient, and surprisingly green, making it an easy and rewarding city to explore between connections or on its own.
Frankfurt — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Romerberg & the Old Town (Altstadt)
The postcard-perfect central square is framed by the Romer city hall and rows of reconstructed half-timbered houses. It is the historic heart of Frankfurt and the site of the beloved Christmas market in winter.
Main Tower observation deck
One of the few skyscrapers in the financial district open to the public, offering a 200-metre-high panorama over the city and the river Main. There is a modest entry fee; go near sunset for the best light.
Museumsufer (Museum Embankment)
The south bank of the Main is lined with a remarkable cluster of museums, all within an easy stroll of one another. Even without going inside, the riverside promenade is a lovely place to walk or cycle.
Kaiserdom (Frankfurt Cathedral)
The Gothic imperial cathedral where Holy Roman Emperors were once crowned, with a tower you can climb for city views. Entry to the church is free, with a small charge for the tower ascent.
Palmengarten
A vast and beautifully kept botanical garden with tropical greenhouses, themed landscapes, and seasonal displays. It is a peaceful retreat with a small entry fee, ideal for families and plant lovers.
Sachsenhausen & Alt-Sachsenhausen
A characterful district across the river known for its cobbled lanes and traditional apple wine taverns. Come in the evening to join locals over a glass of Ebbelwoi and hearty regional food.
Kleinmarkthalle
A bustling indoor market hall packed with fresh produce, cheeses, sausages, and international specialties. It is the perfect spot for an affordable, authentic lunch among the vendors.
Zeil shopping street & Skygarden
Frankfurt's main pedestrian shopping boulevard is anchored by the striking MyZeil mall, whose rooftop terrace offers free city views. It is the place to feel the city's modern, commercial pulse.
Museums & entry info
Stadel Museum
Frankfurt's premier art museum spans 700 years, from Botticelli and Vermeer to modern masters, all beautifully displayed. Entry is around EUR 16-18 on weekdays, slightly more at weekends; typically closed Mondays. Check the official site.
Senckenberg Natural History Museum
One of Germany's largest natural history collections, famous for its dinosaur skeletons and superbly preserved fossils. Adult entry is roughly EUR 12-14; open daily with extended hours some evenings. Verify officially.
Stadel's neighbour, the Liebieghaus
A sculpture collection housed in a villa, ranging from ancient Egyptian and Greek works to Baroque pieces. Entry is approximately EUR 12-14; generally closed Mondays. Confirm hours on the official site.
Museum fur Moderne Kunst (MMK)
A leading contemporary art museum housed in a distinctive triangular building nicknamed the slice of cake. Tickets run about EUR 12-16; typically open Tuesday to Sunday. Check current details before visiting.
Goethe House
The restored birthplace of Germany's greatest writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, furnished in period style. Entry is around EUR 10-13; open daily. Verify hours officially.
Signature experiences
Apple wine tavern crawl in Sachsenhausen
Sample the tart local cider, Ebbelwoi, served in a ribbed glass called a Gerippte alongside regional dishes in atmospheric old taverns. A relaxed evening of drinks and food runs roughly EUR 30-50 per person.
Main river cruise
See the Mainhattan skyline and the museum embankment from the water on a sightseeing boat. Short cruises typically cost about EUR 12-20, with longer and dinner options priced higher.
Day trip to the Rhine Valley or Heidelberg
Frankfurt's central location makes it an easy launch point for castle-dotted river landscapes and romantic old towns. Guided day tours generally range from about EUR 50-90 per person.
Skyline bar drink at sunset
Toast the financial district from one of the rooftop bars atop its towers or hotels. Expect to pay around EUR 12-18 for a cocktail with a view.
What to eat
Frankfurt's cuisine is regional and hearty, with a few genuinely local specialties worth seeking out alongside classic German fare.
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the mildest weather for exploring on foot and along the river. December is magical thanks to one of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets.
The efficient U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus network covers the whole city, and the centre is very walkable. Frankfurt Airport connects to the central station in about 10-15 minutes by frequent S-Bahn and regional trains.
Traveler tips
- Buy a day ticket (Tageskarte) if making several transit trips, and validate it as required.
- The Frankfurt Card offers transit plus museum discounts and can be good value for short stays.
- Many shops close on Sundays, so plan purchases for other days.
- Apple wine is traditionally shared from a large jug called a Bembel; order one for the table to do as locals do.