Sights in Frankfurt am Main

What makes Frankfurt am Main so special? Here you will find out! Here you will find everything you need to know about the main attractions in Frankfurt, the fifth largest city in Germany. You can visit the most important sights in Frankfurt am Main in 2 to 3 days. I regularly visit the metropolis on the Main, as a friend lives here whom I enjoy visiting.

Since friends living in Frankfurt showed me their city, I have come to like it here. Before that, I only knew the airport, the trade fair, and the banking district, which is not particularly worth seeing. I will show you the quaint apple wine taverns, noteworthy places, and highlights along the Main. Especially in the summer, you can relax beautifully by the riverbank.

In this article, I will show you my favorite sights with the main 'classics' of Frankfurt. Additionally, there will be useful tips for visiting the attractions, so you are well prepared for your city trip.

The most popular places and top attractions are the following ten. This does not automatically mean that they will also be highlights for you. They are simply the classics that every visitor to Frankfurt should see at least once.

These were our most important highlights in Frankfurt am Main in summary.

Of course, you can do much more in Frankfurt. Therefore, the following are the best sights in Frankfurt. At the end of the article, I will give you useful tips for planning your trip. This way, you'll be well prepared for Frankfurt.

Frankfurt is international, innovative, and much more than just the banking district, skyscrapers, and business-driven bankers and brokers at the stock exchange. The trade and banking metropolis surprises with a lot of atmosphere along the Main, great markets, and the 'new' restored Frankfurt old town.

One thing you should know: In Frankfurt, people are particularly proud of the three 'I's: Internationality, Innovation, and Infrastructure. I was proudly told that no other German university has as many foreign students studying. No other city in Germany is as easily accessible, and thanks to the international airport, it is a central hub if you want to fly out into the world. The train station also serves as an important junction.

Since the historic old town around the Römer has been completely restored and rebuilt, there is now finally a great atmosphere in the city center. I happened to be there for the opening and was thoroughly impressed.

Three days in Frankfurt are ideal, but four to five days would be best. Since you can always return to Frankfurt, it's not a big deal if you can't visit all our tips on your first trip. First-time visitors to Frankfurt often don't know where to start. We will show you here how to explore the city.

You should not miss these attractions in the metropolis on the Main when you visit. Here are the most important sights in Frankfurt am Main. But where should you start? I would say: In the old town!

Would you like to book many attractions and museums? Then you should check if the Frankfurt Card is worth it for you. Essentially, all attractions in Frankfurt are included. This means you buy the pass, pay once, and only have to show the QR code at entrances. Your budget will remain intact. The pass costs only 11 euros.

The 'new' old town has been attracting nearly 10,000 visitors a day since its reopening. However, very few buildings are truly old; everything was authentically reconstructed. You must experience the charm around the Hühnermarkt with the Stoltze Fountain. I think it's wonderful to stroll through the alleys, especially on a weekday because it can get quite busy on weekends.

In March 1944, the old town was destroyed in a bombing raid. In 2019, the quarter (35 houses, 15 of which are original reconstructions and 20 new buildings) was rebuilt. A new district has emerged.

Today, you can find many small individual shops, cafés, restaurants, museums, and apartments here. Unfortunately, most of them went to speculators and Airbnb moguls. For us tourists, it's a joy, but for the locals, it's a burden. However, I must say there are great hotels, rather than staying in a completely overpriced apartment during your visit. (Read more in the tips for hotels and accommodations further down).

Look out for the building opposite the cathedral: The 'Haus zur Goldenen Waage' is a particularly magnificent detail. Another highlight is the Archaeological Garden with excavations from Roman occupation time.

My tip: Take a guided tour of the old town. Do you have foreign guests? No problem, as the tours are offered in over 20 languages!

Who doesn't know the Frankfurt City Hall, the Römer? This is where the German national football team celebrates after major victories. Since the 15th century, the city's council has met here: In the Römer. Events, markets, and fairs have been held at Römerberg (earlier Samstagsberg) since the 9th century.

In the 16th century, it was even regarded as the most beautiful square of the Holy Roman Empire; did you know that? Since then, there has also been the Justice Fountain with Justitia in the center. By the way, Frankfurt's first fountain.

The most beautiful half-timbered houses in Frankfurt are also located here on Römerberg. In the house 'Großer Engel' was once Frankfurt's first bank; next to it stands 'Goldener Greif', 'Wilder Mann', 'Kleiner Dachsberg', 'Großer und Kleiner Lauberberg', and at the end 'Schwarzer Stern'. Next to the old Nikolaikirche stands the House Wertheim, which is one of the few half-timbered houses in the old town that survived the bombing raid in 1944. On a city tour, you will learn even more about the history of these buildings and Römerberg.

Frankfurt is known in Germany for being home to the largest stock exchange. For its 400th anniversary, the forecourt was designed. They decided on the animals that represent the ups and downs in money and securities trading: Bull and Bear. I didn't know that until now, and I've learned something new.

The Bull and Bear are very popular photo motives. Come here early to avoid having to wait in line.

The centerpiece in Frankfurt's Westend is certainly the Palmengarten. The palm house has special charm, while the lake and surrounding green spaces are simply wonderful.

When I worked at an automotive company, our customer events during the trade fair always took place here in the Palmengarten (in the restaurant of the Gesellschaftshaus). It was always a special happening.

One of the 29 bridges crossing the Main in Frankfurt is the Iron Bridge. The pedestrian bridge was blown up during World War II and rebuilt. If you want to get from the old town to Sachsenhausen, take this great Iron Bridge.

From here you have a great view of the skyline. The best view is from the Osthafenbrücke at the ECB.

The building of the European Central Bank stands out. Did you know that you can also take guided tours here?

The Main metropolis is the birthplace of one of Germany's most famous poets: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Therefore, it is not surprising that his childhood home was repurchased by an association after having several owners. Later, it was destroyed in World War II, although the furniture was secured beforehand. It was faithfully furnished and is truly a highlight.

Johann Wolfgang Goethe saw the light of day on August 28, 1749, at Großer Hirschgraben 23 in Frankfurt. Today, Goethe House is open to the public and shows you beautifully how he once lived. Directly adjacent to the Goethe House is the Goethe Museum.

Connected to the Goethe House is the Goethe Museum, where you can view many works and paintings by Goethe. Follow the footsteps of the famous poet and explore these attractions. Note: The entrance to the Goethe House and Museum is included in the Frankfurt Card. You can find all important tips and info about the visit on the official website.

Why is St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Frankfurt called the Imperial Cathedral? I don't know why, as it was neither a bishop's church nor were there any imperial coronations held here. The highlight is definitely the cathedral tower, which you can climb!

From a height of 66 meters, you can enjoy the view. It contrasts nicely with the many skyscrapers of the famous Frankfurt skyline. The tower is open on weekdays and weather permitting from 10 AM to 5 PM. Access is via 328 steps.

Frankfurt's culinary paradise can be found in the Kleinmarkthalle. Except on Sundays, you can buy fresh food, flowers, and various goods at more than 150 stands. Are you hungry? Then don't hesitate to go in.

Outside of Israel, I have never had such delicious pomegranate juice anywhere.

See more info about the Kleinmarkthalle on the website

St. Paul's Church was the place where the Frankfurt National Assembly first convened on May 18, 1848. This resulted in the first drafts for the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, which originated from the Frankfurt National Assembly. The first German head of state was also elected here a short while later (on June 29).

In 1918, the building was returned to the Protestant church and was reopened as the 'House of all Germans' on May 18, 1948. After its destruction in World War II, it was rebuilt according to the original design. Today, the former church serves as an exhibition and memorial site. Right next to the church stands the Monument of the German Revolution.

The Old Opera House at Opernplatz was the first concert hall in the Main metropolis (1873 - 1880), but it was completely destroyed in 1944 during an air raid. In 1951, to the dismay of citizens, a new venue was simply built at Theaterplatz. The opera remained a ruin for a long time, with reconstruction only beginning in the 1980s.

Today, the Old Opera is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The Opera Square is considered one of the best addresses in Frankfurt.

There is no city in Germany that boasts a silhouette like Frankfurt. The skyscrapers of the banks shoot high into the sky. There are now also residential buildings being built to great heights.

The best view of the skyline can be enjoyed in the evening from the bridge at the ECB.

If you are in Frankfurt, you have to (especially in the evening) visit Alt-Sachsenhausen at least once. Cross the most famous bridge in Frankfurt, the Iron Bridge, and land directly in the popular district of Sachsenhausen.

The alleys of half-timbered houses with many apple wine taverns, bars, and pubs transform into a small miniaturized Ballermann in the evening. At least that's how I perceived it. However, there are also many nice bars and pubs here. This is where the party really happens, and an absolute must-do is to drink a Mispelchen.

Popular in Sachsenhausen is also the viewpoint at Goethe Tower. From the observation terrace of the 43 m high wooden tower, you have a sensational view of the Frankfurt skyline. Otherwise, Goethe Tower is a popular excursion destination in the green.

Tip: At Goethe Tower, you can try the typical Frankfurt cuisine: Handkäse mit Musik, along with a glass of Äbbelwoi. The new Goethe Tower was reopened in spring 2021 after the old one completely burned down following arson. The best part: The ascent via the 196 steps is free.

The Chinese Garden in Bethmannpark is commonly referred to as the Garden of Heavenly Peace. It was built in the 1980s by Chinese workers. Thus, the garden is designed just like you would find this type of garden in China. This garden is part of Bethmannpark and is located in the Bethmannpark at the Frankfurt Wall facility.

Here, you can take a sightseeing break by the idyllic lake. The main entrance is located on the lower Berger Straße. There are many cafés and cozy restaurants as well as some nice shops for clothing and decorations (which I love).

Note: The garden is only open during the day.

In Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen, museums line up like pearls on a string. The density of outstanding museums is particularly high here. Highlights are the annual Night of Museums and the Museum Embankment Festival.

For visitors planning on visiting several museums, the Frankfurt Card (50% discount) or the Museum Embankment Ticket is worth it. This includes admission to 34 museums over 2 days.

Insider tip: For families, every last Saturday of the month (Satourday) offers free admission to many museums. Here is a list of participating locations.

Here you will find an overview of all museums located on the Museum Embankment.

(My favorites are the Jewish Museum, Museum of Applied Art, DFF - German Film Institute & Film Museum, Icons Museum, and the Städel Museum).

To make navigation easier for you, we have marked the most important sights in Frankfurt on the map. We have also included our highlights and tips for restaurants, bars, markets, and parks.

It's best to download the map offline to your phone. You can open it in Google Maps and navigate with it while you are in Frankfurt am Main.

Do you have an extra day to take a trip? Consider extending your 2-3 day Frankfurt city trip by one day. Here are some excursions I can recommend:

The "Bavarian Nice" on the Main is Aschaffenburg. The most famous sight is Johannisburg Palace. The impressive building made of red sandstone is located directly on the banks of the Main. Other highlights are the old town with half-timbered houses, small cafés, and shops. Also, the Pompejanum, built in the style of a Roman villa, is noteworthy.

From the Saint-Germain terrace, you have a great view of the Main, especially during sunset.

Discover the beautiful landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with a ship on the Main. The tour begins in Frankfurt am Main and takes you past medieval castles, vineyards, and picturesque towns. The town of Kaub, the wine town of Rüdesheim (where you disembark and visit a tavern for a wine tasting), and a tour in the district of Assmannshausen will then bring you back to Frankfurt after dinner.

In the picturesque Barbarossa city of Gelnhausen in the Main-Kinzig district, about 40 km north of Frankfurt, you can explore not only half-timbered houses in the old town but also the ruins of the Imperial Palace, the Witch Tower, and the Marienkirche.

The nickname 'Mainhattan' for the city of Frankfurt am Main is a combination of the words Main and Manhattan. Manhattan is the district in New York known for its skyscrapers and impressive skyline. The Main is the river that flows through Frankfurt.

Without all the banks headquartered in Frankfurt (Main), there wouldn't be so many skyscrapers. All banks and consulting firms have their headquarters in one of the skyscrapers here. Thus, Frankfurt = Bankfurt.

What was your highlight? If you have more tips, I would love to hear your comment at the end of this article. If you're currently planning your trip and have questions, feel free to leave them here as a comment! I hope that my favorite sights in Frankfurt have also made you excited about the Main metropolis.

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